Tired of artificial rock climbing or climbing up the walls that offer you no thrillIJ If you are the daredevil type, head to these obscure rock climbing spots in Delhi. Experts suggest that before going natural, one should practice indoors or take up a short course to learn the basics. By Riya Sharma
When was the last time you took a stroll around South Delhi and came across a rock climbing spotIJ Confused enoughIJ Rock climbing in Delhi— this was actually our expression when we were told that there are many unexplored, obscure rock climbing spots in Delhi that many are not aware of.
While in college, we all had definitely made a plan to climb the artificial rocks of Indian Mountaineering Foundation or Delhi Rock. But, the daredevil in all of us never felt the thrill and adrenaline rush while climbing those rocks. Though there are many places that you can try out as the rock climbing spots in Delhi but the experts say, it is always better to hire the equipment and take prior training before climbing these rocks
The ‘spots’
We all have heard of lado sarai. But did you even know that next to Saket metro station in DDA park, old rocks are perfect for anyone expert in rock climbing. “Many are not aware of lado sarai, Ramjas rocks in Ramjas sports complex, West Patel Nagar and Mehrauli— these rocks can offer you the thrill and experience of natural rock climbing,” said SK Kutty, secretary of IMF. Maninder Kohli from Juniper Outdoor Pursuits Centre shared, “Dhauj is one of the popular spots located at the outskirts of Delhi. People form their own groups and go for rock climbing to these spots at weekends. Not only this, the area near parade grounds in the President’s Body Guard’s estate, PBG Rocks is also an ideal location for climbers.”
Anurag Tiwari from Delhi Rock shared that though these are not-so famous spots to climb, but many of them have been not used by climbers for many years. “The rocks in Garden of five senses were also used for climbing till a year back, but due to couples intruding and encroaching the area , it became impossible for us to climb.
One step at a time
Experts are of the view that no beginner should straightaway go to climb on natural rocks. “Climbing on natural rocks can be quite difficult as there are a few centers giving training to those who wish to climb. We at Delhi Rock teach climbers about movement and basics of rock climbing. What most of us ignore is the fact that it is more than physical component of moving from point A to B. We, therefore teach how to use equipment which play a major role,” shared Tiwari. Kutty agreed when he said, “It may look appealing while you look at it, but in reality, it is easier to go up but difficult to come back. My suggestion to beginners would be that they should do a small course by practicing indoors or may be doing a short course under the supervision of an expert.”
Know your rock
Though it may look daring and challenging but in reality, it is very important to know about the rock that you are going to climb. “Quality and nature of rock is something every beginner as well as trained people should know. If you plan to climb, begin with indoors. Or go out on this adventure with someone who happens to be an expert,” said Tiwari.
On the other hand, Kohli shared, “Usually, when people say that they do rock climbing, they mean sports climbing. It involves one person getting up and fixing the ropes for other people who follow him. For youngsters, it might be daring but it is a combination of fitness coupled with smartness. You are not only doing something that involves physical exercise but you also use your brain while climbing.”
Safety measures
Rope plays an important role while you are climbing. If you are trained enough to climb these rocks, then head to IMF to hire equipment like ropes, harness, bolt et al. People usually follow routes that have already been discovered but there are some daring should who explore new routes. “We have 20-30 people coming to us everyday to hire equipment. We know that these people form a group and then head to these rocks. It is advised that they should take at least two trained climbers along with them,” said Kutty.
For Kohli, other factors like climate also plays an important role as far as safety is concerned. “Climbers should avoid the sport during monsoons . The rocks become slippery and there are chances of them falling. There have been many incidents of rock fall as well. Tiwari on the other hand stressed that climbers should know thoroughly about their equipment. “It is very important to have a detailed knowledge of the equipment that you are going to use. Because if an emergency arises then you should know how to deal with it.”
But, even if you plan to go on these sites, do you need any permission from the authorities, we askedIJ “It actually depends on the area. There are many places where rock climbing became next to impossible because of the way other people behaved in the past. These sites become the spot for many drunkards and climbers were blamed for it. Some started making money out of it. Guards at these sites started making money out of it. They said that you need their permission to climb these walls, so people should also be warned of all these,” he shared.