After a long wait since we announced pre-orders, we have finally started shipping our calendars! 

The first lot of 300 calendars went out of our store yesterday (Nov 14th). We have 1,200 more booked already, which our team is speedily shipping this week! 

If you have not yet ordered yours, now is the best time to do it. We have hardly 300 calendars left. This is the link to place the order.

What’s really exciting this time is that we not only have our iconic wall calendar, but we have a classy desk calendar too. :)

For a long time, we’ve toyed with the idea of having a desk calendar. But we have always been hesitant about whether it would do justice to the grand pictures we have from the mountains. 

After receiving our proof copy fresh off the press, we are floored by the desk calendar as much as we are about the wall calendar. 

Our wall calendar, of course, needs no introduction. 

Just like every year, this year also the wall calendar is large, 19 inches in width and 14 inches in height. It bursts to life, giving you the wonderful feeling that the mountains are truly in your room.

The best part? Both calendars have unique photographs. So you can put up the wall calendar in your home, and keep the desk calendar on your work desk. At least that’s what I plan to do! :)

I must say, a lot of effort has gone into making the calendar. It took us close to two months to select 24 images for both the calendars. But we loved the process! 

The photos have all been taken by Indiahikes trekkers and team members. And what an honour it is for them to be featured in this calendar! 

All I can say is that this year too, the much-loved gold calendars live up to all its hype from the past 5 years. It is truly a mountain lover’s calendar. 

So pre-order yours soon. Last year, our calendar sold out in 13 days. 

The desk calendar costs Rs 320. And the wall calendar costs Rs 520. 

This cost includes all taxes and shipping. 

There’s also a 15% discount if you order two or more calendars. Hope you make full use of it. 

Here’s are the links to order the calendars

It will take around 2-3 days to reach cities around Bangalore, and around 4-5 days to reach cities farther away.

If you’re looking to have it shipped internationally, we’ll be happy to send it. There’s an extra shipping cost for that. Please write to latika@indiahikes.com about it. She will gelp you out.

In case you want to order for large quantities as well (above 20), get in touch with her. We’ll help process your order quickly. 

Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar 2023 Now Shipping!

For all of you looking to pursue a career in mountaineering or trekking, a mountaineering course is strongly recommended. But there is not much information out there about how to prepare and register for, and eventually complete a mountaineering course.

In this article, I hope to address exactly these aspects.

I completed a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) early in 2018. I got my certification from NIMAS, one of the more recent mountaineering institutions.

But I did a whole lot of research before my mountaineering course. I’m sharing everything I learnt from my research here.

The artificial climbing wall (75ft) at Camp 0 (NIMAS campus). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

To begin with, there are various courses in mountaineering.

Most institutes require the completion of the Basic Mountaineering Course (with a certain grade) to register for the Advanced Mountaineering Course. After completing the Advanced Mountaineering Course (with a certain grade), one can apply for the Method of Instruction or/and the Search and Rescue course.

Theory classes at Camp 0 (NIMAS campus) are an important part of the course.

There are five nationalized mountaineering institutes in India which are considered to be the best. In the order of establishment date, they are:

1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling (founded in 1954)

2. Atal Bihari Vajpai Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali (founded in 1961)

3. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi (Founded in 1965)

4. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam, J&K (Founded in 1983)

5. National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Arunachal Pradesh

Most people look for the best institute while registering for the basic mountaineering course. I chose the one which had the least waiting time with an option to register online – NIMAS, Arunachal Pradesh. The waiting time is the most significant difference among the institutes.

The course fee also varies between the institutes but still subsidized greatly, since they are supported by the Ministry of Defense. This fee includes the training fees, food and stay for the duration of the course.

