Shishapangma and Cho-Oyu Combine Expedition
Shishapangma and Cho-Oyu Combine Expedition
Cho Oyu- Shishapangma combined Expedition also known as Tibet Combined Expedition which is one of the most popular Expedition trails in Tibet.
Trip Overview Trip Overview
China
Country China
max-elevation
Max. Elevation 8,201 m
duration
Duration 54 days
difficulty
Difficulty Hard
best-season
Best Season Late spring and autumn
group-size
Group Size 2 - 14 PAX

Cho Oyu- Shishapangma combined Expedition also known as Tibet Combined Expedition which is one of the most popular Expedition trails in Tibet.

Shishapangma, The youngest among fourteen mountains above 8000m. The Tibetans regard it as the holy mountain that lies in high Himalayan ranges. located in central Himalaya and lies totally inside Tibet is one of the lovely mountains in the world with an altitude of 8012m.. This Mountain lies in Tibet, the Autonomous Region of the People'...

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Cho Oyu- Shishapangma combined Expedition also known as Tibet Combined Expedition which is one of the most popular Expedition trails in Tibet.

Shishapangma, The youngest among fourteen mountains above 8000m. The Tibetans regard it as the holy mountain that lies in high Himalayan ranges. located in central Himalaya and lies totally inside Tibet is one of the lovely mountains in the world with an altitude of 8012m.. This Mountain lies in Tibet, the Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Only very few people in the world have an idea about the Shishapangma before the Chinese opened Tibet to the western summiteers in 1980. To the east of Shishapangma lies Mt Molamenchen, west lies Mt Xifeng and Mt Nandengri and to the northwest Mt Kangbochen. Meanwhile, the sixth highest mountain in the world is Cho Oyu (8,201m).  Cho Oyu Expedition is a classic Himalayan climb and considered the easiest 8000m peak to climb via its Northwest Ridge, with no technical climbing, big snowfields, and little objective danger. Cho Oyu is easily accessed by 4-wheel-drive vehicle from Tingri, often guided, and is the first 8,000-meter peak for most climbers. Mt. Cho Oyu is located 30.km west of Mt Everest 8,848m and straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet. The peak can be climbed from both Nepalese side up on south face and north-east ridge routes and Tibetan side along the Northwest ridge route with North approach being an easier and a standard route, which was also the route of the first summit. Mt. Cho Oyu is climbable during both spring and autumn seasons.

The Shishapangma + Cho-Oyu (49 days) Expedition  combines technical alpine walking with majestic panorama and a combination of cultures unmatched by any other Expedition in Tibet. Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expedition provides a perfect opportunity to ascend two peaks of 8,000m in the 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 8,000m peaks 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. For climbers considering both peaks, please contact us to determine if it is the right choice for you. 

  • Climbing any mountain, especially 8000m above, is tough but highly rewarding as well. So, do prepare yourself Psychologically and Physically to withstand all possible hazards that may come across your path during the mountaineering journey.
  • The expedition is EXTREMELY Challenging but worth it.  Before the summit push we will have enough time at the Base Camp where our supremely talented climbing Sherpa guide will train you very well to be in the Himalayas by providing you with all technical know-how and techniques.
  • The summit lies at a higher altitude and can cause altitude sickness to anyone attempting the summit push. But proper acclimatization, enough Oxygen which will be carried and reserved at higher camps for emergency use and support / assistance by our high altitude climbing Sherpa Guide will help you go through to reach the summit of your dream mountain. Above the higher camps we will always have extra bottles of oxygen in case of emergencies. This is why one must go on an expedition to any of the 7 thousand before heading to any 8000m. This will not only help you gain experience in the high altitude but also familiarize you with all the gears and equipment while handling extremely cold temperatures, gaining great crampon skills on and on the rock, snow, ice, rappelling with a pack on, and using ascenders and jumars on a xed-line. Along with tolerance at a high altitude, you need strength, endurance, and strong cardiovascular conditioning.

