Detail Itinerary
Mount Shisapangma expedition begins after the arrival of all climbers in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for Shisapangma Expedition.
After official procedure we, drive towards Nepal/Tibet border up to the Friendship Bridge through Arniko Highway, where the Chinese liaison officer and Chinese transportation receive us there. The expedition gears go by truck but the members there Travel by Land cruiser 4WD or with comfortable Minibus. We take time to acclimatize with one night at Nyalam (3750m), which also gives us the chance to trek up high hills for acclimatization.
From Nayalam, we will arrive at the base camp (5000m) to make ready our final preparations and acclimatization walks. Yaks transport our expedition gear from Base camp 5000m, to ABC at 5,400m. Three further camps will be placed to go ahead en-route.
Camp 1 - 6,730m – After 6-7 hours walk we reach in camp 2 through crossing many snowy slopes by fixing ropes in the places of crevassed.
Camp 2 - 7,045m – After 5-6 hours we reach camp 3 via steep ascent leading to very gentle ground below the northwest ridge.
Camp 3 - 7,400m – From Camp 3, it takes 9-12 hours to reach on the summit. The situation of the groups/climbers physical fitness; and also the favorable condition of the weather depends the climbing ahead.
Some times the extra additional days are also required for acclimatization at different places until climbers succeed the summit. If the climber succeeds the mountaineering early than the scheduled tenure they may leave the base camp before the prescribed time as well.
After reaching the summits, we returning to base camp, we complete the remainder of the Friendship Highway, driving along the northern side of the Himalaya range, again with views of Everest, Cho Oyu and numerous other peaks. The road eventually descends to the Friendship Bridge, where we cross into Nepal and continue to Kathmandu.
Note: If the expedition will be finished earlier than the estimated itinerary or cancelled the expedition due to any reason, the expedition package cost will not be refundable. The package cost includes Kathmandu – Border – Chinese Base camp and then back to Kathmandu with group travel.
Incase if some of the member are fallen sick during the expedition tenure and return to Kathmandu personally, they should bear all of the travel expenses to Kathmandu by them self. The company will not be responsible for there sickness and cancelled expenses.
Member are allowed to carry only up to 60KG climbing gears and food along with them and the which includes in the package cost, but if the members climbing gears are more than 60 KG than they should pay extra USD 200.00 for per yak’s load by them selves.
Trip Note: This page provides important trip note information to help you plan and prepare for the Expedition to and from Tibet. We do our best to update this information regularly. Please contact us to clarify anything and help plan your biking trip to Tibet
Arrival Information: Please provide us your flight details to pick you up from international airport. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us at +977-1-4258476 or +977985105037 as emergency contact.
On arrival, after clearing customs as you come outside of the terminal building, you will see someone standing with a placard of “Nepal Adventure Point” with your name and our airport representative will welcome you with a garland and transfer you to the hotel.
Pre-Trip Meeting: Nepal Adventure Point host pre-trip meeting at the hotel before trip begins. You will be introduced with your trip leader and team members. We will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your Expedition trip. Pre-trip meeting covers the information regarding the personal equipment, acclimatization among others. We believe that pre-trip meeting is very important in order to better preparation of the trip.
Expedition Season & Weather Conditions: The spring season of March to May is considered the best time for Shishapangma expedition. The autumn months of October and November are the also considered favorable. The summer months of monsoon rains and the winter months from December to February are the most unfavorable time. The temperatures can vary from 27°c to - 7°c at lower elevations, and at higher elevations, it can vary from 16°c to -23°c.
The springtime from March to May is considered the favorable weather for Shishapangma and other Himalaya climbing. However, the weather conditions in the Himalayas are never fully predictable. In case you’re climbing in winter, the major problem would be the cold and high altitude. Temperatures may get as low as minus 20C in summer, but can drop to minus 60C or even lower during winter. The possibility of bad weather such as snow, wind, and cloud should also be taken into account. Similarly, the wind speeds may rise to more than 80Km/h (50mph). The oxygen level around 7,000m is only 40% of what it is at the sea level.
The Climbing Feature: The climbing itinerary may vary according to the climber’s personal experience. A climbing day involves a steady climbing for 3-4 hours in the morning. After taking lunch rest and relax, there is a climb of 2-3 hours in the afternoon. However, flexibility in climbing itinerary is necessary as people climb at own pace and respond individually to the stresses of climbing. We ensure the ratio of climbers and Sherpa guides focusing on high safety measures so that each individual climber is able to progress at their own rate.
Base Camp to ABC - 5,600m - Base Camp is set up at a place called Chinese Base Camp. Stay at Base Camp for three or four nights for acclimatization, depending on how everyone feels and the schedule of the yaks. ABC is to the north of the main Himalayan range, which is also the main base camp during the expedition period. Preparations are made for transporting all the expedition equipment by Yak to ABC. Keep low and follow the glacier river. ABC is situated just at the snout of the glacier on the west side of the moraine at around 5,600m. A relatively flat place with many old prayer flags strewn from previous Puja or Prayers. A couple of day's rest & acclimatization at ABC then begin our ascent of the mountain.
