Seasons
While the mountaineering season tends to be concentrated around the April-November period, a number of climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which, though much colder, allows for clearer climbing days.
Classification of Mountaineering Categories
Mountaineering routes are graded, according to the degree of difficulty and accessibility. Prior medical examination is essential. The permanent snowline, generally being in the region of 5,200 m, the degree of difficulty of mountaineering routes, can broadly be defined as :
Moderate
Requiring knowledge of basic mountaineering techniques, such as those imparted by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering at Uttarkashi, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling, and the Western Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering at Manali.
Advanced
For this category of peaks, it is necessary to be in top physical condition, and to possess advanced mountaineering skills, either through the advanced courses of mountaineering institutes, or through expedition experience. Within this category, further demarcation is possible, till the highest degrees of difficulty.
Mountaineering Sites in The Himalayas
Ladak
The Suru and Zanskar valleys provide some of the more spectacular and difficult climbing in Ladakh. The Nun Kun Massif is one of the most frequent climbing areas of the region and is booked out for months ahead, sometimes years, by climbing expeditions. The approach to the twin peaks is from the Kargil-Padum Road, about 70-km south of Kargil. The main approach is either from Tangole or Gulmadong. Some expeditions have also approached from Parkutse along the Kangri Glacier. To reach the base camp for Kun it is for the climbers necessary to cross the Suru River.
Pir Panjal mountaineering range is situated south of the Himalayas. The vale of Kashmir is sandwiched between the Pir Panjals and the Himalayas. Similarly the Lahaul valley, north of Manali and south of Ladakh, is sandwiched between the two ranges.
Manali
Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It has a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Kangchenjunga Peak - Sikkim's Guardian Deity
Shrouded in heavy mist, the guardian deity Kangchenjunga both protects and terrifies the inhabitants of the magical kingdom of Sikkim . An awe-inspiring mass of rock clothed in dazzling white snow, this Himalayan giant is world's third highest peak at 8,590m (28,199ft). The name itself means 'House of Five Treasures' represented by its five soaring summits.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the dreamland of the east and boasts of extraordinary natural splendor. At an altitude of 8,586 meters, the Darjeeling hills are the highest mountains in India. This beautiful hill station is largely under forest cover and surrounded by tea plantations. Buddhist monasteries dot the land.
The dense alpine trees, beautiful orchids, panoramic lakes etc. provide the perfect setting for long hikes. A mountaineer trek to the Tiger Hill is highly recommended. The panoramic glimpse of Mt. Everest and breathtaking view of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga are exhilarating.
