The H.M.I conducts the following courses :

A ) BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE:

The objects of the basic course are:

(a) to teach the trainees both theoretical and practical mountaineering techniques,
(b) to create attitude among the trainees so that they may view mountaineering as an art and not exclusively as a physical activity,
(c) to stimulate in them an incentive to higher endeavour,
(d) to infuse in them in outline, scientific subject dealing with all important aspects of the mountains and mountaineering,
(e) to make available to the trainees suitable and relevant literature and reading material on mountaineering.
(f) to teach them how to make themselves comfortable and preserve their health in new environment,
(g) to toughen up their bodies, thereby increasing their resistance to cold, hunger and fatigue.

No effort is spared at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to cultivate all these essential traits and qualities amongst the trainees. An aspiring mountaineer is conditioned and shaped here by a tough Basic Course for 28 days, 20 of which are spent on the mountains, up to 6097m/20,000ft. in altitude. The Base Camp, 4 days trek and 85 km from Darjeeling, is situated at an altitude of 14,700 ft amidst beautiful surroundings in Western Sikkim. The trainees attempt the neighboring peaks during field training.

Basic Courses are organised 6 times a year, during March-April-May, September-October, October-November and November-December.
Note: May course is reserved for women only.

B ) ADVANCE MOUNTAINEERING COURSE :

The Advance Course provides additional training and experience of climbing after obtaining appropriate grades in the Basic Course and recommended for Advance Course. Beside advance techniques of climbing, the course includes lessons and exercise in planning and organizing expeditions. The course is of 28 days.

Acclimatisation:

Beside attending lectures on the academic aspects of mountaineering and bouldering on Tenzing and Gombu rocks, the trainees under take exercise in load carrying and trekking around Darjeeling to prepare themselves for the approach march to the Base Camp and field beyond snowline.

Trekking:

Approach to Base Camp begins from Yoksum in West Sikkim 5,800 ft., the end of 90 km bus journey from Darjeeling.The 75 km distance to Base Camp is covered by trekking in 4 days. The trek provides experience of passing through a sub-alpine forest of Western Sikkim.

Field Training:

It includes training in snow and ice craft, advanced rock climbing, use of latest climbing equipment, skills of crevasse crossing and mountain rescue and camp setting and climbing peaks in course of training. The course terminates with a formal Graduation Ceremony when the students are presented with their qualification badges.

C ) ADVENTURE COURSE :

The aim of the Adventure Course is to instill the spirit of Adventure among boys and girls and also among adults.It also provides a stimulating experience of physical outdoor pursuits, such as canoeing, rock climbing, trekking and various events of leisure sports, offered by the course.

Subsidised fee mentioned above is for Indian citizens only.Foreign Nationals may join Adventure,Basic and Advance courses by paying course fee of US$250, $500, $500 respectively.They will be permitted to join these courses subject to their obtaining Restricted /Protected Area Permits,wherever necessary from the Competent Authority,prior to their visit and their complying with the instructions of the Government of India in this regard.Foreign nationals should apply for admission in the said courses to the Principal,H.M.I,Darjeeling three months in advance giving their full particulars e.g., name, age, nationality, occupation/profession, passport number, visa number, permanent address and local address(if any) alongwith a copy of the Restricted /Protected Area Permits obtained by them for their visit from the Competent Authority. Total of 10 Foreign Students can be accomodated in every course.

ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION :

HOW TO REACH HMI:

(a) AIRPORT: The Nearest Airport is Bagdogra, which is located approximately
87 km, from Darjeeling. Regular air service is available from Delhi and Calcutta by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.
(b) RAILROAD: Railhead in New Jalpaiguri, which is about 90 km from Darjeeling. All trains going towards Guwahati pass through New Jalpaiguri.
(c) The Institute is approximately 2 km from Darjeeling town bus stand.
(d) Regular and bus and taxi services are available from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. The travel time by road is 3-4 hours.
Candidates are advised to check about timings before hand to avoid inconvenience.

PERSONAL ITEMS TO BE BROUGHT BY THE CANDIDATES:

(a) Light hat for trekking
(b) Scarf woollen and Balaclava.
(c) Underwear
(d) Light weight rain-coat or Umbrella
(e) Nylon socks - 3 pairs
(f) Two cotton sport shirts for trekking.
(g) Jungle boots/ trekking boots - one pair.
(h) Small torch with cells.
(i) Writing materials.
(j) Toilet requisites.
(k) Woolen gloves - one pair.
(l) Water proof cover for turbans (for sikhs only).
(m) Swimming trunks / swimsuit (for Adventure Course trainees only).
(n) Woolen socks - 2 pairs.
(o) Sun glasses.
(p) Woolen pullover.
(q) Small jungle knife nails and tin cutter.
(r) Anti Chap Cream i.e. Vaseline/ Boroline.
(s) Small locks.
(t) Bed sheet and pillow cover - 2 each.

DEPARTURE AND RAILWAY CONCESSION:

(a) The candidates are required to leave the Institute Hostel on last day of the course.
(b) One way railway concession forms for return can be issued to private candidates. The application for this should be made to the principal of the institute after reporting for the course.
(c) Railway concession forms for reporting to the institute will not be issued.
(d) The institute does not have the facilities for arranging bus/rail/air reservation.

PRE COURSE TRAINNING :

(a) The candidates must be physically fit and mentally robust to go through the course. One month of regular exercise and jogging for one hour everyday is helpful. Regular walking practice to about 10 - 12 km on uneven terrain with 15 kg. Load for a month is recommended.
(b) Exercise to strengthen calf, thigh, back and shoulder muscles also helps.

Near the summit of Kokthang North peak.	River rafting in Teesta river