To encourage and assist Himalayan travel and exploration, and to extend the knowledge of the Himalaya and adjoining mountain ranges through science, art, literature and sport.
The Himalayan Club founded in 1928 is one of the earliest clubs to have been established in the sub-continent. Becoming a member has several advantages, the most significant ones being knowledge and networking.
The Himalayan Club with libraries in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Pune has a strong knowledge base in the form of book, maps, expedition reports, publications and experienced explorers and mountaineers as its members.
This is the most authentic record of Himalayan mountaineering activity since 1929. All members of the HC receive the The Himalayan Journal and are encouraged to contribute to the Journal in different ways.
The Himalayan Club has set up annual Awards in the field of mountaineering and mountain literature in memory of certain prominent members.
The Himalayan Club in association with Naoroji family and Godrej has set up a mountain literature Award for the best book on the Himalaya. Kekoo Naoroji had a long association with the Himalayan Club and he served as President and Secretary in the past. The award instituted in his name is for a book on subjects including mountains, mountaineering, people, culture, environment, politics and related aspects.
The Jagdish Nanavati Award for Excellence in Mountaineering has been instituted in memory of Jagdish C. Nanavati. He was an expert on analyzing expeditions and was known as the last reference point for authenticating climbs in the Indian Himalaya. This is an annual award/grant, carrying a cash prize for an Indian expedition that follows criteria laid out and submits a report that match the defined guidelines.
The Jagdish Nanavati Garud Gold Medal for outstanding support staff has also been instituted in Mr Nanavati’s memory. The recognition is for exemplary and responsible service rather that achievement. The practice of awarding the historic Tiger Badges instituted by THC for outstanding Sherpas has been revived, only it now spans across the whole Himalaya’s support staff and has been renamed Garud.