Life is all about climbing mountains, one after another. Be it a competitive exam, your dream job, or the much-awaited appraisal, it’s a series of never-ending mountains. Do you know what’s way more fun than this metaphorical mountaineering? It’s to climb a literal mountain.
India is blessed with nature and high mountains with the best views. Mountaineering has become increasingly popular in the last few years, and it’s definitely something you should try. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a beginner curious to climb the first mountain, we’ve got you covered. We’ve made the list of the best places for mountaineering in India, so you can go and be on top of the world!
5 Best Places To Go Mountaineering In India For That Adrenaline Rush
1. Nanda Devi
Location: Uttarakhand
Many peaks in Uttarakhand await mountaineers to explore their beauty. In that list, Nanda Devi stands at the top, literally. Nanda Devi is the highest peak in the Indian Garhwal Himalayas and is one of the most difficult yet fascinating hikes. It is loved, feared, and dreamed of by the most passionate mountaineers. Know that it is the second-highest mountain in India after Kanchenjunga, so it certainly is not the easiest.
What’s Nanda Devi Trek Like?
Nanda Devi mountain covers a huge area and has two summits. Out of which, Nanda Devi East is a popular summit for climbing because it is the most feasible. This summit stands at an elevation of 25,643 feet above sea level, and the hike to the top is roughly 75 km in length.
The climb for the extremely challenging Nanda Devi East summit starts from Munsyari town, located at an altitude of 7,120 feet. You will further reach the Gori Ganga river gorge. After climbing through the initially narrow gorge, you will soon be witnessing the majestic expanse of the trans-Himalayan region. On your way, you will also cross many small villages with houses as old as 150 years. The expedition of Nanda Devi East can easily take 10 to 15 days, depending on your guide, but you will experience a view like no other!
Other Treks Around Nanda Devi
There are also plenty of other opportunities for mountaineering in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary that you should consider. There’s also Milam Glacier, which is another challenging peak in the Nanda Devi area. In that area, Trisuli and Hardeo peaks are prominent and accessible treks.
Ideal time: May to June and September to October
2. Frey Peak
Location: Sikkim
If we talk about mountains and hikes, the jewel of the Northeast truly shines! Be it paragliding, mountain biking, or mountaineering, the landscape and peaks of Sikkim are perfect. The mountain peaks of Sikkim can challenge you to push your strength or motivate you to start your enthralling journey. Whatever category of hiker you are, Sikkim will have a peak for you to climb! If you are a fan of intense hikes, Frey Peak will be ideal for you.
Frey Peak is located near the western Sikkim region. It’s close to Mount Kabru, Mount Kokthang, and Mount Rathong. You will be surprised to know that Frey Peak strongly resembles the Matterhorn peak of Europe (famous for its symmetrical pyramid-shaped peak). So you can have your own moment of climbing a unique mountain peak.
What’s Frey Peak Trek Like?
With an altitude of 5859 meters, Frey Peak certainly will enthral you with its challenging path and most satisfying views! It is a moderately difficult hike recognized by the Sikkim government. In spite of being difficult and challenging, it’s not too life-threatening or secluded. The hike can take you around 14 to 16 days, and many people take this climb, which is why it is well-marked with plenty of camping sites.
Other Treks Around Frey Peak
If you are just starting mountaineering, you can head to Mt. Brumkhangse. Located at an elevation of 5635 meters in North Sikkim, it is an easier climb because of its safe trail. The snow-covered pathway makes for an exciting yet safe climbing experience. You will encounter natural vegetation and greenery on your way, with some breathtaking views. The view from the top will be as satisfying as any intense hike.
Ideal time: April to June and September to November
3. Hanuman Tibba
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Mountains and Himachal Pradesh are almost synonymous with each other if we talk about India. From tourist favorite hill stations to secluded hikes, you will find everything here. In the region, you have plenty of hiking opportunities, but among all options, the Hanuman Tibba expedition is like no other. Every mountain enthusiast who wants to take up a challenge must consider this hike.
What’s Hanuman Tibba Trek Like?
If you have prior experience and the technical knowledge to handle a challenge, definitely consider this epic climb. Located at 5932 meters in height, Hanuman Tibba is a pyramid-shaped peak located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is a 40 km long hike that can easily take you around 13 to 14 days to reach the top.
It is close to the famous hill station of Manali. It’s a high-difficulty trek that won’t stop surprising you. Throughout your expedition, there will be a change of scenery, kind of like one epic shot to another in a movie! During your journey, you’ll encounter the majestic meadows of soothing Solang Valley, serene glaciers, and the rivers of Beas Kund. You will also encounter the Tentu Pass, where you’ll witness the combination of snow, ice, and rock, adding the element of difficulty and thrill to your trek.
Other Treks Around Hanuman Tibba
Hanuman Tibba is an exciting expedition, and luckily for you, there are plenty of other peaks to summit as well, such as Deo Tibba. This is another challenging peak that you can consider climbing and is located at an altitude of 5985 meters. Kanamo Peak is yet another great peak around Hanuman Tibba, which is at 6000 meters, waiting for you to explore its trails and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas.
Ideal time: May to September
4. Kamet
Location: Uttarakhand
As stated earlier, Uttarakhand is full of great peaks and challenging hikes. Kamet is another beauty from Uttarakhand that is a pretty popular choice among mountaineers. Kamet is the second-highest mountain in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. It is also known as “Kang Med” by the Tibetans, which translates to “Burning Mountain”. Don’t worry, the mountain doesn’t burn literally; rather, the name came because when the sun rays fall on the peaks, it makes it look extremely surreal and gives an illusion of burning.
