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Gyachung Kang

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Mountain
—°2
Gyachung Kang (Nepal)

Weather…

Gyachung Kang, rising to 7,952 meters, holds the distinction of being the highest mountain in the world that is not an 8,000-meter peak. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet, positioned directly between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. Despite its massive stature, it remains relatively obscure to the general public, overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. The first successful ascent was achieved on April 10, 1964, by a Japanese expedition led by Kazunari Yasuhisa, with Pasang Phutar and Kiyoto Sakaizawa reaching the summit. The mountain is defined by extremely steep faces and complex glacial systems, making it a highly technical and demanding objective for elite climbers. It forms a vital part of the watershed ridge separating the rivers of Nepal from the Tibetan Plateau. Due to its remote location and lack of commercial climbing infrastructure, Gyachung Kang retains a wilderness character rarely found in the more popular regions of the Himalayas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-7-5-215810972-1-4
Rain mm61013225083174160932423

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The lengthy approach runs deep into the glaciated backcountry, mostly as part of a highly organized expedition operating far away from normal trekking routes.
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Best season
Climbing attempts are undertaken almost exclusively in the spring or autumn, when the icy winter storms and the heavy monsoon precipitation take a brief pause.
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Terrain & paths
Mountaineers face an extremely demanding mix of bare ice and steep rock, which can only be safely navigated with vast experience in mixed alpine climbing.
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What to bring
High-alpine climbing gear of the latest generation, ample fixed ropes, and extreme sleeping bags suitable for bivouacking are vital for surviving on the face.
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Parking
Since the mountain is located in completely undeveloped territory, motorized travel is simply impossible; logistics rely on extensive caravans of local porters.
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Safety
Crevasse falls, avalanches, and sudden weather shifts pose a constant life-threatening danger in this isolation, leaving virtually no margin for mountaineering errors.
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Time needed
Such major alpine projects usually require several weeks to execute, if only to maneuver the extensive material and the climbers into proper high-altitude positions.

Geography

Coordinates
28.09800, 86.74220

Facts

  • Elevation: 7,952 meters (26,089 feet) above sea level
  • Status: The highest non-8,000 meter peak in the world
  • Location: Between Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest, Mahalangur Himal
  • First Ascent: April 10, 1964, by a Japanese-Nepalese team
  • Rank: 15th highest mountain in the world
  • Access: Known for its isolation and technical difficulty

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Gyachung Kang (2)

Gyachung Kang🌿 nature

Standing at 7,952 meters, this is the world's highest peak under eight thousand meters, located between Cho Oyu and Everest.

Ngojumba Kang II🌿 nature

A 7,743-meter summit on the high ridge between Gyachung Kang and Cho Oyu in the Mahalangur Himal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the peak?
Over 7900 meters.
Experience necessary?
Only for elite climbers.
Best time?
Spring.
Weather risk?
Extremely windy.
Accommodation?
Camping in base camp.
Gyachung Kang: where is it located?
Gyachung Kang is located in Nepal.
Gyachung Kang: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gyachung Kang, Ngojumba Kang II.
Gyachung Kang: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Gyachung Kang: why is it worth visiting?
Gyachung Kang, rising to 7,952 meters, holds the distinction of being the highest mountain in the world that is not an 8,000-meter peak.
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