Overview
Since its launch in 2004 with 3 instructors and 11 participants, the Basic Mountain Navigation & Hill Walking Training has empowered outdoor enthusiasts to navigate Nepal’s rugged landscapes with confidence. Trekking and mountaineering in these breathtaking terrains offer thrilling adventures but can pose significant challenges, especially in adverse conditions like heavy rain, whiteouts, thick mist, or unclear trails. This three-day, 18-hour intensive course equips trekkers, mountaineers, and adventurers with essential map and compass skills for safe and confident navigation. Held in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, the program blends classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises to build proficiency in topographic map reading, compass use, and terrain analysis. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced explorer, this training enhances your ability to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes responsibly and independently.
Goals
- Equip participants with fundamental navigation skills to tackle challenging outdoor conditions.
- Enhance safety during trekking and mountaineering through effective map and compass techniques.
- Foster environmental awareness and respect for Nepal’s natural and cultural landscapes.
- Build a foundation for advanced navigation skills, preparing participants for further training or independent exploration.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Accurately read and interpret topographic maps, including scales, legends, and contour lines.
- Orient a map using a compass and align it with surrounding terrain.
- Identify and correlate physical land features (e.g., ridges, valleys, peaks) with map representations.
- Measure distances on a map to plan efficient trekking routes and estimate travel times.
- Use a compass to take bearings, perform triangulation, and navigate in low-visibility conditions.
- Determine precise location on a map using resection, landmarks, and environmental cues.
- Apply navigation skills in real-world scenarios through practical field exercises.
- Demonstrate teamwork and effective communication during group navigation activities.
Program Details
- Duration: 3 days (18 hours total)
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (with field sessions in nearby hills or rugged terrain)
- Instructor-to-Participant Ratio: 1:5
- Total Participants: 30 per session
- Target Audience: Trekkers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts (beginners to intermediates) seeking to develop or refine navigation skills
- Prerequisites: No prior navigation experience required; participants should have basic physical fitness and comfort in outdoor environments
Training Fees
Nepalese Participants: NPR 5,500
Foreign Participants: USD 100
Contact Information
For inquiries or registration, please contact:
Email: info@nmia.org.np
Website: www.nmia.org.np
Phone: +977-1-4533660
Address: Gairidhara, Kathmandu, Nepal
