Shishapangma Base Camp Trek

Trip Duration 18 Nights/19 Days
Trip Code NAP-SSP - 510
Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Cost On Request
Best Time Marc- Apr / Sept–Nov

Overview

Shishapangma (8046m) is probably the least known of the world's fourteen 8000-meter peaks, despite being only 80 kilometer north east of Kathmandu. The mountain is hidden from Nepal, tucked behind the Langtang Himal and the main Himalayan ridge. The round trip to Shishapangma takes us five days, it is one of Tibet's best kept trekking secrets, and it is also one of Tibet's finest high alpine walks. This trek is one of the few treks that do not involve pass crossing, which makes it a bit easier than our other treks in Tibet, but none the less rewarding.

Shisapangma base camp trek begins after the arrival of all participants in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for this trip.

After official procedure, we drive towards Nepal/Tibet border up to the Friendship Bridge through Arniko Highway, where you will receive by our Tibetan guide and after completion of the immigration formalities then we drive to Nyalam (3750m). From here, we will spend in trekking section till Shisapangma base camp follow through the Darbochhan and Shingdip. After finishing the trek we take same way towards Nyalam and we continue drive to Lhatse, Shigate, Gyantse to Lhasa city. The tour along the way visiting such important sites as the Sakya Monastery, Shigatse, the Shalu Monastery and Gyantse with magnificent views of mountain scenery. Finally, we have sightseeing tour of Lhasa which will cover all of the major historical sites then you will fly to Kathmandu and the farewell dinner will be at typical Nepali restaurant enjoying together with Nepali culture show program.

Highlights

* Rim of the Kathmandu valley
* Across the Tibetan plateau
* Trekking trip upto Shisapangma base camp and explore around
* Excursion holy city of Lhatse, Shigatse and Gyantse
* Visit Sakya Monastery
* Crossing over the (5050m) Lalung-La
* Visit Shalu, Tashilimpu Palkor Monastery
* Yamdruk Lake
* Exciting and informative tour to the historical and cultural attractions of Lhasa
* Scenic Himalayan flight to kathmandu

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Duration 18 Nights/19 Days
Trip code NAP-SSP - 510
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Kodari/Lhasa-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Shisapangma Base Camp (4980m)
Trip Cost On Request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 passengers
Accessibillity Scenic road-head drive to Kodari/Nyalam from Kathmandu through the Arniko Highway and scenic Himalayas flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
The Route Kathmandu drive to Nepal/Tibet board to reach Lhasa, after completing Tibet tour, fly back to Kathmandu
Season Marc- Apr / Sept–Nov
Trip Valid This offer is valid on reservations made from September through December 31, 2018.
Trip Facilities Standard hotel/Lodge both part of Tibet and Nepal,

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.

After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader and checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for Saga dawa festival trip.

After official procedure we, drive towards Nepal/Tibet border up to the Friendship Bridge through Arniko Highway. Upon reaching the border we will complete the necessary paper work and continue up the steep slope to Zhangmu then again follow the road up to Nyalam.

On this our first day of trekking, we head out of Nyalam and up along the Tshongde Phu river valley. After a couple of hours we have the choice to head directly up to Drabochhan or make a detour to the lake Tara Tsho. The pilgrimage route up to Tara Tsho is a long climb of two - three hours on a steep trail. The lake is quite large, though it remains hidden until you are fairly close. The shoreline is speckled with hundreds of small stone offering piles and larger Cairns with prayer flags. Tara Tsho has neither inlet nor outlet, it is said to be 40 meters deep. According to local legends, the lake manifested from a piece of ice brought here by a lama returning from Mount Kailash. We spend the night camping at the herders' camp at Drabochhan (4110m).

This day we start out by climbing to the top of a ridge; the climb is about one hour. From the summit we walk parallel to the ridge, along some nice hills thick with dwarf rhododendrons. We end up in Shingdip (4560m) a beautiful meadow camp with a large boulder near the junction of converging moraine valleys. The south base camp is only two hours away, but it is nearly 450 meters higher in elevation, so we stop here for the night.

From Shingdip, we take a cross-country route west towards the Base camp. Again today climb to a ridge and follow it for some time, with Jugal Himal towering across the valley to the south of us. We reach the base camp by a little glacial lake after two hours of walking. Enjoy out of views from Shisapangma base camp.

We spend a day resting in Shisapangma base camp. We have have plenty of time to head further up towards advanced base camp and explore around base camp, there is good views of Shishapangma on a boulder-plateau one hour above base camp (4980m).

We walk all the way down to Draabochhan today; all the way we will have outstanding views of Jugal Himal. We will walk through the beautiful alpine meadows and the dwarf rhododendrons on the hills. After a long descent we once again use the herders' camp in Draabochhan (4110m).

We again reach lower and more fertile ground in the Tshongde Phu river valley, and soon we once again find ourselves in Nyalam (3780m).

This day's drive takes us from the lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. We cross several high passes including the Lalung-La [5050m] from which, [weather permitting], there is a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range including Mt Everest - a fitting backdrop to the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau. We stay overnight in the town of Lhatse.

Continuing along the Friendship Highway, we pass by lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders. We then cross the highest pass of our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m] before descending once more to the barren splendor of the plains. Tonight, we stay in Shigatse (3900m), the second largest city in Tibet.

This morning we have time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, before setting off on the relatively short drive to Gyantse (3950m). Once in Gyantse, we can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Our overnight accommodation is at Hotel Gyantse or similar type.

A spectacular day's drive today will take us over the Karo-La (5045m) where we are treated to the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. Beyond the small, developing town of Nagartse, the road follows the bank of a beautiful turquoise lake, the Yamdrok-Tso, for about 20-kms we then cross the Khamba-La (4794m) and continue on to Lhasa, where we check in Hotel.

DAY 15-16: Excursion around Lhasa City: Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

DAY 15-16: Excursion around Lhasa City: Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

We leave Lhasa early in the morning for the 2 hour drive to Gonggar Airport and our flight back to Kathmandu. During the flight if weather permitting, you will see an eyeful of mountains; Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and others.

This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included


Cost includes in Tibet Part
* Accommodation on twin sharing with breakfast mentioned as per above the itinerary
* All camping equipment whilst camping
* Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) whilst camping
* Support truck to transport food, luggage and camping equipment.
* All airport transfers
* Sightseeing as per itinerary
* English speaking interpreter/guide (Tibetan)
* Tibet entry permit
* Chinese visa fees

Cost includes Nepal Part
* Accommodation: 4 night’s hotel in Kathmandu on bed breakfasts basis.
* Activities: One day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
* Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation.
* Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges.
 

Cost Excluded

Cost excludes in Tibet Part
* All international flight, departure taxes
* Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry
* Meals apart from breakfast on non-camping portion of the trip
* Travel insurance
* Emergency evacuation
* Tips and gratuities
* And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adven

Cost excludes in Nepal
* Lunch and Dinner while in City
* Bar bills and Beverages
* Optional activities
 
 

Trip Notes

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