What we do
Develop climbing.
Grow a community.
RockTrailSleep is both an invitation to climb in Kumaon and a long-term effort to build climbing here responsibly—from finding and preparing routes to helping people take their first steps on real rock.
The evolution of a line: Vikrant on belay while Siddhartha scopes out what would eventually become “Frog in the Brush” (6B+). On the right, Prerna Dangi leads the line on trad, successfully claiming the official First Ascent.
Vikrant on Devi’s Way (6B), a beautiful traverse with a surreal backdrop at the Kasar Devi temple ridge.
Siddhartha securing the first ascent of “Birth of Clarity (6B+), the Simtola range’s most iconic roof feature.
Siddhartha spots Danish as he attempts to lock in a Bat Hang move. And provides a careful spot to Priya on a line at the Enigma wall.
November 26, 2022: Introducing the first-ever comprehensive Guide to Climbing in the Almora Area, Volume 1.
Designed to put Uttarakhand’s incredible rock on the map, Volume 1 gave climbers exact locations and details for all the major regional crags. Reflecting the rather slow growth of the local scene, the traditional top-rope lines featured in this volume have now been fully bolted and logged with official first ascents. The complete development of these sport routes will be featured heavily in Volume 2, which is already under way.
The work
More than guiding.
01
Develop
We find, clean, document and, where appropriate, bolt climbing routes around Almora. Existing routes also need checking and care.
02
Teach
Beginner sessions make outdoor climbing understandable: movement, falling, spotting, rope systems, communication and respect for the place.
03
Connect
We bring local and visiting climbers together on the rock. Shared days, patient mentoring and open information are how a community takes root.
The community
Built one climbing day at a time.
In 2020, Siddhartha began exploring and documenting the rock around Almora. Friends started joining regularly. Visiting climbers helped unlock harder problems, and the knowledge of where and how to climb began to become something that could be shared.
That work led to The Essential Guide to Climbing in the Almora Area. Route information was documented clearly, with QR codes that help climbers reach the base of the rock using GPS.
The community is still small. That is part of its character—and also why welcoming beginners, sharing information and looking after access matter.
2020
Exploration and documentation began
5+
Bouldering areas near Almora
1
Locally researched climbing guide
The vision
Keep opening the door.
The aim is not to turn Almora into a crowded climbing destination. It is to develop a healthy local climbing culture—patiently, with good information, responsible route work and respect for the landscape.
- Develop and maintain more routes at a range of grades.
- Create approachable ways for beginners and local climbers to start.
- Document access, safety and route information clearly.
- Build a community that takes responsibility for the places where it climbs.