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 Mountaineering is a sport that combines climbing and hiking up mountains. Done on regular terrain, rocky areas, and ice or snow slopes, mountaineering merges a series of techniques and requires a highly technical approach. Despite the image we have of highly-trained, modern, methodical climbers, the truth is that people have been practicing mountaineering for centuries. Mountaineering is a sport with many hazards, which are often divided into three main groups: weather, falling, and avalanches. Weather is one of the primary dangers of mountaineering. Blizzards may cause poor visibility, leading to climbers getting lost or falling into the void. Even in summer, weather can be deadly, since lightning is likely to strike on the highest points, including mountaintops and rock edges. Besides snow, avalanches can consist of falling rocks, ice, and even gear. Falling rocks are a much more common danger than snow avalanches; they are also a lot harder to predict, which exposes climbers to a higher risk. Climbers also run the risk of slipping on the ice and falling into crevasses. Equipment failure accounts for only a small percentage of mountaineering accidents. |
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Adobe of snow |
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Himalaya, the youngest mountain range in the world and yet the most awesome and the highest, literally means `Abode of Snow’. According to Indian mythology, these sacred mountains are regarded as the 'Abode of Gods' where only the most pious or daring could venture. Himalayan mountain ranges are approximately 3000 Kms long from west to east and two to three hundred km's wide from north to south. The Indian Himalaya may be restricted to that portion of the mountain girdle which lies between the bend of the River Indus on the West to the gorge of the River Brahmaputra on the East. They are approximately 2500 Kms in length and about 145 Kms in breadth. India is fortunate to have the largest stretch with peaks that rise to above 8000 mt Kangchenjunga amongst them being the third highest in the world. Mountain ranges of Eastern Karakoram and Indian Himalaya lie on the north and the east of Indian peninsula. Himalayan ranges provide a rich concentration of flora and fauna. Rare species of animals, birds and insects as also wild flowers and medicinal plants are found here. Besides, it is a repository of a startling range of peoples, cultures and history. Ancient temples, monasteries, forts and palaces indicate a glorious past. Since ages, the landscapes of the Himalaya, comprising snow-capped peaks, glaciers, fast flowing rivers and green valleys, have been attracting adventure lovers from all over the world. The lure of Indian Himalaya is now attracting an increasing number of enthusiasts, both from within the country and from overseas. |
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Among thy mountains did I feel the joy of my desire. ----- Wordsworth |
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