Tag: ice climbing

Ice climbing is a new tourist-puller at Manali and Lahaul-Spiti in India's Himachal Pradesh state. The temperature dipping many notches below the freezing point is creating perfect conditions for ice climbing in the area where waterfalls and water streams are freezing completely. Gulaba and Marhi area of Manali and entire Lahaul-Spiti district has become winter destination for ice climbers -- both professionals and novice. The sub-zero temperature between December and mid-March is perfect for the adventure activity. Easy approach, trained guides and easy availability of all facilities have helped in popularising this activity in the Himalayas. Earlier Spiti and Manali were preferred destinations for ice climbing in winter seasons. As Atal tunnel has provided winter access to Lahaul valley for the first time this year (2020), Lahaul has emerged as the best destination for ice climbing. Over a hundred waterfalls and water streams have frozen in Lahaul-Spiti district alone. While there are small frozen falls for newbies, there are a few frozen falls for professional climbers that are as high as 250m. The temperature in Lahaul valley and upper Gulaba and Marhi areas of Manali falls as low as minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Celsius in winters while it plunges below minus 20 degrees Celsius in Spiti valley. Ice climbing aspirants head to Himachal to learn ice climbing techniques from the trained guides. Most guides are trained from Manali based Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS). Many professional climbers from India and abroad also visit Himachal to prove their mettle. Ice climbing can be practiced independently or as part of a mountaineering expedition. Glaciers and frozen waterfalls are by far the most popular ice climbing venues in Himachal. Many versatile ice climbers also practice mixed climbing– a variation of ice climbing that involves climbing on ice,