15 days exploratory trek in Milarepa County EX - Kathmandu/Chengdu/Beijing
Best Season: April - June, October -December.
Shishapangma (the word means 'the big grassy field' )is the highest mountain wholly within Tibet - and Tibet's only 8000 metre + peak, just making the grade at 8012 metres!
Until recently it was eclipsed in fame by the Himalayas' other high peaks, being tucked behind the Jugal Himal range and therefore mostly concealed from the Nepal side.
This peak was first climbed from the north side in 1964, by an expedition group from China and is now scaled by six or seven parties annually.
Our trekking route from Nyalam gives stunning views of the Jugal Himal, the upper peaks of the Langtang Valley, and Shishapangma south face. The trek begins overland from Kathmandu to Nyalam, where we allow a day for. After the rest day we continue by road to the pass of Nyalam Thong La (5100 metres), before branching westwards and continuing along a grassy road which takes us to the Base Camp.
This is an elongated series of meadows wedged between the ridge and the river draining from the Yambukangala glacier, the main ice floe on this side of the mountain. There is a long, but rewarding hike between base camp and the advance base camp, where we see the snout of the glacier with its uneven surface of frozen ice waves.
Another bracing hike follows the crest of the ridge directly across the river from base camp, providing outstanding views of the entire Shishapangma and Peiku Lake region. Base Camp is so far from the glacier that it is not possible to trek to and from advance base camp within the same day.
Combination possibilities?
A trip to Shishapangma can be combined with visits to Lhasa, Everest base camp (north face) and or Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Travellers can fly to Lhasa - where they spend a few days sightseeing and acclimatizing - either from Kathmandu or from mainland China. After visiting Lhasa they travel to Gyantse via Yamdrok Tso (the Turquoise Lake), Shigatse, and Sakya and finally to the north face of Everest Base Camp. There is a one day trek to the Base Camp, followed the next day by travel to Shishapangma Base Camp.
After trekking for two days in the Shishapangma area, we travel to Kathmandu via Nyalam and Zhangmu. Those wishing to combine a trek to Shishapangma with a visit to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar can visit Shishapangma first. After the trip to Mount Kailash and the lake, the can return to Kathmandu via the same route OR travel to Lhasa and fly back from there.
Please note that the outline itinerary below is just one example of a holiday incorporating trekking in the Shishapangma region.
TREK ITINERARY
DAY 1: Kathmandu-Lhasa (3650 m), 90 kms Transfer to airport to connect SZ 408 KTM-LXA flight. Upon arrival you will be met by our Tibet representative and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: LHASA Guided sightseeing tour of Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama; Drepung, the biggest monastic university of Tibet and Nechung Monastery, temple of the State oracle of Tibet.
Day 3: LHASA Guided sightseeing tour of Jokhang, the central cathedral of Tibet, Barkhor, the bustling Lhasa market encircling the Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Medical Center and Norbulinka Palace.
Day 4: Lhasa-Gyangtse (3990 m), 350 kms Drive via Yamdrok, the Turquoise Lake to Gyangtse across Kampa Ia pass 5050 m and Karo Ia (5045 m)passes. Visit Kubum stupa and Pelkor Chode Monastery. 0/N Hotel.
Day 5: Gyangtse-Shalu-Shigatse (3860 m), 90 kms Drive to Shigatse. En route visit Shalu Monastery. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd in the Buddhist religious hierachy and Shigatse Market. 0/N
Hotel.
Day 06: Shigatse - Lhatse (3950 m)
Drive to to Lhatse via Sakya Monastery
Day 07: Lhatse - Old Tingri (4350 m.)
Drive to Lao (Old) Tingri. Old Tingri in the heydays of Tibet's opening was the start point for all Everest Expeditions or treks to the north face of Mt. Everest. You can get stunning views of Everest from here.
Day 08: Old Tingri - Peiku Tso (Lake)
Drive to Peiku Tso ( Lake) camp. First views of Shishapangma.
Day 09: Shishapangma Base Camp (4700 m)
Drive to Shishapangma Base Camp, rest and explore.
Day 10: Trekking
Trekking excursions in and around the Shishapangma Base Camp
Day 11: Trekking
Trekking excursions in and around the Shishapangma Base Camp
Day 12: Trekking
Trekking excursions in and around the Shishapangma Base Camp
Day 13: Peiku Tso (Lake)
Drive to Peiku Tso lake
Day 14: Zhangmu
Drive to Zhangmu. Rest.
Day 15:
Transfer back to Kathmandu.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Tibet permit & monument entrance fees
Twin sharing accommodation in hotels on BB Plan and AP Plan on trek
Full service of our Sherpa staff from Nepal
Camping equipment
Yaks & yak herders
Transportation by Toyota jeep + support truck for food & equipment
Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) & oxygen
Airfare & airport taxes
Tibet visa fee
Insurance & emergency rescue charges
Personal clothing & accessories including sleeping bags
Extra porter/transport charges in the event of landslides
Others not specified in above cost inclusions list
