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Chhattisgarh Climbing Initiative

Built from our own ground.
Its not a community but an Exploration and Development project.

CCI started from our own backyard. Chhattisgarh has always had strong terrain and strong people, but it has remained ignored when it comes to adventure and climbing. There was no system, no structure, and no real exposure to what the region actually holds. The initiative began from that gap—working on ground that already exists, but has never been developed with intent.

Chhattisgarh has always had potential, but potential alone does not create a system. Without structure, exposure, and consistent work, it remains unused. This initiative is about changing that—not by forcing development, but by building something that fits the region. It brings together terrain, people, and activity into a form that can sustain itself over time. The long-term direction is not to turn Chhattisgarh into a crowded destination, but to establish it as a functioning outdoor and climbing space. A place that can support movement, create opportunities locally, and slowly find its place within the larger climbing and adventure ecosystem.

THE LAND

Chhattisgarh has always been seen through a narrow lens. For most people, it is either ignored or reduced to headlines around conflict, which has kept it away from any serious attention in the outdoor or climbing space. But beyond that narrative, the land itself tells a very different story.

It holds vast stretches of untouched terrain—rock formations, forests, caves, and landscapes that have never been explored with intent. The kind of ground that hasn’t been overused, commercialised, or shaped for tourism. What exists here is raw and largely unworked, which is rare. The potential is not hidden, it has simply never been looked at the right way.

THE INTENTION

This means exploring the region properly, documenting what is actually there, and presenting its real potential without reshaping it into something artificial. At the same time, it is about working with local youth—introducing them to climbing and outdoor movement, building their skills, and giving them exposure to global standards that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

The idea is not just training, but creating opportunity. Something that allows people to build a livelihood within their own region, without having to leave it. A system where skill, exposure, and understanding come together to create something sustainable over time.

THE WORK

Since there is no existing tourism structure here, the work starts with a clean slate. That allows us to build things the right way from the beginning, without having to correct what’s already broken. The focus is on keeping the environment intact—following basic principles like leave no trace, and ensuring that any movement through the region does not damage what already exists. Alongside this, the work is about building a sense of belonging. Helping people see value in their own land, their way of life, and the strength that already exists in it.

Much of what is needed for this transition is already part of daily life here—moving through terrain, working in nature, carrying load, understanding the land. The idea is to shape that into something more structured, without taking away its authenticity. At the same time, the cultural depth of the region remains central, not as something to display, but as something that defines how the work is done.

THE OUTCOME

The outcome is not immediate, but it builds over time. A model where tourism is not imposed, but grows naturally from within the region. Where local communities take ownership of the land and the work happening around it. Where earning opportunities are created without disconnecting people from their roots.

Even a small shift—like reducing outmigration by a fraction—has a real impact. Cleaner environments, stronger local involvement, and a change in how the region is perceived. From being known for the wrong reasons to being recognised for something built on strength, terrain, and real work.

For people coming in, it offers something different—an experience that is not designed or packaged, but one that comes directly from the land itself. No excess, no surface-level activity. Just real movement, real terrain, and a different way of being outdoors.

Chhattisgarh Climbing Initiative in Action

First Location Developed for Climbing, Camping, Trail Running & Highlining

Deshdekha Climbing Sector - Jashpur Nagar

Deshdekha Crag, Chhattisgarh’s first dedicated adventure hub, is a project led by Pahadi Bakra in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh State Government and Jashpur administration. What started as a climbing-focused effort has grown into a multi-activity landscape built for real outdoor movement.

The climbing here is spread across sectors like Baman Tuku, with over 250 bouldering problems, 40+ sport routes, and 20+ traditional lines already established. While the rock may not be “world-class” in the conventional sense, it offers a different kind of experience—raw, varied, and still evolving, with significant scope for new routes and development. Beyond climbing, the region supports a wider range of activities. There are five established hikes and two multi-day treks, along with more than 160 km of identified trails that run without crossing tar roads, keeping the movement continuous and immersive. The area also supports highlining, dedicated camping zones, and natural conditions suited for long stays and night movement, including clear skies for stargazing.

What defines Deshdekha is not just the terrain, but how it operates. The entire region is run and maintained by the local tribal community. Guides here are PCGI-certified and actively leading climbs, treks, and outdoor programs through their own setups. The region now supports three adventure companies, two of which are owned and operated by local tribal youth. This is not just a developed site—it’s a working model. One where terrain, activity, and community come together to create something that functions on the ground.

What we have done at Jashpur so Far

Established a government-supported adventure sector operated by the local tribal community

Organized multiple promotional and adventure events with local communities as the primary beneficiaries

Facilitated client and group access to newly formed local adventure companies in Jashpur

Led India’s first tribal alpine-style Himalayan expedition with climbers from Jashpur

Our Past Sponsor Organizations

CCI is supported by a network of organizations that have contributed to its growth over time—through funding, gear support, training, and continued collaboration on the ground.

Future Locations

Bastar - Southern Chhattisgarh

Long river Treks / Sport Climbing / Highlining / Stargazing and more..

Shishupal - Mahasamund

Sport / Trad /Multi-Pitch Climbing

Building something bigger than us. Open to those who want to be part of it. Want to contribute, support, or collaborate? Let’s connect.

This is a long-term build, and it goes beyond what a single team can do alone. If you see value in this work—whether through collaboration, support, sponsorship, or simply contributing your expertise—we’re open to connecting. Every bit of support helps push this forward, on the ground where it actually matters.