
29/03/2025
Route name- Frozen Diesel - WI5
Location: Nadang
Difficulty: WI5
Elevation: 3350m
Length: 65m
Pitches: 2
Approach: 35 minutes
Route Description:-
Frozen Diesel is a striking two-pitch WI5 climb, featuring unique brown ice formation. The lower pitch is relatively shorter, while the upper pitch is longer, sometimes forming into a pillar. Both pitches are vertical 90-degree walls, offering solid and challenging climbing. The upper pitch has a beautiful aesthetic with its pillar-like structure that forms in certain conditions.
Approach:-
Start from the road towards the small river in lower Nadang village.
Follow the water channel inside the gorge on ice for about 35 minutes.
The route is visible from afar, but you will need to climb a small waterfall (2-3m) before reaching the base of Frozen Diesel.
Risk & Safety:-
No avalanche risk
No rockfall risk
Very cold area, ensuring solid ice formation
Minimal sun exposure
Technical Details:-
Bolted anchors: No
Descent: Lower pitch has topout option, for upper pitch we have to rappel down, no top out.
Ice Quality: Solid blue ice, especially from mid-December to late March
Climbing Style: Multi pitches.
Wildlife:-
You may encounter Blue sheep and Himalayan fox in the area.
First Ascent:-
First climbed by Bharat Bushan and Ari Novik
Conclusion:-
Frozen Diesel is a stunning two-pitch WI5 climb in Nadang, featuring unique brown ice and a striking pillar formation on the upper pitch. With minimal sun exposure, solid ice, and no avalanche or rockfall risk, it offers a safe yet challenging ascent. The approach is straightforward, following the frozen water channel inside the gorge. Climbers may also spot Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and foxes, adding to the remote alpine experience.