Shishapangma Expedition
Shishapangma is the 14th highest peak of the world with the altitudes of 8027m (The Main summit) or 8013m (The Central summit). Mt. Shishapangma is considered as one of the easiest 8000er mountains to climb. Shishapangma is also the highest peak in the Langtang Himal area. The trademark of Shishapangma Himalaya is a long, steep, craggy southern face rising over 2000m, makes an imposing sight to all world to climb. The Nepalese name of the peak is Gosaitan meaning "The Holy Place". The Tibetan name is Xixapangma and it means literally "The Mountain overlooking the grassy plains". Shishapangma is only the peak with the height over 8000m which is totally located in Tibet.
Shishapangma used to be called the last 8000er peak to be climbed. It is the closest 8000m Peak for possible Expedition from Kathmandu even though it lies totally in Tibet. Hsu Ching and his ten-man Chinese climbing team in 1964 had made first successful Shishapangma Expedition reaching to the summit via northwest face. The Shishapangma Expedition was finally opened to foreign teams since 1980.
Shishapangma Expedition can be made from its South and North faces. The Shishapangma Expedition is easier and less technical as well as better commercial from its North face. Due to a massif 2000m face and few challenging lines the South face of Mt. Shishapangma requires a good level of alpine climbing and expedition experience. The south face route is not feasible for the beginners of mountain climbing. There are two separate base camps for Shishapangma Expedition. They are to be used for Expedition Base Camps separately from south and North side. The access to both Base Camps is very convenient by SUV from Naylam, a considerable and rapidly expanding town and two days of hike to the Advanced Base Camp (5800m) of Mt. Shishapangma.
Climbing Mt. Shishapangma will bring you the great opportunity to escape the crowds of the busier mountains like Mt. Everest and Cho Oyu while challenging yourself on 8000m peak expedition. Shishapangma Expedition is hence a beautiful climbing adventure that sees only a fraction of the traffic of Cho Oyu just to the South-east.
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Approaches to ABC
From Kathmandu: Our standard expeditions start from Kathmandu. We cross the border to Tibet in Kodari. After 2 days of acclimatization at 3400m in Nyalam, we take 5hrs Jeep drive to the Drivers Camp at 4900m. Another possibility is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa/Tibet. From Lhasa it takes 2 days to get to the Chinese Camp.
The ABC is located 18km from the Drivers Camp it takes two days to get to the Base Camp (5400m) 18 km away. From here we execute our climb through 3 camps arrangement
Climbing Routes
Shishapangma is usually climbed via Northwest face and North ridge, which is the standard commercial route. This route is considered among the easiest routes to the summit of all the 8000m peaks, and has often been skied. The greatest challenge of this route is traversing from the Central to Main Summits along a knife-edged ridge.
The climb starts from the Base Camp (5800m) located on the lateral moraine of the Shishapangma glacier. We walk along the moraine and climb 20-30deg skiable and snowboadable snowfield to reach Camp1.
Camp 1 (6200m) is located on flat snowfield with plenty of space for tents. From C1 we cross a small plateau and climb up to Camp 2 on another-ski able and snowboard-able snowfield.
Camp 2 (6700m) ia also located on a large flat platform. We cross large snow plateau largely flat with some minor up and down slope to eventually reach another 30deg headwall, one is is marginal for skiing due to protruding rocks.
Camp 3 ((7400m) is located on a protected and safe rock crowned flat buttress at the bottom of the North ridge.
Summit day is a steep ascend on a snow and rock ridge to the snow knob of false central summit. Most of climbers finish here and do not attempt snowy knife-edge ridge to the real summit less then 15m higher. The view is tremendous from here on Cho Oyu, Everest and number of 7000m satellite peaks surrounding Shisha.
Skiing Possibilities
Most of the climbing is on ice and snow slopes up to 30 degrees with a few very short sections of steeper rock and ice. This makes it a perfect for ski and snowboard descent. The first ski descent of an 8,000-meter peak was on September 19, 1987, when Polish climber Jerzy Kuczka reached the summit of Shishapengma and then skied down.
Is Climbing Shishapangma in Spring Better Then Autumn?
On Shisha like Cho Oyu it doesn’t matter. Each season has is slightly different and has different attractions but for Shisha being lower then Everest the reliability odds of good weather are roughly even.
