TRN2SMMT
Climber ascending a frozen waterfall with ice tools and crampons

Basic + Advanced Ice Climbing Course

Nepal · 13 Days · 6 Technical Training Days

IFMGA-Guided Ice Climbing Training

Register & Pay 10% Deposit

Course Summary

A progressive 13-day programme in Nepal combining travel into the Manang region with six full days of technical ice-climbing instruction at Humde. The course develops movement, belaying and anchor skills before progressing toward supervised lead climbing, multi-pitch systems and rappelling.

What You'll Train

  • Ice movement
  • Crampon & ice-tool technique
  • Top-rope climbing
  • Belaying & rope handling
  • Ice-screw anchors & V-threads
  • Mock lead & supervised lead progression
  • Multi-pitch systems
  • Rappelling

Progression to lead climbing is conditional on participant ability and the IFMGA/UIAGM instructor's safety assessment.

Difficulty, suitability and preparation

What to know before the ice climbing course

This is a six-day technical ice-climbing progression inside a 13-day Nepal programme. Beginners may be considered, but every participant needs general mountain fitness, cold-weather readiness and the capacity to repeat technical training days without losing safe movement and judgement.

International participants

Travel to Nepal for practical ice training

TRN2SMMT organises the course from Singapore for participants from Singapore, the UK, USA, Australia and elsewhere. Preparation can begin before departure, but every practical ice-climbing session takes place overseas at Humde in Nepal's Manang region.

Who it is for

Suitable participants

The course is for participants building ice-climbing foundations and climbers seeking a structured progression through movement, belaying, anchors, rappelling and multi-pitch systems. Registration information is used to review experience, fitness and readiness before a place is confirmed.

Physical demand

Fitness required

  • Aerobic fitness for the approach and consecutive training days
  • Calf and leg endurance for sustained crampon movement
  • Grip, shoulder and trunk endurance without relying on arm strength alone
  • Recovery habits that preserve technique across six training days

Technical progression

From movement to supervised leading

Training begins with efficient movement, crampon and ice-tool technique, rope handling and belaying. Anchors, V-threads, rappelling and multi-pitch systems follow. Mock lead and supervised lead progression are conditional, never automatic.

Mountain environment

Cold and altitude at Humde

Training is planned around approximately 3,330 m in the Manang region. Cold, altitude, travel fatigue and changing ice conditions affect learning and performance. Fitness supports the work but does not eliminate altitude or cold-related risk.

Preparation plan

How to train beforehand

  • Build general endurance and uphill walking capacity
  • Train calves, legs, trunk, shoulders and grip progressively
  • Practise layering and glove-compatible tasks in cold conditions
  • Arrive rested rather than adding last-minute high-intensity work

Equipment

Technical gear and clothing

The official course deck controls the final list. Confirm boot and crampon compatibility, harness and helmet fit, glove dexterity and the required layering system. Do not infer inclusions from photographs or generic ice-climbing lists.

Common preparation mistakes

  • Overgripping the tools instead of developing efficient footwork
  • Training only upper-body strength and neglecting calves, legs and recovery
  • Assuming every participant will progress to lead climbing
  • Buying boots or crampons without confirming compatibility and fit

Not sure whether you are ready?

Use the Mountain Assessment to review your current physical preparation, then compare the Nepal Projects pathway if you are deciding which objective should come next.

Take the assessmentCompare Nepal projects

Course Details

Location
Nepal
Duration
13 Days
Level
Basic – Advanced
Training Altitude
Approximately 3,330 m
Course Fee
USD 2,199 per person
Course Dates
Scheduled according to participant availability and confirmed course departures.
Where Instruction Takes Place
All practical ice-climbing instruction takes place overseas at Humde in the Manang region of Nepal. TRN2SMMT does not conduct ice training in Singapore.
Minimum Group
Minimum 2 participants to proceed.
Technical Delivery
Technical instruction is delivered by a qualified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. TRN2SMMT is the organiser and host of the course.
Included Benefit
One 1-hour group sports psychology session is included in the course fee, supporting focus, decision-making and performance under pressure.
Pre-Course Preparation
TRN2SMMT training app access is included for structured physical conditioning only: aerobic fitness, strength, grip endurance and general physical preparation.

