Alpine Field Bootcamp - Spring Dates Finalized
Peter Van Geit
Objective
The Alpine Hiking Bootcamp was started in 2022 as a one week practical course to teach people on alpine style exploration of the Himalayas and grow the independent hiking community in India. The course consolidates my extensive field experience on exploration of more than 300 passes across the Indian Western Himalayas in recent years and teaches students to independently plan and navigate Himalayan traverses. The bootcamp is organized twice annually in Manali in Spring and Autumn. More background over here.
Agenda
Inspiration
After completing the Alpine Hiking Bootcamp in April 2023, Sant completed a solo 21 day alpine style traverse covering 320 kms across 13 high altitude mountain passes in Kullu, Shimla, Uttarkashi and Tehri Gharwal districts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand with a total elevation gain of 32,565 meters. He explored new routes using Survey of India maps, went ultra light, supplied food on the way and dynamically adapted his route as per weather and snow conditions. Read his experience over here.
Program
Location: Manali
A one week immersive learning in the mountains on independent hiking – understanding Himalayan geography, high altitude terrains, understanding topography & contours, planning a Himalayan traverse as per the seasons and weather, fast-hiking and minimalist lightweight gears, learning various techniques to navigate the wilderness, Himalayan communities, night stay & shelter, managing wildlife encounters, food planning & hydration, topographic maps, blogs & books, Himalayan regions & hiking routes, digitally mapping new trails, etc.
Participants will check into a beautiful basecamp in the mountains where the above topics will be taught through theory, practical assignments on mobile and hands-on field assignments in the surrounding forests and meadows. They will plan and execute multiple day and overnight hikes to master the art of independent hiking.