Here are the approximate the waiting times and course fees (as of September 2022):

<table class=" table table-hover" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><th><b>Institute</b></th><th><b>Approx. Wait Time</b></th><th><b>Course Fee for Indians (excluding extra taxes/charges)</b></th><th><b>Course Fee for Foreigners (excluding extra taxes/charges)</b></th></tr><tr><td>NIM, Uttarkashi</td><td>2 Years</td><td>Rs.16,940</td><td>$880</td></tr><tr><td>HMI, Darjeeling</td><td>1.5 Years</td><td>Rs.18,630</td><td>$934</td></tr><tr><td>JIM, Jammu & Kashmir</td><td>6-8 Months</td><td>Rs 18,650 (Rs 12,600 for J&K Residents)</td><td>NA</td></tr><tr><td>NIMAS, Dirang</td><td>No Wait Time</td><td>Rs.24,200</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>ABVIMAS, Manali</td><td>6 months</td><td>Rs.17,160</td><td>Rs 57,200</td></tr></tbody></table>

Note: These are just approximate waiting time which can vary according to circumstances. It can increase or decrease in the coming years.

After doing some research, I learnt that the teaching methodology is quite similar in all the institutes. However, each institute has their own focus area. For example, while HMI and NIM focus more on strength during their physical training, JIM focuses on long distance running and NIMAS focuses on trekking. In fact, most of the physical training at NIMAS involved trekking for long distances(12km-35km) with a heavy backpack. The main reason being the huge distance from the NIMAS Base camp to the glacier training area. It is approximately 80 km away, which is twice as far as that of the other institutes.

Another significant difference that I learnt of was the difference in  the equipment. The thumb rule being, older institutes have older  equipment and the newer institutes have newer equipment. Although this  is second-hand information, it is not hard to believe.

1.  After you choose your preferred institute, click one of the links  mentioned above to enter their website. Click on the “Admissions” or  “Courses” tab.

3. Select “Basic Mountaineering Course” as the  course you want to register for. Usually, the institute mentions the  earliest batch available and the respective batch code.

4. After  selecting your preferred batch, go through the application procedure.  Remember to go through the eligibility criteria carefully.

5. Download the application form and fill it carefully (or fill it online). Check and recheck for mistakes.

6.  Post the application form along with the course fee in the form of a  DD/Cheque (whichever is mentioned in the application procedure).

The  confirmation of your booked seat comes in the form of a post or/and an  e-mail or/and a phone call. Most application forms have a helpline  number which you can contact in case you don’t receive a confirmation.

At most institutes, the Basic Mountaineering Course is intense and requires a decent level of fitness.

The  most important aspect that needs focus is your ability to carry a 20 kg  rucksack for long distances. Even if you are a marathon runner,  practice jogging or at least trekking with a heavy backpack.

River crossing training at Camp 1 (New Malling). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

Going on at least two difficult treks within two months from the start of your course will help a lot. Apart from endurance, also focus on strength and rock climbing techniques. If there is an indoor rock climbing arena in your city, go there regularly for at least a month. This will equip you with the right techniques and confidence for rock climbing.

Rockcraft training at Camp 1 (New Malling). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

Here is a weekly workout regime to train for the course:

Cross training once a week (Climbing/Cycling/Swimming/Sport of your choice)

Run 5 km (with 10 kg backpack) twice a week

Intermediate Strength training twice a week

Trek 10 km (with 10 kg backpack and some altitude gain) twice a week

Run at your own pace and try reducing your time gradually. Your timing is not really important here.

Rockcraft training at Camp 0(NIMAS campus). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

You can go for the two difficult treks by skipping a couple of weeks. When you’re back from the trek, remember to ease into the workout regime rather than start from where you left off. For example, if you were in Phase 2 when you left for the trek. When you return, do a week of Phase 1 training and then restart Phase 2 training.

Please avoid over-training because it increases the risk of an injury. I made this mistake and I was injured for two whole months with minimal training. Luckily, I recovered 15 days before the course and completed the course without any mishaps.

Campsite shifting – on the way to Camp 4 (Merathang). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

Although it differs from institute to institute, the basic assessment criteria is mainly focused on Rockcraft, Icecraft, Endurance and a written test. There is no need to prepare for any of these. Learning rock climbing techniques for Rockcraft is an added advantage, not a requirement.

