Outdoor Climbing Retreat Nov 25th 2026
Take your climbing from the wall to real rock.
Our retreats are 4-night, 5-day climbing trips to some of India’s best outdoor crags, starting with the red sandstone cliffs of Badami. They’re designed to feel premium yet warm, and adventurous yet deeply restful: climbing, culture, movement, breathwork and nature, all in one immersive experience.
Every retreat is led by the High Rock team you already know, with a world-class guide, small groups and everything taken care of from check-in to check-out.
Watch the Badami Feb 2026 Film
A short documentary on our first-ever outdoor climbing retreat, in February 2026.
Where we climb: Badami
Badami, in northern Karnataka, was once the capital of the Early Chalukya dynasty. Today it’s best known for its striking red sandstone cliffs, cave temples and a rich blend of history and architecture.
The steep, pocketed sandstone walls around Agastya Lake have made Badami India’s premier sport climbing destination. The cliffs offer everything from friendly warm-up lines to some of the hardest routes in the country, including Ganesha (8b+), widely regarded as India’s hardest sport route.
Meet your guide: Kapil Harit
Born and raised in France, Kapil is a certified High Altitude Mountain Guide from ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme) in Chamonix, arguably the most elite mountain guiding school in the world. As both athlete and guide, he climbs rock and ice, mountaineers, skis, canyons and paraglides across continents.
He’s also a product engineer who spent over a decade at Amer Sports (Salomon, Atomic, Arc’teryx, Suunto). He designed the ultra-light pack Kilian Jornet carried across the Alps, and the one Colin Haley used on his solo winter ascent of Cerro Torre. Kapil has led every Badami retreat so far, so he knows the crags inside out, and he’s a fantastic storyteller.
What a retreat looks like
What's included
- Coaching from our head guide and local guides
- Shared technical gear: ropes, quickdraws, helmets, belay devices, anchors and first aid
- Double-occupancy AC rooms
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner (veg, non-veg, Jain and vegan)
- Local transport during the retreat
- Daily recovery and wellness sessions
- Climbing shoes, harness and chalk bag (you can rent these from High Rock)
- A 35-litre (or bigger) backpack
- Breathable climbing clothes and a warm layer
- Approach shoes, sun protection and a headlamp
- Your travel to and from the destination
Moments from past retreats
Who it's for
Everyone, from first-time climbers to regular crag dogs. If you’re new to climbing, you’ll need a good level of fitness: regular running, football, serious yoga or dance all count. A few sessions at High Rock before the trip will make the rock feel a lot friendlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
About our outdoor retreats
Do I need outdoor climbing experience?
No. Retreats are open to first-timers and regular climbers alike. Beginners do need a good level of fitness (regular running, football, serious yoga or dance all count), and a few sessions at High Rock beforehand will make the rock feel much friendlier.
Where do the retreats take place?
So far, in Badami, Karnataka: India's best-known sport climbing destination, with red sandstone cliffs around Agastya Lake. We stay at a resort a short walk from one of the best crags. Follow us on WhatsApp and Instagram to hear about new destinations first.
How long is a retreat, and how big are the groups?
Each retreat is 4 nights and 5 days, with a maximum of 12 participants per batch, so everyone gets individual attention.
What's included in the price?
Coaching from our head guide and local guides, shared technical gear (ropes, quickdraws, helmets, belay devices, anchors and first aid), double-occupancy AC rooms, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner (veg, non-veg, Jain and vegan), local transport and daily recovery sessions.
Travel to the destination, beverages, room service and personal purchases aren't included.
Do I need my own climbing gear?
Please bring your own climbing shoes, harness and chalk bag. If you don't have them, you can rent them from High Rock. We bring all the shared technical gear.
How do I get there?
You make your own way to the destination, and we share detailed options with every booking. For Badami, the easiest route from Mumbai is a flight to Hubli followed by a 2-hour taxi. There's also a direct overnight train from Mumbai CSMT, overnight buses, or a roughly 620 km drive.
How much does it cost, and how do I book?
Pricing depends on the destination and room type (single rooms cost extra). A deposit blocks your seat, and the balance is due before the retreat. Message us on WhatsApp for the next dates, prices and the full brochure.
Is it safe? What if I have a medical condition?
Safety comes first: experienced guides, quality gear and on-site first aid. Please tell us about any medical conditions, allergies or medication before the trip. We recommend travel insurance that covers adventure sports, and every participant signs a liability waiver.
What's the cancellation policy?
Refunds depend on how close to the retreat you cancel. The full terms are shared with the brochure for each retreat. If we ever have to cancel or postpone (for weather, safety or other reasons), you'll get a 90–100% refund.