Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Expedition

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Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Expedition

Trip Overview

Departure Detail
Spring Season                                                                                     Autumn Season
Kathmandu Arrival Date: April 07, 2026                             Kathmandu Arrival Date: September 07, 2026
Expedition Fixed Departure Date: April 11, 2026             Expedition Fixed Departure Date: Sept. 11, 2026

Mt. Shishapangma is one of the beautiful 14th highest mountain in the planet which lies in its autonomous region, known by the Tibetans as “the big grassy field", it is an extremely beautiful and provides awe inspiring vistas along the Himalayan range. Only very few people in the world have an idea about the Shishapangma before Chinese opened Tibet to the western summiteers in 1978 A.D. The Tibetans regard it as the holy mountain. It is the youngest among fourteen mountains above 8000m that lies in high Himalayan ranges of Tibet and Nepal. It is simultaneous the original route as followed by the first western expedition from the year 1978 despite missing larger technical difficulties stunning adventure can be taken, which lets mounting a 8000 meter expect nevertheless with the necessary weather luck and the support of some experienced Sherpas.

Mt. Cho-Oyu (Mt. Qowowuyag) is the world’s sixth highest another most popular 8000m. Peak for climbing located between Nepal and Tibet. The mountain would be the best choice for the mountaineers who want to stand on the summit of 8000 meter peak due to its straight forward climbing with minimal objective danger and less technically demanding.

Mt. Shishapangma short information about climbing route:
Camp 01–6,730m. – After 6-7 hours walk we reach in camp 2 through crossing many snow slopes by fixing ropes in the places of crevassed.

Camp 02–7,045m. – After 5-6 hours we reach camp 3 through steep ascent leading to very gentle ground below the North West ridge.

Camp 03–7,400m. – From Camp 3, it takes 9-12 hours to reach on the summit. The situation of the groups/climbers’ progress and the condition of their physical fitness and also the favorable condition of the weather depends the climbing ahead.

The North West normal route to Shishapangma takes us up easy angled snow slopes up to 35 degrees with one steeper section. The necessary lines will be fixed and placed on the steeper or crevassed sections.

Mt. Cho Oyu short information about climbing route:
Camp 01–6,400m. – To reach at Camp 1 we have to walk for about 4-6 hours from advance base camp via an initial walk up the Gyabrag Glacier, up steep screc to a broad snow shoulder.

Camp 02–7,150m. – We have to follow the snow ridge out of Camp 1 to a steep 50 meter ice wall, which provides most challenging climbing on this route. To make this ascent fixed ropes are necessary.

Camp 03–7,500m. – After 4/5 hours walk from Camp 2 we can reach camp 3. At this altitude there is a tremendous sense of effort to gain further height. The final summit push will be made from this camp and takes about 6-9 hours.

Cultural Treks & Expedition provides a perfect opportunity to ascend two peaks of 8000 meter in a same season, due to the proximity to Cho Oyu from Shishapangma, the infrastructure and logistics placed on both mountains by the company. The Chinese offer a modest discount on fees for climbers attempting more than one 8000m. peak in a season, but the permit will have to be finalized well before the first expedition. No reimbursement will be made to such climbers for not making an attempt on Cho Oyu or Shishapangma. Please contact us to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Note:
1. If you have your own private group or team, please e-mail us to know the price and details of expedition.
2. Looking to join a group?, if so, feel free to contact us for more information.