Advance Base Camp - Camp 1 - 6,400m - After the Puja or Prayer for safe passage, we walk up the mountain. From ABC, several hours of tough walking over rough moraine. Put an intermediate camp and change boots for the glacier. Cross a large glacier at around 5800 meters. to a flat area then begin the climb to Camp 1. Pass over some crevassed slopes on the fixed have ropes fixed over them. Camp 1 lies on a flat snow field cut by narrow but deep crevasses.
Camp 1 - Camp 2 - 7,050m - Takes about 5-7 hours from camp 1 to Camp 2. Involves a short but steep ascent followed by a gentler climb, usually in deeper snow, to the Col below the North-West Ridge. The route crosses the rest of the flat glacier then climbs. Usually this broad slope has ropes fixed up sections of it. It could avalanche in bad conditions. Above is a huge area, a gentle ridge. There are several options for the placing of camps from this point. We will probably put a camp here at first, then perhaps move it further along after staying for the first time.
Camp 2 - Camp 3 - 7,400m - Takes about 5-6 hours to reach camp 3 via steep ascent leading to very gentle ground below the northwest ridge. Once in camp 2 we must make every effort to prepare for the following day. Acclimatize properly at Camp 2. Sherpas will ensure that the fixed lines are in place. In order to function effectively on summit day, it is important to drink as much as possible and this involves a big effort since the altitude makes the easiest physical work very demanding.
Camp 3 – Shishapangma Summit - Depending on the conditions, it takes between 8-12 hours for reaching the summit. From Camp 3, reach the shoulder at 7,400m around first light. A steep but easy snow climb to the shoulder before gaining the ridge itself. Several rock bands and steep snow slopes to cross. Cross the difficult slopes with the help of fixed ropes. Stay on the ridge to the top to avoid the more exposed snow slope near the main summit. From the summit, enjoy the magnificent views of the high Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and many others. Descent by the same route. Nights are spent at camp 2 and camp 1.
Camping Equipment & Food: We provide all camping equipment and gear, including tents, dining, toilet, and Kitchen tents. At base camp we have a large mess tent equipped with all necessary kitchen gadgets including stoves, tables and chairs. Meals are prepared by our trained and experienced expedition cooks. We make it sure that the food we provide is hygienic and at the same time suits your palate. We offer all varieties of food including continental and local Nepali/Tibetan items. Breakfast includes porridge, egg, bread, etc. Some of the items in the lunch include rice, lentils, beans, green vegetables, chapattis, bread, and tinned meat and fish items. Fresh or tinned fruit and tea or coffees make the desserts. For the main meal, you can choose your own menu - either local or western varieties. During the actual mountain climbing, we mostly use dry or dehydrated foods, including chocolate, cheese, nuts, and muesli items.
Leadership: Our Shishapangma expeditions are led by experienced and professional mountaineers and guides who have scaled the mountain several times supported by other crew members and all the necessary logistics for the expedition. Not only in terms of qualification, but we also make it sure that our leaders have proven track of record in climbing high altitude mountains. The number of guides is chosen according to the team size to maximize every individual climber’s chance of making it to the summit without compromising the safety aspect. Our expedition leaders are also equipped with the expertise in handling altitude related problems including acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms. The crew members are experts in setting up tents and camps, melting snow on the route, cooking, and other daily needs.
Health & Experience Required: A previous high altitude climbing experience is essential. Work together as a team so that all members reach the top safely. Members need to have experience in being part of a team, working toward a common goal, and be ready to work with the group and be a good team-player.
The oxygen level over 7,000m is only 40% of what it is at the sea level. The weather is never fully predictable. The climbers must have years of prior experience on rock and ice climbing especially above 7,000m. You also need to feel confident and comfortable ascending or descending on fixed ropes along a steep technical terrain. Remember, your actions affect not only your own, but welfare of the entire team.
Team Composition: Team composition is important to ensure safety and comfort of the climbers. We observe high safety standards, therefore we have climbing, High altitudes assistance Sherpa, Cook, base camp assistance and other necessary trek crew such Porters, Yaks and Yak man Because of our high safety standards, team members would be added as per the number of international climbers.
Note: If the expedition will be finished earlier than the estimated itinerary or cancelled the expedition due to any reason, the expedition package cost will not be refundable. The package cost includes Kathmandu – Border – Chinese Base camp and then back to Kathmandu with group travel.
Incase if some of the member are fallen sick during the expedition tenure and return to Kathmandu personally, they should bear all of the travel expenses to Kathmandu by them self. The company will not be responsible for there sickness and cancelled expenses.
Member are allowed to carry only up to 60KG climbing gears and food along with them and the which includes in the package cost, but if the members climbing gears are more than 60 KG than they should pay extra USD 200.00 for per yak’s load by them selves.
Nepal is an extremely poor and underdeveloped country, with most of its population relying on small-scale agriculture. The Himalayan country of Nepal is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, its rich cultural heritage and its friendly people and is dotted with both Hindu and Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage.
