Gamlang Razi

Mountain

Gamlang Razi is a remote glaciated mountain in Northern Myanmar, noted for year-round snow and ice and for being one of the region's highest measured summits. Climbers and experienced wilderness trekkers come for its granite ridges, glaciers and the long jungle approach.

Gamlang Razi MyitkyinaPutaoMonywaSagaingBhamoHkakabo RaziIndawgyi LakeLaykyun SekkyaGamlang Razi

Gamlang Razi essentials

Address: Hkakaborazi National Park, Kachin State, Myanmar

Gamlang Razi sits inside Hkakaborazi National Park in far-northern Kachin State on the Myanmar-Tibet frontier, close to the tri-point with India; its geology is dominated by granite and it retains permanent snow and glaciers. The mountain is extremely remote, rising out of dense montane rainforest into alpine terrain and ice.

It was first climbed in 2013 by an expedition led by Andy Tyson and a team including Burmese climbers; a GPS measurement put Gamlang Razi at about 5,870 m, making it the highest peak in Southeast Asia whose height has been measured by GPS, although nearby Hkakabo Razi may still be higher. The approach to the mountain is as notable as the climb: the trail to base camp passes through multiple ecological zones and numerous stream crossings.

Visiting Gamlang Razi is a serious undertaking rather than a day trip: expect a long, multi-week jungle trek to reach base camp in favorable weather, then technical alpine climbing if attempting the summit. Logistics are complex - access involves remote towns, domestic flights or long overland journeys, experienced guides and careful planning - and the mountain is best handled with proper expedition planning.

  • Glacier and snowfields: Persistent snow and small glaciers crown the upper slopes and provide dramatic high-altitude scenery and ice features.
  • Granite ridges and rock faces: The mountain’s granite gives steep ridgelines and polished rock that demand technical climbing on the summit approach.
  • Jungle approach and biodiversity: The trek to the mountain traverses dense montane rainforest rich in flora and birdlife, with multiple stream crossings.
  • Views toward Hkakabo Razi: Clear days offer expansive views toward nearby Hkakabo Razi and the surrounding high peaks of northern Myanmar.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gamlang Razi#

Weather is cold year-round and the area has a distinct wet season; the clearest window for trekking and climbing is the dry season. Choose season based on your priorities for weather, access and snow conditions.

Winter (best)
November - February · -18°C - 0°C (0°F - 32°F)
This is the driest period with the most stable weather and clearer skies, making trekking and summit attempts most practicable despite very cold conditions at altitude.
Spring (shoulder)
March - May · -14°C - 4°C (7°F - 39°F)
Temperatures begin to warm and conditions can be variable; storms increase toward late spring and trail conditions can become muddier as the wet season approaches.
Monsoon (avoid for access)
June - September · -2°C - 7°C (28°F - 45°F)
Heavy rain makes the jungle approach much harder, river crossings hazardous and trail conditions unstable, so this period is generally the least suitable for expeditions.

Weather & Climate near Gamlang Razi#

Climate

Gamlang Razi's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 7°C. Moderate rainfall (755 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 43 Good
Best Time to Visit
DecemberJanuaryNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -18° - -5° -18° 11 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
February Poor -17° - -6° -18° 21 mm partly cloudy 76% 4.1 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
March Poor -14° - -3° -16° 34 mm overcast 77% 4.9 m/s 1.3 high 11.9h
April Poor -10° - -1° -11° 56 mm overcast 78% 4.3 m/s 1.4 high 12.7h
May Poor -5° - 4° -6° 67 mm overcast 77% 4.3 m/s 1.8 very high 13.4h
June Poor -1° - 6° -2° 101 mm overcast 80% 4.6 m/s 2.0 very high 13.8h
July Poor 0° - 7° 1° 147 mm overcast 83% 3.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.6h
August Poor 0° - 7° 0° 132 mm overcast 83% 3.3 m/s 2.0 very high 13.0h
September Poor -2° - 6° -2° 96 mm overcast 83% 3.8 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Poor -6° - 4° -6° 61 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.9 m/s 1.5 high 11.4h
November Poor -12° - -1° -12° 19 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.2 m/s 1.1 high 10.6h
December Acceptable -16° - -3° -16° 10 mm some cloud 71% 3.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gamlang Razi#

The usual gateway for expeditions into this part of Kachin State is the town of Putao, which is the regional hub for treks into Hkakaborazi National Park; Putao is reached by domestic flights from larger Burmese cities or by long overland routes. From Putao the approach involves multi-day travel on forest tracks and then a long trek through rainforest to reach the base camp; in favorable conditions the trek to base camp typically takes about two weeks.

Cross-border approaches from Yunnan are possible but logistically and politically sensitive; the nearest major Chinese city on the Yunnan side is Shangri-La, which is sometimes used as a transit point by those entering northern Myanmar overland. The final stretch to the mountain is on foot; hire experienced local guides and research border and park access options before planning travel.

Tips for Visiting Gamlang Razi#

  • Check with local authorities about access well in advance - this region is remote and access can be limited.
  • Hire experienced local guides and porters familiar with the long jungle approach, river crossings and local conditions.
  • Pack for extreme cold at altitude plus heavy rain lower down - weather is unpredictable and the route includes both wet jungle and glaciated terrain.
  • Allow plenty of time in your itinerary: weather, river levels and logistics commonly delay progress, and reaching base camp can take many days.
  • Be prepared for basic, expedition-style camping and limited rescue infrastructure; evacuation can be difficult and slow.