Chandi Himal | 2023 SE Ridge

A USA expedition to Chandi Himal in 2023 via SE Ridge, led by Matthew Powell. Summit reached on 19th May 2023. 4 members recorded.

Expedition Details

Field	Value
ID	11049
Imported	2026-03-06 18:04:49.359634
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Peak ID	CHND
Year	2023
Season	1
Host Country	1
Route 1	SE Ridge
Route 2	-
Route 3	-
Route 4	-
Nationality	USA
Leaders	Matthew Powell
Sponsor	Firante Changwatang and Chandi Himal Expedition 2023
Success 1	True
Success 2	False
Success 3	False
Success 4	False
Ascent 1	1st official
Ascent 2	-
Ascent 3	-
Ascent 4	-
Claimed	False
Disputed	False
Countries	Spain
Approach	Simikot to Chuwa Khola to Ning Khola to BC
Basecamp Date	2023-05-14
Summit Date	2023-05-19
Summit Time	0945
Summit Days	5
Total Days	7
Termination Date	2023-05-21
Termination Reason	1
Termination Notes	-
High Point (m)	6142
Traverse	False
Ski	False
Paraglide	False
Camps	1
Fixed Rope (m)	0
Total Members	3
Summit Members	1
Member Deaths	0
Total Hired	1
Summit Hired	1
Hired Deaths	0
No Hired	False
O2 Used	False
O2 None	True
O2 Climb	False
O2 Descent	False
O2 Sleep	False
O2 Medical	False
O2 Taken	False
O2 Unknown	False
Other Summits	Held permit for Changwatang, but did not attempt
Campsites	BC(14/05,4800m),ABC(16/05,5365m),C1(18/05,5740m),Smt(19/05)
Route Notes	From Agency website: Succuss of Chandi Himal Title: Triumph at the Top: Chandi Himal, Nepal's Unclimbed Peak, Conquered on a Historic First Ascent by Firante Changwatang and Chandi Himal Expedition 2023. Date: May 19, 2023 Humla, Nepal - In an extraordinary feat of mountaineering, the unclimbed peak of Chandi Himal, soaring to an impressive height of 6142 meters in the remote region of Humla, Nepal, has been conquered by the Firante Changwatang and Chandi Himal Expedition 2023. On Friday, May 19, 2023, at 9:45 AM local time, Jaime Iranzo and Pemba Sherpa stood atop the summit, carving their names in the annals of mountaineering history. Under the leadership of Mr. Matthew Powell from the United States, the Firante Changwatang and Chandi Himal Expedition 2023 undertook the monumental task of scaling the formidable Chandi Himal. Comprising a team of four climbing members and supported by a dedicated crew of ten Sherpas for base camp operations, this expedition was meticulously organized and coordinated by Firante Trek and Expeditions, with Mr. Janga B. Lama serving as the director. The journey towards the summit began weeks prior to the historic ascent, with the team setting up base camp in a secluded valley nestled beneath the imposing peak. The formidable terrain and harsh weather conditions posed formidable challenges, requiring the team's unwavering determination, skill, and resilience. The expedition faced treacherous crevasses, steep ice walls, and ever-changing weather patterns, testing the climbers' physical and mental limits. However, Jaime Iranzo, an experienced mountaineer known for his audacious spirit, and Pemba Sherpa, a skilled and seasoned guide, demonstrated exceptional perseverance and teamwork throughout the ascent. The expedition's success was the result of careful planning, meticulous preparation, and the unwavering support of the entire team. From establishing higher camps to navigating perilous sections, each member played a crucial role in the arduous and exhilarating journey to the summit. As they stood atop the summit of Chandi Himal at 9:45 AM local time on May 19, 2023, Jaime Iranzo and Pemba Sherpa were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas. The euphoria of their accomplishment mingled with profound respect for the untamed beauty that surrounded them. The triumphant ascent of Chandi Himal by the Firante Changwatang and Chandi Himal Expedition 2023 marks a significant milestone in mountaineering history. It represents the indomitable human spirit, the pursuit of exploration, and the unwavering determination to conquer the unconquered.
Accidents	-
Achievement	-
Agency	Firante Treks
Commercial Route	False
Standard Route	False
Primary Route	False
Primary Member	False
Primary Reference	False
Primary ID	-
Checksum	2464492
Year	2023
Summit Success	True
O2 Summary	None
Route (lowercase)	se ridge

