Shishapangma Expedition

SHISHAPANGMA EXPEDITION
Your Journey Beyond 8,000 Meters Begins Here

Introduction

Mount Shishapangma, standing tall in the heart of the central Himalayas, asserts its majestic presence as the 14th-highest peak globally, reaching an awe-inspiring height of 8,027 meters (26,235 feet). Situated entirely within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of the Nepal border, this incredible mountain captivates adventurers worldwide with its challenging allure.

Historical Ascent

On May 2, 1964, a Chinese expedition led by Xu Jing achieved the first successful ascent of Mount Shishapangma, marking a monumental milestone in mountaineering history. Notably, it also concluded the conquest of all the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.

Chosen Route: Northwest Ridge

Altitude Adventures (A2) embarks on the Northwest Ridge route, a path that offers accessibility with fewer technical obstacles than alternative routes. However, participants are required to possess advanced mountaineering skills, including glacier travel, self-arrest, crevasse rescue techniques, and extensive high-altitude experience.

Altitude Adventures (A2) Signature

For Altitude Adventures (A2), conquering Mount Shishapangma is a remarkable achievement. Co-founder Norbu Sherpa, a seasoned climber, has personally summited this majestic peak twice, marking it as his first 8,000-meter feat.

Why Choose Altitude Adventures (A2)?

  • Small and Exclusive: Our team size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring focus on high quality, safety, and sustainability.
  • Founder’s Expertise: Norbu Sherpa, our founder, a veteran climber, has summited Shishapangma twice, Everest nine times, and guided numerous clients to the top of other 8,000-meter peaks.
  • Safety Priority: Trust our experienced and qualified veteran Sherpa Team to support you at every step.

Comprehensive Preparation

We understand the magnitude of preparing for such a climb. Altitude Adventures (A2) offers comprehensive training preparation workshops in the Alps, ensuring you are ready for the challenges of reaching an 8,000-meter peak.

Journey Beyond the Summit

Climbing Shishapangma goes beyond reaching the summit; it’s about the journey and personal growth. At Altitude Adventures (A2), we aim to unlock self-discovery, exploration, and accomplishment that resonates long after you return home.

Seamless Experience

To make your experience seamless, we provide rental options for expedition equipment such as down-suits, sleeping bags, and expedition jackets. With Altitude Adventures (A2), focus on your climb, as we provide everything you need for a successful ascent.

Exquisite Shishapangma Expedition Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a warm welcome awaits from Altitude Adventures (A2) representative. You’ll be gracefully escorted to the luxurious 3 to 5 Star Hotel (Any One. Depends on Availability). Situated close to the UNESCO heritage site Boudhanath, the hotel offers a glimpse into the rich cultural surroundings. An evening briefing on the next day’s program follows dinner.

  • Hotel: 3 to 5 Star Hotel (Any One. Depends on Availability)
  • Dinner: In an excellent restaurant in town
  • Altitude at Stay: 1350 meters

DAY 2: Sightseeing of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu

After a delightful breakfast, gather at the hotel garden for an introduction meeting, fostering knowledge exchange and expedition tips. A recheck of all climbing materials is scheduled.

Explore the city of Temples with a private van provided by Altitude Adventures (A2), accompanied by a Cultural Tour expert guide.

DAY 3: Fly to Lhasa

Highlights of the Day:

  • Flight to Lhasa, suspension bridges, Sera monastery

Flight Duration: 1.5 hours Walking Hours: 4-5 hours Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Lodge: Altitude at Stay: 3600 meters

DAY 4: Sightseeing around Lhasa

Highlights of the Day:

  • Walking hours: 4-6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge:
  • Altitude at Stay: 3600 meters

DAY 5: Drive to Shigatse

Highlights of the Day:

  • Driving hours: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge:
  • Altitude at Stay: 3950 meters

DAY 6: Drive to Tingri

Highlights of the Day:

  • Driving hours: 3 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge:
  • Altitude at Stay: 4330 meters

DAY 7: Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp (4500m) / WYE Campsite

Highlights of the Day:

  • Driving hours: 4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge: Altitude Adventures (A2) Base Camp
  • Altitude at Stay: 4500 meters

DAY 8 – 10: Acclimatization at Chinese Base Camp

Highlights of the Day:

  • Driving hours: 3 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge: Altitude Adventures (A2) Campsite
  • Altitude at Stay: 4900 meters

DAY 11: Hike to Advance Base Camp

Highlights of the Day:

  • Walking hours: 6-7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge: Altitude Adventures (A2) Campsite
  • Altitude at Stay: 5500 meters

DAY 12 – 13: Puja and Preparation Days at Base Camp

Highlights of the Day:

  • Introduction with the Altitude Adventures (A2) Team, Checking of materials
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Lodge: Altitude Adventures (A2) Base Camp
  • Altitude at Stay: 5500 meters

DAY 14 – 37: Climbing Period (23 days)

Rotation of Shishapangma climbing and Checking for the right window for the summit push.

