Introduction to Mountaineering
A mix of theory and on-ground practice in rock, snow and ice climbing
Available Batches
Brief Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Introduction to Mountaineering
Day 2 - Basics of Survival
Day 3 - Basics of Expeditions: What to Expect
Day 4 - Travel
Day 5 & 6 - Getting Our Boots Dirty
Day 7 - First Aid Basics & Mobilising Rescue
Day 8 - Wrapping it up
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Introduction to Mountaineering
Medium:
Mix of Theory and Practical
Sessions:
- Introduction to Mountaineering: The Course
- Introduction to mountaineering equipment
- All you need to know about packing and weight management on an expedition
Today, you arrive on location, acquaint yourself with your fellow batch mates and get comfortable in this new setting. After an opening address by our team who will introduce you to themselves, the course and what you can expect in the days to follow, we move on to the first session of the day i.e. Introduction to Mountaineering Equipment. We lay out the range of mountaineering equipment used in expeditions of over 7000M, describe and display each device with its features and many uses. We will practice using all of these in our on-ground sessions towards the end of the course. From here, we move on to the first basic skill needed to be anywhere in the outdoors – principals of packing for an expedition and how to manage weight on high altitude climbs.
This session marks the end of our day. Feel free to go over your notes and practice these skills as much as possible.
Day 2 - Basics of Survival
Medium:
Mix of Theory and Practical
Sessions:
- Mountain Terminology
- Mountain Basics
- Campsite Basics
- Knots and Hitches
- Creating Anchors
- Rope Coiling Techniques
- Nutrition and Hydration
Day 2 is about learning the basics of survival in the mountains. This includes lessons on basic do’s and don’ts when at high altitude, understanding the geographical features of mountains, things to consider when you pick a campsite, learning about kinds of tents and how to pitch a tent, what a campsite is composed of, how to select and carry food and the importance of hydration on high altitude. We move on from here to practical things like learning more about the ropes which are the lifelines of a climber, basic knots and hitches, how to create anchors and rope coiling techniques. Today will be an equal mix of theory and practical sessions.
Day 3 - Basics of Expeditions: What to Expect
Medium:
Theory
Sessions:
- Introduction to the structure of expeditions
- Altitude weather prediction
- Safety Protocols
- Seasonal impact
- Mountain conditions
- Climbing techniques: Ropes and un-roped climbing on steep terrain
- Management of risk for glacier travel
- Packing List
- Mountain Hazards
- Glacier travel: Things to remember
- Rescue techniques
Today is all about theory before we head out tomorrow to go to our on-ground site for practice. Theoretical knowledge is the first step to mastering any skill or terrain. This is why we stress on the importance of theory. This includes everything from how to choose a mountain to climb, the logistics and planning stages of an expedition, what to pack, gadgets to carry, how to read the weather, things that affect your climb, climbing techniques, things to remember while traversing on a glacial terrain and the like. Remember to bring all your questions about the mountains to these sessions today.
Day 4 - Travel
Today we travel to get to our on-ground site where we will dive deep into practical sessions on rock, snow and ice climbing.
Day 5 & 6 - Getting Our Boots Dirty
Medium:
Practical
Sessions:
- Gearing up for an expedition
- Glacier Traverse
- Using equipment on-ground
- Crevasse Rescue
- Self-Arrest Techniques
- Jumar Assisted Ascend and Abseiling Techniques
- Practicing a night climb
These two days are all about getting down and dirty on the mountain. We learn to adjust and put on our gear and head on out to the glaciers to practice all that we learnt in the last few days, meet all the geographical features of the mountain we memorized the names of, use the techniques of climbing and put all our equipment to good use. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Day 7 - First Aid Basics & Mobilising Rescue
Medium:
Mix of theory and practical
Sessions:
- Injuries and illnesses on high altitude
- First aid basics
- Basics of CPR
- Mobilising rescue
Today, we get down to some serious stuff and learn about the most common illnesses and injuries on high altitude and how to take care of them. Practice some first-aid techniques, learn about how to create a medical kit for the outdoors, demonstrate and practice CPR techniques and practice mobilizing rescue in remote locations with minimal supplies.
