Brief Description
Arwa Tower Peak (6352 M) is one of the most intimidating and once considered invincible peaks of the Arwa group of peaks located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Considered as one of the toughest and thrilling peak expedition in the Himalayas, the Arwa Tower has a distinctive looking needle-like peak providing unmatched views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Climbing on a huge rocky ridge along with a steep granite wall will bring out the adventurer in you and will undeniably be the most cherished experience of your life. Due to the extreme technical difficulties and rough terrain, the Arwa Tower expedition is meant only for experienced mountaineers looking for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping climb to one of the most renowned peaks. High physical fitness, mental endurance and stamina is a must. Prior knowledge of roping procedures, use to crampons, jumars and ascenders is imperative. The expedition is best done in the months of late June and July and in September and October. Stay on this page for more information on the Arwa Tower Peak expedition.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Dehradun to Joshimath - 295 km Drive
We will assemble early morning in Dehradun by 7 AM and drive towards Joshimath. Overnight in guest house/hotel in Joshimath.
Stay in Joshimath
Day for fulfill all formalities with Local Administration & Forest Department. There will be an introduction session followed by a briefing session. We will check our equipments and go over the expedition plan. You can utilise this day to make any last minute purchases if needed. Rest and acclimatize well. Overnight stay in hotel.
Joshimath to Badrinath - 45 km, 2 hrs Drive
Have breakfast and drive to the holy town of Badrinath. Arrive and check-in to a hotel in Badrinath. Today you will meet our climbing expedition crew like Guide, Cook, Porters etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Badrinath to Mana - 3 km Drive. Mana to Ghastoli (3796 M) - 5 hours Trek
Today we will drive to Mana village located 3 km from Badrinath. From Mana we will start our trek to Ghastoli along a steep trail presenting stunning views of the scenery. Overnight in tents in Ghastoli.
Ghastoli to Arwa Valley - 16 km, 5-6 hrs
Post-breakfast we will trek to Arwa valley following a steep trail. We will set up camp at Arwa Valley and retire for the night. Have dinner and overnight in tents.
Arwa valley to Arwa Tal (Base Camp) (4350 M)
Have breakfast and leave for Arwa Tal which will be our Base Camp for Arwa Tower expedition. We will setup our campsite for the night. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Acclimatization in Arwa Tal Base Camp
Today will be spent for rest and acclimatization at Base Camp. We will study the weather forecast and the route of the expedition. We will also take acclimatization walks. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Base Camp (BC) to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) and return to BC
Today we will load ferry from Base Camp to ABC and return back to Base Camp where we rest for the night.
Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (5800 M)
Today we will occupy ABC and rest for the day. Overnight in tents.
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
Arwa Tower Peak Climbing Session
ABC to BC
Reach ABC after a successful summit to Arwa Peak and make your way to Base Camp. Overnight in tents.
Rest day at Base Camp
Rest for the day at BC. We will wind up our campsite today and prepare for the return trek to Mana.
Base Camp to Ghastoli
Have breakfast and we retrace our steps to Ghastoli. We will setup camps here and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Ghastoli to Mana - Trek. Mana to Joshimath - Drive
Today we will trek back to Mana where our vehicles will pick you up and we will drive to Joshimath. Spend the rest of the day celebrating your successful expedition. Overnight in hotel.
Joshimath to Dehradun - 295 km Drive
Check-out from the hotel and drive to Dehradun. Expect to reach Dehradun by late evening. We bid you goodbye here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
In accordance with the rules and regulation set forth by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) for mountaineering expeditions, out of 12 seats per batch:
- 6 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Advanced Mountaineering Course (AMC)
- 4 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)
- The remaining 2 seats are reserved for aspirants with previous trekking experience of expeditions above 6000 meters
Foreign Nationals - Due to a specific set of guidelines for Foreign Nationals it is recommended to call our support team to gain information on the list of documents and procedure involved in booking a mountaineering expedition with us.