NOTE: Prioritize your training efforts with the following techniques assuming you are in good health and injury-free;

01. Climbing Conditioning: Uphill climbing with a backpack, walking, and staircase climbing

02. Strength training for lower body and core

03. Cardiovascular Training: Include both aerobic and anaerobic workouts with and without pack-weight

04. Flexibility Training: Include stretches for overall body

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Trip Overview Trip Facts
  • Location: Nepal/Tibet border, 30 km west of Everest
  • Elevation: 8,201m (26,906ft)
  • First Ascent: Joseph Joechler, Herbert Tichy (Italy), Pasang Dawa Lama (Nepal), October 19, 1954 
  • Coordinates: 28°06′00″ N 86°39′00″ E
  • Expd Duration: 54 days (typically)
  • Climbing Duration: 40 days (typically)
  • Group Size: 02-14 person per Group
  • Climbing Season: Late spring and autumn
  • Climbing Ratio: 1+1 (1 Member 1 Climbing Sherpa Guide)
Trip Overview Trip Highlights

Approaches to Cho Oyu from North (Tibet): From the north, the peak approaches from the Tingri Plain, to the Palung Glacier which lies below the peak's north face, and the Gyabrag Glacier which surrounds the Northwest face. 

Typically, it takes 3 days to drive to Tingri (4,300m) from Kathmandu with acclimatization stops in Zhangmu (1600m) and Nyalam (3,700m). The Tingri expedition takes a day's rest at Chinese Base Camp (5,000m), and Middle Camp (5300m) before arriving at Cho Oyu North Advanced Base Camp (5,700m). It takes 10 days to reach ABC from Kathmandu.

Climbing Routes of Cho Oyu: Cho Oyu has three main ridges: the Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest, and an impressive Southwest face rising 3,000m from the ABC. 

South Side: The south side of Cho Oyu is a great climbing playground for high-altitude climbers because of the cool face that is relatively easily accessible for skilled climbers. In 1994, Yasushi Yamanoi completed the First solo ascent via the southwest face. On October 2, 2006, Slovenian Pavle Kozjek speed-climbed a new route on the Southwest Face in a single solo ascent from the advanced base camp. The crux was a vertical icefall, which was bypassed with 5.6 rock climbing. He reached the summit in 14 hours.

North Side:

  • The Northwest Ridge is also known as the Tichy Route. Tichy Route is a normal route for commercial operators and for first-time climbers of the 8,000m peak. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills as it is a less than 50-degree snow field with one very short section of yellow band rock with fixed lines. The route begins from the Gyabrag Glacier at the base of Peak 6,395 and the location of the advanced base camp (ABC) at 5,700 m (18,700').
  • The route skirts first and then ascends the screed and fern on the west side of the slope leading to Camp 1 at 6,400 m (21,000') at the bottom of the Northwest ridge proper of Cho Oyu. Camp 1 location is very nice as it is well sheltered from the weather by the ridge itself and the rocks below the base of the Northwest ridge. 
  • From Camp 1 the route follows the Northwest ridge and then opens out onto the Northwest face of the upper mountain. About halfway between Camp 1 and Camp 2, there is a steeper 30-50m section consisting of moderate ice cliffs. Most of the route between Camp 1 and 2 is fixed with rope because there are hundreds of unskilled mountaineers with a huge entourage of climbing Sherpas provided by commercial operators. 
  • Camp 2 is located at about 7,200 m (23,500'). Some expeditions fix an intermediate temporary camp between C1 and C2, just below the ice cliff on the Northwest ridge at about 6600 m (21,600'), especially during the first or second acclimatization trip.
  • Most operators fix a high camp at about 7,450 m (24,500') just below yellow bands to maximize the chance of success on summit day but occasional parties do the summit from C2. Usually, the yellow bands are fixed with rope, which requires some strenuous climbing. Above this, more rocky bands there is a steep summit ridge snowfield. Expeditions usually continue up this steep snowfield to the crest of the Northwest Ridge and the false summit. From here climbers cross a broad plateau, with a very small rise to the true summit of 8,201 m (26, 901 feet). From the true summit, there is an incredible view of Everest and Makalu. 

