Pune: India’s 1st ever Diploma in Mountaineering nominated for internationally prestigious award Mountain Protection Award 2025
Pune, 18th July 2025: Indian Mountaineering Reaches New Heights as Diploma in Mountaineering Program started by Giripremi’s training institute – Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering (GGIM), has been shortlisted for UIAA Mountain Protection Award 2025! Out of total 20 entries shortlisted from 19 countries worldwide, this is the only project from India.
UIAA stands for International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme). It’s the global organization that represents and promotes mountaineering, climbing, and related activities.
Umesh Zirpe, Giripremi’s veteran mountaineer and the Founder Director, GGIM mentioned, “It’s a moment of immense pride for India as the Diploma in Mountaineering has been officially shortlisted for the prestigious UIAA Mountain Protection Award (MPA 2025)! For the first time in India in 2021, GGIM in association with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) Uttarkashi started this novel programme. And for the first time ever, adventure and in particular, mountaineering has been incorporated under academic purview and this is indeed a landmark moment. This international recognition by the apex mountaineering body in the world – UIAA, is a testament for the appreciation of GGIM’s work in imparting the valuable education to the society. From GGIM’s team, Bhushan Harshe and Vivek Shivade both took immense efforts to see the recognition of UIAA. With the blessings of the mountains guiding the way, GGIM has reached this pivotal stage, and we optimistically look forward to the final decision.”
According to NEP 2020 guidelines, recently the course name has been changed to Advance Course in Mountaineering & Allied Sports and the admission process of 4th batch has already started. The interested candidates may contact us for more details.
Details of the Advance Course (Diploma) in Mountaineering & Allied Sports:
l Duration – 1 year
l Semesters – 2
l Total Marks – 1200
l Total Credits – 36
l Mode of teaching – Online / Offline classroom
l Theory as well as Practical Sessions
l Eligibility – 18-55 (both inclusive) & graduation in any faculty from a recognized university
l Physical eligibility – Medically fit for the course
Highlights of the Programme:
l First Ever Mountaineering Diploma Programme in India
l One of the nominations in UIAA’s Mountain Protection Award 2025
l The programme includes high altitude training at Prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM). Participants will receive certificate of Diploma as well as certifications of Rock Climbing Training and High Altitude Training.
l No prerequisite for the programme
l Training & guidance by most experienced outdoor educators & mountaineers of India’s pioneering institution – Giripremi
Candidates should visit for more details: ggim.in/diploma-in-mountaineering
