Gauging Your Experience Level with Bikat Rating Scale and Trek Progression Chart
At Bikat, we rate our treks and expeditions on a scale of 1-10, allowing participants to understand the difficulty level and also the experience level needed to attempt an activity that has a higher rating. For example, if you are applying for an expedition rated 7 on the Bikat Rating Scale, you would need to have participated in multiple high altitude treks rated 6. Similarly an expedition or trek rated 6 can only be attempted if you have participated in multiple treks rated 5.
If you require further assistance in understanding trek progression, you can answer a few simple questions to receive your own personalised trek progression chart based on your current level of experience.
If you are someone who has just started out with some of our smaller treks, you could attempt moderate treks before progressing to rigorous ones and eventually attempting an expedition. It is important to remember that the endurance that expeditions ask for can only be built with experience and consistency.
Mountaineering Courses in India
If you have considerable experience in high altitude trekking, a good way to progress to mountaineering expeditions would be to take part in training courses from mountaineering institutes in India. Recognised mountaineering institutes such as Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports in Dirang and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi all offer training in basic and advanced mountaineering. If you wish to receive further professional training, you can also enrol in the search and rescue course offered by these institutes.
Basic Mountaineering Course
The Basic Mountaineering Course lays the foundation for mountaineering in India. It introduces participants to the fundamentals of mountaineering and the necessary skills needed for the same. The course spans over a period of one month where trainees are taught techniques of movement on rock, ice and snow; theoretical and practical knowledge of navigation, map reading, mountain hygiene, weather and medicinal information and knowledge. It also provides trainees access to a vast array of literature on mountaineering, mountain environment and conservation. It is physically and mentally rigorous, gradually toughening up the trainees to have improved resistance to fatigue, hunger and extreme cold.
In case it is difficult for you to take a month out of your schedule but are still interested in learning the basics of mountaineering to familiarise yourself with the equipment and techniques of climbing, Bikat Adventures offers a 8-day course. Check details here.
Advanced Mountaineering Course
To be eligible for the Advanced Mountaineering Course, a participant should have completed their Basic Mountaineering Course with an ‘A’ Grade. This course allows participants to become expedition leaders by equipping them with the skills to plan and execute expeditions, advanced techniques of climbing on rock, snow and ice along with scientific and technical knowledge of mountaineering and its allied subjects.
