September 12, 2011

Gangkhar Puensum is a 7,570 metres high mountain on the Bhutanese-Tibetan border. It is locally known as the “Three Sibling Mountain” and internationally known as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

The mountain lies in northern Bhutan, on the border to Tibet. Indeed, two of its three peaks lie on Chinese territory, the highest peak, however, is on Bhutanese grounds. When the country was opened to mountaineering in 1983 four expeditions were undertaken to climb the mountain. Until 1994 none of them succeeded.

In 1994 the climbing of mountains over 6,000 metres was prohibited in Bhutan, out of respect for spiritual beliefs. Since 2004 mountaineering has been completely banned in Bhutan. Mountains are seen as the abodes of protecting deities and are worshipped as living beings. Locals were scared that, if the aura of sanctity surrounding the mountains was not protected, this would not only undermine their own belief but also jeopardy the faith of their children in their own religion and culture.

It is quite likely that Gangkhar Puensum will remain a secret to climbers for the foreseeable future – although its lower peaks on the Tibetan side have been climbed. If you would like to see the undiscovered peaks in Bhutan up close, get inspired by our Bhutan tours and contact us!