Basic Mountaineering Course,Manali

Institute: Directorate Of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali( ABVIMAS)

Location: Manali-Beas kund glacier

Duration: 26 Days (June, 2012)

Eligibility: Open for All

check out photos at  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=266920&id=752463104&l=5b9d508a56

Course Fee: Rs 11700/- (Subsidized by Government Of India)

(Includes Boarding, Lodging, Equipments, Food, Camping.)

Carried By: Ministry Of Tourism( Government of India)

Formalities:

1) Completed Form, Medical Certificate and Fee submission(Cash) by 7th April,2012.

2)Written Parents/Guardian's Consent (MUST).

On successful completion of the course you would be awarded a National Level Sports Certificate of Mountaineering under The India Mountaineering federation.

Course Structure:

Day 1 to Day 10

0530-0545  Morning tea

0600-0700  PT & accl.

0700-0730  Wash & change

0745-0830  Breakfast

0900-0940  Move to field ( Rock Climbing,Rappelling, Jumaring River crossingetc)

0945-1215  Rock climbing L/D/P

1300-1400  Lunch

1430-1515  Lectures ( Mountaineering, Techniques, Weather etc)

1600-1630  Evening tea

1630-1700  Knot practice/ Outdoor Games(Basketball, Tug of War etc)

1715-1830  Obstacles.

1900-2000  Video/ Film show

2000-2100  Dinner

2100-2145  Debriefing

D-11 Trek to Solang/Lahaul Spiti

D-12 Acclimatization trek towards Patalsun & back. Lec on Mountain walking / Mountain Hazards.

D-13 Move to & establishment of base camp.

D-14, 15:

0830           Move to training area

0930-1230  Snow craft, walking on snow,step kicking, use of ice axe, 

1300-1400  Lunch

1430-1600  Lecture 

1600-1630  Evening Tea

1630-1730  Games

1730-1830  Debriefing & group discussions

1930-2100  Dinner

2100           Debriefing

D-16 As per previous day till breakfast. Move to field- Snow craft, Glissading, Self arrest 

D-17 As per previous day till breakfast. - Sequence climbing, anchor & belay on snow.

D-18 Move to Glacier-Ice craft, cramponing, ascending and descending, Lec.on glacier.

D-19 More with pack lunch-Ice craft , cramponing , Front pointing , Fix rope demo & rappelling.

D-20 Move to glacier with pack lunch, anchor and belay on ice, Crevasse rescue, glacier travel.

D-21& 22 Height gaining.

D-23 Trek to Solang/Spiti Lec. (Survival Night)

D-24 Trek to Manali. 

D-25 Admn. Day. 

D-26 Return of equipment, P.O.P. and collection of movement orders. 

 CLOTHING:

1) 2 pairs of convertible pants/shorts (pants that zipper to shorts) for hiking mountaineering – these are worn a lot on the trek and are very practical. 

2) 4 pairs of very good hiking socks

3) 1 bathing suit (for Kir Ganga or other times when jumping in a lake would be great!)

4) High quality long underwear tops and bottoms (ie: Patagonia’s Capilene brand – expensive but keeps you warm when needed, cool when needed and very breathable!)

5) A quick dry camping towel available at stores mentioned above

6) For women:  Bring loose, breathable long sleeve tops and pants.

7) A rain poncho and small travel umbrella for very wet days on trek – it’s monsoon season!

8) A waterproof hat that is also warm and covers you from the sun OR a waterproof hat, a hat for sun and also a hat for the cold mountain nights where it can get below freezing.

9) Gloves

10) Sport sandals are a must

11) Bandana

12) Good (well worn in before trek) hiking boots(Or Normal sports Shoes) that have been water sealed

15) Ski/down warm jacket(Just One as You would be provided Trekking Suits with Jackets and Lowers)

17) Extra pair of warm socks for nighttime – not for hiking

18) Several t-shirts for hiking, sleeping, etc. (easy, breathable, quick dry running or hiking t’s recommended)

TOILETRIES :

THINGS THAT WILL HELP WITH THE HIGH ALTITUDE/WIND/COLD WEATHER:

1) saline nasal spray

2) Tissues

3) Eyedrops

4) Aquaphor healing ointment (available at any drug store/pharmacy). Excellent for cracked, chafed, wind burned, sun burned skin and for the chapped lips you WILL have on the trek!

5) A high SPF and mosturizing lip balm

6) A very high sunscreen – 30 SPF or higher required!

OTHER NEEDED SUPPLIES:

7) Insect Repellent (get one with DEET in it as malaria is a problem in India – the higher the altitude the fewer the mosquitos but mosquitos are found in the Himalayas).

8) A 3 week supply of baby wipes is a must.

9) Face wipes are helpful as well if washing your face after a full day’s hike is not easily done.

10) Purell anti-bacterial hand gel is a definite must for pre-during and post trek travel in India!

11) A very good hand and body lotion. 

FOR WOMEN:

13) Leave-in hair conditioner as washing your hair with shampoo on a trek is a feat enough (esp. if you are a woman). 

18) Good moisturizer for day & night (can be sunscreen too) MEDICATIONS (Prescription & over-the counter – preventative and necessary in case you do get sick): For Stomach illness prevention or problems :

1) Acidophilus pills, Pepto-Bismol, Immodium, Anti-altitude sickness medication(DIAMOX), DMG, Ibuprofen or other over the counter pain killer SUPPLIES:

2)A large day pack that you will be carrying that can contain the following: your water bottle, camera(s), clothing for instant weather changes (ie: a rain poncho, your hat, gloves, warm jacket, extra pair of socks, umbrella if needed, some snack foods, your journal, your sunglasses, a cover for the day pack in case it is raining heavily, etc.)

3) A therma rest or other kind of pad for sleeping is not required as the trek provides pads but is recommended for added 

7) A head lamp/torch 

10) A couple of large size PLASTIC bags in case of rain, etc( As they are banned in Himachal.)

11) Small personal first aid kit

12) Locks for bags

15) Books Recommended: Lonely Planet India or Lonely Planet Northern India, Lonely Planet Hindi/Urdu Phrase Book,

18) waterproof bag for toiletries, journal or books, important documents

PREPARATION: THINGS TO DO/GET BEFORE LEAVING!

8) Most importantly as well – be sure to be in excellent physical condition for the trek. This includes (in my opinion) – doing as much hiking as possible before the trek, getting or staying in good cardiovascular condition and lifting weights. 

It is also helpful to remain flexible and practice something like yoga or other stretching exercises to prevent injury.

LINKS:

http://www.adventurehimalaya.org
http://www.adventurehimalaya.org/mountaineering.asp