I have no prior hiking experience. Can I still join?
Both novice and expert hikers can join the bootcamp. We have 16 modules covering a wide range of topics including Himalayan geography, Map reading, Traverse planning, Navigation, Gears, etc equipping everyone with the necessary skills to hike independently.
Is there a minimum or maximum age for participating in the camp?
Age is no bar. I have 10 year and 65 year old students joining the bootcamp. Both young and old have much to learn both in the classroom and field assignments which can be done at their own pace.
What are the gears required for the camp? Should I buy them in advance?
You can attend the bootcamp with minimal gears – a good pair of shoes, a backpack and a jacket. No prior investment in gears is required. Camping gears can be rented in Manali. The bootcamp explains gears in detail so you can get the right things for your future hikes.
How about the required fitness level?
Both ultra runners and people who just walk and practice yoga attend the bootcamp with ease. Participants maintain a good fitness routine one month prior to make the most out of the bootcamp. Each complete the field assignments at their own pace.
Could you elaborate on the accommodation?
The camp is organized in a homestay or hostel near Manali close to the forest where students have easy access to beautiful trails for the daily practical field assignments. Two nights we camp out in the mountains.
I have limited leaves at work
The camp is scheduled from Sunday till the next Saturday (7 days). People can travel to the venue the previous Saturday and return back home the next Sunday. So the entire camp + onward / return travel fits in two weekends and one week. Participants have to take just 5 weekdays of leave to attend