Full programme details, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions are provided in the official TRN2SMMT course deck.

Course Sequence

  1. 01Arrival in Kathmandu
  2. 02Briefing and equipment check
  3. 03Drive to Dharapani
  4. 04Drive to Humde
  5. 05Training day — foundations
  6. 06Training day — top rope & belaying
  7. 07Training day — anchors & V-threads
  8. 08Training day — mock lead & supervised single-pitch progression
  9. 09Training day — advanced lead, multi-pitch & rappelling
  10. 10Training day — final assessment
  11. 11Return via Besisahar
  12. 12Kathmandu
  13. 13International departure

Payment Schedule

10% Registration Deposit

USD 219.90

Payable online via Stripe upon registration.

Remaining Payment Schedule

20% Payment — USD 439.80

Payable by bank transfer upon commencement of the structured pre-course physical conditioning programme.

70% Balance — USD 1,539.30

Payable by bank transfer 30 days before departure.

Bank transfer details will be provided directly by TRN2SMMT when the respective payment becomes due.

The 10% registration deposit is non-refundable once the course date falls within the availability stated in your registration form. If TRN2SMMT is unable to offer a course date within your stated availability, the deposit will be refunded.

Minimum 2 participants to proceed.

Course questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this an ice climbing course for participants from Singapore?
Yes. Participants can register from Singapore and travel to Nepal for the 13-day programme and six technical training days. The ice climbing takes place at Humde in Nepal; it is not presented as an ice course conducted in Singapore.
Is the practical ice-climbing instruction conducted in Singapore?
No. TRN2SMMT organises the course for participants from Singapore and other countries, but the practical ice-climbing instruction takes place overseas at Humde in Nepal's Manang region.
Is the Nepal ice climbing course suitable for beginners?
It can accommodate participants learning foundational ice-climbing systems, subject to the registration review. Participants still need general mountain fitness, cold-weather readiness and the capacity to train on consecutive days.
How fit should I be for six ice-climbing training days?
You should have a reliable aerobic base, enough leg endurance for crampon movement and enough grip, shoulder and trunk endurance to maintain technique. Recovery between training days is as important as strength on a single climb.
Do I need previous ice-climbing experience?
No previous ice climbing is required for every applicant, but all experience must be stated accurately. Progression to mock lead or supervised lead climbing depends on demonstrated movement, belaying, anchor competence, conditions and the instructor's assessment.
What equipment is required?
The official course deck confirms the final equipment list and what is supplied or available to rent. Boots, crampons, harnesses, helmets, ice tools, gloves and layers must be compatible and fit correctly.
Does completing the course qualify me to lead ice independently?
No. Course completion records participation and the skills practised; it is not a blanket qualification for independent lead climbing. Future decisions should reflect the instructor's feedback, current competence, route grade and conditions.
Where and how long is the ice climbing course?
The course is a 13-day programme in Nepal, with six full technical training days at Humde in the Manang region at approximately 3,330 m.
Who delivers the technical instruction?
Technical instruction, progression and on-ice safety decisions are led by a qualified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. TRN2SMMT organises the course and pre-departure preparation.
Will every participant progress to lead climbing?
No progression is automatic. Mock lead and supervised lead climbing depend on participant ability, conditions and the IFMGA/UIAGM instructor's safety assessment.
Is sports psychology included?
Yes. The course fee includes one 1-hour group sports psychology session supporting focus, decision-making and performance under pressure.
How does payment work?
The course fee is USD 2,199 per person. Registration uses a 10% deposit of USD 219.90, followed by 20% of USD 439.80 when structured preparation begins and the final 70% of USD 1,539.30 30 days before departure.

Register for the Ice Climbing Course

Complete your registration details before proceeding to the 10% registration deposit payment.

Personal Details

Course Availability

Please state the dates or date range you are available to travel. Include any dates you are NOT available.

Climbing Experience

Crampons
Ice tools
Rope skills
Rock climbing experience

Describe any previous ice climbing, including grades, locations and dates. State none if you have not climbed ice before.

Current Fitness

Health & Safety

Do you have any medical condition, injury or other consideration that may affect your ability to participate safely?

Emergency Contact

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