The LIGSS-2025: Glaciology and Climate was successfully conducted during 17-29 June, 2025. Here is the link for more information https://indianglaciologyschool.com/Years-Content.aspx?yr=2025

The LIGSS-2026:Remote Sensing of Himalayan Glaciers will focus on equipping young and emerging researchers from India and abroad with advanced skills in satellite and drone-based glacier monitoring. The school will emphasize the application of optical and microwave remote sensing techniques to map glacier geometry, dynamics, and mass balance, with particular attention to debris-covered glaciers in the Himalaya.

The program will cover stereo photogrammetry using drone imagery for high-resolution DEM generation, SAR-based DEMs, radar and LiDAR altimetry for glacier surface elevation and elevation change detection, and methodologies for DEM co-registration and bias correction. Participants will learn techniques for geodetic glacier mass balance estimation, ice velocity retrieval from optical and SAR data, and integration of multi-sensor datasets for improved glacier monitoring.

Special emphasis will be placed on the strengths and limitations of optical versus microwave datasets under complex Himalayan conditions, including cloud cover, seasonal snow, and debris mantling. The curriculum integrates in-person lectures by 5 core teachers, hands-on computational labs using real satellite and UAV datasets, evening research seminars, networking with 15+ national and international experts and field excursions to Khardung Glacier (5400 masl) and ice stupas to connect remote observations with field realities. Collaborative group projects will focus on developing complete remote-sensing workflows—from data acquisition and processing to uncertainty assessment and interpretation.

Beyond technical training, the school prioritizes mentorship and scientific exchange through close interaction with instructors and tutors. By strengthening expertise in advanced remote sensing, multi-sensor data fusion, and glacier change quantification, the program aims to build a new generation of scientists capable of delivering robust, reproducible, and policy-relevant assessments of Himalayan glacier change.

Funded by Sai Ashraya Trust, Jaipur (India), International Glaciological Society (https://www.igsoc.org/)

Fees: No fees, but selected participants must cover their travel expenses to and from Leh.

Application Open: 25 March 2026

Application Deadline: 10 April 2026

Results: 22 April 2026

Dates for Summer School: 1-13 June, 2026

 Arrival & Acclimatization: 1 June, 2026 ; Departure: 13 June, 2026

Venue: Mahabodhi International Meditation Center, Leh (3500 masl), Ladakh, India 

Capacity: 20 participants

School coordinators:  Saurabh Vijay (IIT Roorkee) and Argha Banerjee (IISER Pune)

The Application Form for LIGSS-2026 is designed to assess applicants’ background, research interests, and motivation for participating in the program. 

The target participants are bachelor's, master's, and PhD students, as well as early-career researchers.

Please use the GOOGLE LINK or scan the QR CODE below to submit your application by 10 April, 2026. No other means of submission will be accepted.

All the best.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Glaciology and Remote Sensing

Lecture 1: Glacier Formation, Types, and Distribution

• Snow accumulation, firn formation, and glacier ice development
• Glacier mass balance: accumulation vs ablation
• Major glacier types: valley glaciers, cirque glaciers, tidewater glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets
• Global glacier distribution with emphasis on High Mountain Asia
• Characteristics of Himalayan glaciers (debris cover, steep topography)

Lecture 2: Glacier Dynamics and Surface Processes

• Glacier flow mechanisms: internal deformation and basal sliding
• Glacier zones: accumulation zone, equilibrium line altitude (ELA), ablation zone
• Supraglacial features: debris cover, crevasses, and melt ponds
• Glacier-related hazards including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)

Lecture 3: Principles of Remote Sensing for Cryosphere Studies

• Importance of remote sensing for glacier monitoring
• Basics of the electromagnetic spectrum
• Interaction of snow and ice with electromagnetic radiation
• Optical vs microwave remote sensing
• Spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution

Lecture 4: Key Remote Sensing Applications in Glaciology

• Glacier mapping using optical imagery (Landsat, Sentinel-2)
• Glacier velocity estimation using feature tracking and basics of InSAR
• DEM generation and glacier elevation change
• Satellite altimetry (ICESat-2, CryoSat-2)
• Overview of key datasets for Himalayan glacier studies

Unit 2: Glacier Dynamics – Ice Velocity and Subglacial Hydrology

Lecture 1: Remote Sensing for Glacier Velocity Monitoring

• Optical and microwave datasets for velocity tracking
• Optical feature tracking and image correlation methods
• Converting displacement between image pairs into glacier surface velocity
• SAR-based velocity estimation using offset tracking
• Differences between feature tracking and InSAR approaches
• Error estimation using stable terrain and uncertainty propagation

Lecture 2: Glacier Hydrology and Subglacial Processes

• Components of glacier hydrology: supraglacial, englacial, and subglacial systems
• Links between glacier hydrology and downstream water resources, lakes, and floods
• Role of basal water pressure in glacier sliding
• Seasonal variations in glacier velocity
• Transition between inefficient and efficient drainage systems
• Hydraulic potential and hydraulic gradients beneath glaciers