Members

Field	Value
ID	83865
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:05.675609
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Member ID	01
Peak ID	CHND
Year	2023
Season	1
First Name	Matthew James
Last Name	Powell
Sex	M
Age	0
Birth Date	-
Year of Birth	1958
Calculated Age	65
Citizenship	USA
Status	Leader
Residence	Richmond, Virgina
Occupation	Retired
Leader	True
Deputy	False
Basecamp Only	False
Not to BC	False
Support	False
Disabled	False
Hired	False
Sherpa	False
Tibetan	False
Summit Success	False
Claimed	False
Disputed	False
Solo	False
Traverse	False
Ski	False
Paraglide	False
Speed	False
High Point (m)	False
Personal High Point (m)	5030
Summit Date 1	2023-04-14
Summit Date 2	-
Summit Date 3	-
Summit Time 1	-
Summit Time 2	-
Summit Time 3	-
Route 1	1
Route 2	0
Route 3	0
Ascent 1	0
Ascent 2	0
Ascent 3	0
O2 Used	False
O2 None	True
O2 Climb	False
O2 Descent	False
O2 Sleep	False
O2 Medical	False
O2 Notes	-
Death	False
Death Date	-
Death Time	-
Death Type	0
Death Height (m)	0
Death Class	0
AMS	False
Weather	False
Injury	False
Injury Date	-
Injury Time	-
Injury Type	0
Injury Height (m)	0
Death Notes	-
Member Notes	-
Necrology	-
Summit Bid	1
Summit Term	7
HCN	0
Checksum	2434282
Summit Note 1	0
Summit Note 2	0
Summit Note 3	0
Death Route	0
Name (lowercase)	matthew james powell
Year of Birth	1958
Year	2023
Age at Expedition	65
Role	Leader

Field	Value
ID	83866
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:05.675609
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Member ID	02
Peak ID	CHND
Year	2023
Season	1
First Name	Kevin D.
Last Name	Bialy
Sex	M
Age	0
Birth Date	-
Year of Birth	1975
Calculated Age	47
Citizenship	USA
Status	Climber
Residence	Washington, DC
Occupation	National Institute of Health
Leader	False
Deputy	False
Basecamp Only	False
Not to BC	False
Support	False
Disabled	False
Hired	False
Sherpa	False
Tibetan	False
Summit Success	False
Claimed	False
Disputed	False
Solo	False
Traverse	False
Ski	False
Paraglide	False
Speed	False
High Point (m)	False
Personal High Point (m)	5365
Summit Date 1	2023-05-18
Summit Date 2	-
Summit Date 3	-
Summit Time 1	-
Summit Time 2	-
Summit Time 3	-
Route 1	1
Route 2	0
Route 3	0
Ascent 1	0
Ascent 2	0
Ascent 3	0
O2 Used	False
O2 None	True
O2 Climb	False
O2 Descent	False
O2 Sleep	False
O2 Medical	False
O2 Notes	-
Death	False
Death Date	-
Death Time	-
Death Type	0
Death Height (m)	0
Death Class	0
AMS	False
Weather	False
Injury	False
Injury Date	-
Injury Time	-
Injury Type	0
Injury Height (m)	0
Death Notes	-
Member Notes	-
Necrology	-
Summit Bid	1
Summit Term	6
HCN	0
Checksum	2440734
Summit Note 1	0
Summit Note 2	0
Summit Note 3	0
Death Route	0
Name (lowercase)	kevin d. bialy
Year of Birth	1975
Year	2023
Age at Expedition	48
Role	Member

Field	Value
ID	83867
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:05.675609
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Member ID	03
Peak ID	CHND
Year	2023
Season	1
First Name	Jaime Ignacio
Last Name	Iranzo Sanz
Sex	M
Age	0
Birth Date	-
Year of Birth	1984
Calculated Age	38
Citizenship	Spain
Status	Climber
Residence	Madrid, Spain
Occupation	Researcher
Leader	False
Deputy	False
Basecamp Only	False
Not to BC	False
Support	False
Disabled	False
Hired	False
Sherpa	False
Tibetan	False
Summit Success	True
Claimed	False
Disputed	False
Solo	False
Traverse	False
Ski	False
Paraglide	False
Speed	False
High Point (m)	True
Personal High Point (m)	6142
Summit Date 1	2023-05-19
Summit Date 2	-
Summit Date 3	-
Summit Time 1	0945
Summit Time 2	-
Summit Time 3	-
Route 1	1
Route 2	0
Route 3	0
Ascent 1	1
Ascent 2	0
Ascent 3	0
O2 Used	False
O2 None	True
O2 Climb	False
O2 Descent	False
O2 Sleep	False
O2 Medical	False
O2 Notes	-
Death	False
Death Date	-
Death Time	-
Death Type	0
Death Height (m)	0
Death Class	0
AMS	False
Weather	False
Injury	False
Injury Date	-
Injury Time	-
Injury Type	0
Injury Height (m)	0
Death Notes	-
Member Notes	-
Necrology	-
Summit Bid	5
Summit Term	1
HCN	0
Checksum	2443945
Summit Note 1	0
Summit Note 2	0
Summit Note 3	0
Death Route	0
Name (lowercase)	jaime ignacio iranzo sanz
Year of Birth	1984
Year	2023
Age at Expedition	39
Role	Member

