A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE INDIGENIOUS PEOPLE OF THE HIMALAYA AND CLIMBERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

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WELCOME TO
BOULDERING
PARADISE

TOGETHER FOR
A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE


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– WELCOME TO RAKCHHAM –

THE PROJECT

This is a vision.

A vision for a future that is different.
We want to make a change, respectfully and wisely.

Our motivation is simple: We care about Rakchham. So is our vision: We want to protect this area and the way that local people have been living here for thousands of years. This is the only way future generations can visit this magical sanctuary area. We want climbers to be here, enjoy this breathtaking place and play in this magic Himalayan dream theatre.

It doesn’t matter if you climb on small or big rocks and mountains, or if you just want to hike through these ancient forests. We are all just guests here and we should behave accordingly … with respect.

The sharp rise in the number of people participating in outdoor-sports is increasing worldwide. So is the pressure on the local eco-systems. I had the opportunity to experience areas like Magic Wood, Rocklands and many others in their pristine state. Sadly, I also had to witness the changes and damages which where a byproduct of the booming outdoor sports.

The key to a sustainable climbing tourism lies in the hands of the local people of Rakchham. They own the land and it’s them who should benefit from the guests coming here, with profits being distributed equally in the village. After many talks with the locals we came up with some guidelines, that should prevent this „climbing Shangri-la“ from becoming just another „outdoor-gym“.

The key elements for this are a permit system which is designed to support the local community. Since accommodation is currently limited, the influx into the valley also has to be restricted. Growth can only take place step by step, organically and thus sustainably.

I have been coming here with my friends for 12 years now. I spent three years of my lifetime in this little village in the north of India exploring the mountains and the forests. Together with my friends and the locals we developed more than 400 boulder-problems in all grades as well as numerous routes and climbs around the village of Rakchham. In cooperation with the RMAC (Rakcham Mountain Adventure Club) we set up trails and put up some guidelines so that future generations can enjoy this place the same way we did..

The potential is still untouched and it’s in our hands if we will succeed. If we all work together we can establish a sustainable climbing tourism here in northern India. Our example can become a showcase for this style of development. Let Rakchham become a bridge to a responsible outdoor future. One where cultural differences don´t matter.

With respect

Bernd Zangerl
www.berndzangerl.com

– BOULDERING, CLIMBING & ALPINE –

SPORT

BOULDERING

Currently there are 14 different sectors around the village of Rakchham with more than 400 problems from 5A to 8C. A proper guidebook is in the works right now! In the meantime the RMAC crew in Rakchham has overview topos and they know the area well so that you will easily find your perfect project for the trip.  Depending on your climbing level they will know which sectors are the best for you. There are also some sectors where beginners can start climbing and will have fun. The hardcore climber will find enough projects in the grade 7C to 8B. The rock quality is unique and there is still  huge potential for first ascents. Don’t forget to bring your brush.

CLIMBING

There are a several TRAD LINES around the village from 6b to 8a/b! The “Lugerhammer” is a must for all crack lovers with enough power. In the areas you can find lots of traditional style splitter cracks, corners of all size and steepness. Sport climbs are generally technical face climbs and steep, technical arêtes.  So far established sport climbs range from around some 7th grade with quite a few 8a to 8c+, and also some cutting edge projects. The routes vary in nature in short bouldery power endurance climbing as well long routes with lots of resistance.

ALPINE

On this page we don’t provide topos & locations. But please get in touch with us if you want to climb in the mountains. There are some mountains on which should not be climbed anymore!

– FOR A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER –

PERMIT

– RESPECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT –

GUIDELINES

– ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW –

INFO

PERMIT

The idea of a permit system was introduced to support the local community in this sanctuary area. The goal is to raise money so we can support the climbing community in Rakchham, a social project in the village as well as courses for education. This page will be updated annually so you can see which action have been taken.

You can purchase the permit when you arrive in Rakchham either directly at your accommodation (hotel or homestay) or at the RMAC (Rakchham Mountaineering and Adventure Club). A FREE guiding-day in the area is included in the purchase of the permit.

The 2021 benefits were used to support three local boys so they could participate in an official mountain course this year. The 2022 benefits will be used to build a self-composing toilet in the climbing area.

The permit is calculated with the purchasing power index:

Coming from outside India: 110 USD/100 euros
If you stay only for a few days: 6 USD/6 euros per day
Coming from India: 100 rupees (daily)
Students: half price
Kids: for free

GUIDELINES

  1. Get a permit at RMAC or at the accommodation to access the Rakchham climbing area

  2. Do not camp anywhere – it’s strictly forbidden!

  3. Hire a guide for the first two days to know where the trails and sectors are

  4. Stick to the designated trails

  5. Check with your guides first before you make first ascents or develop a sector. Some spots are no-go!

  6. Don’t climb in the forest at night – it´s prohibited!

  7. Don´t leave any trash in the forest, use a toilet or bury your waste*; Fines can be imposed on those who litter!

  8. Ask for a special permission if you want to climb higher up in the mountains. Many places are sacred and off-limit for visitors

  9. Contact your guides if you want to bolt and establish routes.

  10. Don´t play music in the forest – calm is precious.

  11. Remove Tick marks

*we are currently working on the „toilet project“ which will bring a change in the  
future!