Lecture 3: Sources and Dynamics of Subglacial Water

• Sources of basal meltwater
• Distributed and channelized drainage systems
• Evolution of subglacial drainage during the melt season
• Coupling between hydrology and glacier motion

Lecture 4: Subglacial Hydrology Modelling

• Overview of numerical modelling approaches
• Concepts and framework of the SHAKTI subglacial hydrology model
• Model inputs, governing equations, and outputs
• Applications for glacier dynamics studies

Unit 3: Geodetic Glacier Mass Balance and Supraglacial Processes

Lecture 1: Photogrammetry and DEM Generation for Glaciers

• Principles of stereo satellite imagery and photogrammetry
• Historical datasets such as CORONA and ASTER
• Structure-from-Motion (SfM) approaches for UAV, aerial, and satellite imagery
• UAV mission planning for glacier surveys

Lecture 2: Geodetic Glacier Mass Balance

• DEM differencing techniques
• Estimation of glacier elevation change and volume change
• Conversion of volume change to mass balance
• Error estimation and uncertainty analysis

Unit 4: Glacier Retreat and Proglacial Processes

Lecture 1: Glacier Retreat Monitoring

• Detection of glacier terminus changes using multi-temporal satellite imagery
• Mapping retreat rates of land-terminating and lake-terminating glaciers
• Long-term glacier change analysis

Lecture 2: Debris-Covered Glaciers and Radar Applications

• Challenges in mapping debris-covered glaciers
• Use of SAR backscatter and InSAR coherence for glacier mapping
• Integration of optical and radar datasets

Lecture 3: Proglacial Lakes and Geomorphic Processes

• Mapping glacial lakes using optical and SAR data
• Monitoring glacial lake growth and glacier–lake interactions
• Proglacial geomorphic processes including moraine evolution, sediment transport, and meltwater channel development

Unit 5: AI in Glaciology

Lecture 1: Introduction to AI in Cryosphere Research

• Overview of machine learning and deep learning concepts
• Applications of AI in Earth observation and glacier studies
• Advantages and limitations of AI approaches

Lecture 2: AI Applications in Glacier Monitoring

• Automatic glacier mapping using deep learning
• Detection of debris-covered glaciers
• Automated glacial lake mapping
• AI approaches for glacier velocity and change detection
• Machine learning for glacial hazard assessment

To be finalized on 22 April 2026

Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) - Choglamsar Campus, Leh, Ladakh, India

The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), located in Leh, Ladakh, India, is a renowned institution dedicated to meditation, spiritual growth, and humanitarian services. Founded in 1986 by Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, MIMC offers a serene environment for meditation and self-discovery. 

All classes, tutorials, accommodation, and meals will be provided at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh, Ladakh. Participants will stay on a dual-sharing basis, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful environment. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the center, offering nutritious meals throughout the program. The serene surroundings and well-equipped facilities will support both academic learning and personal well-being during the status.

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.mahabodhi-ladakh.info/

GOOGLE LOCATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R2uG7DafCwVYPYgx8

HOW TO REACH THE CENTER

1. Train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi:

   • Route: Board a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi, the nearest major railway station to Leh, approximately 700 km away.​

   • Travel Time: Around 10–12 hours.​

   • Note: Jammu Tawi is well-connected to Delhi with several trains operating daily. ​

2. Bus or Taxi from Jammu to Leh:

   • Route: From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) bus to Leh.​

   • Travel Time: The journey spans approximately 700 km and typically takes 2 days, with an overnight stop, often in Kargil.​

   • Availability: Bus services are operational only from May to October, when the Srinagar-Leh Highway is open. ​

By Bus via Manali:

Alternatively, you can travel from Delhi to Leh via Manali:

1. Bus from Delhi to Manali:

   • Route: Several state-run and private buses operate from Delhi to Manali.​

   • Travel Time: Approximately 12–14 hours.​

2. Bus from Manali to Leh:

   • Route: From Manali, take a bus to Leh, covering about 474 km.​

   • Travel Time: This journey also takes 2 days, with an overnight halt, typically in Keylong.​

   • Availability: Services are available from June to September, during the open season for the Manali-Leh Highway.​

By Air:

Leh Airport, called Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), is connect with a few major cities of India

Important Considerations:

• Acclimatization: Leh is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters. It's advisable to plan for acclimatization upon arrival to prevent altitude sickness.​

• Weather Conditions: Road accessibility to Leh is seasonal, heavily influenced by weather conditions. Always verify the current status of highways before planning your trip.​

• Advance Booking: Due to limited transportation options and high demand during the tourist season, it's recommended to book tickets in advance.​

Upon reaching Leh, the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre is located about 12 km from the city center. Local taxis are available for transportation to the center. ​