Overview

TRIP FACTS

  • Region: Lahaul Valley 
  • Duration: 7 Night / 8 days
  • Season:  End Dec to Mid Feb 
  • Grade: Easy to Moderate
  • Group Size : 15 Persons.
  • Maximum Altitude:  3500m
  • Activities: 7 Days Ice Climbing Course. 
  • Meals: 7 Breakfasts / 8 Pack-lunch / 7 Dinners.
  • Trip Begin: Manali.
  • Trip End: Manali.

INTRODUCTORY ICE CLIMBING COURSE - IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS

Located in North part of India, Himachal (Lahaul Valley), 2 hours by jeep from Manali, amazing site for the icefall climbing, offering beautiful lines of all difficulties in an environment which is easily accessible and wild.

Mountaineering has picked up big time in our country. Increasing number of trekkers is graduating to mountaineering and semi-mountaineering peaks.

Just as trekkers are expected to prepare for a trek, being well prepared with correct technical skills and techniques is a must when a trekker chooses to go for a mountaineering expedition.

By the end of this workshop the participants will have learnt basic ice climbing skills and techniques, and will also be able to comfortably go for mountaineering expeditions where you are required to use ice tools and ropes to climb mountains.

We designed this course specifically for those who wish to discover the exhilarating and fast-growing sport of ice climbing – no previous experience is required. This course aims to teach you all the basics necessary to practice ice climbing: proper climbing technique using technical ice axes and crampons, handling rope systems, understanding ice protection, selection of clothing and preparing your pack for the day. You will climb top rope in both, single pitch and multi pitch environment under the guidance of our Himalayan Yeti Adventure Mountain Guide. 

Ice climbing course is set around Lahaul, a picturesque Himalayan valley. You will stay in a homestays where you will explore and experience the Himalayan culture and authentic delicious food. Best ways to discover the diversity of the Himalayan landscape during the winters.

HOW TO REACH MANALI

  •  The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a     distance of approximately 60 from Manali. 
  •  The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has   a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A   number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
  • The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali. 
7 Nights 8 Days 28 Dec, 05 Jan, 13 Jan, and more Gumling, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights
  • Introduction to crampon and ice axe techniques (how to anchor your ice axes and crampons as accurately as possible)
  • Safety procedures, use of ice screws and different systems of protection (placing and retrieving ice screws, other means of climbing protection, building belays on ice)
  • Abseiling & belay techniques on ice
  • Heaps of fun climbing
Itinerary

DAY 01 - ARRIVE MANALI (2050m) REPORT AT OLD MANALI OFFICE.

You will meet your group and your mountain guide in the HYA office on the day time before your ice climbing course begins. The meeting is a great opportunity to ask any questions about the course and to check with your instructors that you have the right equipment.

Overnight in The Hotel/Guest House
Meal: Lunch + Dinner

DAY 02 - WAKE UP CALL AT 5 AM. FINISH BREAKFAST AND DRIVE TO LAHAUL.QUICK CHECK IN AND LUGGAGE DUMP AND LEAVE FOR CRAG.

  • Welcome, introductions, goals, and program agenda.
  • Issue and check gear, and adjust crampons.
  • Discussion of safety procedures, hazard awareness, and basic rope techniques.
  • Discussion of knots and harnesses.
  • Basic ice movements – use and placement of crampons and ice tools; this is crucial to climbing success. All too often ice climbers waste precious time and energy in failed attempts to properly place crampons and tools in the ice. It’s not about strength but technique.
  • Top rope belays and climbing communication.
  • Movement skills on short top-roped climbs. How to ice climb efficiently and use correct body positioning to save energy and time. A lot of the time on this program will be devoted to coaching participants in movement skills and techniques. Rock climbers will enjoy applying their existing movement skills to this new medium.
  • Lowering skills.

Overnight in The Hotel/Homestay
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 03 - ICE CLIMBING.

  • Consolidation of technical belaying and communication skills.
  • Site hazard awareness.
  • Climbing warm up.
  • Introduction to steep ice climbing techniques.
  • Lots of climbing with coaching on steeper climbs.
  • Introduction to placing and removing ice screws.
  • Introduction to basic ice anchor construction.

Overnight in The Hotel/Homestay
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 04 - ICE CLIMBING.

  • Discussion of emergency preparedness.
  • Top rope anchor construction using bolts, ice screws, and V-threads.
  • Rappelling with a bottom belay.
  • Rope coiling and care.
  • More climbing with coaching on steeper ice.

Overnight in The Hotel/Homestay
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 05 - ICE CLIMBING.

  • Ice traversing
  • A shaped climbing
  • Resting on wall
  • Anchoring techniques
  • Usage of ice screws
  • Lunch at Crag
  • Evening Session Top rope climbing
  • Practice all new techniques taught in the morning session.

