Mount Dechen is located in the Southern Alps of the South Island.

[3] The first ascent of the summit was made in March 1935 by Marjorie Edgar-Jones, Gladys Acton-Adams, Frank Alack, and Tom Christie.

[5] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to fall in the form of rain or snow.

This climate supports the Dechen and McCardell glaciers on the slopes of the peak.

The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.