Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home. The Institute is the landmark in Darjeeling and an important center of tourist attraction. It commands a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga massif. The Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research was approached to prepare a scheme for the HMI and Arnold Glatthard, Principal of Swiss Mountaineering School, Rosenlaui, visited Darjeeling for this purpose. The HMI is renowned for its competent and star-studded faculty that included luminaries like Tenzing Norgay and winners of the nation's highest adventure award winners. The Institute offers courses at highly subsidized rates along with excellent training and boarding facilities. Courses range from the basics to advance techniques of mountaineering. The Institute has a good collection of historically significant photographs including some great mountaineering films, which are a treat to watch. The mountaineering museum is the primary attraction to visitors here. The adventurous will love the international standard outdoor artificial climbing wall that has a pavilion for spectators.