Top 10 Rock Climbing Places In India

Rock climbing is undoubtedly a very exhilarating activity. Whether you climb across artificial rock walls or natural rock wall formations, the thrill of climbing will test your mental and physicals strength. Adventure enthusiasts love taking up challenges and cross seemingly unpassable rock formations.

India boasts quintessential topography for rock climbing activities, with the Western Ghats in the south and the mighty Himalayas in the north. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that rock climbing is becoming highly popular in India. Adventure enthusiasts are raging over this activity. Rock Climbing is an activity that requires sheer strength, lots of guts, and patience. This sport exhilarates the body and gets the adrenaline pumping. There are several rock climbing places in India.

Tonnes of rock climbing places in India are calling for a climbing challenge, are you ready to accept it? Here are the best rock climbing places in India where you can take up this challenge.

1. Hampi

Hampi is by far the most popular bouldering place and is considered the heart of climbing. After the legendary movie “Progression” feature the epic Hampi boulders, it rose to popularity. With tiny holes and sharp edges, the rock is brutal on fingers. Try to spend extra 3-5 days to get used to the rock while planning a trip to Hampi.

Height. 1481 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to February

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2. Badami

The second most popular climbing place in India is Badami after Hampi. The unique rock formations hold historical importance amongst the locals and the elegant lines amongst the climbers. The Badami Palace is a notable tourist spot amongst the carved temples. Some of India’s hardest and beginner lead and trade routes are in Badami. The rainy season is best for climbing since Badami is a warm place with scarce rainfall.

Height. 1922 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to February

3. Sethan

A mountainous village 25 km from Manali, Sethan is the next in line of successful bouldering festivals. It offers diamond-like rocks adorned at the foot of alpine trees that is no less than a picture coming out straight from a climber’s imagination. From slab and overhang to cracks and high boulders, Sethan looks like a dark sky sprinkled with greyish granite boulders. Sethan is dotted with numerous boulders that are yet to be explored.

Height. 8858 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to November

Also Read: Top 7 Destinations For Bungee Jumping In India For A Thrilling Experience

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4. Suru Valley

Suru in Leh is known for bouldering and is an exquisite location with rich boulder problems. The green Suru valley is a gem of rock climbing that is located in the arid cold desert of Ladakh. Hidden between the mighty Himalayas, Suru has high-quality trad lines and granite boulders. Because of Suru, India is on the list of the world’s hardest climbs. Every year climbers from around the world visit Suru to take part in the Suru Bouldering Festival. Organizations like UIAA and IFMGA support this festival.

Height. 11998 feet

Best Time for the Activity. August to September

5. Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi, is another rising rock climbing spot. The outskirts of Delhi are blessed with a variety of boulders. For beginner climbers, Dhauj is quite popular for small trad routes. Many workshops related to climbing are held in Dhauj.

Boulders to climb can be found in Sanjay Van, Lado Sarai, and Zion. All these areas are in Delhi or at its outskirts that form a perfect one-day climbing trip.

Height. 120 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to March

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6. Chatru

Chatru lies at the end of the green Kullu valley and the start of the brown-barren Spiti valley. Climbing in Chatru is blissful as it is nestled between the varied mountains ranges. It is an isolated place that lies on the banks of the Chandra river, on the other side of the renowned Rohtang pass. In the early 2000s, the bouldering in Chatru was first explored by Phil Lockey. Despite being a remote location, Chatru has become a popular bouldering spot in India.    

Height. 11100 feet

Best Time for the Activity. August to Mid-October

Also Read: Top 9 Adventure Sports In India For Adrenaline Junkies

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7. Manali

Every adventure enthusiast has heard about Manali, at least one. However, they never heard about climbing in Manali due to less-documented climbing routes. Representing a unique climbing spot, Manali’s boulders and lead routes lie next to the River Beas. Lying closer to Manali, Chichoga is yet another scenic hamlet that has ample boulders placed on big mountain slopes. Climbing these boulders is a unique adventure.

Height. 6730 feet

Best Time for the Activity. May to June and September to December

8. Madhugiri

Madhugiri, located in the Tumkur region of Karnataka, renders a steep rock climbing experience as it is home to the massive monolith formations. With a fort and ruins of Gopala Krishna temple at the top, the major attraction here is the rock dome. After following a steep path, rock climbers can reach the top.

Height. 2582 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to February

9. Pythal Mala

Pythal Mala, located near the Kappimala village, is perfect for rappelling, rock climbing, and other adventure activities. Tucked amid the lush greenery of Western Ghats, Pythal Mala draws groups of adventurers to this place to experience the thrilling rock climbing expeditions conducted every year.

Height. 4501 feet

Best Time for the Activity. January to March

Also Read: Top 5 Adventure Activities In India

10. Shey Rock

The trails of Sar Pass are snow scattered from everywhere and they are just perfect for the hardcore rock climbers. Expeditions are organized every summer as it is a well-known trekking spot. Tremendous rock climbing opportunities available in the area are the primary reason behind its popularity.

Height. 11000 feet

Best Time for the Activity. October to March

Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Climbing Places in India

Q1.Which are the best rock climbing places in India?

A 1. Some of the best rock climbing places in India are -

Hampi

Badami

Sethan

Suru Valley

Delhi

Chatru

Manali

Madhugiri

Pythal Mala

Shey Rock

Q 2. Is rock climbing tough and challenging for beginners?

A 2. Every activity performed for the first time is challenging. The same holds true for rock climbing. It may not necessarily be tough for beginners as many people take up to this activity easily even when they are trying it for the first time.

Q 3. Where can I go for rock climbing in Delhi?

A 3. You can enjoy rock climbing activity in Delhi at Climb Central Delhi, Boulder Box, Delhi Rock, Aravalli Biodiversity Park Rocks, and Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

Q 4. Which are the best places for rock climbing in Karnataka?

A 4. The best places for rock climbing in Karnataka are Turahalli, Savanadurga, Kanakapura, Kabbaldurga, and more.

From north to south, India offers the ultimate landscape to adventure seekers. Adventurers can choose any one of these rock climbing places in India to kick-start their adventure travel diaries. Don’t forget to check Adotrip which helps you book the cheapest flight tickets, hotels, and Travel Packages because, with us, nothing is far!