One of the most physically and mentally demanding sports of all time, rock climbing is all about testing your strengths, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. Climbers climb up, down or across natural or artificial rock formations with a goal to the summit of a pre-defined route without falling. The required extended endurance is one of the main reason why rock climbers prefer to not climb down the same route they used to climb up, though the fact that the descent is much more dangerous than the ascent can also be a valid reason.
Scrambling, another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations, is similar to rock climbing. However, rock climbing is generally differentiated by its sustained use of hands to support the climber’s weight as well as to provide balance. We must stress on the danger that comes along with this activity. Make sure that you are aware of the proper climbing techniques and are well equipped with the specialised climbing gear that is crucial for completing your re-decided course safely before you make an attempt to do this. Bottom rope climbing and top rope climbing
BOTTOM ROPE CLIMBING
Also known as ‘Top Roping’, this technique is based on belaying a climber from the ground or the base of the route. A belay system resembles a pulley, which has an anchor at the top of a climb, through which the rope runs through from the belayer on the ground, to the climber on the ground. The rope is ‘taken-in’, to clear up the slack as the climber moves upwards, so in the event of a fall the climber falls the shortest distance possible.
TOP ROPE CLIMBING
Also known as ‘seconding’, this technique is based on belaying a climber from the top of a route, bringing them up to walk off or continue on to next pitch. A similarly safe system of climbing a route, except the belayer has set the anchors at the top of the climb (normally after leading a route) to belay the climber either indirectly or directly, up the route from the top.
PLACES IN INDIA
HAMPI, BANGALORE
One of the major destinations in India, Hampi is equally popular amongst locals and foreigners. The main attraction is the fact that most of the boulders and masses are unexplored, and look gorgeous in red sandstone.
LADO SARAI, DELHI
Situated around Delhi, Lado Sarai and Dhauj. The main attractions of these places are the challenging rock formations which are part of the Indian terrain. Also, the fact that these places are easy to access as they are centrally located in the city definitely attracts rock climbers too. You can call Lado Sarai an urban rock climber’s dream come true.
MUMBRA, MAHARASHTRA
Being an integral part of Indian terrain, the Western Ghats are a very popular destination for rock climber. The Mumbra regions specifically are ideal destinations. The main attractions are the great landscapes which are in great distribution on the outer part of the city with beautiful mountains.
HIMALAYAS
With unmatched climbing opportunities, climbing the Himalayas is every rock climber’s dream. Manali and Dharamshala are the popular rock climbing destinations in Himachal while Gangotri in Uttrakhand is very well-known. The tourists are provided with fabulous guidance and help as some of the best mountaineering institutes are located in these regions.
Volume 5 Issue 11
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