Field	Value
ID	83868
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:05.675609
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Member ID	04
Peak ID	CHND
Year	2023
Season	1
First Name	Pemba
Last Name	Sherpa
Sex	M
Age	0
Birth Date	-
Year of Birth	1980
Calculated Age	43
Citizenship	Nepal
Status	H-A Worker
Residence	Kerung-1, Solukhumbu
Occupation	-
Leader	False
Deputy	False
Basecamp Only	False
Not to BC	False
Support	False
Disabled	False
Hired	True
Sherpa	True
Tibetan	False
Summit Success	True
Claimed	False
Disputed	False
Solo	False
Traverse	False
Ski	False
Paraglide	False
Speed	False
High Point (m)	True
Personal High Point (m)	6142
Summit Date 1	2023-05-19
Summit Date 2	-
Summit Date 3	-
Summit Time 1	0945
Summit Time 2	-
Summit Time 3	-
Route 1	1
Route 2	0
Route 3	0
Ascent 1	1
Ascent 2	0
Ascent 3	0
O2 Used	False
O2 None	True
O2 Climb	False
O2 Descent	False
O2 Sleep	False
O2 Medical	False
O2 Notes	-
Death	False
Death Date	-
Death Time	-
Death Type	0
Death Height (m)	0
Death Class	0
AMS	False
Weather	False
Injury	False
Injury Date	-
Injury Time	-
Injury Type	0
Injury Height (m)	0
Death Notes	-
Member Notes	-
Necrology	-
Summit Bid	5
Summit Term	1
HCN	0
Checksum	2442314
Summit Note 1	0
Summit Note 2	0
Summit Note 3	0
Death Route	0
Name (lowercase)	pemba sherpa
Year of Birth	1980
Year	2023
Age at Expedition	43
Role	Hired

4 recorded members.

Name	Sex	Year of Birth	Citizenship	Status	Residence	Occupation
Matthew James Powell	M	1958	USA	Leader	Richmond, Virgina	Retired	Details Other expeditions
Kevin D. Bialy	M	1975	USA	Climber	Washington, DC	National Institute of Health	Details Other expeditions
Jaime Ignacio Iranzo Sanz	M	1984	Spain	Climber	Madrid, Spain	Researcher	Details Other expeditions
Pemba Sherpa	M	1980	Nepal	H-A Worker	Kerung-1, Solukhumbu	-	Details Other expeditions

References

Field	Value
ID	15428
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:36.307770
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Reference ID	01
Year	2023
Type	5
Journal	-
Author	-
Title	https://explorersweb.com/chandi-himal-achievable-first-ascents/
Publisher	-
Publication Date	-
Language	-
Citation	-
Yak 94	-
Notes	-

Field	Value
ID	15916
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:36.307770
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Reference ID	02
Year	2023
Type	2
Journal	AAJ
Author	Powell, Matt
Title	Chandi Himal, First Ascent via Southeast Ridge
Publisher	-
Publication Date	2024
Language	-
Citation	98:304 (2024)
Yak 94	-
Notes	-

Field	Value
ID	15938
Imported	2026-03-06 18:06:36.307770
Expedition ID	CHND23101
Reference ID	03
Year	2023
Type	5
Journal	-
Author	-
Title	https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201216809
Publisher	-
Publication Date	-
Language	-
Citation	-
Yak 94	-
Notes	-

3 recorded references.

Expedition ID	Journal	Author	Title	Publisher	Citation	Yak 94
CHND23101	-	-	https://explorersweb.com/chandi-himal-achievable-first-ascents/	-	-	-
CHND23101	AAJ	Powell, Matt	Chandi Himal, First Ascent via Southeast Ridge	-	98:304 (2024)	-
CHND23101	-	-	https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201216809	-	-	-