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Welcome: India
Expeditions
Scaling the Himalayas is the ultimate challenge of any climber.
Thousands come every year, hoping to turn to reality their
long-cherished dream of looking down at the world from atop its
lofty peaks. We at India Insight provide ground support to these
climbing expeditions. Over the last few years, we have
successfully handled some major climbing expeditions to some of
the highest mountains in the Indian subcontinent.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CLIMBING
EXPEDITIONS IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Foreigners’
(Exemption) Order, 1957 dated 9.1.1957 no foreigner or group of
foreigners shall climb or attempt to climb any mountain peak in
India without obtaining the prior permission in writing of the
Central Government on an application made in that behalf through
the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and without complying with
such conditions, including specification of route to be
followed, accompaniment by a Liaison Officer, use of
photographic and wireless communication equipment as may be laid
down in this behalf.
If any person contravenes the provisions of this Act or of any
order made there under, or any direction given in pursuance of
this act or such order, he shall be punished with punishment for
a term which may extend to five years and shall be liable to
fine, and if such person has entered into a bond in pursuance of
clause (f) of sub-Section (2) of section 3, his bond shall be
forfeited, and any person bound thereby shall pay the penalty
thereof, or show cause to the satisfaction of the convicting
court why such penalty should not be paid.
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.
Locales :
The main mountaineering locales, are in the Garhwal and Kumaon
regions of Uttar Pradesh. In Garhwal, the areas, include the
Tons-Banderpunch region, the Gangotri glacier system, the Nanda
Devi sanctuary (presently closed), Arwa glacier area, Kamet and
Abi Gamin. The roadheads for these at Taluka, Gangotri,
Joshimath, and Malari, can be reached in two or three days from
Delhi. In Kumaon, the areas include the Kalabaland glacier
system, the Panch Chulhi, Rajrambha, and Chaudhara peaks, and
the peaks of the Nandakot basin, on the eastern flank of the
Nanda Devi sanctuary.
Equipment :
Equipment can be hired, either from clubs, or purchased from one
of the agencies selling it. Prior to setting out, all equipment
must be tested, and team members must familiarize themselves
with its use. Kerosene must be carried, so that the fragile
mountain environment is not further degraded, by cutting any
wood. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has a full-fledged
mountaineering and trekking division, based at Muni-ki-Reti,
Rishikesh
Permits :
For information about Peak booking fees, Inner Line
restrictions, import of equipment, camera permits, insurance,
medical attention, and evacuation procedures, contact the Indian
Mountaineering Foundation based at Delhi. This is the national
apex coordinating body for the sport in India
Important :
All expeditions, whether Indian, foreign, or joint, are required
to apply to the IMF, at least six months prior to departure, so
that all the formalities are completed within the time frame.
Leaders of returning expeditions, are required to submit
reports, and adequate proof of the climbs, to the IMF. While
Indian nationals and IMF sponsored joint expeditions, can
attempt peaks beyond the 'Inner Line', foreign nationals are as
a rule not permitted to do so. Additionally, all expeditions by
foreign nationals, are required to be accompanied by an Indian
liaison officer at their cost.
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