Area:
Khumbu
Himal in the Everest
Area
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 commiting 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.
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