Other Possibilities:

  • Most of the climbing is on ice and snow slopes up to 50 degrees with a few very short sections of steeper rock and ice. 
  • The highest technical section is 6m high and safely climbed with fixed ropes. This makes it perfect for ski and snowboard descent. The first American ski descent of an 8,000-meter peak was on October 1, 2002, when Montana ski mountaineer Kristopher Erickson reached the summit of Cho Oyu and then skied down.
  • Speed climbing is another option on Cho Oyu. On October 2, 2006, Slovenian Pavel Kozjek speed-climbed a new route on the Southwest Face in a single solo ascent from an advanced base camp. The crux was a vertical icefall, which was bypassed with 5.6 rock climbing. He reached the summit in 14 hours.

Approaches  from Kathmandu to Shishapangma ABC: 

  • Our standard expeditions start from Kathmandu. We will cross the border to Tibet in Kodari. After 2 days of acclimatization at 3,400m in Nyalam, we take 5 hrs Jeep drive to the Drivers Camp at 4,900m. Another possibility is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa/Tibet. From Lhasa, it takes 2 days to get to the Chinese Camp. 
  • The ABC is located 18. km from the Drivers Camp it takes two days to get to the Base Camp (5,400m) 18 km away. From here we execute our climb through 3 camp arrangement

Climbing Route of Shishapangma:

  • Shishapangma is usually climbed via the Northwest face and North Ridge, which is the standard commercial route. This route is considered among the easiest routes to the summit of all the 8,000m peaks and has often been skied. The greatest challenge of this route is traversing from the Central to the Main Summits along a knife-edged ridge. 
  • The climb starts from the Base Camp (5,800m) located on the lateral moraine of the Shishapangma glacier. We walk along the moraine and climb 20-30 deg skiable and snow bondable snowfields to reach Camp 1.
  • Camp 1 (6,200m) is located on a flat snowfield with plenty of space for tents. From C1 we cross a small plateau and climb up to Camp 2 on another-ski able and snowboard-able snowfield.
  • Camp 2 (6,700m) is also located on a large flat platform. We cross a large snow plateau largely flat with some minor up and down slope to eventually reach another 30deg headwall, one is marginal for skiing due to protruding rocks.
  • Camp 3 ((7,400m) is located on a protected and safe rock-crowned flat buttress at the bottom of the North Ridge.
  • Summit day is a steep ascent on a snow and rock ridge to the snow knob of a false central summit. Most climbers finish here and do not attempt the snowy knife-edge ridge to the real summit less than 15m higher. The view is tremendous from here on Cho Oyu, Everest, and the number of 7,000m satellite peaks surrounding Shishapangma.

Skiing Possibilities: Most of the climbing is on ice and snow slopes up to 30 degrees with a few very short sections of steeper rock and ice. This makes it perfect for ski and snowboard descent. The first ski descent of an 8,000-meter peak was on September 19, 1987, when Polish climber Jerzy Kuczka reached the summit of Shishapangma and then skied down.

Need of Oxygen: The Shishapangma ascents can be attempted with or without oxygen which depends on the climber's experience, stamina, and strength at altitude. The climber should get final approval from our expedition leader about the need for oxygen. Apart from that, oxygen will be placed at a high camp for all climbers, and no refund will be provided if it is not used.  

Is Climbing Shishapangma in Spring Better than in Autumn?

On Shishapangma like Cho Oyu (it doesn’t matter), each season has slightly different weather and different attractions but for Shishapangma is lower than Everest the reliability of good weather is roughly smooth.

Spring starts cold and then warms up. So acclimatization is tough but the climb can be pleasant with slightly longer days and warmer temperatures. In spring you wait for the transition between winter winds and monsoon snowfall. You don’t want to get a big snow dump on Shishapangma because of the objective avalanche danger on its 30-degree slopes and the steep North ridge. The visibility in spring is usually not as clear as in autumn. The optimum spring summit usually is in around mid-May.

Autumn climbing is nice and comfortable. It is easy to acclimatize and you basically wait for the weather transition from monsoon to winter, when winds stop before they change direction. There is lots of snow and high objective avalanche danger, so you basically wait for snowfall to stop and snow to consolidate and hope for no snow dump just before you are ready for your climb. The visibility is superb, crisp, and crystal clear. The optimum autumn summit is around the end of September and early October before winter cold winds set in.

Itinerary

Arrive at any time, Xtreme Climbers vehicle and represent we'll pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to the hotel. Your included activities consist of refreshments, an introduction to your guide, as well as an introduction to The Trek.