Spring starts cold and then warms up so acclimatization is tough but the climb can be pleasant with slightly longer days and warmer temperatures. In spring you wait for transition between winter winds and monsoon snowfall. You don’t want to get big a snow dump on Shisha because of objective avalanche danger on its 30deg slopes and the steep North ridge. The visibility in spring is usually not as clear as in autumn. Optimum spring summit usually is in around mid-May.
Autumn climbing is nice and comfortable. It is easy to acclimatize and you basically wait for the weather transition from monsoon to winter, when winds stop before they change direction. There is lots of snow and high objective avalanche danger, so you basically wait for snowfall to stop and snow to consolidate, and hope for no snow dump just before you ready for your climb. The visibility is superb, crisp and crystal clear. Optimum autumn summit is around end of September and early October before winter cold winds set in.
Testimonials
“Professional mountaineering operator in the Himalayas – Shishapangma Autumn 2011!”
Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition is our partner of choice when organizing our trips in the Himalayas. We have worked with Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition on two occasions - spring and autumn of 2011 in Shishapangma South face and Cho-Oyu normal route. we found the services, staff and overall dealing with the management as being highly professional and very accommodating. This is the reason we decided to have Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition as our logistics partner for any of our Nepal, India, Bhutan .............Read More
Shishapangma Climbing Map
Mount Shishapangma Expedition Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel transfer
Day 02/03: Preparation, Briefings, Last minute shopping and formalities
Day 04: Early morning departure from Kathmandu to Tibetan border at Kadari (720m); border formalities followed by drive to Zhangmu (1600m); overnight in hotel
Day 05: Two hours drive by Jeep from Zhangmu to Naylam (3700m); overnight in hotel
Day 06: Rest day for acclimatization; hike to the hill above the city; overnight in hotel
Day 07-09: Four hours drive from Naylam to Chinese Camp (4900m); acclimatization; camping
Day 10: Hike to the Middle Camp (5200m); camping
Day 11: Hike to Base Camp (5400m) on Shishapangma moraine; camping
Day 12-38: Climbing period to summit Shishapangma(8012m), Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3, Summit
Day 39: Preparation to return to Kathmandu; Clean Base Camp and trek to Middle camp (5200m) and then drive to Naylam(3700m); overnight in hotel.
Day 40: Six hours drive from Naylam to Zhangmu; overnight in hotel
Day 41: Early morning drive to the border at Kodari; border crossing, immigration formalities, collection of Nepalese visa; drive to Kathmandu
Day 42: Leisure day in Kathmandu(Contingency day)
Day 43: Leisure day, sightseeing in Kathmandu (Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath); Fairwell-Celebration dinner
Day 44: Transfer to the airport for final departure or alternatively join other activities
Note:
- the above itinerary is a guideline and standard suggested pattern chosen by majority of our customers. Your final itinerary will be customised according to your available time and requirements.
- the final itinerary duration and schedule may be reduced or extend depending on your time, budget, your fitness, class of service or any other preferences. The quote will be provided for you initial requirements and can be adjusted with mutual agreement should you require modifying these requirements.
- For further information please read: How to book Trip in Nepal?
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The price for your selected peak climbing/mountaineering expedition will vary depending on group size, trip category (full board/base camp service), your budget, individualised itinerary, accommodation (budget to 5 star), level of service above the base camp, the number of climbing guides and porters, kitchen crew, mode of transport you prefer and many other factors. The price range for the same trip can vary widely so if you would like to discuss yourrequirements with us we will provide you a very competitive price
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Please e-mail us for up-to-date prices for Trip
Full Board Service Cost Include
- All arrival and departure transfer services to and from Airport both Domestic and International with other necessary surface transport as per itinerary.
- Assistance at the International airport by Snowy Horizon’s representative while arriving and departing.
- Chinese Government Royalty (U$4950);
- Six nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on B/B basis;
- All camping equipment in Base camp and Advance Base Camp;
- Full Board hotel en route in Tibet: Zhangmu, Naylam (B/L/D);
- Food during expedition period for expedition Members and Staff;
- Tibet Visa and Travel Permit for expedition crew;
- Expedition Permit to climb Shisapangma along North ridge route;
- All staff during Expedition period with experienced Guide (Base Camp Manager)
- Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary;
- Cargo clearance & Duties Assistance Service free;
- Daily wages, equipment allowance & Insurance for expedition Staff;
- Gamow Bag will be available for expedition group;
- Solar panel for light and batteries charger will be available for expedition members;
- Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the ABC.