GETTING THERE

Book a flight to Dehli. Take a taxi or book a night bus to Shimla. It makes sense to make a stop there, and relax in this mountain city. This will take you approx. 8-10 hours. There are other alternatives like the local bus or a 100-year-old railway which are more adventurous but require careful planning and take more time. From Shimla it is recommended to take a mountain-taxi to Rakchham. A taxi booked in Delhi to Rakchham will cost around 400-500 euros. If you book this in Rakchham you will get a better rate because the loans in the north are lower. We can assist you with airport transfer if you prefer, just let us know on the booking inquiry form. If you are interested in visiting Rakchham, feel free to get in contact with us for more infos.

BEST SEASON

The weather in the Himalayas is also influenced by the world wide climate change.
In April climbing is possible but remaining snow in the valley is common.
May and June are nice for climbing as it is mostly sunny and warm. This is also a great time to go into the mountains and do some trekking.
July and August are the months of rainy saison but it doesn’t mean that it is raining all the time! It’s humid for sure, but still its possible for fun climbing activities.
The main season for good climbing conditions is from August to November. Then the friction becomes really good and fall is also a very beautiful time to be in the mountains.

ACCOMMODATION

At present, there are only a limited number of accommodations in the village of Rakchham. Be sure to book early enough to get a room. The go-to-place is the Rupin River View Hotel.

Rupin River View Hotel:

There are also great homestay-possibilities in the village that put you in touch with the local people. The prizes will depend on the length of your stay. Calculate costs between 1000-2000 rupees per room/day.

Homestays:

FOOD/WATER

The food in the area is excellent! The Rupin River View Hotel has one of the best cooks in the valley. Getting both vegetarian or non-vegetarian food is possible. Vegans will find a great variety of meals.
You don’t have to buy and drink plastic bottled water. Bring your water bottle and drink the water from the tap! The water comes from sources above the valley and has a very good quality.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

At the moment, we only have a limited number of crashpads, so it’s best if you bring your own equipment if possible. In case your only option is to rent, please inquire ahead of time when booking.

Crashpad Small: 200 rupees per day
Crashpad Big: 300 rupees per day

THE RAKCHHAM BEANIE

In order to support Bernd Zangerl’s special project in the Indian Himalayas, Euro 5 of each Rakchham Beanie sold will benefit the careful opening of the boulder paradise in Rakchham to the outside world – in accordance with its native population as main beneficiaries and keeping the environmental impact to an absolute minimum.

Knitted in the Knit & Wear process – a modern 3D knitting procedure that can create complicated structures to an almost finished product from beginning to end – the 2 x 2 rib pattern with the unique Rakchham logo is a statement to bridging the modern world with the old in a timeless look. In addition, this process saves resources and avoids waste.

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– RMAC –

RAKCHHAM MOUNTAINEERING & ADVENTURE CLUB

The main objective of establishing RMAC is to monitor the climbing activities in the village and to ensure adherence to the necessary rules and regulations of this culturally and ecologically sensitive place. Other actions that the RMAC is focusing on are the installation of facilities such as a climbing gym, a library, a place where climbers can rent and buy gear as well as providing basic amenities such as toilets in the climbing area.

The RMAC ensures sustainable climbing in the village area with the help of a permit that has to be purchased by visiting climbers for a minuscule amount. This money will be utilized for building the amenities and facilities mentioned above as well as for the purchase of climbing equipment for climbers. A certain percentage of this amount will be used to sponsoring and supporting local talent.

Mountaineering and adventure sports such as climbing & bouldering are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Especially in the regions of the Indian Himalaya they lack formal rules, regulations and governance. The village of Rakchham in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur is a hidden paradise of nature and has great potential in terms of rock-climbing. In order to benefit the local climbers – especially the young ones – as well as the villagers of Rakchham, Bernd Zangerl from Austria along with two Indian climbers, the brothers Spandan & Korak Sanyal, together with the local Stalwart Mr. Nand Kishore Negi a.k.a „Johnny” came up with a plan of establishing a mountaineering club known as Rakchham Mountaineering & Adventure Club (RMAC).

The RMAC consists of local villagers and is being supervised by members of a professionally trained staff.
With the establishment of the RMAC we hope to provide an exhilarating & unforgettable experience for all climbers visiting this beautiful place.

Sincerely yours,
RMAC

– SEND YOUR TRAVEL PLANS –

BOOKING INQUIRY

– CONTACT & BOOKING –

GET IN TOUCH

For miscellaneous questions send a mail to info[at]rakchham.com
For booking inquiries please go here:
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