Expedition outline itinerary: Spring

07 April - Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,350m). Meet our staff and transfer to the hotel.
08 April - Day 02: Leisure day, Apply documents and passport for the Tibet visa at the Chinese Embassy.
09 April - Day 03: Leisure day, shopping or preparation for the expedition.
10 April - Day 04: Final preparation, backpacks, attend the official briefing about the trip at evening.
11 April - Day 05: Drive to Timure (1,740m.) and overnight at Hotel, Lodge.
12 April - Day 06: Drive Timure - Immigration formality and drive to Kyirong (2,700m.) O/N at Hotel.
13 April - Day 07: Drive from Kyirong to Shishapangma Chinese Base Camp (5000m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
14 April - Day 08: Acclimatization day in Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
15 April - Day 09: Prepare loads for Advance Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
16 April - Day 10: Trek to Middle Camp (5,200m.). O/N at Tented Camp.
17 April - Day 11: Trek to Advance Base Camp (5,400m.) - Set up Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
18/29 April - Day 12/23: Climbing Period for Mt. Shishapangma (8,013m.) Summit - Full Camping.
30 April - Day 24: ABC backpack, trek back to Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
01 May - Day 25: Drive to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp (5,200m.) via Tingri (4,200m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
02 May - Day 26: Rest at Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
03 May - Day 27: Prepared loads to Yak for Advance Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
04 May - Day 28: Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp – Middle Camp (5,300m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
05 May - Day 29: Middle Camp - Cho Oyu Advance Base Camp (5,700m.) Set up Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
06/15 May - Day 30/39: Climbing Period for Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m.) Summit - Full Camping.
16 May - Day 40: Backpack, trek from Advance Base Camp – Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
17 May - Day 41: Drive from Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp to Tingri. O/N at Hotel.
18 May - Day 42: Drive from Tingri – Kyirong Bazar then transfer to Hotel.
19 May - Day 43: Drive from Kyirong to Nepal border and Kathmandu then transfer to Hotel.
20 May - Day 44: Reserve day or, Leisure day in Kathmandu.
21 May - Day 45: Free day in Kathmandu and farewell dinner at evening.
22 May - Day 46: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey. Final Departure.

Expedition outline itinerary: Autumn

07 September - Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,350m). Meet our staff and transfer to the hotel.
08 September - Day 02: Leisure day, Apply documents and passport for the Tibet visa at the Chinese Embassy.
09 September - Day 03: Leisure day, shopping or preparation for the expedition.
10 September - Day 04: Final preparation, backpacks, attend the official briefing about the trip at evening.
11 September - Day 05: Drive to Timure (1,740m.) and overnight at Hotel, Lodge.
12 September - Day 06: Drive Timure - Immigration formality and drive to Kyirong (2,700m.) O/N at Hotel.
13 Sept. - Day 07: Drive from Kyirong to Shishapangma Chinese Base Camp (5000m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
14 September - Day 08: Acclimatization day in Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
15 September - Day 09: Prepare loads for Advance Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
16 September - Day 10: Trek to Middle Camp (5,200m.). O/N at Tented Camp.
17 September - Day 11: Trek to Advance Base Camp (5,400m.) - Set up Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
18/29 Sept. - Day 12/23: Climbing Period for Mt. Shishapangma (8,013m.) Summit - Full Camping.
30 September - Day 24: ABC backpack, trek back to Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
01 October - Day 25: Drive to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp (5,200m.) via Tingri (4,200m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
02 October - Day 26: Rest at Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
03 October - Day 27: Prepared loads to Yak for Advance Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
04 October - Day 28: Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp – Middle Camp (5,300m.) O/N at Tented Camp.
05 October - Day 29: Middle Camp - Cho Oyu Advance BC (5,700m.) Set up Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
06/15 Oct. - Day 30/39: Climbing Period for Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m.) Summit - Full Camping.
16 October - Day 40: Backpack, trek from Advance Base Camp – Chinese Base Camp. O/N at Tented Camp.
17 October - Day 41: Drive from Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp to Tingri. O/N at Hotel.
18 October - Day 42: Drive from Tingri – Kyirong Bazar then transfer to Hotel.
19 October - Day 43: Drive from Kyirong to Nepal border and Kathmandu then transfer to Hotel.
20 October - Day 44: Reserve day or, Leisure day in Kathmandu.
21 October - Day 45: Free day in Kathmandu and farewell dinner at evening.
22 October - Day 46: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey. Final Departure.

