Supported by an AAC Live Your Dream Grant, Suraj Kushwaha from Vermont and Nikhil Bhandari from Hyderabad, India, explored a granite dome above Sethan village, east of Manali. In May 2023, Kushwaha had attempted a route on the 4,600-meter formation, which locals call Rathan Thadi, but melting snow soaked the rock and halted the effort.

Kushwaha returned with Bhandari in October and climbed two routes: Rathan Thadi Direct (6 pitches, 5.11-) and Fissure in Time (6 pitches, 5.10 A2 M2). Kushwaha said the latter would go free at about 5.12-. The two also found some quality bouldering in the valley, the highlight of which was Tehelka (“Chaos,” V6).

Please click here to download the complete trip report (PDF) from the expedition.

—Information from Suraj Kushwaha, USA