Tenzing Norgay and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Tenzing Norgay, the most famous of all Sherpas, who stood atop Everest alongside a large bee-keeper from New Zealand, even posthumously enjoys a very strong following here in Darjeeling. He was also instrumental in the development of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute based here in Darjeeling – allegedly his town of birth. Pretty cool having roads named after you, although a statue or two doesn´t appeal!

They organise a variety of different training courses (some separate sexes!) for all levels of experience. They also run the two museums behind the zoo. One is a mountaineering museum which holds a few models and some mountaineering gear throughout the 20th century. More interestingly (for me) is the Everest gallery with loads of Tenzing Norgay´s belongings including those top sunglasses from the 1953 Everest summit.

There is a fixed price souvenir shop selling pins, badges, telescopes, sextants, hats, etc.

There is also a great statue of him by the cafeteria above the museums.

Entrance is included with the zoological park ticket and the same opening times apply.