The hardest mountain in the world to climb, no one has ever reached the top and the failure rate is 100%

Dubbed the "Mountain of Death", Kawagebo has never been successfully climbed, with a 100% failure rate .

The Mountain of Challenges and Faith

Kawagebo is notable not only for its steep slopes, but also for its harsh climatic conditions. The mountain is shrouded in mist, sudden snowstorms, and strong winds all year round. Its rugged terrain is dotted with slippery ice walls, sheer cliffs, and deep crevasses. Although much lower than Everest, Kawagebo's harshness makes it even more dangerous.

In the hearts of local Tibetans, Kawagebo is not just a mountain peak, but also a sacred symbol in Tibetan Buddhist culture . Climbing the mountain is considered an insult to the gods, leading to strong opposition from the community. This tradition and religious belief has added to the cultural barrier to attempts to conquer Kawagebo.

In the Himalayas, Kawagebo - the main peak of the Meili Snow Mountain - is considered one of the most difficult mountains to conquer in the world. At 6,740 meters, it is much lower than Everest, but its rugged terrain, harsh climate and sacred status make it a high price for anyone who tries to conquer it.

Initial efforts

The exploration of Kawagebo began in 1911, when British explorer Frank Kingdon Ward first approached the snow-capped Meili Mountain. Although he did not climb the mountain, his expedition paved the way for later expeditions. In the 1930s, Austrian mountaineer Herbert Dürrenforth and his team made several expeditions. Although they did not reach the summit, his team left behind valuable information about the terrain and climate of the area.

When China opened up in the 1980s, Kawagebo attracted the attention of international climbing teams. But every attempt to climb the mountain failed, some even paying the price with their lives. The danger of the mountain made explorers realize that conquering Kawagebo requires not only excellent climbing skills but also a deep understanding of the local area and harmony with the indigenous culture .

At 6,740 meters high, it is famous not only for its majestic beauty but also for its deadly danger . 

The tragedy of the Sino-Japanese expedition

The biggest tragedy involving Kawagebo occurred in 1991, when a joint Sino-Japanese expedition of 18 members, including 11 Japanese and 7 Chinese, set out to conquer the peak. The group was led by Jiro Inoue, a famous Japanese meteorologist, and deputy leader Song Zhiyi, an experienced climber.

Despite their careful preparations, they faced unforeseen obstacles: sudden snowstorms, the debilitating altitude, and pressure from Tibetan protesters. At a temple at the foot of the mountain, thousands of Tibetans gathered to pray to stop what they considered an act of blasphemy.

On January 3, 1991, the expedition made a final attempt. But within hours, all contact with them was lost. The 17 members of the team disappeared amid a snowstorm, with no survivors. A 20-day search found no trace of them, making their deaths one of the greatest mysteries in mountaineering history.

This mountain is considered sacred by local people, especially Tibetans.

Unexpected discovery after 7 years

In 1998, seven years after the tragedy, a herder stumbled upon climbing equipment in a melting ice crevice. The discovery led to the recovery of the bodies of 16 members of the expedition. Notes found on their bodies suggested another unusual aspect: they reported seeing strange phenomena, such as strange lights and cries echoing through the ice.

Scientists explain these phenomena as the result of lack of oxygen and extremely cold temperatures, causing the human brain to create hallucinations . However, for Tibetans, what happened to the expedition is seen as divine punishment.

The main reasons why climbing Kawagebo is difficult are the harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and high risk of avalanches. 

Unsolved mystery

Kawagebo continues to be a symbol of challenge, tragedy, and faith. The mountain not only demands courage, but also tests understanding and respect for nature and indigenous culture. While attempts to conquer Kawagebo continue, the question of what awaits at the top of this deadly mountain remains unanswered.

Kawagebo reminds us of man's limits before nature, where ambition and reverence must always be balanced to avoid heartbreaking consequences.