- Emergency Oxygen Bottles with mask and regulators (if requested by client)
- We provide Sherpa's tents, food for climbing, and insurance.
- Ice falls charges · All tent for camp 1, 2, 3 ·
- High altitude food for sherpa and member
- All Necassary camping equipments like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc.
- Per person 50kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak and 40kg baggage allowance while returning from Base Camp after climbing the Mountain.
- Required Experienced, Trained and Government Licensed Climbing Guide(s) during Climbing Period Per peron
- All wages, equipments, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs.
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 4 per minute call.
- Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required.
- Emergency Oxygen and mask regulator.
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt/Pashmina etc.)
- Our service Charges
Full Board Service Cost Exclude
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips
- Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phones And Internet expenses
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears
- Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations,
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival) and re entry visa fee
- Ice fall Garbage Deposit fees (Sharing with other member) if applicable.
- Wake talkies & Filming permit.
- Personal climbing gears;
- Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods;
- Emergency/Rescue Jeep cost US$700;
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Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa Guides (When you summated you have to pay) as per Mountaineering Association rules.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Any other item not included in “THE PACKAGE COST INCLUDES” SECTION
Base Camp Service Cost Include
- All arrival and departure transfer services to and from Airport both Domestic and International with other necessary surface transport as per itinerary.
- Assistance at the International airport by Snowy Horizon’s representative while arriving and departing.
- Chinese Government Royalty (U$4950);
- Six nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on B/B basis;
- All camping equipment in Base camp and Advance Base Camp;
- Full Board hotel en route in Tibet: Zhangmu, Naylam(B/L/D);
- Food during expedition period for expedition Members and Staff in Chinese Base camp and advance Base camp;
- Tibet Visa and Travel Permit for expedition crew;
- Expedition Permit to climb Cho Oyu along North ridge route;
- All staff during Expedition period with experienced Guide (Base Camp Manager)
- Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary;
- Cargo clearance & Duties Assistance Service free;
- Daily wages, equipment allowance & Insurance for expedition Staff;
- Gamow Bag will be available for expedition group;
- Solar panel for light and batteries charger will be available for expedition members;
- Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the ABC.
- All Necassary camping equipments like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc.
- Per person 40kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak and 30kg baggage allowance while returning from Base Camp after climbing the Mountain.
- All wages, equipments, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs.
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 4 per minute call.
- Appropriate food for climbing crew at base camp and chinese Base Camp.
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt/Pashmina etc.)
- Our service Charges
Base Camp Service Cost Exclude
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips
- Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phones And Internet expenses
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears
- Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations,
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival) and re entry visa fee
- Ice fall Garbage Deposit fees (Sharing with other member) if applicable.
- Wake talkies & Filming permit.
- Ice falls charges · All tent for camp 1, 2, 3
- Personal climbing gears;
- Climbing Guide(s)
- Emergency Oxygen and mask regulator.
- Snowy Horizon Service will be "Zero" above Advance Base Camp
- High altitude food for sherpa and member
- Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods;
- Emergency/Rescue Jeep cost US$700;
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Any other item not included in “THE PACKAGE COST INCLUDES” SECTION
Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition offers personal equipment rentals for clients, who have limited cargo allowance with their airfare or do not wish to purchase expensive expedition grade gear but rent it instead.
Clients purchasing Base Camp Services only may choose to hire or purchase high camp equipment.
Please let us know in advance prior to your arrival so that we can meet your needs on your arrival stress free.
The quoted prices are for the duration of the expedition and we provide original North Face, Ozark and Marmot Company Only.
Rental Price List
| Item | Rental Cost US$ | Purchase Cost US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition Tent | US$ 150.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| Rucksack (small) | US$ 50.00 | US$ 150.00 |
| Rucksack (large) | US$ 100.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| Gas Stove | US$ 25.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Oxygen bottle | - | US$ 500.00 |
| Oxygen mask + Regulator | US$ 250 (second Hend) | US$ 900.00 |
| Sleeping bag | US$ 100.00 | US$ 400.00 |
| Down Jacket | US$ 100.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| High Camp Goose Down Jacket | US$ 200.00 | US$ 500.00 |
