Being a student, it is hard to ignore the campuses of institutions world over and compare their structural and educational layouts. I was eager to understand the educational system of the beautiful city of Darjeeling and have dragged my tour guide to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute with me today.
We all have heard some crazy things in our lives I’m sure. Darjeeling cherishes the first and probably only institute for Mountaineering in all of India. The first Prime Minister Of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru provided the impetus to establish the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, establishing a well-respected endeavor for people of the region.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling | Image Resource : wokimedia.org/
Ever since the first ascent of the Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953, Mountaineering has been encouraged as an organized sport in India. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is known to regularly conduct Adventures, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These courses are considered very comprehensive and are highly subsidized to encouraging Mountaineering as a Sport.
Campus and Courses
Right within the grounds of the zoo, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has been constructed, providing training to some of India’s Leading Mountaineers since 1954. The complex also holds a very fascinating Mountaineering Museum, housing multiple memorabilia and numerous details from 1922 to 1924 Everest Expeditions and several other recent summit attempts. Look out for the Carl Zeiss Telescope, which was presented by Adolf Hitler to the Head of the Nepali Army as you stroll through the museum.
Entrance of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute | Image Resource : rimoexpeditions.com
The zoo has entry fees which cost Rs. 50, and though the expanse is huge, it was very well maintained and clean.
Upon interacting with the zoo caretakers we were told that the zoo is internationally famous for its red panda and snow leopard conservation breeding programs.
The zoo also houses a wide variety of birds along with the Siberian Tigers, bears, wolves which were caged.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling | Image Resource : wikipedia.org
The statue of Sir Tenzing Norgay can be found beside his cremated ground near the museum. Tenzing was also the director of the Institute for several years. Running the basic and advanced 28 day Mountaineering courses scheduled from March to May and again from September to December, these course orient to teach the candidates on a broad range of skills that are required for high altitude climbing level.
Foreigners need to apply minimum 3 months in advance and there is also a special 15-day adventure courses for all aged between 14 and 40. Combining a wide range of adventurous activities such as trekking, rock climbing, camping and water sports are also offered in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Visit the campus and you might want to take up a course to get some exhilarating action in your life. I know I do. Check out the lovely pictures I have clicked for you.