Shishapangma BC-ABC Support Expedition

Please note that you go to altitude VERY quickly on this itinerary. We strongly suggest that you acclimatize prior to the road trip, or take Diamox and painkillers if you know you acclimatize easily.

Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu 1350m

We meet you at the airport, look for a sign with your name on it.

Days 2-3 in Kathmandu

Two free days in Kathmandu for relaxing, packing and preparing. You can leave any gear which you don't need during the expedition at the hotel.

4 - drive Zhangmu ~2400m

Leaving smartly, we take a private bus along the Friendship Highway to Kodari where we pass through Nepalese customs then cross the Friendship Bridge and climb to Zhangmu, the Chinese border town. The hotel is a curious throwback to the communist era, and the food distinctly ordinary.

5 - drive Nyalam 3750m

Our Land Cruisers and truck climb their way up the precipitous "road to hell" as the Chinese literally call it. Although it is rough and menaced by landslides, it is also starkly beautiful in the deep gorge.

6-7 - rest day Nyalam 3750m

We relax for two days to aid acclimatization. You are welcome to explore the village and to climb west towards Shishapangma South Face Base Camp, a tough but rewarding day trip. Any extra nights here will be charged at CTMA rates.

8 - drive Shishapangma Base Camp 5000m

Half a day of driving brings us to 'Chinese' base camp. The views of Shishapangma are wonderful from this grassy camp near a stream.

9-10-11 - stay Base Camp 5000m

We spend several days acclimatizing and preparing our equipment for the yaks to carry to Advance Base Camp. There are some superb day trips possible. For anyone who needs to stay longer than 4 nights here we will leave some tents here.

12 - trek ABC ~5600m

It is a long days trek to ABC (Advance Base Camp). Yaks do the hard work while we trek carrying only day packs. Everyone will be feel the altitude and probably the gear will arrive late, apologies in advance.

13-14 - ABC

We set up ABC in an ablation valley. We have a puja, a ceremony to show respect for the mountain. The puja is held on an auspicious day decided by the sherpas, you should contribute Rs1500 each for the flags and person who presides over the ceremony.

15-40 (25 days) climbing Shishapangma

Good luck! You are responsible for yourself while above ABC. We provide a walkie talkie, you need to bring AA batteries, they take six at one time.

Departure

The expedition finishes either when the last of the members has returned or on hte dates below. If you leave earlier then if you are a group of 3-4 then there should be no extra charge. If you are another number there WILL be an EXTRA charge. The Liaison Officer's decision is final.

41 - packing ABC

Please ensure you have removed everything from the mountain. Our ABC rubbish is piled up for later removal by the Chinese authorities.

42 - trek BC, drive Nyalam/Zhangmu

We pack everything else for the yaks to hump down. The idea is to trek to BC then get the truck and Landcruisers there in the afternoon, heading to Nyalam or even Zhangmu. Back to thicker air!

43 - drive Kathmandu

We should arrive in Kathmandu late afternoon or evening ready to enjoy the good restaurants.

Day 44 - Kathmandu

Time for a good relaxing and shopping and to celebrate the expedition.

Day 45 - departure