Climbing in India          

I created this space to share all the climbing areas I know of across India, places I’ve discovered or learned about over time. My goal is to keep this updated each year and pass on everything I can. (Last Updated April 2025)

But more importantly, I’m sharing this with the intention of encouraging cultural respect, environmental awareness, and the preservation of these beautiful spots.

As climbers, I believe it's our responsibility to honor the nature that allows us to push our limits. These routes are a gift, so let’s do our part to keep these areas clean, sacred, and respected.

North Indian Climbing Sites

  • Climbing Style: Primarily Bouldering

    Rock Type: Granite

    Best Time to Visit:May to early July, September to early November

    Location: 12 km from Manali, beyond Hamta village

    Highlights:

    • India's most established granite bouldering destination.

    • Dozens of problems across all grades, with stunning alpine backdrops.

    • Base yourself in Sethan village for local homestays and quick boulder access.

  • Climbing Style: Mostly Bouldering with potential for Trad/Sport

    Rock Type: Granite

    Best Time to Visit:June to early October

    Location: Hamta Valley, 2–3 hr hike from Sethan base or Hamta Dam area

    Highlights:

    • Remote and wild. Accessible via trekking trail — pack light.

    • Glacier-fed rivers and high-altitude scenery while climbing.

    • Virgin boulders still waiting for FA (First Ascents) if you’re up for it.

  • Climbing Styles: Bouldering & Lead Climbing

    Rock Type: Granite

    Best Time to Visit:May to October (Avoid monsoon peak in July)

    Location: Rakchham is a serene village located in Sangla Valley, between Sangla and Chitkul, at ~3,000m elevation.

    Highlights:

    • Towering granite walls and boulders set against pine forests and glacial rivers.

    • Minimal development — great for first ascents and exploration.

    • Quiet, remote vibe perfect for climbers seeking solitude and raw nature.

  • Climbing Style: Bouldering

    Rock Type: Hard Granite

    Best Time to Visit:July to early September

    Location: ~2–3 hours from Kargil town, between Parkachik and Panikhar villages

    Highlights:

    • Dubbed the “Fontainebleau of India” by visiting climbers.

    • Massive fields of clean, sharp granite boulders with alpine meadows.

    • Remote and undeveloped — ideal for projects and quiet trips.

    • Few developed problems, so bring your pads and be ready to clean.

  • Climbing Style: Sport Climbing

    Rock Type: Gritty Sandstone

    Best Time to Visit:June to September

    Location: Shey is ~15 minutes from Leh, on the Leh-Manali highway

    Highlights:

    • About 25 bolted routes with grades ranging 5c to 7c.

    • Set in the desert-like, high-altitude moonscape of Ladakh (~3,500m elevation).

    • Thin air + technical climbing = serious endurance challenge.

    • Routes are well-bolted and short approach — ideal for acclimatizing climbers.

  • Climbing Styles: Bouldering & Trad Climbing

    Rock Type: Quartzite

    Best Time to Visit:November to February (too hot in summer)

    Location: Near Mangar Bani forest, ~1.5 hr drive from South Delhi

    Highlights:

    • One of the oldest climbing spots in India — a legendary trad zone.

    • Classic crack lines and overhangs on orange quartzite.

    • Bouldering in nearby areas has been growing over the last decade.

    • Best for short weekend trips and trad climbing practice.

South Indian Climbing Sites

  • Climbing Style: Pure Bouldering

    Rock Type: Granite (weathered and uniquely textured)

    Best Time to Visit: October to February (cool, dry winter months)

    Location: Hampi, Vijayanagar district, Karnataka – UNESCO World Heritage site

    Highlights:

    • One of the world’s best bouldering destinations — a granite playground of thousands of problems.

    • All styles: slabs, overhangs, cracks, crimps, and dynos.

    • Areas like Rocks & Ruins, Mowgli Land, and 3rd Lake are iconic.

    • Community vibes with international climbers during peak season.

    • Bring your own crash pads or rent locally — some areas require a scooter ride + walk-in.

  • Climbing Style: Sport and Lead Climbing (with some Trad)

    Rock Type: Sandstone (soft, yet solid and pocketed)

    Best Time to Visit: November to February (cooler and more stable weather)

    Location: Badami, Bagalkot district, Karnataka — a historical temple town

    Highlights:

    • Premier sandstone sport climbing area in India.

    • Around 200 bolted routes — 5b to 8b — across Temple Area, Delicate Arch, and Ganesh Plateau.

    • Vertical and overhung lines with jugs, crimps, and pockets — very Euro-style climbing.

    • Close to Hampi (~3–4 hrs away), making for a perfect two-stop South India climbing tour.

    • Avoid during monsoons or summer — sandstone becomes fragile when wet.

  • Climbing Style: Bouldering

    Rock Type: Granite (similar to Hampi, but more urban and eroded in spots)

    Best Time to Visit: October to March (mornings/evenings best due to city heat)

    Location: Khajaguda village, outskirts of Hyderabad (~30–45 mins from central city)

    Route Guide & Info

    Highlights:

    • Local gem for Hyderabad climbers — dozens of established problems and some bolted sport routes.

    • Accessible by car or bike from within Hyderabad — minimal hike-in.

    • Problems range from V0 to V7+, with plenty of short, technical routes.

    • Morning sessions are best — sun hits the rock early, and the place heats up fast.

    • Potential development still ongoing — worth contributing if you’re local or staying long.