The Piti Dharr Ice Climbing Festival
India’s pioneering ice climbing festival — Lahaul & Spiti
About the Festival
The Piti Dharr festival is a ten-day gathering of local and international climbers of varying abilities. Based in Kaza in the heart of Spiti Valley, it brings together the climbing community for an exchange of skills, experience and culture. Run under the banner of HOD — Himalayan Outdoor Development, this festival is one of the first of its kind in India, driven by the climbing community itself.
Domestic Format
Domestic climbers with prior ice climbing experience climb alongside expert host climbers. A forum for mentorship, skill transfer and route exploration within the Indian climbing community.
International Format
International climbers team up with host climbers to attempt hard route repeats, explore new lines and share global techniques. A true exchange that elevates Indian ice climbing on the world stage.
Purpose & Goals
- Mentorship of Indian climbers alongside international experts
- Exchange of skills, techniques and climbing experience
- Improve understanding of ice climb grading and safety standards
- Foster an attitude of exploration and new route development
- Build a diverse, inclusive ice climbing community in India
- Support sustainable winter tourism in Spiti Valley
Where We Stay
Sakya Abode, Kaza — the foremost homestay in Kaza, run by Tsering Bodh. Rooms on twin-sharing basis with electric blankets and a common heated dining area. Breakfast and dinner served hot; packed lunches go out with you to the crag.
Situated at 3,800m, Spiti Valley is a cold desert with temperatures from 0°C to −25°C in winter. Accessible year-round from Shimla via the Kinnaur highway. Climbing areas within 1–2 hours by road from Kaza.
Interested in the Festival?
Get in touch via email or follow @pitidharr on Instagram for updates.