Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports is a mountaineering institute in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It was established in 1983 in Aru, Pahalgam. Aru was chosen as a natural location for the institute with its rolling hills and easy access to mountain passes. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports was the brainchild of Farooq Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir who suggested the creation of such an institute in Kashmir Valley. The institute was formed on the lines of other national mountaineering institutes in the country. The institute is headed by an officer from the Armed forces, of the rank of Colonel or equivalent. The institute currently offers training in Mountaineering courses, Skiing courses and Adventure Courses.
History of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports
Under the direction of the Central Government, a rece team, under Brig. Gyan Singh selected the site for the institute in Aru village, Pahalgam. In 1983, the institute was registered under the Registration of Societies Act No XXI of 1980 on 12 Sept. The first meeting of the institute was held in February, 1984 and it was decided that the institute would be headed by a serving officer of the armed forces with experience in mountaineering activities. Lt. Col. S.S. Kahlon was chosen for the job by the Ministry of Defence. The State Government also agreed to transfer 101 acres of land in Aru village for the same. The first Basic Mountaineering Course was conducted in June–July 1985 with 17 students from a temporary hut in Aru. In the 1989, militancy rose to its peak in the Kashmir Valley and conflict engulfed the entire region.
Courses Offered at Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports
The institute currently undertakes the following courses:
Summer Courses: During the pleasant summer season, the institute conducts its Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Course. This institute also conducts Mountain Expeditions with Advance Mountaineering Course. The course fee is heavily subsidized by the Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir also sponsors a certain portion of the courses.
Winter Courses: During winters, the institute conducts Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Skiing in Aru and Pahalgam. It also conducts special courses for NDRF, SDRF on Mountain Search and Rescue.
Moreover, to boost adventure tourism in the state, the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports conducts regular and special adventure courses for adventure tourists.