Here is the complete criteria based on which they assessed us:

<table id="tablepress-6" class="tablepress tablepress-id-6"><thead><tr class="row-1 odd"><th class="column-1">Assessment type</th><th class="column-2">Marks allotted</th></tr></thead><tbody class="row-hover"><tr class="row-2 even"><td class="column-1">Written test</td><td class="column-2">50</td></tr><tr class="row-3 odd"><td class="column-1">Rockcraft</td><td class="column-2">20</td></tr><tr class="row-4 even"><td class="column-1">Icecraft</td><td class="column-2">20</td></tr><tr class="row-5 odd"><td class="column-1">Endurance test</td><td class="column-2">20</td></tr><tr class="row-6 even"><td class="column-1">Trekking</td><td class="column-2">10</td></tr><tr class="row-7 odd"><td class="column-1">Survival test</td><td class="column-2">10</td></tr><tr class="row-8 even"><td class="column-1">Teamwork</td><td class="column-2">5</td></tr><tr class="row-9 odd"><td class="column-1">Mountain manners</td><td class="column-2">5</td></tr><tr class="row-10 even"><td class="column-1">Director's assessment</td><td class="column-2">10</td></tr></tbody></table>

What a day in the basic mountaineering course looks like

Crevasse rescue training at Camp 4 (Merathang). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

Most of our days started early except for a few on the last campsite (when the weather was bad). After freshening up and a quick breakfast, our P.T would involve a long trek with a 15 kg backpack, followed by rockcraft training. In case we were shifting camps that day, we would carry the whole load of 22 kg (approx.) along with packed lunch and trek to the next campsite. After which we would either rest or participate in simple activities like a survival test or knots practice. The evenings were usually filled in with theory classes on various topics including Mountain terminology, Glaciers, Rescue techniques etc.

This is what our time-table usually looked like:

Icecraft training at Merathang glacier. Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

The five days of Icecraft training had a slightly different time-table. We would trek in the morning to the glacier and reach at about 1100 hours. We would have icecraft training till 1230 hours after which we would head back to the campsite. So we used to have a late lunch at around 1500 hours. We had no theory classes on any of these days. In my opinion, these five days were the hardest. This was when we fully realised the importance of mental strength in mountaineering.

Survival test at Camp 3 (Jithang). Picture by Nikshep Trinetra

They say that the strongest bonds are made when you’re on the mountains. Mainly because of all the hardships you go through together. I can say from experience that I will share this special bond with my course-mates and instructors for a long time to come. The Basic Mountaineering course is the first door one opens in the world of mountaineering. The journey beyond that is a long one and you are your own guide. I wish you the best of luck for this journey.

If you have any other questions about the basic mountaineering course, leave a comment below or reach out to me at nikshep@indiahikes.com

A mountaineering course in India is the first step towards making a career in the adventurous world of Himalayas. Read this article to have in-depth knowledge on this topic and ways to apply.

How To Go About A Mountaineering Course In India

To Go About A Mountaineering Course In India BMC Basic Mountaineering Case

How To Go About A Basic Mountaineering Course In India

Sometimes an unnecessary debate is on between purists and non-purists about acclimatization on a high altitude trek.

The purists feel that using drugs like Diamox to accelerate acclimatization goes against the spirit of trekking. They feel it is better to acclimatize naturally and ascend slowly with breaks – giving the body sufficient time to get used to the higher altitude.

On the other hand the non purists think it is better to be safe than suffer from high altitude sickness. They feel being on a course of Acetazolamide (Diamox) would give them maximum chance of success on a high altitude trek. So they start on a course of Diamox even before they begin their trek.

Now what is the right thing to do? Before I answer this question, a quick background on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) would help.

As one climbs above 8,000 feet, the atmospheric pressure starts to fall noticeably. As a result with every breath you take less oxygen reaches your blood. You must work harder to get the oxygen. Your body copes by breathing harder and longer. When you are climbing uphill, this is more acute. Persistent increased breathing builds up carbon dioxide in the blood.

The good news is as you climb higher your body acclimatizes naturally to the decreasing oxygen. Your body builds up a ‘zone of tolerance’ – where it can function normally even with the decreased oxygen. This zone of tolerance moves up as your body acclimatizes to the higher altitudes. However, when the build up of carbon dioxide is beyond your zone of tolerance your body reacts and you fall sick. This is AMS. You get high altitude sickness.