Overnight in The Hotel/Homestay
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 06 - TODAY CLIMB A MULTI-PITCH ROUTE. ICE CLIMBING.

Today we will climb a multipitch route – one of the amazing ice falls in the valley. The route will be selected according to your level and progress. We will encourage you to push your limits while keeping you happy and safe. 

Overnight in The Hotel/Homestay
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 07 - TODAY CLIMB 

  • Wake up call at 7 am. Finish breakfast and reach the crag by 9 am.
  • This session is all about  the crag! This will be a perfect opportunity to get on pitches that you have admired in the past few days
  • Lunch at Crag                                                                                                       

 Meal: Breakfast + Lunch +  Dinner

DAY 08 - TODAY CLIMB HALF DAY & DRIVE BACK MANALI.

  • Wake up call at 7 am. Finish breakfast and reach the crag by 9 am.
  • Morning session (10 to 1): Last climbing session
  • This session is all about enjoying your last day on the crag! This will be a perfect opportunity to get on pitches that you have admired in the past few days
  • Lunch at Hotel & Packup.
  • Drive back to Manali & Drop you at Volvo Bus stand.                                                                                                            

 Meal: Breakfast + Lunch 

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Meals: As mentioned in the itinerary
  • Expert instructor of guiding and instruction by an ABVIMAS qualified mountain guide.
  • Accommodation in Hotel/Homestay with APAI (Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner)
  • Group Medical kit with oxygen cylinder.
  • Accomodation in Twin/Tripple Sharing Basis
  • Private transportation to start of trip and back to Manali.
  • All park entrances and permits.
  • Ice climbing Equipment, Mountaineering boots, Pair of technical ice axes, Ice climbing crampons, Climbing helmet, Ice-Screwpittons, Carabiners, Belay device, Climbing helmet.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical insurance for the climbing party. It is strongly recommended that the participants get themselves comprehensively insured before the expedition.
  • Any expenses of a personal nature.
  • Any and all evacuation charges (medical emergency or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also ideally, cover this.
  • Any air transfers or airfare between Delhi and Bhunter or vice versa.
  • Any Surface Transfers between New Delhi & Manali and vice-versa.
  • Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks, alcoholic / non-alcoholic drinks or bottled / mineral water.
  • Tipping of the drivers, camp staff or guides etc.
  • Any photography charges or camera charges or batteries.
  • Any shopping charges or transfers for personal visits to the market etc.
  • Any other services not specifically mentioned in the service inclusions.
  • Any charges for a manual or helicopter evacuation, in case of a medical emergency or the like.
  • Any personal climbing gear or equipment, unless specified otherwise.
Pickup point
Directions.
H394+HQ Gumling, Himachal Pradesh, India View on Map
Things to Bring
  • Ice Axes: Usually, a pair of technical ice axes or one technical ice tool and one general-purpose tool.
  • Crampons: Adjustable, fit your boots, and are suitable for mixed and ice climbing.
  • Harness: A climbing harness with adjustable leg loops and a belay loop. Ensure it’s comfortable and fits well over your clothing layers.
  • Helmet: A climbing helmet that fits snugly and is designed for impact protection.
  • Ice Screws: Essential for creating anchor points. Check with your course provider as they may supply them, but it’s good to have your own if you’re buying gear.
  • Carabiners and Quickdraws: Several locking carabiners and a few non-locking ones for attaching gear. Quickdraws are useful for clipping into protection.
  • Belay Device: A suitable belay device for ice climbing (e.g., ATC or similar device).
  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal underwear for both top and bottom layers.
  • Mid Layers: Insulating layers such as fleece or lightweight down jackets.
  • Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants that are breathable.
  • Gloves/Mittens: A pair of insulated gloves or mittens for warmth and dexterity. Consider bringing a lighter pair for belaying and a warmer pair for climbing.
  • Hat and Balaclava: Warm hat and a balaclava or neck gaiter for additional protection against the cold.
  • Gaiters: To keep snow and ice out of your boots.
  • Climbing Boots: Insulated, crampon-compatible boots designed for ice climbing.
  • Avalanche Gear (if in backcountry areas): Beacon, probe, and shovel if you’re heading into avalanche terrain.
  • First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit tailored to the cold environment.
  • Emergency Gear: A multi-tool, headlamp with extra batteries, and a whistle.
  • Backpack: A small climbing pack to carry your gear, snacks, and water.
  • Water Bottle: Insulated to prevent freezing in cold temperatures.
  • Snacks: High-energy, easy-to-eat snacks like nuts, energy bars, and chocolate.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to protect against sunburn.
  • Camera/Phone: For capturing memories, but ensure it’s protected from the cold.
    • Destination
    Himachal Pradesh