Mountaineering, also known as mountain climbing, is a sport that involves reaching, or attempting to reach, high points in mountainous areas, mostly for the enjoyment of the climb. Mountaineering is a risky sport for the untrained.
On top of physical and mental strength, stamina, agility, and cunning, every mountain climber needs survival skills. Preparation is essential for any group mountaineering trip. You must be well-versed in your path and be mindful of any potential hazards.
A mountaineering trip’s true success (and main objective) lies in safely overcoming any danger along the way, in addition to achieving a summit or completing a ridge traverse.
List of Best Mountaineering Courses in India
1. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering – Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is regarded as one of India’s best mountaineering schools and Asia’s most prestigious mountaineering school.
This institute is providing the best climbing training available. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru established it in 1965, and it is India’s only climbing and mountaineering institute accredited by the International Federation for Climbing and Mountaineering – UIAA.
It aims to introduce the idea of adventure and nature to young women, men, and even schoolchildren. They also want to make sure that they practise environmental consciousness and conservation.
The Basic Mountaineering Course is a foundation course that introduces men and women to mountaineering.
Duration: 28 days
Course Fee: INR 16940/-
Course Objectives:
- To teach the fundamentals of rock, snow, and ice movement.
- Mountaineering and related topics, such as map reading, navigation, weather, medicine, and mountain hygiene, are covered both theoretically and practically.
- To instill in the trainees the proper mindset, allowing them to see mountaineering as an art form rather than just a physical or adventure sport.
- To inspire people from all walks of life to pursue higher goals.
- To provide appropriate and applicable mountaineering literature and reading material to the trainees.
- To teach them how to stay comfortable and take care of their health in a mountain environment.
- To educate them about the importance of protecting the Himalayan ecosystem.
- Increase their resistance to cold, hunger, and exhaustion to toughen their bodies.
2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Adventure Mountaineering Course (AMC)
In 1954, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was founded. HMI quickly established itself as a mountaineering centre of excellence. The Institute was chosen to be located in Darjeeling (West Bengal), Tenzing Norgay’s hometown and one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas.
The Advanced Mountaineering course takes 28 days to complete. This course is open to trainees who earned a ‘A’ in the basic course. It provides advanced preparation as well as a self-planned expedition under the guidance of an instructor. In various mountain terrains, various rescue operations are taught. The trainees will spend 21 days in the mountains as part of this course. Every year in March, May, and September, it is available.
Eligibility: Trainees who received an “A” in the basic course are eligible.
Course Fee: INR 16940/-
Duration: 28 days
3. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports
Today, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali is the country’s largest Adventure Sports training facility. The Directorate, which is located on 20 acres of forested land along the banks of the Beas River, boasts a hostel that can accommodate 260 people at a time, a dining hall that can accommodate more than 200 people at a time, and a 680-seat auditorium.
There is also a modern library, museum, and lecture halls. All of this can be found on this lovely campus. Aside from that, the Directorate operates many adventure training centres in Himachal Pradesh.
Course Duration:
- A Beginner’s Guide To Mountaineering ( 26 DAYS )
- Course For Experienced Mountaineering ( 28 DAYS )
- Instruction Methods Course ( 26 DAYS )
- Course For Search and Rescue (14 days)
Requirements:
- Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses require matriculation or higher (except for Service/Armed Forces personnel). It is necessary to be fluent in both English and Hindi.
- For Methods of Instruction Courses in Paragliding, Mountaineering, Skiing & Water Sports, a minimum 10+2 pass is required.
4. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports
The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM & WS), Nunwan, Pahalgam (J&K), is a joint venture between the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Government of J&K. It has excelled in conducting adventure activities such as mountaineering, skiing, trekking, rescue operations, water rafting, paragliding, and expeditions for students from various parts and states of India.
Requirements: Physical stamina
Documentation: On arrival, students’ documentation will be completed.
5. Coursera – Mountains 101 Mountaineering Course
Mountains 101 provides a comprehensive description of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course focuses on the physical, biological, and human aspects of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world in an interdisciplinary field of research. We’ll look at the geological history of mountains, as well as how they’re formed and worn down over time; we’ll learn about their global and local value for biodiversity and water cycles; and we’ll look at their cultural significance to communities around the world, as well as how that relationship has evolved.
Duration: 18 hours
Mode: Online
Skills That You Will Learn:
- The Evolution of Climate
- The environment
- Earth science
- Biodiversity
Instructors:
- Zac Robinson
- David Hik
Certification: You will get a globally recognised certificate after completion of this course.
6. Aspiring Guides – Mountaineering Skills Course
These are rigorous seven to ten-day mountaineering skills courses that cover all aspects of mountaineering and alpine climbing. Beginning with the fundamentals of ice axe, crampon, and glacier travel and progressing to more advanced alpine climbing techniques, the focus is on mountaineering students learning to be self-sufficient in the alpine climate.
Mode: Online
Duration: 7 to 10 days
Certification: A globally recognised certificate will be provided.
7. Altus – Advanced Mountaineering Course
Altus Mountain Guides is a community of highly motivated individuals committed to providing our clients with exceptional service in the mountains while also providing healthy and adventurous trips. We provide access to the most spectacular mountain experiences the West Coast has to offer from our base in Squamish and Whistler, British Columbia. Our thrilling itineraries highlight the Coast Range, but also venture into the Selkirks and Purcells interior ranges, as well as the Rockies. From the ancient and classic European Alps to the windswept wilds of Patagonia, we give trips all over the world.
Duration: Four days (2 nights camping)
What You Will Learn:
- Mountain Hazards: A Quick Guide
- Ice climbing in the Alps
- Short roping and pitching on technical rock
- Descents into the Alps improvised
- Quick and light-footed tactics
Fee: $1125/-
8. Aquaterra – India Mountaineering Course
Their twelve-day programme, which has been the cornerstone of Alpine Ascents’ education programmes for over 20 years, is renowned among climbing schools. Using Aquaterra’s services in India They have access to one of the best glacier training areas in India, second only to their programmes in the United States in many respects.
Students receive hands-on climbing and climber safety training in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan regions during this course. This curriculum is for beginners and advanced climbers who want to learn the fundamentals of snow and glacier climbing as well as rock climbing.
Duration: 12 days
Course Fee: USD 2235 + 5% GST
