Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling - Things You Need to Know

Darjeeling, one of the quaint hill-stations of India, is a popular hill station of Eastern India. Surrounded by hills and ridges, and overlooking the mighty Himalayas the place is an ideal destination to escape the Indian summers. Darjeeling, also referred to as Queen of the Hills, attracts nature lovers and mountaineers alike.

The rush of watching the mighty Kanchenjunga cannot be explained in word. The adventure seekers have been trying to conquer the Himalayas. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling (HMI) has been training these diehards and helping them in summiting the highest peaks in the world.

The institution runs basic 28-day course for the beginners and advanced mountaineering courses for experienced mountaineers. Located within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the HMI was established in the early 1950s to provide mountaineering training to beginners and experienced climber.

Let’s uncover some of the helpful details regarding this iconic institution so that you can plan a memorable trip to this iconic place.

Quick Glance

Address: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Opening time: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm (Closed on Tuesday and off-season)

Entry Fee: INR 100 (extra for the camera – still or video)

Famous for: Mountaineering training

Best time to visit: March to May and September to December

How to reach: Located on the birch hill park, you can walk to the institute from Jawahar Road or hire a cab.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – The beginning

After Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s victory over Mt Everest, the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Chief Minister of West Bengal came together to establish HMI. Initially, the institutions ran from the Roy Villa in Lebong Cart Road. However, in the subsequent years the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling was shifted to its current location.

Within the following decade, the institute became the favorite among mountaineering and climbing enthusiasts from the different corners of the world.

After his Everest expedition, Tenzing Norgay became the first Director of Field Training of the establishment. Tenzing Norgay's Samadhi spot has the statue of this iconic Indian mountaineer, which inspires the upcoming generations to triumph over the Mt. Everest.

Different Types of Courses Available at the HMI

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling is known to help mountaineering enthusiasts with the necessary training required to scale the mountains. Specialized courses have been developed by HMI to help the differently-able people. Trekking, rock-climbing, and water-sport activities are preferred by many people who enroll in the institute.

Overall, there are more than scheduled courses in different categories including Basic, Adventure, and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These courses mostly last a month and focus on different focal points of mountaineering courses. Both Indian and international students can enroll in these courses. Since these are residential programs, the applicants get the chance to stay at the institution.

The opportunity to stay at a stunning venue, with an extraordinary view, makes the mountaineering courses a stunning experience.

Things Not to Miss at the Mountaineering Institute

Apart from the training programs, many visitors come to the HMI for sightseeing and learning experience. Plus, the view of the mountains makes this place a hot favorite among tourists. Here are some of the popular tourist attractions of the institution:

1. Museum

Each year, close to half a million, vacationers come to the HMI museum for an educational tour. The museum is divided into three sections - Mount Everest Expedition, Mountaineering History, and A Panorama of Himalayan Life. The view of the mighty Kanchenjunga from the museum complex is one of the top highlights of this place.

2. Auditorium

The grand auditorium, that can house more than 200 students at a time, is frequently is used to host important events.

3. Library

With a huge collection of books and periodicals – mainly travel, mountaineering, exploration, and so on, it is a treasure trove of information.

4. Souvenir shop

Sells Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling authorized memorabilia and souvenirs. The institute is the ideal place to buy mountaineering-themed gifts to take back home.

What Next?

After exploring the HMI, you can spend the rest of the day exploring these popular places:

1. Riding the Toy Train

If you are at Darjeeling, then hopping on to a toy train is a must. You can begin your trip from Ghoom, enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful hills, and end your trip at Kurseong. The riding a toy train is a romantic experience, and must not be missed by couples.

2. Sunrise at Tiger Hills

Witnessing the sunrise at Tiger Hill is a surreal experience. The glowing golden sunlight, rising from the east, is a mesmerizing experience that cannot be explained in words.

3. Tea Plantation and Dooars

Make it a point to visit the aromatic tea plantations of Darjeeling. These tea estates, some built during the colonial era, are famous for their flavorful tea and sprawling natural beauty. If you are a tea lover, then do remember to taste the refreshing Darjeeling Tea.

4. Mandatory Momos and Thukpa Expedition

Darjeeling food culture is simply mesmerizing. However, momos and Thukpa is the star of the region. Savoring the hot momos and Thukpa on a chilly rainy day is a must-have experience.

Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station, well-known for its stunning beauty and interesting landmarks. The beautiful colonial architecture and beautiful weather make it’s a favorite summer holiday destination of the country. People who love the mountains and want to summit its peak come to the iconic Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling for training purposes.

If you too love the mountains, then HMI can help you in summiting it.