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Xtreme Climbers will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Cost include Cost includes
  1. Arrival and Departure: Kathmandu Airport - Hotel transfers – Kathmandu Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  2. Hotel Accommodation In Kathmandu: 5 nights *****Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast Plan-Double Room (sharing basis).
  3. Hotel in Lhasa: 2 Nights Hotel stay in Lasha (twin sharing basis), including meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  4. Cargo Clearance: International Air cargo clearance of Member's Personal Luggage & Payment of Government Taxes in Nepal. (*before the expedition).
  5. Expedition Royalty and Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of the Chinese Government (CMA / TMA) to climb Mt. Cho-Oyu and Shishapangma.
  6. Liaison Officer: 1 Government Liaison officer in Tibet with full equipment, salary, and accommodation. 
  7. Garbage Management: Garbage Deposit fees.
  8. Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
  9. Map: Trekking and climbing map.
  10. Visa: Visa arrangement for Tibet including Visa fee.
  11. Expedition Stuffs Transportation: Transportation of All Necessary equipment & Foods for all Members and Staff From Kathmandu to Kodari (by bus), Kodari to Basecamp (by Jeep/Truck) - Basecamp to Advance Basecamp (ABC) by Yak. – While returning: Advance Base camp(ABC) to Basecamp (by Yak), Basecamp to Kodari (by Jeep/Truck), and Kodari to Kathmandu (by bus). 
  12. Member Luggage: Up to 70 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by Yaks.
  13. Lodging & Fooding: Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tea house  (twin sharing basis) during the trek and Basecamp. Well-managed base camp & ABC set up for members & Staff.
  14. Hotel Accommodation from Lhasa to Chinese base camp: Accommodation (twin bedroom on a sharing basis) from Lhasa to Chinese base camp: Single room is subject to a charge.
  15. Yaks: 3 Yaks from Chinese Basecamp to Advance Basecamp and while descending 2 Yaks from ABC to Basecamp.
  16. Base Camp / Advance BC Staff:  Experienced and well-trained Base Camp / ABC Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
  17. Staff Salary and allowance: All Nepalese staff & porters' daily wages, salaries, equipment, food & clothing.
  18. Base Camp / ABC Tent: Each member will have an individual North-Face VE-25 tent in Chinese Basecamp & Advance Basecamp
  19. Base Camp / ABC equipment: Foam mattresses and pillows per member, 1 Dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese basecamp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
  20. Heater: Heater for each Dining and other necessary camp.
  21. Solar/Generator/Light: 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, battery charge, laptop and other electronic devices.
  22. High Altitude Climbing Sherpa Guide: 1 veteran and Government Licensed per member.
  23. Climbing Sherpa Salary & Allowance: Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food And Clothing.
  24. Bonus: Carry Bonus of Sherpas and Route Fixing Charges.
  25. Oxygen Bottle (O2): Poisk O2 cylinder: 3 oxygen bottles (4 liters.) for each member and 1 oxygen bottle for each high altitude Sherpa, which has to be returned after the expedition.**
  26. Oxygen Mask & Regulator: 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks for each member and high altitude Sherpa, which has to be returned after the expedition.**
  27. Back up Oxygen Cylinder & Mask, Regulator: Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator (with appropriate charge).
  28. High camp service: High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot for a member, High food for a member, Sherpa, all climbing and cooking crew. (C1) (C2) (C3). Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
  29. Satellite Phone THURAYA: A satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, is also available for members with appropriate charge.
  30. Walkie-Talkie: Walkie-Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
  31. Permit: Satellite Phone/walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff.
  32. Internet Service: Internet facility (Thuraya Satellite) will be available at the Basecamp & ABC (subject to a charge).
  33. Comprehensive Medical kit for the group and staff.
  34. Certificate: Mt. Cho-Oyu and Shishapangma climbing certificate issued by CMA (after climbing Mt. Cho-Oyu successfully).
  35. Farewell Dinner: Farewell Dinner in a Traditional Nepali restaurant with an authentic taste of Nepali food and Dance.

Member transportation: 

  • Air Transportation (Members): International Flight from Kathmandu – to Lhasa and while returning Lhasa - to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.

