Reaching HMI (for Basic Mountaineering Course)

Opting to go through any mountaineering course was not at all an obvious decision for me. Though I used to occasionally go for trekking and cycling around Pune, committing for mountaineering was still making me think. The reasons for this hesitation were simple – first, it was a 28 days long course. That means, I have to be away from family and work for so long. Getting this long leave from work is quite a deal. Even if I could get the leave, the bigger question was, am I physically fit to go through such an endurance sports?

Finally, without thinking anymore, I took the first step (in August 2010) to at least put the nomination for the Basic Mountaineering Course held in March 2011 at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). To be honest, I thought if things do not work out, I would withdraw the nomination at last minute. By the February, things unfolded differently, I did more regular exercising and frequent trekking to Sinhgarh Fort (near Pune) than ever. I started feeling more confident about my fitness and desperate to go through the mountaineering experience. I have already taken care of the travel logistics (getting tickets at last minutes are difficult) couple of months back. However, there was a twist – I have not yet received the confirmation from HMI. As I have made up my mind by now, I decided to go HMI and request them in person to consider me for the course.

When I reached HMI, they have confirmed by candidature in no time. Later, I discovered that there were few seats remain opened until the end. This is quite a story just to reach HMI and join the course.