Obscure Spots And Scenic Sites For Rock Climbing In Delhi

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For all the rock climbing enthusiasts in the city, there are more places to discover than your usual IMF {Indian Mountaineering Foundation} or Delhi Rock. Though we would expressly recommend them to learn and practise, the following spots around Delhi have some quaint scenic charm and stable rocks you should check out, too.

Before you set off, here’s some essential info; equipment can be hired from IMF, and their office is open Mon to Fri from 9am to 5pm, though there’s usually a waiting period. Many adventure groups go to these areas with their own equipment, too, for prices ranging from INR 500 to INR 800 per session. Transport is usually not included, and it’s highly advisable to go with experienced people and not attempt routes above your skill level.

Lado Sarai

Where: Old rocks, Lado Sarai, DDA Park {next to Saket Metro Station}

Type: Sandstone slabs and cracks; one chimney route

Height: 25 to 30 ft average

Type Of Climbing: Routes can be top-roped by beginners, and most can be bouldered by advanced climbers.

Best Time: Year-round climbing is possible with some smart sun-dodging

Damdama Lake

Where: Damdama Rocks, Damdama Lake {beyond Sohna Road, Gurgaon}

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 20 to 120 ft.

Type Of Climbing: Best for top-roping

Best Time: Oct – Mar

The Ridge

Where: The Ridge {next to Jhandewalan Metro Station}

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 25ft with a 4-foot overhang

Type Of Climbing: Best for top-roping and bouldering

Best Time: Year round climbing possible since the area is deep in the ridge and shaded by trees.

#LBBTip: The area needs to be cleared of any loose rocks and debris to avoid serious injury.

Dhauj

Where: Dhauj {55km from Delhi}

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 40 to 120 ft

Type Of Climbing: Routes can be top-roped and led

Best Time: Oct to Mar

President’s Body Guard’s Estate

Where: PBG Rocks {near parade grounds in the President’s Body Guard’s estate}

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 25 to 30 ft average

Type Of Climbing: Routes can be top-roped or even led in some places.

Best Time: Year-round climbing is possible

#LBBTip: You need permission from the guards to climb.

Sanjay Van

Where: Sanjay Van Rocks, Sanjay Van {next to the Qutub Complex}

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 20 ft

Type Of Climbing: Bouldering

Best Time: All year round except monsoons.

Ramjas Sports Complex

Where: Ramjas Rocks, Ramjas Sports Complex, Patel Nagar

Type: Sandstone slabs

Height: 50 to 60 ft.

Type Of Climbing: Routes can be top-roped and led

Best Time: Oct – Mar

{With inputs from Parv Rustogi} 

#LBBTip

The area is in severe disrepair, although the rocks are perfectly climbable with some preliminary cleanup.

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A full time enthusiast of the 'gram', Kasturi paints and writes on her eponymous blog. She's looking to establish herself in a stable job despite her impending and current existential quarter life crisis. Not having stayed in one place for too long, she muses about the Arts and has an astronomical appetite for, well, food.