Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

4.6

Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, India

Estimated Visiting Time: Around 3 to 4 hours

In Darjeeling, there is a reputable mountaineering institute called the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, established it on November 4, 1954. This institution’s main goal is to teach interested and enthusiastic mountaineers mountaineering techniques and expertise.

The institute was founded to commemorate the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the legendary mountaineer, and Sir Edmund Hillary, the mountaineer of New Zealand, who together became successful to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. Many mountaineering and adventure courses, including those in rock climbing, rescue methods, ice climbing, wilderness survival, etc. are offered by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. These programs draw the attention of learners and climbers from all over the world, who come to the Institute and learn from skilled trainers.

Attraction

The main attraction of HMI is the museum. There are personal items of Tenzing Norgay and the other equipment mountaineering displayed here which inspired the learners.

Outside of the museum, there is Tenzing Norgay’s Samadhi and a statue of him. The majestic view of the inside and outside of the Institute attracts visitors. One can enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan peak from here. There is also a zoo where different animals are shown found in Himalayan regions.

There are numerous indoor and outdoor facilities. In honor of the institute’s first Principal, there is a big auditorium that is Jayal Hall. Almost 150 students can live there. Different seminars and the showing of films about mountaineering take place in the theater. There is a library on the property with over 250 related to mountaineering and other topics like flora and fauna, adventure, travel, etc.

History

A renowned mountaineering school and training facility is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). Following Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful ascent of Mount Everest, it was founded. After the historic success of climbing the highest peak in the world, mountaineering became extremely popular in India. As a result, the Indian government, headed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, made the decision to establish an organization to promote climbing and adventure sports. The institute was established with the goal of instructing and educating motivated climbers from India and all over the world in climbing techniques and skills. The first Director of Field Training at the institute was Tenzing Norgay, who was crucial to the Everest expedition.

Inside/Outside Views

One’s trip to HMI will be remembered for its famous tea gardens and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga mountain. The oldest mountaineering museum is located at HMI. It was founded in 1957. Models, paintings, sculptures, pictures, books, manuscripts, mountaineering gear from illustrious mountaineers, and other items of hill

People’s culture is on show in the museum.

Opening Hours

It remains open 6 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. But It remains closed for tourists on Thursdays.

Entry & Others Fees

The combined ticket price is Rs. 110/- per person
Children below 6 years old are free.
There is an additional charge for taking cameras inside (Rs. 10/-).
Zipline cost is Rs. 80/-
Combined with Tree Walk, There is a package that costs Rs. 210/-.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport, Bagdogra, is 90 km (by NH 110) from Darjeeling and is serviced by aircraft from important cities including Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. Bagdogra Airport offers a pre-paid taxi stand service.

By Train: Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the two closest railway stations, with Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station being the furthest away (88 km) from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Direct rail connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and other important Indian cities are available from these train stations. The Railway also offers pre-paid taxi stand services like Bagdogra Airport.

By Road: NH 55 is the primary highway from Siliguri, which is located 77 km distant and connects to all of India’s major towns, to Darjeeling. The Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri offers access to buses. Also available for rental or sharing are smaller vehicles at the train station, police motor stand, motor club, and airport. The four options from Siliguri to Darjeeling are the Tindharia-Kurseong road, the Dudhia-Mirik route, the Rohini route, and the Pankhabari path.