DAY 38: Packing of Advance Base Camp

After Summit, Altitude Adventures (A2) Team will manage to pack all the climbing equipment from ABC.

DAY 39: ABC to Nyalam

Driving hours: 5-6 hours Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Lodge: Altitude at Stay: 3750 meters

DAY 40: Drive from Nyalam to Nepali Border

Driving hours: 5-6 hours Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Lodge: Altitude at Stay:

DAY 41: Drive back to Kathmandu

  • Hotel: 3 to 5 Star Hotel (Any One. Depends on Availability)
  • Dinner: In an excellent restaurant in town
  • Altitude at the Stay: 1350 meters

DAY 42: Departure – International Flight

According to your flight schedule, a Altitude Adventures (A2) representative will escort you to the airport.

Altitude Adventures (A2) Services

Philosophy of Transparency and Maximum Inclusion

At Altitude Adventures (A2), we believe in transparency, ensuring that our quoted prices encompass a comprehensive range of services. This philosophy allows our customers to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with their adventure from the moment of booking.

Included Services

Organization of Your Expedition

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Accommodation (4 nights – 3 at arrival and 1 at the end) in superior hotels in Kathmandu (Hyatt Regency and Hotel Yak & Yeti, or similar category), in single rooms, including breakfasts and dinners
  • Three (3) dinners in excellent restaurants in the town (two at your arrival and one at the end)
  • Guided sightseeing tours of Kathmandu and Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery), including entrance fees
  • All main meals, except lunches
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary in Nepal and Tibet (private vehicles)
  • Flight Kathmandu – Lhasa (by plane), incl. all taxes (in economy class)
  • China (Tibet) Visa formalities and fees
  • All accommodation in Tibet in superior hotels in single rooms – 3 nights in Lhasa, 1 night in Shigatse, 1 night in Shelkar, 3 nights in Ganggar, 1 night in Kyirong
  • All necessary climbing permits in Tibet
  • Excellent infrastructure at Shishapangma Base Camp and Advance Base Camp: equipped individual tents (except for 3 nights at BC), dining tents, kitchen tents, store tents, sanitary tents
  • Tents (2 people per tent with isolation mattress), cooking stoves, butane gas, and food for the high camps
  • Qualified and well-experienced Altitude Adventures (A2) Team: expedition sherpas (1:2 ratio Sherpa – members / 3 Sherpas for 5 participants), kitchen team, and porters, including their salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Liaison officer, including his salary, insurance, transport, food, and lodging
  • All equipment required to secure the mountain in certain sections if necessary (climbing ropes, snow stakes, ice screws)
  • Transport of individual luggage (40 kg per member) and collective equipment to Base Camp and back to Kathmandu
  • Three (3) oxygen bottles with mask and regulator per member – two (2) bottles with mask and regulator per Sherpa
  • Fixing route costs
  • Group first aid medical kits with oxygen, mask, and regulator for emergencies
  • Professional weather forecasts
  • Handsets radio sets for communication in the mountains
  • Satellite telephone (personal use at participants’ expense)
  • Solar recharging system at Advanced Base Camp
  • Heater in the dining tent (at some hours of the day)
  • Logistics organization in case of rescue – repatriation
  • Altitude Adventures (A2) sports bag for each participant
  • All government and local taxes

Outdoor Clothing Company Co-founded by Andrea & Norbu for Sustainable Development, Women Empowerment, and Community Support in Nepal

Not Included

  • International flight (we are at your disposal for your flight booking)
  • Entry visa for Nepal (USD 125 per person for 90 days)
  • Excess baggage and, or cargo for domestic and international flights, including local taxes
  • Excess of 40 kg of personal luggage for transport to the Base Camp and back
  • Additional night(s) in Kathmandu or en route during the journey for any reason not caused by Altitude Adventures (A2) and outside the planned itinerary
  • Any additional night at low altitude for personal reasons (altitude sickness, etc.)
  • Meals in Kathmandu, except all those mentioned above
  • Travel cancellation and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • All individual beverages and personal expenses
  • Personal equipment (N.B. possibility of renting sleeping bags and warm jackets made in our Kathmandu workshop Altitude Adventures (A2) Gear in support of the local community)
  • Personal climbing sherpa
  • Oxygen, mask, and regulator
  • Additional trip/tour
  • Tips
  • Any other expenses not included in the above price.

Note: The trip expenses for the return journey, including porter fees, Jeep transfer to the border, transportation costs from the Nepali border to Kathmandu, as well as accommodation and meals, are not covered if any individual members choose to return earlier than the rest of the group.

Please note that the reservation of a personal Sherpa and oxygen with mask and regulator shall be made at least 60 days before departure.