The Avalanche Peaks are two mountain peaks situated above the Arwa Valley to the northwest of Badrinath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The peaks are named for the avalanches experienced by early climbers seeking to cross the glaciers beneath them. Avalanche Peak I is situated on north-south massif between Kalindi Bamak and the Arwa Bank.
This is the main peak among the two and situated south to the Avalanche Peak II.
HISTORY
Avalanche Peak I was first climbed by Eric Shipton and Frank Smythe with two Sherpas in 1931. After that, first successful ascent to Avalanche Peak II was made in the year 1951.
CLIMBING ROUTES
- Easiest of the entire route can be rock/snow/ ice through South Ridge of the peak.
HOW TO REACH
The nearest place which is accessible by road is Badrinath. One can then trek to Avalanche Peaks from Badrinath.
- 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.