Mt. Sathopanth Expedition is made only for trekkers with previous mountaineering experience and wants to test their limits. The challenges faced in the expedition should not be underestimated. You should attempt this expedition only If you have already done climbs over 6000 m and have completed a Basic Mountaineering Course. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the high altitudes. The climb required expeditionary tactics, experience with glacier trek, high angled snow slopes, and technical ridge all of which is a strenuous endeavor. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of people who have previously been on an expedition to a technical 6000 m peak. At least 4-5 challenging treks along with 30+ total trekking days in the Himalayas. Experience with glacier trekking and high altitude mountaineering are essential for Arwa Tower Peak expedition. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch
- Push Ups – 15 X 4
- Lunges & Squats – 30 X 4 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Arwa Tower peak expedition
Arwa Tower is one of the most thrilling and challenging 6000 M peaks in India. It is one of the toughest mountain peaks in the Chamoli region in Uttarakhand and is quite a formidable undertaking. Conquering this peak is a supreme accomplishment since it includes a complex glacier approach, high angled snow slopes, and a technical ridge with a steep granite-like wall, before the final section to the summit. Sign up for this expedition if you have previously climbed a 6000 m peak and are looking to push your limits to train for any 8000 m mountains.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
June to September are the best months to undertake the Arwa Tower Peak expedition.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
Ghastoli is the start point of the trek located 65 km from Joshimath. Joshimath is a small town, 290 km away from Haridwar, Uttrakhand. There are direct buses to Joshimath from Dehradun & Haridwar/Rishikesh. They leave early in the morning. One can also hire a private taxi from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to get to Joshimath.
Haridwar is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport.
By Road:
There are no direct buses to Joshimath from Delhi. There You can take overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to Haridwar. The distance from Delhi to Haridwar is about 222 km. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Haridwar.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Joshimath is 187 km away in Haridwar. There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Haridwar like Dehradun Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance.
By Air:
The nearest airport from Joshimath is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 272 km away from Joshimath. You can reach Dehradun from New Delhi by flight.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
You will find the network at Joshimath, after which there is poor connectivity. You may find weak signals at Mana.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Once your expedition is completed, there are many places in Joshimath that you can visit. Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, is where you get to spot some of the endangered species. Narsingh Temple is a sacred place in Joshimath visited by pilgrims in huge number. The temple is a part of Sapt Badri. Visit Shri Shankaracharya Math which is one of the four monasteries founded by famous Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya. Kalpvriksh in Joshimath is a 1200-year-old Mulberry is considered to be the oldest in India. The tree remains evergreen throughout the year and never sheds a leaf. For more details on Joshimath read this: Joshimath - The gateway to Heaven
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 16 years. However, minors aged 16 and 17 years should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation in Joshimath will be provided as per our itinerary. During the expedition, accommodation will be in 4 season tents on twin sharing basis.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
Since this is a technical climb at extremely high altitudes on snow and ice, all required technical equipment such as Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Jumar, Descender, Harness will be provided. You can refer to the inclusions section for more details.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
You can expect temperatures to drop to as low as -15°C to -25°C at higher camps on the climb. The more altitude we gain the colder it gets. However, the weather is always unpredictable so be prepared with all the essential layers required to keep yourself warm and dry.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
Since this is a technical climb at 6300 m, you can expect snow and ice on the expedition.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participants will be led by an IMF certified mountaineering guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, the trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Joshimath is a small town with a very small market. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We have one pick-up point: Dehradun ISBT. The dropping point remains the same.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Dehradun by late-evening. So plan all your journeys post 1800 hours or from the next day.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on the expedition
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- 4 season Dome Tents, Thermal rated Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Expedition guide, cook, helpers, HAP and LAP for carrying common supplies
- Course certified & experienced Expedition Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- Technical Equipment - PP Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Snow Stake, Dead Man/Boy
- Peak Booking Fee Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal bags during the expedition
- Meals during hotel stay in Joshimath
- Cost of any kind of Travel / Expedition Insurance.
- Only for foreign nationals US$ 1000 for a team of two members and US$ 450 for every additional participants
- Forest Permit / Camping Fee for foreign nationals (USD 880-1000 upto group of 10)
- Mandatory Liaison Officer Fee for foreign expeditions ( ~USD 500 for group of 10)
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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