Day 8 - Wrapping it up
We travel back to our base location, go over the broad learnings from the past week and say our goodbyes at the end of the day.
What's Included
- Mountaineering instructors with required certification and on-ground experience
- Accommodation for days of training
- Local transfers to all training sites
- All 3 meals during training days
- Use of common and personal climbing gear
- Instructions, guides for safety/rescue support, all necessary rescue equipment
- Permits, Forest/National parks entry fees/permits, inner line permits, all necessary legal paperwork & documentation
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Course certificates for all students
What's Not Included
- Train/Air fares up to and from the starting and ending points
- Travel or adventure insurance
- Any portage services on the slopes
- Personal clothing, gloves and woolens
- Expenses of personal nature
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the schedule/program
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 4 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the course demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a trekking enthusiast who wants to take their journey ahead to climb high mountains but are lacking the technical skills to do so, this course is for you. This course will introduce you to all the common gears and techniques used in the sport of mountaineering.
The training requires a considerable level of endurance. If you can Jog/Run for 3 kms in 25-30 mins, you are physically ready to take on this training. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push-ups etc.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
Yes, it helps to have basic understanding of high-altitude and how your body reacts to it. If you are new to trekking, we would recommend you do a few treks marked at BRS level 3 & 4 before joining the course so as to get the maximum out of this 8 day training.
The minimum age limit is 18 years.
We hold the first 3 days of the training in Manali and the rest of the days on the slopes of Friendship Peak in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas.
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 with the outdoor leader to participant ratio at 1:4.
Starting anything new can be scary, but fret not, mountaineering is heaps of fun and with proper gear, experienced trainers and safety measures all laid out, it is also very safe.
The course is meticulously planned to equip you with the basic knowledge and techniques of mountaineering. This will help you advance from trekking to climbing more technical mountain peaks and embark on difficult, multi-camp mountaineering expeditions.
The training runs for full days with a combination of theory and practical sessions.
The best months for this are May to June and September to October.
On field, we have twin-sharing tents.
The temperature ranges between 15 to -5 depending on the season as well as the time of day during the months between May and October.
All the essentials/ personal clothing/ footwear you would pack for a high-altitude trek.
The training starts from Manali, which is a very popular tourist destination and hence extremely accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude backpacking centre, read How to reach Manali
Manali has impeccable connectivity of all phone networks. There will be no network once we leave Manali to go to our ice training site.
You will find plenty of ATMs in the main market place in Manali. Once we head out of Manali, there are no more ATMs on the way.
Expect to reach Manali by early afternoon. Expect to wrap up with the training by early evening on the last day. In case you are travelling out of Manali the same day, consider booking late night tickets in order to account for any possible delays.
At an elevation of 2,050M, the scenic landscape and ease of access make Manali a popular tourist destination. In addition to that, Manali is a playground for all levels of adventure enthusiasts. It is rich in sports other than trekking as well, like Paragliding, Ziplining, River Rafting, Biking, Cycling, and much more, in addition to tourist attractions like temples, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the most popular tourist places are Hidimba Temple, Jogini Falls, Naggar castle etc. In short, Manali is not short on things to keep you busy. While the town itself has much to offer, you can also check out other trekking trails which start from here. Some of the shorter ones are Beas Kund and Bhrigu Lake.
All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment needed for the training, like snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet, harness, carabiners, jumar, descender etc. are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our outdoor leaders.
You can rent trekking shoes, trekking pole, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
You will receive your rented equipment in Manali, on Day 1.
Our outdoor leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the training on the last day.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
Manali is a popular backpacking destination. It is also a starting point for some of the most popular trekking routes and climbing peaks. You will find shops in the main market of Manali to buy/rent equipment as needed.
No, since this is a training, you will be required to carry your own sack. Carrying your own load is part of the training since it is an essential skill required in any mountaineering expedition.
On all training days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the training. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the training) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper.
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our outdoor leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our outdoor leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the training. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues.
During camping days, there will be no electricity charging points available.
