Plizio Visual Lab
Kangphu Kang
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Kangphu Kang, also known as Shimokangri, is an imposing mountain on the border between Bhutan and Tibet (China). With a height of 7,204 meters, it is one of the highest peaks in Bhutan. The mountain is located in the remote Lunana region, north of the main Himalayan crest. It is known for its massive, glaciated structure and the extreme weather conditions that make its ascent very difficult. Kangphu Kang was first climbed on September 29, 2002, by a South Korean expedition. The mountain has several peaks, with the main summit (Kangphu Kang I) located on the border. The surrounding landscape is characterized by vast glaciers, moraine lakes, and an arctic-alpine tundra vegetation. The region is uninhabited and rarely visited by herders or mountaineers, making it one of the most pristine areas in the entire Himalayas. The mountain is part of the Jigme Dorji National Park.
- Location: Bhutan
- Nearby: Damphu (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -10 | -8 | -6 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 0 | -4 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 8 | 20 | 36 | 63 | 91 | 168 | 140 | 72 | 27 | 2 | 2 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this remote peak typically involves a demanding, multi-day trek through restricted border regions of Bhutan. An official guide and government permits are strictly required for any approach.
Best season
The pre-monsoon spring and post-monsoon autumn months usually offer the most stable weather for Himalayan expeditions. Winter brings extreme cold and impassable snow, while summer is dominated by heavy rains.
Terrain & paths
The surrounding landscape is characterized by treacherous glacial ice caps, steep rocky ridges, and extremely high altitudes. Navigating this untamed environment requires advanced mountaineering skills and acclimatization.
What to bring
High-altitude mountaineering equipment, including ropes, crampons, and ice axes, is absolutely essential for any serious attempt. Comprehensive expedition gear and extreme cold-weather clothing must be carried.
Parking
There are no roads or parking facilities anywhere near the mountain base. Expeditions typically begin in distant, accessible valleys where transport drops off climbers for the long hike in.
Safety
Acute mountain sickness is a severe and persistent risk at these elevations, alongside unpredictable avalanches and crevasses. Immediate rescue services are virtually nonexistent, meaning self-sufficiency is vital.
Time needed
Exploring the approach routes and setting up base camps typically takes several weeks of continuous effort. A full-scale expedition to the mountain requires a significant time commitment of at least a month.
Geography
Facts
- Is 7204 meters high.
- First climbed by a South Korean expedition.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kangphu Kang (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kangphu Kang located?
It is located on the border between Bhutan and Tibet (China).
What is the height of the mountain?
The mountain is approximately 7,204 meters high.
Are there inhabited settlements nearby?
The region is uninhabited and only visited by yak herders.
Is the mountain accessible to tourists?
Only via very long and difficult trekking tours (Snowman Trek).
Is there running water?
In the wilderness, there are only natural springs and glacial streams.
Kangphu Kang: where is it located?
Kangphu Kang is located in Bhutan.
Kangphu Kang: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
Kangphu Kang: why is it worth visiting?
Kangphu Kang, also known as Shimokangri, is an imposing mountain on the border between Bhutan and Tibet (China).
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bhutan →
Nearby cities
Samtse
Samtse is a border industrial town in southwestern Bhutan with a diverse population and rich mineral deposits.
Damphu
Damphu is the administrative center of Tsirang district, famous for its mild climate and rich agricultural yields.
Jamalpur
A northern city known for its nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt) handicrafts and agricultural production.
Tangail
A district famous for its traditional handloom sarees and its scenic rural landscape north of Dhaka.
Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is a picturesque town built around its large historic dzong, which controls an important trade route.
Khuruthang
Khuruthang is a planned new town serving as the commercial hub for the Punakha district, just south of the historic dzong.
Daga
Daga, also known as Dagana, is a historic fortress town founded in the 17th century to defend against hostile forces.
Sarpang
Sarpang is the administrative center of the Sarpang district, situated at the edge of the Indian plains and surrounded by dense jungle.
Faridpur
A district in central Bangladesh, historically significant and known for its jute production and river trade.
Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
Mymensingh
Located on the Brahmaputra River, this city is a major center for education and agriculture in central Bangladesh.
Sirajganj
A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.
History & landmarks
Gangtey
A historic village at 3000 meters altitude, recognized for the majestic 17th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
An impressive temple and nunnery complex situated on a ridge.
Bangabandhu Bridge
One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.
National Parliament House
An architectural masterpiece in Dhaka, designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn.
Gasa Dzong
A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.
Nature
More places
Zongphu Kang
Also known as Table Mountain, this massive mountain is conspicuous for its flat summit structure in the rugged high mountains.
Teri Kang
Another seven-thousander peak in the northern mountain range, hidden deep within the rugged glacial valleys.
Tongshanjiabu
A massive border peak between Bhutan and China, whose slopes are characterized by dangerous crevasses and ice fields.
Masang Kang
A prominent, snow-capped mountain in Jigme Dorji National Park, revered as a protector from the local valleys.
Tsenda Kang
An impressive ice pyramid in the mountain group around Gangkhar Puensum, surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Thimphu Valley
The densely populated valley where the capital is located, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu)
Bhutan's oldest and one of its largest cement plants in Gomtu.
🗺️
Dhamdum Industrial Park
A modern industrial park in Samtse district.