AMS is when along with headache you display the following symptoms:

I find it strange when at 11,000 feet trekkers complain of headache, and others around him say this is normal. It is not. A headache at an altitude is not normal. When you get a headache, drink one liter of water, pop a Disprin and watch for an hour (dehydration is a very common cause of headache). If your headache hasn’t totally disappeared within an hour then you are suffering from AMS. Do not stay at this altitude and begin your descent to the altitude where you last felt comfortable.

This brings me around to the use of Acetazolamide (Diamox) to assist acclimatization and prevent high altitude sickness.

The question is really not whether to use Diamox or not. The deciding factor to guide a trekker should always be the duration and the altitude gain of the trek. If you are doing a 6 day trek and going to high altitude (above 14,000 feet) then your body does not have enough time to acclimatize – even though you may have factored in a rest/acclimatization day. It is best to start on a course of Diamox before you start the trek. If on the other hand you are on a 12-14 days trek, then you have sufficient time to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. You don’t need Diamox to help acclimatization.

Generally, you need to allow your body to acclimatize 24-48 hours at an altitude (above 10,000 feet) before going higher. Modern day trekking, unfortunately, does not allow us this time. We usually arrive at a camp at around 2 pm and then have to move to the next higher camp early next morning, giving us less than 16-18 hours to acclimatize. This is usually not enough. Trekkers are prone to AMS under such conditions.

Follow this guide on your trek: if your trek schedule is short and does not allow you more than 24 hours at an altitude, then you are better off being on a course of Diamox.

I often get calls from trekkers telling me that they have been on several high altitude treks and that they have never had to use Diamox. I find this logic baffling. Anyone can get AMS. There is no significant effect of age, gender, physical fitness, or previous altitude experience on AMS. You may get AMS on any trek and it would be terrible if you have to give up on a trek because you did not take this elementary precaution.

90% of the blood’s carbon dioxide exists in a chemical called bicarbonate. This carbon dioxide after travelling through your blood is exhaled by your lungs. Diamox forces the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate from your body (when you urinate).

Your body doesn’t like that. It needs the bicarbonate to exhale carbon dioxide through your lungs.

When Diamox forces you to excrete biocarbonates, your blood, which is used to a certain level of acidity, becomes more acidic. When the blood gets acidic it believes that it has more carbon dioxide in it. So the body gets rid of this excess carbon dioxide in a simple way. It starts to breathe deeper and faster, getting rid of the carbon dioxide, and also taking in more oxygen.

In effect, the increased oxygen speeds up the acclimatisation process. It also greatly reduces you of any symptoms of altitude sickness. Which is why Diamox works best when you start on it a day or two before you get to high altitudes. 

In a recent conversation with Dr Venkatesh Thuppil, the leading expert in India on high altitude hypoxia and the co-inventor of the HAPO bag, he told me that the best step that a trekker could take to prevent any high altitude sickness was to be on a course of Diamox prior to the start of the trek. He said more lives could be saved and more treks successful if the trekkers were on a course of Diamox than without.

Remember, Diamox accelerates acclimatization. It does not cure anything. If you have headache with any of the above symptoms, even after taking Diamox, it means your acclimatization is not complete and you must descend. Under no circumstances should you climb higher if your symptoms still persists.

Start on a dosage of 125 mg every 12 hours 2 days prior to your trek (or when you arrive at Delhi). Increase it to 250 mg every 12 hours from the day you get to the base camp and continue until you complete the trek.

While Diamox is harmless for most people, please check with your doctor whether you are allergic to sulphides. Also check with your doctor if you have high/low blood pressure or diabetes.

Diamox is a sulfa-based drug. So if you’re allergic to sulphides, avoid Diamox.

At Indiahikes, earlier, we used Diamox only in emergencies – however, now we have reviewed our stand and we suggest participants start on Diamox two days before they start the trek. The chances of a successful and stress free trek is much higher if participants start on a course of Diamox on arrival at Delhi.

While Diamox reduces your chances of getting any high altitude sickness, it is important to prepare your lungs to be ready to work with less oxygen. The best way to do that is to prepare for a trek. A good altitude training program must include cardio-vascular, strength and flexibility training. I would recommend a run of half an hour and covering a distance of 4.5 km as good preparatory altitude training.

