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.
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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.
Contact
us for further information: getaway#mail.com.np
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