Year: 2013

Course started with reaching Manali early in the morning on 30^th April. I took a cup of tea at bus stand and came to know that Atal Bihari Vajeypayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) is situated on left bank of river Beas in Aleo which is 2km from bus stand. I went by walk to the place.

Day was spent visiting Hadimba Devi Temple and roaming in the market. First day of the course went in selecting course senior and dividing students in ropes (groups). Instructors tried their best to make sure no two person of same state stay in same rope. Next seven days we woke up early to visit nearby sites with our rucksack on the back. We visited Vashisht, Suru Devi and Hadimba Devi temple. Every day we were going to field where we practiced rock climbing, jumaring, rappelling and river crossing. Post lunch time was utilized in learning some theory which include introduction to Himalaya, Hazards in mountains, Mountain illnesses and Mountain manners. In this time we also learned knots to be used in mountaineering. One day was given to us as free day when we can do shopping from Manali market.

There was artificial wall climbing on 9th May. Next day was a departure to Solang Nala where we reached in the afternoon with our rucksacks (full of equipments and personnel clothing) on our back. It was trek of 13km. We went for acclimatization walk in the evening and there was small lecture on flora and fauna. On 12th May we left for Patalsu peak with water bottle and refreshment. Next day we left for Bakar-thach, our training area. It was 11 km trek out of which first 7 km was by road while last 4km was little steep. There was raining on the way and we reached half wet. Tea was served in the kitchen at camp.

Camp site was surrounded by Hanuman Tibba, Seven sisters, Shitidhar, Friendship, Ladhakhi and Manali peaks. There was snow all around us. We played volleyball in the evening. We (rope 4) won our match against rope 3 by 15-5. Next day was acclimatization walk; we walked around the mountains surrounding our camp. We went to Beas glacier and Beas Kund . It was sum total of 16 km walk and we came back to camp at 2:30PM.

Next two days were training on snow and lectures in the evening. On 17^th May it was raining and our instructors decided to wait for some time. Rain continued for whole day and we kept resting inside our tents. Next day it was still raining and our instructors decided to go in the field. Due to heavy rain today, day ended only in demonstrations. Next day weather was clear, first we practiced anchoring and belaying on snow then there was lecture on crampon and cramponing. We used crampons today and it was long day we came back 3:30PM. 20^th may , Instructors decided to train for whole day to cover up days lost due to rain. We went to Beas glacier and practiced ice wall, tractioning, rappelling and jumaring on ice. We came back to base camp by 6:30Pm. Next day was height gain and we were given dry fruits, refreshments as next day lunch will not be there.

We woke up 4:30AM and started preparing for height gain. We left by 6:00AM. I started strong and reached Beas kund with first group. From here on I and Purvesh we both went together and reached 15,800 feet by 12:15.It was great joy to achieve it. We came back to camp by 6:00PM. Next day was test on rock climbing, knots, rappelling, snow craft and equipment knowledge. In the evening we came to know that there will be survival night today. We were asked to bring empty rucksack, water bottle, carry mate and were asked to come back in morning. Gurvinder(Rinku) found a good place  for the night and we came back to Bakar-Thach by 5 AM.

Next day it was raining when we left for Solang. I called up home after reaching Solang and we spent evening in tourist area. Next day was trek to Manali while 25^th May was written test day. There was graduation ceremony on 26^th May and majority of students left that day itself. I left Manali on 27^th May and came back home same day.

Result was declared on 20th June and I got ‘A’ grade.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/33605102/Basic-Mountaineering-Course-in-Himalaya

Himalaya also called Abode of snow has always been source of inspiration for trekkers to explore far and further. It has it own place in the heart of trekkers/mountaineers. Trekking starts with smalls treks but once been to Himalayas, it becomes difficult to stop coming here. Himalaya,being youngest and Highest mountain range of the world, offers number of opportunities for trekkers and mountaineers in terms of small/difficult treks where you may need to stay in jungle for 3-4 days, experience culture of mountain villages and meet some of least touch civilizations.

Trekking is comparatively easier to mountaineering and you get enough time to admire beautiful snow covered peaks of Himalayas. From ancient times ascetics have been to Himalaya in search of peace and in the process they have made pilgrimage places all over on lower and central Himalaya. This will include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Vaishno Devi, Mansarovar Lake and many more.

One also experience pure water and healthy environment. Even though being hard work of hiking, trekker return home rejuvenated and unforgettable memories from Himalaya. Some basic things which serious trekker (Trek of more then 2-3 days ) should consider is

Highly recommended  (Carry in diff Bag and keep always with you)

• Lighter & Knife
• Water Bottle or Hydration Packs
• Torch (LED if possible) with extra batteries
• Basic medication & Dry Ration (Chocolates will do)
• Poncho / Rain-Cover
• Toilet Paper / Soap

Recommended

• Sleeping bag
• Tent
• Stove/Pots/Cooking – for long trek

Optional

• Walkin Stick
• Cap/Hat & Sunscreen Cream

“Those who imposed their human rules over the natural laws of the mountain were extremely lucky if they lived to regret it” Erik Weihenmayer .

Trekking manners

• Greet people coming back/Going to trek and pass information about trek. (they can provide some imp information of the trek on your way)
• Respect the culture of villages/countrymen on the way (Trekking is not possible without their help)
• Keep walking distance between two trekkers (Never walk side by side, Try to walk in Queue)
• Do not throw stones down the mountain and if you see any rock/stone coming down the mountain then shout ‘Watch-out’ so to warn other team members.
• Don’t judge distance of end point
• Drink adequate water and replenish your bottles as soon water is available.
• Ask for slow walkers to move ahead of the group (So they are not left behind)
• Make your tent/rest place 60-70 meters away from the river/water source as animal come in night to drink (To avoid any potential conflict)
• Read basic information of jungle where you are going to trek (carry snake bite kit if required)
• In difficult trek, at least 2-3 members in team should have rescue knowledge to avoid any hazard.
• Do not shout in night (it can attract wild animals)

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering UttarKashi was established in 1965, it is one of the pioneer institutes in field of mountaineering. Course conducted in NIM focus more on technical aspect of mountaineering and train person to be able to use all equipment on their optimum level. NIM had led several mountaineering expeditions and alumni of the institute include Bachendri Pal.

Campus consists of Library, Hostel ‘Tapovan’, Auditorium and adventure hall where number of international artificial wall climbing competitions have taken place.

How to Reach Campus

Uttarkashi is 6-7 hours journey from Rishikesh. From Bus stand one can book direct cab to campus or take share cab to Joshriya taxi stand and from there walk till campus.

Seat Availability

Since NIM is quite popular among adventure community Basic and Advance seat get over 4-6 months before the course start depending upon demand.

Eligibility and Fitness (NIM Recommends)

• 3-4 hours, 10 to 15 kms walk on uneven terrain with 12-15 kgs load in backpack for at least 3 days a week.
• Long distance running (regularly), free hand exercises to strengthen the calf, thigh, shoulder and back muscles.
• Stop/reduce smoking and drinking and avoid stimulating drugs
• Read some books on mountaineering so as to kindle in themselves an interest in their surroundings, which will help them to enjoy their stay in the mountains

Source for table and fitness:  NIM Website – www.nimindia.net