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