Year: 2013

Mountaineering knots can be divided into climbing knots, anchoring knots, joining knots and special knots. Every knot has its unique purpose and need to be applied at right place to be sure of safety and climbing without wasting energy (which can be saved by using right knots).

There is a universal knot which can be used for anchoring, climbing. Step by step guide to the knot is provided @http://www.scribd.com/doc/50119204/BowLine

Another used which is widely used for anchoring purpose is Figure of 8 (eight). Step by step guide is given @http://www.scribd.com/Figure-of-Eight/d/50119207

Safety Knot

One need to be well aware of safety, this knot is used to complete variety of knots to make sure they do not open up. In this case hold one hand fixed while move the running end on round of fixed end and pass thorough the loop.

Note: End of the rope which can be moved freely is called moving end. Other hand of the rope where you have plenty of rope and which cannot be moved freely is called running end.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports is situated on left bank of Beas River in Village Aleo, Manali. Earlier institute was known as Western Himalaya Mountaineering Institute and later named to DMAS (Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied sports). It is currently known as ABVIMAS among adventure community.

Institute is at walking distance from Manali bus stand. It has two hostels and dining hall which has capacity of more than 200 students. Library in institute offers number of books on mountaineering and adventure sports. Institute has small inbuilt training area. Small regional centers of the institute are present in Narkanda, Dharamshala, Solang Nala and Pong dam. Institute conducts number of courses throughout the year.

Mountaineering Courses

Institute conduct Basic mountaineering course, Advance Mountaineering Course and Method of instructions course. Basic and Advance course consist of training of rock, ice and snow craft. First few days will be spent in Manali Campus while later part of course will be covered at training area. Training area could be either Bakar-Thach or Lahaul-Spiti Valley.

Method of instruction course concentrates more on rescue work and involves instructor training.

Skiing course

Institute conduct skiing course in Solang Nala. ABVIMAS campus is there to provide accommodation. It has basic, intermediate and method of instructions courses available. Skiing course are conducted mainly from Jan to March every year. These are 16 days programs and very nominal charges are taken by institute.

Water and Aero Sports

Water sports are mainly conducted at Pong-Dam. Apart from Basic course institute offers rafting, kayaking courses as well. Aero sports include Para-Gliding course which is 5 days course and is basically conducted on Solang Nala slope in May to June.

Trekking and Adventure camps

Apart from organized course institute also offer trekking and team building adventure activities on group basis.

For detail schedule of programs and current charges kindly visit institute website @ ABVIMAS Manali