General
Mountain Warfare Course for the foreign students started in the year 1990 and since then HAMWS has been conducting this course for the officers and other ranks from different friendly foreign countries regularly. In order to ensure safety, the students undergo trainings and preparations to condition one’s body and mindset.
Objectives
The main objectives of High Altitude and Mountain Warfare course for foreign students are as follows:-
(a) To impart knowledge about mountainous terrain, rock craft, ice craft and expedition techniques to the foreign students.
(b) To share knowledge, skills and techniques about mountaineering with participating foreign students.
(c) To encourage exchange of training activities in order to foster better understanding and strengthen the cordial relations among the participating countries through interaction with each other.
Duration of the Course
High Altitude Mountain Warfare course is designed for six weeks. The training commences each year in early August and terminates in mid September.
Methodology
The method of instructions is based on the study of précis, lectures, demonstrations and outdoor exercises. English is the medium of instruction in the course. Trainees are trained outdoors on rock and ice under very close supervision of school faculty. The outdoors training comprises of elaborately laid out lectures and demonstrations followed by maximum time for practical work. The training techniques which are taught in rock and ice crafts are the latest in the field of mountaineering.
Subjects Offer
Participating foreign students are required to carry out some pre-course study on general knowledge on rock and ice crafts for better assimilation during the training. All students are required to be physically robust for mountainous movement and other activities. Special emphasis is laid on following subjects:-
(a) Mountain Hazards
(b) Different aspects of Rock Craft
(c) Different aspects of Ice Craft
(d) Adventure/Alpine Training
(e) Tools and Techniques of Camping
(f) River Crossing
(g) Safety and Rescue Procedure
(h) Cliff Assault
(i) Basic of Operation of war in mountain
(j) Expedition Management
School Routine
Working days in the School are from Sunday to Friday. Saturday and other gazette holidays are observed as holidays. Working hours are normally from 0630 hours to 1440 hours but it is not applicable during outdoor exercise. Games are organized in the afternoon. Likewise separate timings are earmarked in the training program for outdoor exercise, and extra afternoon classes are intimated to all students through training program.
Training Highlights
The actual training for students starts once they reach Jomsom where they will observe demonstration on rock craft followed by practice for the same. This will provide an opportunity on exchanging of climbing techniques used by various students in their respective countries. Thereafter the acclimatization marches are carried out in order to acclimatize the students with the surrounding terrain and climate. Various physical tests will be conducted to ensure better physical standard of trainees. The students will be taken to the Kaisang Camp and Mount Nilgiri or Gangapurna glacier in the fourth week for alpine movements followed by ice craft training.
Finally the students will be taken to Tilicho Lake (16,140 ft.), lake situated at the highest altitude in the world, to mark the end of the acclimatization phase. The students will then return to Jomsom to start their preparation for the assault of Thorang peak (20,200 ft).
Physical Fitness
Mountaineering is a physically demanding activity. Whatever your skill level and aspiration, good physical conditioning is important, the safety of the whole party may hinge on the strength- or weakness- of one member. It is imperative, that students desirous of joining the Mountain Warfare Course attain a certain degree of physical fitness, which will facilitate their smooth adaptation to the training and cope up with the schedule at the School. Therefore students are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition for mountainous movement and other outdoor activities.
Country Presentation
All foreign students are required to give country presentation (about 25 minutes) on their respective countries during the course. Students are encouraged to bring materials and decorating stuffs to display of their respective culture.
Current status of foreign student participation
Since 1990, the HAMWS has conducted Mountain Warfare Course for foreign students. The Current status of foreign students who have completed Mountain Warfare Course in this School is as:
