Rock Climbing in India: The Ultimate Guide to Trails, Difficulty Levels, and Locations
India, with its vast and diverse topography, is a paradise for rock climbers. From the boulder-strewn landscapes of Hampi to the towering granite cliffs of Himachal Pradesh, the country offers a variety of climbing experiences, catering to beginners and seasoned climbers alike. This guide covers the best rock-climbing locations across India, including grading difficulties, altitudes, and possibilities for climbers of all levels.

North India
Himachal Pradesh
- Manali (Solang, Vashisht, Aleo)
- Difficulty: 5a to 8a (French Grade)
- Altitude: 2,050m to 3,000m
- Possibilities: Sport climbing, bouldering, and alpine-style climbing
- Highlights: Granite cliffs, picturesque landscapes, and well-established routes
- Dhauj (Haryana, near Delhi)
- Difficulty: 4c to 7b
- Altitude: ~300m
- Possibilities: Trad climbing and bouldering
- Highlights: Quartzite rock formations, excellent winter climbing spot
- Parvati Valley (Kasol, Tosh, Malana)
- Difficulty: 5b to 7c
- Altitude: 1,600m to 3,200m
- Possibilities: Trad, sport, and alpine climbing
- Highlights: Remote high-altitude climbing with breathtaking views
- Leh-Ladakh (Shey, Spituk, Gotsang, Zanskar Valley)
- Difficulty: 5c to 8a
- Altitude: 3,500m to 5,500m
- Possibilities: Alpine, sport climbing, high-altitude big wall climbing
- Highlights: Granite walls, high-altitude challenges, and untouched routes
Northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh
- Gorichen Base Camp
- Difficulty: 6a to 7b
- Altitude: 4,000m to 5,000m
- Possibilities: Trad and alpine climbing
- Highlights: Virgin routes, extreme weather conditions, technical climbing
Meghalaya
- Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Difficulty: 5a to 7a
- Altitude: 1,500m to 1,800m
- Possibilities: Sport climbing and bouldering
- Highlights: Limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and humid conditions
Nagaland
- Dzukou Valley
- Difficulty: 5a to 6b
- Altitude: 2,450m
- Possibilities: Trad climbing, multi-pitch routes
- Highlights: Unique rock formations, unexplored potential, stunning valley views
Western India
Rajasthan
- Mount Abu
- Difficulty: 5a to 6c
- Altitude: 1,200m
- Possibilities: Trad and sport climbing
- Highlights: Sandstone and granite formations, accessible routes
- Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh
- Difficulty: 5b to 7a
- Altitude: ~800m
- Possibilities: Trad and sport climbing
- Highlights: Remote and scenic routes with historical significance
Maharashtra
- Matheran, Badami, and Lonavala
- Difficulty: 5b to 8a
- Altitude: 600m to 1,200m
- Possibilities: Sport climbing, bouldering
- Highlights: Overhangs, technical climbing, and monsoon climbing potential

Southern India
Karnataka
- Hampi
- Difficulty: V0 to V12 (Bouldering Grade)
- Altitude: 400m
- Possibilities: World-class bouldering
- Highlights: Granite boulders, surreal landscapes, and year-round climbing
- Badami
- Difficulty: 5a to 8b
- Altitude: 600m
- Possibilities: Sport climbing, multi-pitch
- Highlights: Sandstone cliffs, pocketed holds, and steep climbs
Tamil Nadu
- Yelagiri & Kambakkam
- Difficulty: 5b to 7c
- Altitude: 800m to 1,500m
- Possibilities: Trad, sport climbing
- Highlights: Granite climbing with varied terrain
Eastern India
West Bengal
- Susunia Hills & Purulia
- Difficulty: 5a to 6c
- Altitude: ~600m
- Possibilities: Sport climbing, bouldering
- Highlights: Ancient climbing routes with a historical touch
Odisha
- Similipal Hills
- Difficulty: 5b to 7b
- Altitude: ~900m
- Possibilities: Trad, multi-pitch
- Highlights: Unique rock formations and dense forest surroundings