Gangkhar Puensum
Mountain Highest unclimbed mountain and Bhutan's tallest peak
Often cited as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum rises in Bhutan’s highlands; climbing has been restricted by Bhutanese authorities, so visits focus on trekking in lower valleys and local village encounters.
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and one of the highest unclimbed summits globally, located in the northern highlands of the country. Its reported elevation is around 7,570 m above sea level.
The peak lies in a remote border area in northern Bhutan and has been the subject of limited exploration; multiple attempts in the 20th century did not reach the summit. The Bhutanese government prohibits climbing of its highest peaks, and Gangkhar Puensum remains officially off-limits to mountaineers.
Because of its prohibition and remote location, the mountain is primarily of geographic and cultural interest rather than a destination for technical climbing by international teams.
The peak sits in the northern part of Wangdue Phodrang District, near Bhutan’s border with Tibet, within a rugged alpine landscape of glaciers and high plateaus.
- Height and climbing status: At about 7,570 m above sea level it is Bhutan's highest peak and is often cited as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world because climbing is banned by Bhutanese authorities.
How to Get to Gangkhar Puensum #
Gangkhar Puensum is in a very remote part of Bhutan’s Wangdue Phodrang area and is not accessible by standard public transport. Approaches require multi‑day trekking from remote valleys (Lunana/Wangdue Phodrang) and special government permits.
Importantly, Bhutan restricts mountaineering on many high peaks and Gangkhar Puensum has no open, legal commercial climbing routes for foreign climbers; practical access is therefore extremely limited and must be arranged through official Bhutanese channels.
Tips for Visiting Gangkhar Puensum #
- Do not plan to climb Gangkhar Puensum: Bhutan has prohibited climbing many of its highest peaks (including Gangkhar Puensum) for religious and conservation reasons, so it is off-limits to mountaineers.
- If you want to see the mountain, arrange viewing or trek permits through a licensed Bhutan operator and discuss permitted trekking routes-approaches are remote and access is tightly regulated, requiring official permissions.
Best Time to Visit Gangkhar Puensum #
For Gangkhar Puensum, plan any approaches or surrounding trekking in spring or autumn (March-May or September-November); the mountain itself is closed to climbing and access is restricted.
Weather & Climate near Gangkhar Puensum #
Gangkhar Puensum's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -28°C to -1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -24°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -26°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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