Gangkhar Puensum Remains Completely Unclimbed

At 7,570 meters, or 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum in Bhutan's Himalayas is widely considered the world's highest unclimbed mountain. After Bhutan opened its mountains to climbers in 1983, four expeditions attempted the summit but failed during 1985 and 1986. Bhutan prohibited climbs above 6,000 meters in 1994 because local customs regard high peaks as sacred homes of protective deities and spirits. The country banned all mountaineering in 2003, leaving Gangkhar Puensum completely off-limits.

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