What’s Kamet Trek Like?
Kamet is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 7756 meters. You will require prior experience and training to be able to climb this peak, as it is pretty challenging with steep heights and slopes. It is a special hike because at this exact point, India, Nepal, and Tibet meet. You will be literally climbing and merging the borders, and that, in itself, is a powerful feeling, isn’t it?
The base camp for Mt Kamet is Vasundhara Tal, which is one of the most surreal camps in the region. It is an extremely stunning glacier lake that remains frozen for the most part. You will encounter plenty of small ponds and lakes, making this journey a lot more serene. The route to reach the peak isn’t the easiest, so we strongly advise you to go with an experienced guide. It is one long expedition that can easily take you around 25 to 30 days, but trust us, you will not forget the journey and the panoramic outcome.
Other Treks Around Kamet
Kamet is also surrounded by plenty of other glaciers and peaks, which can be considered by beginners and novice climbers. Bandarpunch (Monkey’s tail) is one such hike in the same region that not only has an interesting name but also a pretty interesting trail. It is considered one of the important mountains of the Garwal range and stands proud at an altitude of 6000 meters. It is slightly less risky than Kamet, and the Yamuna River originates from its west end, so you will definitely be climbing towards some of your best memories!
Ideal time: May to June and September to October
5. Pin Parvati
Location: Himachal Pradesh
If you do not want to go to secluded places to live your mountaineering dreams, we understand that! We are sure the name Manali is no stranger to your ears. Other than being a popular hill station, Manali is also a pretty popular choice among mountaineers.
India has 4 national institutions for mountaineering, out of which the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports is located in Manali. If the mountaineering institute is here, it is only obvious that some of the best peaks to climb can not be far away. Pin Parvati is one of the most popular peaks in Manali when it comes to mountain climbing.
What’s Pin Parvati Trek Like?
Pin Parvati is located at an altitude of 5319 meters and will certainly titillate the experimental bone in your body. The trek can usually be done in 9 to 11 days, depending upon your itinerary. It is one of the toughest hikes in the country, which is only for seasoned trekkers.
During this journey, be prepared to get mesmerized by the untouched natural beauty and get to see the soothing beauty of the Parvati River. It is a crossover trek, which means you will be witnessing the beauty of two distinct places in one journey. Your journey will begin by witnessing the ever-flowing Parvati River and end at the Cold Dessert, i.e Pin Valley in Spiti. You will be experiencing an amalgamation like no other, two contrasting views of green and brown scenery, while you stand in the white snow!
Other Treks Around Pin Parvati
Other than Pin Parvati, Patalsu Peak is another famous peak you can consider climbing. It’s a comparatively easy hike that stands tall at an altitude of 4200 meters. Mt Ladakh is another moderate climb that you can consider. The peaks around Pin Parvati are moderate to great difficulty level, and the institute is right here to get you all trained and ready!
Ideal time: March to June
Things To Keep In Mind
- Make sure to check the weather before planning for mountaineering. Avoid mountain climbing during the monsoons.
- Mountaineering involves a lot of risks, so you will need permission before you start packing your trekking shoes!
- If you are a beginner, it’s always better to go with a group or a guide.
- Make sure you are physically fit to climb the height you aspire to reach; do not overestimate yourself.
- Winters are generally preferred by mountaineers to go for the climb so that they can enjoy snow in all its glory. Just make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
- Always check the difficulty level of the climb and see if it aligns with your experience.
- Keep yourself hydrated and invest in good-quality sports shoes and comfortable clothes.
Summing Up
Mountaineering is an enthralling experience, and it can definitely become the reason behind some of your most cherished moments. We are sure that our list of the best places to go for mountaineering in India will help you have a fun and safe mountain climbing experience. Just remember that the hike might seem difficult and daunting, but there is nothing you can’t climb with a good pair of shoes and the right amount of confidence.
FAQs
Is Mountaineering A Good Career In India?
Mountaineering can be a great career for you that will not only pay well but also give you the wings you need. You will need formal training and experience to make it into a career, but it definitely can be done, and it is a respectable and liberating career to choose.
How Many Mountaineering Institutes Are There In India?
There are four mountaineering institutes in India. These have been recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). The institutes are:
- Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) Darjeeling
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering in Manali
- Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali
How Long Is Basic Mountaineering Course?
There are various courses offered by mountaineering institutes. You can do a basic course in just the span of 3 to 4 days. However, to be a professional, you will need to pick courses that are much longer.
Is Mountaineering A Sport In India?
Yes, mountaineering falls under the category of adventure sports in India. In the last few years, the risky yet enthralling adventure sport has gained immense popularity.
What Is The Difference Between Trekking And Mountaineering?
Trekking is a fun activity that is done for leisure, while mountaineering is more technical. To be a professional in mountaineering, you require a lot of formal training and experience, while trekking can be done by almost everyone! The risk is way more intense in mountaineering than in trekking, which is safe and fun.
How Much Do Mountaineers Make in India?
Mountaineering is a flourishing career in India. If you have the right training and get the experience, you can easily make INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 per day. Your overall skills and experience, along with spoken English, contribute largely to the overall income!
Which Is The Most Beautiful Mountain In India?
Kangchenjunga is known as the most beautiful mountain in India. It is also the highest and the riskiest mountain in the country, and many mountaineers dreams to climb it one day!
Which Place Is Famous For Mountaineering In India?
The one place that attracts all adventure lovers in India is Ladakh.