Here are the benefits of using Acetazolamide (Diamox) to deal with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

How Diamox Deals With Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

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There are always these certain things that you know you lack. Be it self-confidence, strength, determination or just certain skills that you crave to have for a long time. I really wanted to push myself, overcome the barriers in my head. I knew that if I did this, I would have a new sense of belief. This is what I sort out to do, achieve what seemed impossible to me.

Why did I choose the Basic Mountaineering Course?

Mountaineering, the act of climbing a mountain. It always fascinated me that we could go to heights we never imagined. I also knew that such an adventure sport can be risky if you are not being safe. I was hoping to become more confident in the mountains regarding my safety and know more about the sport. Doing a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) felt like the right path for me. 

I started researching about this, asked a lot of people about their experience, what institute to choose and what training schedule to follow.. 

I decided to choose National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Arunachal Pradesh as my institute. There were two primary reasons for this choice. Firstly, the waiting time was less compared to other institutes. Secondly, I was in awe of the Gorichen Glacier. I had always dreamed of climbing an ice wall at such a high altitude. It persuaded me to go for it and I completed the application.

The basic details about the course were available on the NIMAS website. However, reading blogs online was a huge help. I also contacted multiple friends who had done this course and who were mountaineers to know about what fitness routine would be the best. 

NIMAS Institute in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Preparing myself for the Basic Mountaineering Course

This was not going to be easy. I would have to be well prepared physically and mentally to get the most out of this opportunity. I spent some time working out a training schedule that will improve my strength, endurance, technique and stamina. It involved different activities like running, swimming, strength training, rock climbing and load ferry. Being determined and focused is very important to pull this off. You have to push your limits and put your body through the pain to enjoy the fruits later.

Mountaineering equipment used in the course. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

My course BMC-36 started on 21st May, 2022 and ended on 17th June 2022. It was going to be 28 days away from home and out of network. 

NIMAS is in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. From any metropolitan city, you have to reach Guwahati first. I flew from Mumbai to Guwahati and spent an entire day roaming around and learning about the local culture. Early in the morning we took a shared taxi from Assam State Transport Corporation. It was an 11-hour journey from Guwahati to Dirang. We reached NIMAS by 7pm, tired from the long trip.

From Guwahati to Dirang via Jeep. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

A monastery in Dirang. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Week 1- Preparing ourselves for what was to come

NIMAS has a lot of instructors from the army. They are very particular about discipline, punctuality and sincerity. Week 1 of the course was intense, mainly intended to prepare us for the slopes ahead. It involved PT exercises early in the morning and carrying weight on hikes. It also tested our mental strength and our mettle. 

Lectures at Nimas Lecture hall. Picture by Akshita Makhija

Lectures and PT Sessions by the instructors. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Short hikes while carrying our rucksacks. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Many pushups and PT Exercises done during the workout. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

A highlight for me was the artificial rock climbing in NIMAS. It is a beautiful 22m wall, the highest in Asia. It was a privilege to get to climb here. I enjoyed every route and climbed as much as I could. I couldn’t reach the top, which was frustrating, but it also told me that I have a long way to go and a lot of things to learn.

Artificial Rock Climbing wall at NIMAS. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

The act of giving belay. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Momos from NIMAS cafe. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Week 2 - My first time carrying a 20 kg bag

Week 2 was when we finally left for the higher camps. The bus ride to Jung was a lot of fun where we sang and danced the entire way. I was excited and nervous about what was ahead. 

The nervousness became stronger when I first picked up by 20 kg rucksack. It was a scary thought that we have to carry this bag in the entire course. 

A sketch of our stay in New Melling. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Carrying a bag, weighing almost half my body weight. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

With optimism, I started the trek to New Melling. Just focusing on one step and a time and completing the 18 km journey ahead. 

This day was difficult for me, the weight was a lot. The straps cutting into my shoulders and waist, my back hurting and my feet wanting to stop. My mind ignoring all the pleas of the body and pushing itself to make it to the campsite, to work for the dream I had been dreaming for so long. That satisfaction of finally reaching New Melling and keeping down the rucksack was out of this world.

