One of the challenging peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas; Arwa Spires are a series of stupendous rocky spires which offer highly demanding rock climbs. These rocky spires are situated southwest of Arwa Tower. The spires have two main peaks, namely the main (or east) and west peaks. Arwa Spires, along with Arwa Tower and Arwa Crest make up the coveted Arwa group of mountains.
HISTORY
The first ascent of the East spire (to the base of a small summit pinnacle) was made in October 2000 by a British expedition led by Kenton Cool, via the East Ridge. Andy Benson and Pete Benson made the first summit climb, followed five days later by Cool, Ian Parnell, and Al Powell.
CLIMBING ROUTES
Arwa Spires can be ascended via different climbing routes:
- North East Ridge
- North Face, Right Hand Couloir
- North Face (Fior de Vite)
- East Ridge, also known as the English route
- Capisco to West summit
Out of all these climbing routes, the easiest route is by traversing through rock, ice and snow via East Ridge.
HOW TO REACH
The trek to Arya Spires commences from the holy town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Arwa Tal base camp is common for all three peaks of the Arwa group.Badrinath – Mana – Ghastoli – Arwa Valley – Arwa Tal BC – ABC then summit (BC= Base Camp, ABC = Advanced Base Camp)
- ROAD: Being a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, Badrinath has good connectivity of roads from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. One can reach to these places from Delhi and get a bus or shared taxi to Badrinath. The buses usually leave early morning from places like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- RAIL: Badrinath doesn’t have a railhead. Nearest railway station to Badrinath is situated in Haridwar. Haridwar is connected with major cities like Delhi, Ahmadabad and Dehradun.
- AIR: The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant situated in Dehradun. From there, one can opt for a bus or a taxi to reach Badrinath.