We do not offer pick-up and drop-off services. We only provide transportation to and from the training site.
A copy of your ID Proof (Aadhar card or any other government ID) and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this course. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while in the training.)
Yes, insurance for any adventure activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of any emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the course. You can buy it on your own from any third-party insurance company which provides adventure-based insurance.
Yes, there are permits required for this. We obtain the permit on behalf of each participant. The cost of the permit is included in your course fee.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the course. In case you were unable to finish the course, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the course, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
We hold the training in Manali, which is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the activity you are undertaking.
The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched. It is a perfect site to learn the basics of mountaineering.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Method of Instruction certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to be an instructor for this course. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit (link to video).
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women in training, a solo female participant is provided with a separate single-occupancy accommodation.
Our batch sizes for this course are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:4.
In addition to their qualification, our outdoor leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our participants. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our outdoor leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the course fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you buy an adventure-insurance, the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of the claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them.
All the gear used on our treks, expeditions and training is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails providing other details of the course. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before the start of the course. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to the course will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before the start of the course. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to the course will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the start date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the course starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person when you arrive for the course.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Skilled Instructors
Our outdoor Instructors for this course are MOI (Method of Instruction) certified from one of the five reputed mountaineering institutes of India. Their extensive on-ground experience of leading high-altitude expeditions makes them adept at the practical application of their knowledge. In addition to their qualification, by the way of work and training regimes, our leaders go through practical and situational drills to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground.
Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. In addition to other certifications, they also go through NWLS (National Wilderness Life Support) training once every year. This training is a gold standard when it comes to providing emergency care in remote locations like the outdoors.
Individual Attention
Our batch sizes for this course are capped at 15 with the outdoor leader to participant ratio of 1:4 making it beginner-friendly. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each participant so that no signs of distress or need during the course go unnoticed. It also ensures a chance at equal participation and practice for each student of the course. This is extremely important since like most things, practicing basics on the ground is what will eventually lead to success.
Guided Progression
As a learning-based organization, we want to help our community of outdoor enthusiasts build their skills when it comes to the outdoors so as to advance them to being proficient climbers. This serves a two-fold purpose – firstly, it helps build on the ethos of responsible climbing which we strongly believe in ourselves and secondly it helps you smoothen the transition from trekking to climbing providing you with a gradual, systematic and organized approach to moving up the ladder of difficulty when it comes to your mountain adventures. This course uses a step-by-step approach to impart the range of knowledge and skills required to advance from being a novice hiker to a self-sufficient mountaineer.
Quality of Equipment
All the gear used for the course is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety. We also try to keep updating our equipment so that we are using the latest technology available for climbing as supported in the region.
Safety Measures
Qualification of leaders, quality of equipment and small batch sizes all lead to a tightened hold on security and safety of individuals. In addition to these measures, we also have a massive team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. We have an established network of local support and communication systems that ensure access to care in any kind of an emergency.
Duration of the Course
While India, fortunately, has very good systemic and infrastructural support to pursue climbing in the form of 5 premier institutes of mountaineering, we also recognize and understand that taking a month out of your schedule is not always possible. This course, hence, is carefully designed to condense all that learning in a rigorous 8 day schedule so as to make it accessible to everyone.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Know How
Harnesses are a common part of modern climbing gear and their key function is to ensure that the climber is safely secured to the rope or the safety system. They consist of two leg loops and one hip belt. The leg loops are attached to the hip belt wi...
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Know How
Ascenders are crucial mountaineering devices that are required on steep terrain, mostly on glacial regions, hauling people or gear on walls, crevasse rescue and particularly while climbing a fixed line. There are a number of situations in which a cli...
Read full
Know How
Climbing boots provide you with much needed support and comfort to walk and climb long distances. Without them, your feet wouldn’t make it to the summit! They also protect your feet from harsh weather conditions in higher altitudes and keep the...
Read full
Know How
Clothing can make or break your expedition! Mountaineering expeditions often take you through different kinds of terrain and this warrants a smart clothing technique. You should be able to add or remove layers with ease to adjust to the weather in a ...
Read full
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