Isolation 53 kilometres (33 mi) Easiest route Snow/ice/rock climb First ascent 19 August 1990 Parent range Tian Shan Mountain range Tian Shan, Huangshan | Elevation 6,627 m Prominence 3,068 m Listing Ultra-prominent peak | |
Similar Tian Shan, Chakragil, Bogda Peak, Jengish Chokusu, Khan Tengri | ||
Xuelian Feng, Xuelian Peak or Snow Lotus Peak(Chinese: 雪莲峰), is one of the major mountains of the Tian Shan mountain range. It lies in Xinjiang province, China, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) east-northeast of Jengish Chokusu, the highest peak in the range. It is notable for its large, steep relief above the nearby valleys, and for its large topographic prominence. (It is ranked 84th in the world by this measure). The peak has two summits, with the main being the north summit at 6,627 m (21,742 ft); the south summit has an elevation of 6,527 m (21,414 ft).
Map of Xuelian Feng, Baicheng, Aksu, China
The Tokai Section of the Japanese Alpine Club made four expeditions to Xuelian Feng, in 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990, with the last being successful in ascending the main summit. (The 1989 expedition ascended the south summit and "Junction Peak", another subpeak to the south of the main summit, with elevation 6,450 m (21,161 ft), and came close to but did not reach the main summit.) In 1990, the expedition was led by Kazuo Tukushima, and ascended from the Karakume Glacier. The route ascended the southeast ridge of Junction Peak, then traversed a long (2 km/1.2 mi) corniced snow and rock ridge to reach the main summit tower. Other difficulties involved in the 2,500 m (8,200 ft) route included technical rock and ice walls, and snow gullies up to 70 degrees in steepness.