Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts a variety of mountaineering and adventure courses which are intensive and give trainees an opportunity to develop skill in mountain climbing, and aims to develop a spirit of adventure in each student.

Hmi conducts three Mountaineering courses, basic advance and method of instruction course. Beside that adventure courses for teenagers, search and rescue course and rock climbing courses.

ADVENTURE COURSE

Fifteen days’ adventure course is designed on the same pattern as outward bound courses abroad. It is primarily for teenage boys and girls. However adults are also permitted in special adventure course. The course provides a stimulating experience of physical outdoor pursuits such as trekking, camping, rock craft and water sports. The course is designed to install a sense of comradeship, discipline, selflessness and concern for environment protection.

BASIC COURSE

The Basic Mountaineering course is the stepping stone to the world of rock, snow and ice climbing. The modest beginning empowers an individual to participate in any expedition up to heights of 7000 Meters or there about. The entire range of skills required to climb mountains is imparted to the trainees. The duration of the course is of 28 days. Field training is carried out at Chaurikhang, the Institute’s base camp (BC) in West Sikkim at an altitude of 14600 ft. The base camp is the most beautiful place in West Sikkim. One gets a fibulas view of Kabru group of mountains along with Rathong and Kokthang Peaks. Frey and BC Roy peaks in the vicinity are attempted by trainees during this course. The schedule basic courses are conducted during March, April, May September, October and November every year.

ADVANCE COURSE

The duration of the course is 28 days. Trainees who qualified with ‘A’ grade in basic course are eligible for advance course. The course provides advance training and experience of climbing a mountain in an expedition planned by trainees under the supervision of Instructors. They also learn the various techniques of rescue operations in varied mountainous terrain. The advance trainees spend 21 days in the mountain for learning higher skills. The advance course empowers a trainee with vast knowledge of actual climbing done in expeditions. Scheduled advance course are conducted during March, May and September every year.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION COURSE

Only those trainees who obtain ‘A’ grade in advance course and have an inclination to pursue mountaineering as a career are recommended for this course. Besides testing their knowledge on advance techniques, the trainees are given practical training to handle students and develop instructional ability. This course is also for 28 days. It aims to create a pool of potential guides and instructors for every part of the world who can promote mountaineering in their respective areas through various clubs and foundations.

SEARCH AND RESCUE COURSE

The course covers Search & Rescue operations in the Himalayas with particular reference to Rescue techniques on rock, snow and ice, First-aid, Mountain Navigation, Radio Telephony, Liaison with various organizations and their involvement during Rescue operations, Audio and Visual communication Signals and evacuation methods including use of helicopters.