Up to Base Camp Cost Includes

All Pick up and drop off services for international flights as per the itinerary. (Airport/Hotel/Airport - expedition pick up and drop off).
7 Nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast plan. (4 nights before and 3 nights after the expedition.)
A welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.
Tibet Entry Visa Fee and Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Climbing Permit.
Charges for Highway, travel permit and Conservation Areas.
4WD Land Cruiser Jeep, Toyota Hiace or, Mini Bus transportation: Kathmandu/Timure/Kyirong/Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp/Kathmandu for members, Nepalese interpreter/guide, Cook with all kitchen teams, food and expedition gears bags.
3 Meals breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (full board basis) and accommodation at best available Hotels in Tibet and tented camp during the trekking to advance base camp and back.
Summit route fixing charges.
Service of Chinese Liaison officer and Nepalese interpreter/guide at Base Camp.
Nepalese Staff: interpreter/guide, Cook and kitchen helpers at Base Camp and Advance Base Camp.
Entry fee, Visa, Travel permit, Conservation Areas fees of all Nepalese Kitchen staffs.
Equipments allowance, daily wages of Nepalese interpreter/guide, Cook and kitchen helpers.
Expedition Insurance of Nepalese interpreter/guide, Cook and kitchen helpers, Chinese Liaison officer .
Expedition Garbage Management and Garbage Disposal fees.
Nepal Tourist Visa extension. (If required by member)
Chinese government Liaison officer with his daily wages, equipment charges, all meals, insurance and his all ground transportation.
Transport of food supply and expedition equipments to Chinese Base Camp and back.
Each Members will be provided an individual Tent(Kailas/Box Tent or, NORTH FACE brand) and Mattress at Base Camp.
Common Equipment at Shishapangma Base Camp and advance base camp such as Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Communication Tent, Shower Tent, Toilet Tent, Tables, Chairs, Cooking utensils and Heater at dining tent, etc.
Freshly cooked meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner): Continental, Nepali, Indian, Tibetan and Chinese items with hot drinks, Tea and Coffee.
Green vegetables, fresh meat, fresh fruits, juice, and drinks will be regularly served at Base Camp.
Experienced interpreter/guide, Cook and Kitchen helpers at Base Camp.
Necessary expedition gears, loads transport from Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp to Advance Base Camp and return by Yak/Jopkyo (Animal).
2 Expedition Cultural Treks duffel bag or, barrel for each member.
Per Person 50 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels allowed for expedition untill advance Base Camp.
Per Person 40 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels is allowed for returned to Kathmandu.
High Altitude Medical expenses, Helicopter rescue coverage insurance for BC Sirdar, Cook, porters and involved Nepalese staffs.
Generator or, Solar panel at Base Camp for light, charging camera and mobile set.
SAT phone or, Mobile phone available at Base Camp, but nominal charge for use at $ 3 per minute.
Walkie-Talkie for communicating from Base Camp.
Emergency medical Oxygen bottle with mask and regulator or, Gamow Bag at Base Camp. (Lifesaver device).
Service of Daily Weather Forecast during the entire Expedition.
Sufficient backup Oxygen bottles and Mask, Regulator set available at our Base Camp (Chargeable as per use).
First Aid Medical Kit Box with medicines at base camp.
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.
Mount Shishapangma and Cho Oyu summit certificate after the successful summit of the peak.
Government official taxes and company service charges.

Up to Base Camp Cost Excludes

International airfare: To and from your country.
Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee (To be applied for 60 days - Visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport-Kathmandu).
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Hotel after 8 nights stay in Kathmandu.
Personal trekking and climbing gears (trekking & climbing Boots).
Hight altitude climbing Sherpa guide and his related expenses.
High altitude tents/sleeping bags and mattress etc.
High Camp Services: High Tent, Shovel, Rope, EPI Gas, Gas Burner (MSR Rector) and High Food, etc.
Oxygen bottles with mask and regulator for expedition use.
Charges for communication equipment and commercial filming permits during the trek and expedition.
Customs Duty and Import Duty fees for Expedition equipment and stuff in Nepal by Air or, by Road.
Personal insurance such as travel, accident, Hospital medical expenses, emergency evacuation and lost your luggage- valid for Nepal and Tibet during expedition.
Applicable customs charges for Drone Camera and special filming permit.
Personal Expenses: Phone calls, Internet usage, battery recharge, laundry service, postage, alcoholic beverages, bottles and canned beverages, specialty coffee or espresso drinks etc during Hotels stay on the way to base camp and return.
Internet and Data Service during the Trek and Expedition.
Bank/wire transfer fees (if applicable).
International airport departure tax at Kathmandu Airport - TIA.
Any other service cost which is not included in the Cost Includes.
Tips for Nepali base camp support crew’s.