  • Air Transportation (1 guide): One guide will fly with members from Kathmandu – to Lhasa and while returning from Lhasa - to Kathmandu.

Land Transportation

  • Land Transportation (Members): Drive by Jeep from Lhasa to Chinese Basecamp.
  • Land Transportation (Staffs): Kathmandu to Kodari (bus)- Kodari to Chinese Basecamp (Jeep) for All Climbing Sherpas and Expeditions Staff. (At Chinese Basecamp all members and staff will meet each other) 

Base Camp Service Cost Includes:

  1. Arrival and Departure: Kathmandu Airport - Hotel transfers – Kathmandu Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  2. Hotel Accommodation In Kathmandu: 5 nights hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast Plan-Double Room (sharing basis).
  3. Hotel in Lhasa: 2 Nights Hotel stay in Lasha (twin sharing basis), including meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  4. Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
  5. Expedition Royalty and Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of Chinese Government (CMA / TMA) to climb Mt. Cho You and Sishapangma.
  6. Liaison Officer “L.O”: 1 Government Liaison officer in Tibet with full equipment, salary, and accommodation. 
  7. Garbage Deposit Fee: Garbage Deposit fees.
  8. Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
  9. Map: Trekking and climbing map.
  10. Visa: Visa arrangement for Tibet including Visa fee.
  11. Expedition Stuffs Transportation: Transportation of All Necessary equipment & Foods for all Members and staff from Kathmandu to Kodari (by bus), Kodari to Basecamp (by Jeep/Truck) - Basecamp to Advance Basecamp (ABC) by Yak. – While returning: Advance Base camp(ABC) to Basecamp (by Yak), Basecamp to Kodari (by Jeep/Truck), and Kodari to Kathmandu (by bus). 
  12. Member Luggage: Up to 70 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by Yaks.
  13. Lodging & Fooding: Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tea house  (twin sharing basis) during the trek and Basecamp. Well-managed base camp & ABC set up for members & Staff.
  14. Hotel Accommodation from Lhasa to Chinese base camp: Accommodation (twin bedroom on a sharing basis) from Lhasa to Chinese base camp: Single room is subject to a charge.
  15. Yaks: 3 Yaks from Chinese Basecamp to Advance Basecamp and while descending 2 Yaks from ABC to Basecamp.
  16. Base Camp / Advance BC Staff:  Experienced and well-trained Base Camp / ABC Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
  17. Staff Salary and allowance: All Nepalese staff & porter's daily wages, salaries, equipment, food & clothing.
  18. Base Camp / ABC Tent: Each member will have an individual North-Face VE-25 tent in Chinese Basecamp & Advance Basecamp
  19. Base Camp / ABC equipment: Foam mattresses and pillows per member, 1 Dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese basecamp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
  20. Heater: Heater for each Dining and other necessary camp.
  21. Solar/Generator/Light: 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, battery charge, for laptop and other electronic devices.
  22. Medical Kit Bag: Comprehensive Medical kit for the group and staff basic use only.

Member transportation: 

  • Air Transportation (Members): International Flight from Kathmandu – to Lhasa and while returning Lhasa - to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
  • Air Transportation (1 guide): One guide will fly with members from Kathmandu – to Lhasa and while returning to Lhasa - to Kathmandu.

Land Transportation

  • Land Transportation (Members): Drive by Jeep from Lhasa to Chinese Basecamp.
  • Land Transportation (Staffs): Kathmandu to Kodari (bus)- Kodari to Chinese Basecamp (Jeep) for All Climbing Sherpas and Expeditions Staff. (At Chinese Basecamp all members and staff will meet each other) 
cost_exclude Cost Excludes
  1. Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  2. Nepal entry Visa fee: Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  3. Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
  4. Extra night in Kathmandu: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  5. Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  6. Rescue Evacuation: Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation costs if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
  7. Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, battery recharge, showers, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve all kinds of beverages for members in base camp), and also Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking / Climbing Gears.
  8. Filming: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  9. Tips:  Calculate some tips for Basecamp staff.
  10. Summit Bonus: Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa $ 2500 USD for both mountains (If a company offers Full Board Services).
  11. Extra: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary Or any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

NOTE: Our Company’s Service will be "Zero" above Base Camp (If a company offers just Advance Camp services)

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