As one of India’s premier adventure training facilities and a popular landmark in Darjeeling, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) occupies an important place in the country’s history of mountain exploration. Set up in 1954 in memory of the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the institute was established to encourage mountaineering and related adventures in the Indian Himalayas. HMI, which is housed within the grounds of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is well-worth a visit by all adventure enthusiasts, mountaineers, and history aficionados. HMI’s biggest highlight is its interesting Mountaineering Museum, displaying the historical events of various Himalayan expeditions with numerous examples of climbing equipment, maps, photographs, reports and memorabilia chronicling the story of mountain exploration. You’ll even see displays on popular mountaineers and the renowned Himalayan mountains. In the museum, a section on the famous mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, who served as the institute’s first Director of Field Training, includes a display of his possessions,Awards, and achievements. In addition, the institute continues to train aspiring mountaineers through its full professional courses, which are aimed at promoting and facilitating rock climbing, ice climbing, trekking, and mountain rescue skills. Its pristine surroundings offer great views and an inspiring environment for learners. HMI, surrounded by towering pine trees, is the best spot for taking some breathtaking photographs and also a visit to this unique mountaineering center is the finest thing one can do in Darjeeling to recall and salute the glory of the first ascent of Everest.
