 Kwangde
6011m.
Trip Details
Trip Duration:
19 Days
Trip Grading:
Alpine
Mode of Trek:
Camping
Best Time:
Oct/ Nov/ March/ April
Kwangde Ri is also called Kongde Ri and
Kwande on various maps. This difficult
mountain forms an impressive multi-summited
ridge on the eastern end of the Lumding
Himal, which in turn can be regarded as
part of the Rolwaling Himal. Rising
south-west of Namche Bazaar above the
Bhote Kosi river, the mountain's
northern flank forms an impressive
barrier that throws down several steep
ridges to the north.
It's glaciated southern flank is more
aloof. It is hidden at the northern end
of the Lumding Drangka, a high and
remote valley bounded to the west by the
tumbling glaciers of Karyolung
(6,511m/21,361ft), Khartang
(6,853m/22,484ft) and Numbur
(6,959m/22,831ft). The Lumdring valley
is rarely visited by trekkers or
expeditions. At the northern end of the
valley the stream cascades down a
natural rocky barrier above which is a
moraine-bound lake, the Tsho Og, at the
snout of the Limding Glacier. North of
the Tsho Og, itself hidden in a huge
rocky cwm, is the massive Lumding Tsho
Teng (5,151m/16,899ft).
All of the routes climbed to date on the
Kwangde Peaks are difficult, none have
proved suitable for commercial trekking
peak expeditions. The routes on the
North Face are particularly difficult
and reflect recent developments in
lightweight Himalayan climbing, with an
emphasis on technical difficulty and a
high degree of commitment. They have
invariably been made by two climbers
without support camps or fixed ropes,
although in at least one case a
subsequent ascent has seen a return to
traditional siege style tactics with
masses of fixed rope and camps. Even the
routes on the South Face are committing
and difficult, although the climbing is
more traditional in character.
The first ascent of Kwangde Lho was made
by a Nepalese expedition in 1975 which
was led by Kumar Khagdar and Bikram
Shah. The actual summit was reached on
17 October by Lhakpa Tenzing. Sonam
Gyalzen, Shambhu Tamang and Sonam Hisi
via the South Ridge.
Experienced climbers who are looking for
rarely climbed and challenging small
peak in the Himalayas will find this
peak very attractive. Further
Information to arrange a climb to this
peak will be provided on request.
Group Size:
Min. 02 Max 10.
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