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
  1. 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
  2. Dhauj (Haryana, near Delhi)
    • Difficulty: 4c to 7b
    • Altitude: ~300m
    • Possibilities: Trad climbing and bouldering
    • Highlights: Quartzite rock formations, excellent winter climbing spot
  3. 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
  4. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. Mount Abu
    • Difficulty: 5a to 6c
    • Altitude: 1,200m
    • Possibilities: Trad and sport climbing
    • Highlights: Sandstone and granite formations, accessible routes
  2. Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh
    • Difficulty: 5b to 7a
    • Altitude: ~800m
    • Possibilities: Trad and sport climbing
    • Highlights: Remote and scenic routes with historical significance
Maharashtra
  1. 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
  1. Hampi
    • Difficulty: V0 to V12 (Bouldering Grade)
    • Altitude: 400m
    • Possibilities: World-class bouldering
    • Highlights: Granite boulders, surreal landscapes, and year-round climbing
  2. Badami
    • Difficulty: 5a to 8b
    • Altitude: 600m
    • Possibilities: Sport climbing, multi-pitch
    • Highlights: Sandstone cliffs, pocketed holds, and steep climbs
Tamil Nadu
  1. 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
  1. Susunia Hills & Purulia
    • Difficulty: 5a to 6c
    • Altitude: ~600m
    • Possibilities: Sport climbing, bouldering
    • Highlights: Ancient climbing routes with a historical touch
Odisha
  1. Similipal Hills
    • Difficulty: 5b to 7b
    • Altitude: ~900m
    • Possibilities: Trad, multi-pitch
    • Highlights: Unique rock formations and dense forest surroundings
arrow