Beyond the summit
Allied Activities
Trekking, rock climbing and other adventure activities supported by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Trekking in India
Trekking is the most accessible way to experience the Himalayas and the other mountain ranges in India. It brings you face to face with glacial valleys, alpine meadows, ancient trails, and communities that have lived in the mountains for centuries. For many, a trek is the first step toward a lifelong relationship with the outdoors.
IMF’s Role in Trekking
The Indian Mountaineering Foundation promotes trekking as a recreational sport, a mode of education, and a tool for conservation. As the national body for mountain activities, we strive towards making trekking safe, responsible, and open to all.
Through IMF you can:
Access updated route descriptions, permit requirements, and seasonal advisories for treks across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Enrol in orientation programmes and basic safety workshops run in partnership with our member institutes in Uttarkashi, Darjeeling, Manali, Dirang, Chemchey and Pahalgam.
Follow IMF’s ‘Leave No Trace’ guidelines and support local communities by hiring local guides, porters, and homestays.
Join IMF-led youth treks, women’s trekking initiatives, and annual clean-up drives in popular trekking regions.
Why Trek with IMF Guidance
India offers treks for every level:
Introductory Trails
Valley of Flowers, Triund, Chembra Peak, and many more — short, scenic, and well-marked.
High Altitude & Snow
Kedarkantha, Hampta Pass, Dzongri, and many more — introduction to altitude, snow, and longer days.
Remote & Technical
Pin Parvati, Kalindi Khal, Goecha La, and many more — technical terrain and remote landscapes.
IMF does not organise commercial treks, but we guide you on preparation, safety, and ethics, and connect you with our affiliated trekking organisations and training institutes.
Safety and Sustainability
The mountains reward preparation and punish carelessness. IMF urges all trekkers to:
- • Acclimatise properly and understand altitude sickness.
- • Carry back all waste and minimise campfire use.
- • Respect local customs and sacred sites.
- • Travel in groups and share your itinerary with someone at base.
Start Your Trek
You don’t need to be a mountaineer to begin. Pick a short trek, train for 4–6 weeks, and go with a registered guide or through an IMF-affiliated institute or club. Many of India’s leading mountaineers started on a simple forest trail.
“The trail is open. Walk it with respect, and the Himalayas will teach you more than any classroom can.”
Learn More
To book a trek click here →
Rock Climbing in India
Rock climbing is the foundation of all mountain craft. It builds strength, focus, and technique on solid ground before you ever step onto snow or ice. In India, rock climbing has grown from an expedition skill into a vibrant sport practiced on granite cliffs, sandstone crags, and purpose-built walls from the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau.
IMF’s Role in Rock Climbing
National Standards, Certified Training & Athlete PathwaysThe Indian Mountaineering Foundation promotes rock climbing as a core discipline of mountaineering and as a competitive sport in its own right. Our role is to set standards, provide training, and create opportunities for climbers at every level.
Through IMF you can:
Attend Basic and Advanced rock climbing courses across the country. The IMF organises specialised courses including a short one-day introductory course followed by a 7-day Basic Rock Climbing Course. These courses are held at the IMF and at various crags across the country from time to time as per the calendar.
Access IMF guidelines on equipment, anchor building, belay techniques, and risk management based on UIAA standards adapted for Indian conditions.
Take part in IMF-supported sport climbing events and selection trials for national teams in lead, bouldering, and speed disciplines.
Work with us and local communities to maintain ethical climbing practices and preserve access to natural crags.
Why Climb with IMF
India offers diverse rock:
World-Class Rock
Shey in Ladakh, Miyar Valley in Himachal, the cliffs of Badami in Karnataka, and the boulders of Hampi offer everything from single-pitch sport routes to multi-pitch trad lines.
Urban Climbing Gyms
Major cities now have climbing gyms where beginners can learn movement and safety before heading outdoors.
Mountain Skill Transfer
Many of India’s leading high-altitude mountaineers began on rock. The skills you learn here — footwork, route reading, and rope management — directly translate to those on the mountains.
Safety and Ethics
Rock is unforgiving. IMF emphasises:
- • Proper training before attempting outdoor climbing.
- • Use of certified equipment and regular safety checks.
- • Climbing in pairs, with competent belay partners.
- • Respect for the rock: no chipping, minimal bolting, and carrying back all waste.
- • Respect for local communities and landowners.
Start Climbing
Begin at an indoor wall or join a basic rock climbing course. Learn to belay, tie knots, and move efficiently. From there, progress to outdoor crags with experienced climbers or through an IMF-affiliated institute.
“Climbing teaches you to solve problems with your body and mind. It demands patience and rewards persistence.”
Get Involved
For course schedules, click here (Calendar) →Upcoming allied activities
Kayaking, exploratory treks, rock climbing expeditions, camps and other allied events.
15 Oct – 15 Nov 2026
Rock Climbing – Expedition in the Deccan and Western Ghats
Deccan Plateau & Western Ghats
Sponsored by Govt of India
November 2026
Joint Civil–Military Trekking Expedition – Zamithang–Bhagajang Gompa
Arunachal Pradesh
Army/Self funded
30 Nov – 11 Dec 2026
Winter Adventure Camp-cum Medical Expedition and Disaster Training
Uttarakhand Himalaya
Sponsored by Govt of India
12–28 Dec 2026
Winter expedition & Alpine style climbing camp
Himachal Pradesh
Sponsored by Govt of India