Gowri Varanashi is an Indian climber determined to push boundaries, help develop new crags in India, and support women in the sport.

Her climbing journey began in college in the US, when a friend introduced her to a local climbing wall. She quickly became obsessed with outdoor climbing and pushing her limits through rigorous training.

She is passionate about teaching, especially to women and children. In 2018, she founded Climb Like A Woman, a non-profit organization in India, aimed at empowering women and breaking barriers through rock climbing. She was also part of the team of women who fundraised and initiated a community bolting project and a bolting course for the development of a new sport climbing crag, called Power Star in Badami, in 2023.

In 2017, she applied for and received The Live Your Dream grant given by the American Alpine Club and The North Face, to challenge herself and climb French Indian Masala (7b+) in Badami, India.

In 2021, Gowri became the fourth Indian woman to climb the 8a route Samara in Badami, India.

In 2024, she became the first Indian woman to complete two 7C boulder problems in Hampi, after following a 12-week Bouldering Training Plan with us here at Lattice Training.

She aims to continue to push herself, expand her knowledge and skills in climbing and training, while inspiring and teaching others.

Gowri is a naturalist and her love for nature is an integral part of her climbing. She sees rock climbing as a form of nature connection and connection to the land. She incorporates elements of nature connection into all her teachings. You will often find her foraging for wild edible plants and mushrooms or looking for insects and animals.

She enjoys technical, crimpy boulder problems or routes the most.