Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: A Tribute to Tenzing Norgay

Nestled in Darjeeling, West Bengal, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was founded on November 4, 1954, to promote mountaineering as a sport in India. The establishment of HMI was sparked by the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953. The institute is located approximately 2 km from Chowrasta and shares grounds with the Darjeeling Zoo, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, initiated the establishment of HMI to channel the energy of the nation's youth into mountaineering. Tenzing Norgay himself served as the first Director of Field Training. HMI has trained over 24,000 Indian and 1,000 foreign students in mountaineering. The institute dedicates the month of May to training female climbers. HMI's graduation certificate is globally recognized. The institute also provides training for visually impaired individuals. Visitors can explore the oldest mountaineering museum in India, established in 1957, which features exhibits like models, paintings, sculptures, photographs, manuscripts, autographs, books, and mountaineering equipment. The museum also displays cultural items belonging to famous mountaineers and local communities. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by Jawahar Lal Nehru on November 4th, 1954. A bust and stupa have been consecrated at HMI in honor of Nawang Gombu, a sherpa who climbed Everest twice.