Tipping System:
Tipping is mandatory and it is done on a group-sharing basis by expedition participants. The minimum recommended amounts are:
1. BC Interpreter/Guide & Cook: Min. USD 600 each.
2. BC Kitchen Boys/Helpers: Min. USD 400 each.
3. Yak or, Jopkyo Driver: Min. USD 50 each.

Up to Summit Cost Includes

All Pick up and drop off services for international flights as per the itinerary. (Airport/Hotel/Airport - expedition pick up and drop off).
7 Nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast plan. (4 nights before and 3 nights after the expedition.)
A welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.
Tibet Entry Visa Fee and Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Climbing Permit.
Charges for Highway, travel permit and Conservation Areas.
4WD Land Cruiser Jeep, Toyota Hiace or, Mini Bus transportation: Kathmandu/Timure/Kyirong/Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp/Kathmandu for members, Nepalese interpreter/guide, Cook with all kitchen teams, food and expedition gears bags.
3 Meals breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (full board basis) and accommodation at best available Hotels in Tibet and tented camp during the trekking to advance base camp and back.
Summit route fixing charges.
Nepalese Staff: interpreter/guide, Cook and kitchen helpers at Base Camp and Advance Base Camp.
1 Professional Everest Summiteer H. A. climbing Sherpa guide with his equipment allowance, daily wages, and carrying bonus.
Each climbing member will be accompanied by one High Altitude climbing Sherpa guide.
Entry fee, Visa, Travel permit, Conservation Areas fees for all Nepalese H. A climbing Sherpa guide, base camp interpreter/guide, Cook and Kitchen staffs.
Equipments allowance, daily wages of Nepalese interpreter/guide, Cook and Kitchen helpers.
High Altitude Medical expenses, Helicopter rescue coverage insurance for Nepalese base camp interpreter/guide, H. A. climbing Sherpa, Cook and involved Nepalese kitchen helpers.
Expedition Garbage Management and Garbage Disposal fees.
Nepal Tourist Visa extension. (If required by member)
Chinese government Liaison officer with his daily wages, equipment charges, all meals, insurance and his all ground transportation.
Transport of food supply and expedition equipments to Base Camp and back.
Each Members will be provided an individual Tent(Kailas/Box Tent or, NORTH FACE brand) and Mattress at Base Camp.
Common Equipment at Shishapangma and Cho Oyu Base Camp and advance base camp such as Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Communication Tent, Shower Tent, Toilet Tent, Tables, Chairs, Cooking utensils and Heater at dining tent, etc.
Freshly cooked meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner): Continental, Nepali, Indian, Tibetan and Chinese items with hot drinks, Tea and Coffee.
Green vegetables, fresh meat, fresh fruits, juice, and drinks will be regularly served at Base Camp.
Experienced interpreter/guide, Cook and Kitchen helpers at Base Camp.
Necessary expedition gears, loads transport from Shishapangma Chinese Base Camp to
Advance Base Camp and return by Yak/Jopkyo (Animal).
High Altitude Tents/Sleeping Bags and Mattress.
High Camp Services for C1-C3: High Food, High Tent, Shovel, Rope, EPI Gas, Gas Burner (MSR Rector) and High Food, etc.
Common climbing equipment such as climbing Korean ropes, ice screws, ice bar, ice or rock pitons, etc.
2 Expedition Cultural Treks duffel bag or, barrel for each member.
Per Person 50 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels allowed for expedition until advance Base Camp.
Per Person 40 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels is allowed for returned to Kathmandu.
10 Oxygen (4ltr.) bottles per member with mask and regulator for expedition use. (Poisk Oxygen System).
6 Oxygen (4ltr.) for H. A. climbing Sherpa guide.
Generator or, Solar panel at Base Camp for light, charging camera and mobile set.
SAT phone or, Mobile phone available at Base Camp, but nominal charge for use at $ 3 per minute.
Walkie-Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
Emergency medical Oxygen bottle with mask and regulator or, Gamow Bag at Base Camp. (Lifesaver device).
Service of Daily Weather Forecast during the entire Expedition.
Sufficient backup Oxygen bottles and Mask, Regulator set available at our Base Camp (Chargeable as per use).
First Aid Medical Kit Box with medicines at base camp.
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.
Mount Shishapangma and Cho Oyu summit certificate after the successful summit of the peak.
Government official taxes and company service charges.

