Aconcagua is one of the best mountains to climb worldwide because of its various astonishing features. You can reach the summit of Aconcagua by two different routes—the Normal Route and the Polish Glacier route. The normal route is best for trekkers with less experience in ice or rock climbing; on the other hand, the Polish Glacier route is a technical route that allows a massive scale of challenges. Still, all of these challenges are worthwhile. So, let’s look into the article to know the advantages of choosing the Polish Glacier Route.
Polish Glacier Route- A Primer
A group of Polish mountaineers introduced the Polish Glacier route in 1934. This route was the first route discovered after the Normal Route. The Polish Glacier route is well-liked worldwide for its enormous landscape and numerous natural beauties, making it the most classic route for technical climbers. You can witness the magnificent beauty of all sides of Mount Aconcagua, the greatness of the Andes, and the gorgeous Polish Glacier by this route.
However, this route allows the climbers to take a more wild and remote course. For its complex and more challenging nature, very few climbers choose the Polish Glacier route to reach the Aconcagua summit so that they can experience a uniquely solitary ascent. Aconcagua Ascents via this route also require complete training and prior high-altitude experience. Climbers also get well-equipped camps and straightforward logistics on this route.
How to Climb Aconcagua by Polish Glacier Route?
The Polish Glacier route is long and extremely challenging; thus, it takes around 15 to 20 days for the expedition. You must reach the summit with experienced expedition guides on its complicated and risky route. It is a technical route; thus, a climber must have solid specialized experience and excellent physical shape. The Polish Glacier route requires fixed ropes and crampons to walk on snowy and icy roads. However, you have complete knowledge to use belay and ice ax techniques to go by this route. This route goes through Vacas Valley and Upper Guanacos and begins with a trek to base camp at Plaza Argentina. The hike to Aconcagua Argentina, carries the road to Camp 1 and up a steep climb to the second camp. This trek to this route also includes normal and Traverse paths to reach the peak.
Moreover, the ice conditions determine the trekking line between the direct Polish glacier line and the classic Piedra Bandera line. The direct glacier line is the most in-demand and steepest; on the other hand, Piedra Bandera does a zigzag climb to the peak. By following these lines, you can successfully reach the summit and feel the immense beauty and solitude of the mountains. The descent from Mount Aconcagua follows the normal route via base camp at Plaza de Mulas and Horcones Valley.
Conclusion
If you are a well-trained and experienced climber, you should opt for the Polish Glacier route. This route offers the trekker a more technical and adventurous experience than the normal route. However, it would be best if you also choose the best guide for Aconcagua to reach the summit by this route. The route features various natural beauties and wild experiences; thus, it is a rewarding route for every climber who loves challenges. Prior preparation, knowledge of coping with unpredictable weather, and using different climbing techniques are vital in choosing this route.