Hkakabo RaziHkakabo Razi at a Glance
About Hkakabo Razi
Hkakabo Razi is the highest mountain in Myanmar, located in the far north of Kachin State and often cited as one of the tallest peaks in Southeast Asia. Its summit rises to an elevation of approximately 5,881 metres above sea level.
The mountain and surrounding ranges are part of a remote frontier region long known to local peoples; the first recorded ascent of Hkakabo Razi was made in 1996. Since then the mountain has seen only a small number of expeditions due to access difficulties and permitting.
Hkakabo Razi lies in northern Kachin State near Myanmar’s borders with Tibet and India, within a landscape of high peaks and deep river valleys; the usual approach begins from the town of Putao and involves weeks of trekking through dense forest and alpine terrain.
- Access and remoteness: Reaching the mountain requires lengthy, multi-week expeditions through challenging terrain and is typically attempted from the town of Putao in northern Kachin State.
Best Time to Visit Hkakabo Razi
If attempting Hkakabo Razi or trekking in the area, aim for the drier months (roughly October-April) when access is most reliable, keeping in mind extreme cold at altitude.
Weather & Climate near Hkakabo Razi
Hkakabo 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 (754 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -18° - -6° | -18° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Poor | -16° - -6° | -18° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -3° | -15° | 34 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -10° - 0° | -11° | 57 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.7h |
| May | Poor | -5° - 4° | -5° | 67 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.4h |
| June | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 100 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.8h |
| July | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 146 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Poor | 0° - 7° | 1° | 131 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 94 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | -6° - 3° | -6° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.4h |
| November | Poor | -12° - -1° | -12° | 20 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.6h |
| December | Acceptable | -16° - -4° | -15° | 11 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Hkakabo Razi
Hkakabo Razi lies in Myanmar’s far north and is only reachable by an extended overland trek from the town of Putao in Kachin State. The usual access route is to fly into Putao (seasonal flights from Myitkyina and sometimes Yangon or Mandalay via connections), then arrange a long, multi‑day expedition with experienced local guides and porters into the highlands.
There are no direct road links from major cities to the mountain; reaching Hkakabo Razi requires significant trekking logistics, permits and local support arranged in Putao.
Tips for Visiting Hkakabo Razi
- Approach Hkakabo Razi from Putao in Kachin State; all climbs and long treks start from Putao, where experienced local outfitters and necessary logistical support are based.
- This is a remote, multi‑week expedition into very challenging terrain-obtain permits, arrange an experienced local guiding company in Putao, and allow ample extra time for weather delays and trek logistics.
- The best window is the dry season (roughly November-April); expect lengthy jungle approaches, river crossings and highly variable conditions, so plan conservative schedules and emergency contingencies.