Up to Summit Cost Excludes

International airfare: To and from your country.
Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee (To be applied for 60 days - Visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport-Kathmandu).
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Hotel after 8 nights stay in Kathmandu.
Personal trekking and climbing gears (trekking & climbing Boots).
Charges for communication equipment and commercial filming permits during the trek and expedition.
Customs Duty and Import Duty fees for Expedition equipment and stuff in Nepal by Air or, by Road.
Personal insurance such as travel, accident, Hospital medical expenses, emergency evacuation and lost your luggage- valid for Nepal and Tibet during expedition.
Applicable permit fees, customs charges, Drone Camera and commercial filming permit.
Personal Expenses: Phone calls, internet, battery recharge, laundry service, postage, alcoholic beverages, bottles and canned beverages, specialty coffee or espresso drinks etc during Hotels stay on the way to base camp and return.
Internet and Data Service during the Trek and Expedition.
Bank/wire transfer fees (if applicable).
Summit Bonus for Personal H. A. climbing Sherpa guide USD 1000x2 = 2000. (Please see the information mentioned below.)
International airport departure tax at Kathmandu Airport - TIA.
Any other service cost which is not included in the Cost Includes.
Tips for Nepali base camp support crew’s.

Note for expedition participants:
Expedition service up to Base Camp: This applies to those who have booked the expedition service - up to Base Camp. The cost does not include the High Altitude (H. A.) Climbing Sherpa guide, food and fuel, tents, climbing gear, fixed ropes up to the summit, or the Sherpa’s bonus beyond Advance Base Camp.
Additional Cost for a High Altitude Climbing Sherpa: 7,500x2 = USD 15,000 (If required by client).

The additional cost for a High Altitude Climbing Sherpa (H. A.) includes: Expedition equipment allowance, Personal climbing gears, daily wages, food and fuel from base camp to summit, private transportation rescue coverage, medical expenses, accident insurance for the Sherpa, all ground transportation and a personal sleeping tent at base camp, among other essentials.

Summit Bonus for High Altitude Climbing Sherpa (H. A.): USD 500 for reaching Camp at 8,000m, plus USD 500 for climbing from 8,000m to the summit - total USD 1000x2 = USD 2000. This amount is payable on the spot (ABC) by the climbing member and applies only to those climber who purchase expedition services - up to summit.

Cost for Trekkers Joining the each Expedition Team via Kyirong:
Chinese Base Camp and Advance BC: USD 5,999 Per Person.
Maximum 15 Days in Tibet: USD 3,700 Per Person.

We will provide the expedition cost based on your group size and specific service requirements. Please feel free to email us or use the 'Book Expedition' form to send us your inquiry.

Gallery

Trip Highlights

Location
Asia, Nepal/China (Tibet Autonomous Region)
Himalayan Range
Jugal/Langtang/Mahalangur Himalayas
Height
8,013m./26,289ft - 8,201m./26,906ft
Latitude
28°21′08″N - Cho Oyu 28°05′39″N
Longitude
85°46′47″E - Cho Oyu 86°39′39″E
Trip Days
48 Days
Normal Ascent Route
Normal
First Ascent
Shishapangma was first climbed via the Northern Route on 2 May 1964 by a Chinese expedition led by Xu Jing. Cho Oyu - October 19, 1954, via the north-west ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of an Austrian expedition (First winter ascent 14 January 2005 Piotr Morawski and Simone Moro).
Easiest Route
Snow/ice/glacier climb
Grade
Mountaineering
Group Size
Minumum 2 Person (Separate/Group Joining Basis)
Lodging Level
Hotel/Lodge/Camping
Accommodation
Hotel Room/Single Tent/Camping
Food
B/L/D, Except lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Best Seasons
Spring/Autumn
Caravan Route
Kathmandu -Syabrubesi- Kyirong-Shishapangma and Cho Oyu BC-ABC