Shishapangma is the fourteenth highest mountain, and lowest of the fourteen 8000m peaks. It is located entirely in Tibet, and its name means "crest above the grassy plains", or alternatively, "Sherpa woman".

If you want to climb a relatively easy and safe 8000m mountain then your choices are Cho Oyu, Shishapangma (both climbed from Tibet) or Gasherbrum II (climbed from Pakistan). The standard route on Shishapangma is a relatively safe climb yet not nearly as popular or crowded as Cho Oyu.

Shishapangma has two summits, the commonly climbed lower summit is 8012m, although natuarally we aim to climb to the higher true summit at 8027m.

The itinerary
The Shishapangma expedition takes 40 days. The first few days are your arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the expedition. We fly to Lhasa on day 5 and spend a couple of days sightseeing and acclimitizing before driving to Shishapangma base camp at 5000m, passing through Shigatse and Shigar (Tingri), arriving on day 13. The trek to advanced base camp begins on day 15, and the climbing proper on day 17. We trek back to base camp and drive to Kathmandu, arriving on day 40.

Is this trip suitable for you?

Himalaya Guides is a professionally led "non-guided" expedition for experienced mountaneers who want to work as part of a team to tackle the mountain. We say "non-guided" because, compared to guiding operations on alpine-scale peaks such the European Alps, our leader and climbing Sherpa team working with you will not be able to protect your every move. You must therefore have broad mountaineering experience so that you are capable and willing to move between camps unassisted. You will have good support on the mountain from our climbing leader and Sherpa team. Our guiding and climbing experience can be viewed here.

On an expedition such as Shishapangma, it is best to clarify responsibilites as it is likely the mountain is a climber's first 8000m peak.

Insurance, including medical insurance, is your responsibilty. We don't normally have a doctor with us, however, in the past we have arranged the services of a doctor at base camp, with clients paying the doctor directly. There is no helicopter rescue possible in Tibet so evacuation is by Landcruiser to Kathmandu. The cost of emergency evacuation and associated care is not included in the cost of the expedition. There is good clinic in Kathmandu.

We have run many successful and safe expeditions, however you must understand this is as real as it gets. The success rates for Shishapangma (central summit) are high, but this is 8000m and anything can happen. Even with good gear and experienced guides, the risk of death is small but real. There is UNAVOIDABLE avalanche danger on this trip, although the probability is low. If you haven't climbed to 8000m before you will find the mountain bigger and scarier than you imagined. We make every effort and are very responsible, caring people, HOWEVER we are not liable.