Shots capturing the beauty of New Melling. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

We spent the next 6 days at New Melling, acclimatizing with short treks, learning natural rock climbing and of course, having PT sessions. Natural rock climbing was again a lot of fun. We were very lucky to have clear weather throughout so we had a lot of climbing sessions. I climbed all routes, including the difficult route 9.

Instructors guiding us about natural rock climbing. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

We also had some lectures and training about knots, hitches and bases. We would practise this in sessions and even in our rooms to master each knot. The nervousness before the knot exam was something I never felt even in school exams. 

Making an artificial base on a rock. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

To the friends who matter the most. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

I also built a great bond with some friends on the course. We would always have meals together and talk about our day and what we felt. This was a huge mental relaxation given that we were stressed sometimes and away from home. 

Week 3 - The longest distance I have walked in a single day

At the start of week 3, we continued our journey further ahead. It was the longest trek day of the course from New Melling to Mago — 22 km. I was determined to not give up. I kept walking, distracting myself with random thoughts. By the end I would jokingly cry that I could not feel my shoulders. They are probably dislocated by now, I kept thinking. But I knew that carrying a bag almost half my weight was an achievement and it was making me stronger each day.

The happiness of reaching Mago. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

My experience in Mago was interesting. It was an army camp. So the restrictions were stricter. There was no room for the undisciplined. We were expected to finish our meal within 15 minutes and not socialize after that. We were told to stay away from boys and not talk to them, it was something that I did not like in the course. I had made great bonds with friends there and not being able to spend even little quality time with them after a long, hectic day really stressed me out. This was probably the most challenging day for me mentally and really tested me.

Connecting to nature, one campsite at a time. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

On a happier side, we had a hot water spring in Mago. Taking a bath in the natural, medicinal hot water felt out of this world. It relaxed all the sore muscles and of course the feeling of finally taking a bath after 10 days is something that I don’t need to describe.

Trekking from one campsite to another, carrying all equipments. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Our journey to Gorichen glacier further continued on higher campsites. We next went to Jethang where we had our survival day. Something that I looked forward to for a long time. This was the night where we were on our own, at the mercy of our own skills. We had to cook our own food, make our shelter for the night, boil and filter water to drink. I tried to involve myself in each task. I helped fill water from the nearby stream, chopped vegetables for dinner and built our shelter. We made delicious khichdi, something which had involved people fighting over how much masalas to put. That is how we survived that evening, on our own capabilities.

Carrying all equipments and ration for survival day. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Glimpses from shelter making. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Chopping vegetables for dinner. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Next, we reached Meerathang campsite, a beautiful trail leading to a beautiful destination. We pitched our beloved football tent, with Mt. Gorichen in the background. Staying here for the next 4 days was serene. The beautiful grassland, the wild yaks, the stream flowing was all breath-taking.

View of Gorichen Peak from Meerathang campsite. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

A sketch I made of our football tent. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

We went to Gorichen Glacier for the first time the next day. My dream was finally about to come true. The great ice wall that I was desperate to see was going to be in front of my eyes. 

The first day’s trek to the glacier was a challenge as we were going to 16,500 ft for the first time. The trail was steep and had loose rocks and boulders. The glacier was such a beautiful scene.

I will never forget that feeling of achievement walking upto that glacier. All those months of training had come to use. All the self-doubt, the insecurities and challenges were overcome by being here. I was overwhelmed with emotions and really felt the need to hug at that time.

Being at the best place with the best company. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Making my dream come true. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Bringing myself together, I hurried to get ready with all equipment as some people had already reached the training site. I wore snow boots, crampons and walked on ice for the first time. I was thrilled to finally use the ice axe and climb the ice wall. It was an exhilarating experience, I used bad technique but I was ready to learn. 

The next few days involved ice craft at the glacier. We trekked from Meerathang campsite to Gorichen Glacier everyday and the trail was not so difficult anymore as we were acclimatised to the altitude.

NIMAS Lake, on the way to the Gorichen Glacier. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Climbing on the Gorichen Glacier wall. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

In between a pooja for the mountains, chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum”. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

In no time, we were ready to head back home. It had been a long month staying away from home and I was missing the comfort of being with family. At the same time this experience had been so enriching I wanted to stay in the mountains forever.

