Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) of Darjeeling

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was established in Darjeeling, India on November 4, 1954 with the sole intention to form mountaineering and to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. It was established in Darjeeling, at an elevation of approximately 2100m. The Institute shares a site with Darjeeling Zoo, through which visitors must walk to access the HMI. Apart from Tenzing Norgay, other legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu, who was the first man to climb Everest twice, and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit. The Institute houses India's oldest mountaineering museum with exhibits relating to both the conquest of Mount Everest and to Himalayan exploration in general. It contains artefacts from Everest expeditions such as clothing and equipment as well as a 'Wall of Fame' with photographs of the world's most famous climbers. In addition to the museum, the Institute offers mountaineering training courses at all levels for both local and international guests. The cremation site of Tensing Norgay can also be seen and there is a memorial to celebrate his life and work at the Institute. With the impetus provided by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, HMI was established in Darjeeling. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of field training for HMI. HMI regularly conducts Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These are very comprehensive courses. They are also highly subsidized to encourage mountaineering as a sport.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute aims at promoting the science and art of mountaineering among its members, including honorary, associate and life members. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers a basic mountaineering course of teaching the trainees both theoretical and practical mountaineering techniques, motivating them for higher endeavors, creating attitude among the trainees. Every possible effort is taken at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to nurture all these necessary traits and qualities amongst the trainees. An aspiring mountaineer is shaped and moulded here by a tough Basic Course for 28 days, 20 of which are spent on the mountains at about 6097m elevation. The Base Camp which is 4 days trek and 85 km from Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 14,700 ft amidst lovely surroundings in Western Sikkim. These courses are oriented to teach candidates a broad range of skills required for high-altitude climbing. Foreigners should apply at least three months in advance. There are also a number of 15-day adventure courses for those aged between 14 and 40. The trainees climb up the neighbouring peaks during field training. The basic courses in Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are organised 6 times a year, during March-April-May, September-October, October-November and November-December.

One can attain a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling. One of the major interests of the visitors in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling is the Veb Carl Zeiss Jena telescope that can be used to observe the planetary movements. Along with Himalayan Mountaineering Institute you can also pay a visit to The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is right next to the institute and known internationally for its successful breeding programmes of the endangered snow leopard and the red panda. You will also see the rare Siberian tiger and Tibetan wolves here.