Benjamin Zörer and Lukas Waldner is the first ascent of Kimshung (6.781 m) in the Langtang Himal, Nepal, succeeded. Together with François Cazzanelli and Giuseppe Vidoni, they climbed the new route "DESTINY" (TD, 1.300 m, 60°, AI4, M5) on the northeast face.
On October 20, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., the Tyrolean alpinists Benjamin Zörer and Lukas Waldner, together with the Italian mountaineers François Cazzanelli and Giuseppe Vidoni, reached the previously unclimbed summit of Kimshung (6.781 m) in the Nepalese Langtang Himal.
The four-person rope team thus managed to first ascent of the summit as well as the first ascent of a new route through the remote northeast face of Kimshung.
Last six attempts had failed
The new route is called "DESTINY" and is rated TD, 1.300 m, 60°, AI4, M5. Kimshung is located on the border with Tibet. Due to its technical difficulties, remoteness, and objective dangers, it is considered a challenging six-thousander. The summit had been attempted unsuccessfully six times before, which The difficulty and uniqueness of this first ascent are emphasized.
The ascent began on October 19 with the departure from Base Camp. After a night at 5.450 meters at the foot of the Kimshung Glacier, the team ascended to the summit the following day over challenging ice, firn, and mixed terrain. All four climbers returned safely to the valley that evening.
Milestone for the four mountaineers
For Zörer and Waldner, who already have experience with first ascents in remote high mountain regions, the climb represents another important milestone in their careers. Previous ascents by the two alpine-style specialists have always been characterized by lightweight, speed, and collaborative teamwork—completely without external assistance.
For the Italian, François Cazzanelli, in particular, this tour marks the successful conclusion of a long journey. He had been aiming for Kimshung for over a decade; previous expeditions had been aborted due to natural disasters and difficult conditions. Together with Vidoni, Zörer, and Waldner, Cazzanelli now formed a rope team built on experience, mutual trust, and determination.
For the four mountaineers, the route name “DESTINY” also symbolizes the many paths, decisions and encounters that have brought them together.
The first ascent represents not only a sporting success, but also a new friendship beneath a quiet, impressive summit.
Rope team Zörer, Waldner, Vidoni & Cazzanelli
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Credits: All images provided by Benjamin Zoerer