Hanging a bucket on an already heavy bag. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

We started our descent journey to the lower campsites. The bag still felt heavy but there was no self-doubt anymore, I was confident I would do it. We camped at the lower campsites and finally reached back to New Melling. 

Running 8 km continuously with a heavy bag

One huge task was left. The endurance run. Running 8 km continuously with a 12 kg bag. It was a little scary but I assured myself that I don’t have to worry about the time, I just have to be consistent and jog at a constant pace.

The endurance run was such a fun experience. I enjoyed pushing myself throughout the run, being motivated by instructors and friends. I completed it in a decent time as I was very happy with myself. I was received with hoots and claps at the end which made me feel like a celebrity.

Instructor briefing us about the different river crossing techniques. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

The last physical task we did was a river crossing. Another fun activity. We also went in the chilling water and tried to cross the river with a wooden stick and rope. This was a way of taking a natural bath after 2 weeks.

We started our trek back home. With mixed emotions of having the most rewarding journey of my life come to an end and of finally seeing the people I missed so much back home. One constant feeling was pride, in myself, for making it through all the challenges this month.

The garbage we collected in the course. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

We reached NIMAS campus, relieved that the hard part was done. I had the most satisfying bath of my life after 2 weeks. Still, I spent the day studying for our final exam paper. Even after being so tired, the will to put in efforts to study and give my best showed how much this course meant to me.

I even got up early at 3 am to revise, not leaving any stone unturned. The exam went well, I was happy with my efforts.

It was not all over yet. We had our closing ceremony the next day and of course I had to perform. I was keen on showcasing the art form I had learnt since the past 11 years. I choreographed and performed a short piece in Bharatnatyam. This too involved a lot of rehearsals which was awarded by continuous claps and whistles of appreciation. We were felicitated with a badge, signifying the fruit of our efforts.

BMC Batch 36. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Getting felicitated by our instructors. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Eventually, the journey came to an end. We had to bid some difficult goodbyes. I had made some beautiful bonds here. Friends that I will cherish for a lifetime and wished I would meet them soon. I stayed in Shillong for a day, enjoying the serenity before coming back home. At home, I was treated like a celebrity and welcomed as a mountaineer. Their love and support is something I am so grateful for.

Glimpses from Shillong. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

Ending the beautiful journey with a gorgeous sunset. Picture by Akshita Makhija

A warm welcome by my family back home. Picture by Akshita Makhija 

This was such a roller coaster journey. From the insecurities, nervousness to the assurance and confidence. I will forever be grateful to everyone who enriched this experience. It was definitely the most rewarding one of my life. 

I now see myself as a changed person. Someone who is more confident in herself, someone who doesn’t shy away from responsibilities and someone who is always ready for a challenge. I am proud of this new me and hope to take the learnings forward. I hope to achieve new heights and make all my dreams come true. I hope to inspire others and give that assurance. 

“When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paulo Coelho                                                     

A personal experience of completing a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) from NIMAS

Why My Basic Mountaineering Course Was The Most Rewarding Experience Of My Life

Have you ever wondered exactly what it takes to climb Mt. Everest? We found out when Sipra Majumdar joined us on the Goechala trek in May 2018.

An ex-Army Major, Sipra summited Everest in 2005. She was part of the First Indian Army Women’s Expedition to Everest.

Perhaps the most shocking part of Sipra’s story is that she recalls herself as never being physically strong enough to accomplish such a feat. So how did she get to the highest peak in the world?

Sipra grew up as an army kid, and in some ways it was natural that she join the army herself. But in other ways, it came as a surprise.

“I am from West Bengal. My father was in the Indian Army and hence I studied all over the country.

“I was never very strong. Even in school, my parents would never let me participate in NCC as I wasn’t physically strong. When I joined the Army, no one around me could believe that I had cleared my screening.

“After I did my engineering at AIT, Pune University, I joined the army in 2001. I was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in March 2002. I served in the Indian Army from 2001 to 2007.”

“The Indian Army was planning to launch women into high altitude climbing. With this aim, the project of the First Indian Army Women Expedition to Mt Everest was launched. I was chosen based on my performance during my training in the Officers Training Academy. And I went for the selection camp at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi.”

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