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Shisha Pangma

The lowest of all eight-thousanders

The Shisha Pangma with its breathtaking 8,027 meters of altitude belongs to the famous eight-thousanders of our world. And although it is the smallest in this group of giants, it should not be forgotten that it is still the fourteenth highest mountain in the world! The Tibetan name “Shisha Pangma” describes the view of the mountain from the north, namely “the area above the grassy plain”. Originally a much more spiritual, Indian name was used (Gosainthan) to describe this extraordinary peak, which can be translated as “place of the saints”.

The mountain giant is located in the Himalayas near the Chinese-Nepalese border, but it is the only eight-thousand-metre mountain that is completely on Chinese territory – and yet the fastest to reach from Kathmandu. Although it is not only the smallest but also one of the easier eight-thousanders, Shisha Pangma was the last one to have its first ascent, which was made by a Chinese expedition in 1964. The leader of the expedition at that time, Xu Jing, the “Master of Mountaineering”, was already deputy leader of the Everest ascent in 1960. The route chosen by his team has established itself to this day as the normal route from the northern side and leads most of the climbers to the summit.

Compared to the other giants, Shisha Pangma is regarded as rather easy to climb and is therefore of course particularly interesting for newbies above the 8,000-meter mark and as a preparation for even bigger and harder mountain giants.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk low objective hazards
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Objectively safe and simple eight-thousander
  • Perfect preparation for bigger challenges
  • 1 Sherpa per member
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • High camp equipment

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Because of the complex logistics of this expedition, changes to the planned schedule may occur during the trip. The exact schedule depends on weather and snow conditions as well as on the progress of the two groups on the respective mountains. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1 - 11: Arrival and ascent to the advanced base camp at 5650m.

Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu
Everyone will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel, regardless of whether the journey was booked individually or not. And then we will get off to a comfortable start… check in and get to know the others and the emerging excitement of belonging to the distinguished double expedition team.

Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
Those who do not yet know Kathmandu will love it. Relax, shop in Thamel, enjoy the cultural program, or simply soak up the atmosphere. To each his own.

Day 3: Flight to Lahsa
We have to say good bye to Nepal for now and fly to Lhasa, the highest situated capital worldwide. Our hotel is located in the center of the city and is a good starting point to discover the different impressions of the city and smell Tibetan air for the very first time.

Day 4: Free time at your disposal
Also today there is time to visit the former residence of Dalai Lama and the countless temple and monasteries, some of them are declared as UNESCO-world heritage. It is also always nice to just drink some butter tea and watch the Tibetan every day life.

Day 5: Drive to Lhatse

Day 6: Transfer to Tingri at 4300m. The accommodation is again very simple, but the food isstill very good! From here you can already see the Cho Oyu!

Day 7: A day of rest for everyone in order to acclimatize. Again, beautiful 5000m high hill to hike. One wonders about the sheep with their shepherds, because it is even more barren here.

Day 8: You will be taken to the Chinese base camp of Shisha Pangma at 4950m.

Day 9: A day of rest in the camp for acclimatization and for organizing the loads for the yaks.

Day 10: Another cozy day of acclimatization and getting organized.

Day 11: We reach the base camp which is also at about 5650m.

Day 12 - 35: Ascent phase

Days 12-35: Enough time to set up the route and the high camp and wait for favorable weather and snow conditions that are suitable for a safe ascent.

Camps Shisha Pangma:

  • Camp 1 6400m
  • Camp 2 7000m
  • Camp 3 7400m

Day 36 - 40: Return and return journey with farewell

Day 36: Trek to chinese basecamps (driver`s camps).

Day 37: Drive to Kyirong and time to relaxDay 38: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 39: Kathmandu
Time to relax. No matter what happened the past few weeks, but we will be very happy about some good food, a cold beer and a comfortable bed.

Day 40: Individual return flight
With many exceptional memories in your luggage it’s time for the return flight.

check_circle_outline  What the price includes:

  • Organisation of the expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • All transfers in Nepal and Tibet (jeep / private shuttle)
  • Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double occupancy during journey to the mountain
  • Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (30kg personal gear / member)
  • 1 tent each member in each basecamp
  • 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
  • mat for apporach and basecamp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Fixed ropes, fixing material
  • 1 Sherpa per member
  • Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
  • Kitchen staff
  • Comfortable, heated Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radios
  • All fees and permits
  • weather forecast
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator
  • O2 Pack (newest oxygen system)

highlight_off  What the price does not include:

  • International Airfare to Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Personal medicine
  • Personal climbing sherpa (optional)
  • Oxygen (optional)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • High camp mat
  • Fees for satellite communication
  • Summit bonus for climbing sherpas

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization, and recommend our eight thousander expedition members the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

language   Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months.

You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy. We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days. Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

China:
Once you arrived in Kathmandu, we’ll apply for a group visa for Tibet. Necessary documents will be collected by Furtenbach Adventures in advance. The application process might take some days. Costs for the Chinese visa are included in the trip price.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

https   Insurance possibilities

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailed program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees Celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined   Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the members personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of members: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity   Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run  Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.