8000m Peaks

Shishapangma

Last to be conquered,
but far from the least.

Shishapangma
Expedition

Shishapangma was, for a long time, one of the least accessible of the 8,000ers, giving it a certain air of mystery. As the only one of the 14 that’s entirely in Tibet, it was off limits to Western climbers for many years, but it has opened up more recently. Still, there’s something special about ‘the God of the Grasslands’, as the mountain is called in Tibetan. It might be the lowest of the 14 and the last to be climbed, but it’s by no means the least significant challenge.

Country

Tibet

Duration

33 days

grade

Strenuous 4E

Max Altitude

8025 m
26289 ft

Daily activity

Approx
5 - 6hrs

Season

Autumn

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $65,000

Our Shishapangma expedition is open to climbers who’ve made ascents of at least one 6,000m or 7,000m peak. You must have mastered basic mountaineering skills and have a high level of fitness.

The 14th highest peak

Shishapangma, at 8,027m above sea-level, is the world’s 14th highest peak and the last on the list of the 8,000ers. It was also the last to be climbed - the first ascent was made by a Chinese expedition in 1980. The reasons for this delay were more political than technical however, and these days, Shishapangma is relatively easy to reach, with the base camp accessible by vehicle.

When our co-founder Nimsdai set out to smash the record for the fastest ascent of all the world’s 8,000ers, climbing them all in just over 6 months, Shishapangma was the last on his list. But just because it’s a relatively straightforward climb, does not mean it was an easy victory lap. This mountain still presents significant challenges, and demands to be treated with respect.


Elite Exped’s Shishapangma expedition is based on the plan successfully implemented by Nims, along with our other co-founder Mingma David, when they reached the summit in 2019 to complete Project Possible. The easy access to base camp means we can complete the climb in just 39 days, while still leaving plenty of time for acclimatisation and rest days. This makes it one of the shortest of any of our 8,000er expeditions, and a perfect introduction to 8,000m peaks.

If you’re eyeing up Shishapangma as your first 8,000er, you could not be in safer hands. The Elite Exped team are not only record breaking mountaineers, they’re highly trained in altitude rescue and recovery techniques - skills that have been put to test in the most extreme environments on Earth. We have evacuation plans and accessible helicopter rescue in place for emergencies, and we guarantee an industry leading 1:1 guide to client ratio, with four, hugely-experienced Sherpas always kept on standby, just in case.

Shishapangma might be an easy climb, but you don’t want a guiding company who treats it like one. Getting you to the summit and safely down is our number one priority, and from the moment you sign up, to the moment you’re back in Kathmandu, our guides will be with you every step of the way. 

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

  • Day 02

    Staff Introduction; Get Chinese VISA

  • Day 03

    Preparation day for Expedition/ Kathmandu Valley sightseeing (Optional)

  • Day 04

    Drive to Timure; overstay night in Timure

  • Day 05

    Drive to and cross Tibetan Border, Overnight in Kyirong

  • Day 06

    Drive to New Thingri; Overstay night in New Thingri

  • Day 07

    Acclimatize day in New Thingri; Short acclimatize hike

  • Day 08

    Drive to Chinese Base Camp

  • Day 09

    Acclimatize day in Chinese Base Camp; preparation load for Advance base camp

  • Day 10

    Trek to Middle Camp

  • Day 11

    Trek to Advance Base Camp

  • Day 12-34

    Climbing Period Shisapangma

  • Day 35

    Trek to Base Camp

  • Day 36

    Drive Basecamp to Kyirong; overstay night in Kyirong

  • Day 37

    Drive back to Kathmandu

  • Day 38

    Leisure day in Kathmandu

  • Day 39

    Final Departure

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Training

Build your skills


Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja and Mingma David Sherpa’s mountaineering world records speak for themselves, but our founders are more than just supremely-talented climbers. While some choose to direct operations from a back office, Nimsdai and Mingma David lead from the front. Their experience of every aspect of guiding and climbing - from fixing ropes, to organising logistics - is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that when they’ve worked together they have a perfect, 100 percent success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it, this is key to attain and maintain our industry leading strategy for success and safety. We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running totally self-sufficient expeditions, not relying on any other teams on the mountain to achieve our objectives. We are capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and have backups to cover all scenarios, from secondary oxygen supplies through to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots, and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective of the world of mountaineering, and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures. We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks. An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
8000m Peaks

At 8,034m above sea-level, the second highest peak of the Gasherbrum massif is the world’s 13th highest mountain. Generally reckoned to be one of the easiest of the 8,000ers - alongside Broad Peak, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma - it’s often the first that many people climb, serving as an introduction to Everest, or K2. More experienced alpinists looking for a serious challenge may want to consider tackling this as a double-header, with Gasherbrum 1. 

Jun-Jul
$30,000
8000m Peaks

Broad Peak, across the Baltoro Glaciers of north-eastern Pakistan to K2, is named for both its most prominent feature - a 2km wide summit ridge - and its similarity to Switzerland’s Breithorn (which means ‘broad horn’ in German). This defining characteristic is one of the features that makes this a relatively easy climb when compared to the other 8,000ers. For this reason, it’s often used as a wide stepping stone to further adventures, including its near neighbour, K2.

Jun-Jul
$35,000
8000m Peaks

Characterized by its sharp, picturesque peak, Manaslu dominates the Mansiri-Himal subrange of the Himalayas. First summited by a Japanese team in 1956, the world’s eighth-highest mountain has a long association with Japanese climbers, but among Europeans remains one of the less well-known peaks. Reaching the summit at 8,163m is a serious undertaking, but one that Elite Exped is ideally equipped to help you achieve.

Sep-Oct
$15,000
8000m Peaks

Shishapangma

Last to be conquered,
but far from the least.

Shishapangma
Expedition

Shishapangma was, for a long time, one of the least accessible of the 8,000ers, giving it a certain air of mystery. As the only one of the 14 that’s entirely in Tibet, it was off limits to Western climbers for many years, but it has opened up more recently. Still, there’s something special about ‘the God of the Grasslands’, as the mountain is called in Tibetan. It might be the lowest of the 14 and the last to be climbed, but it’s by no means the least significant challenge.

Country

Tibet

Duration

33 days

grade

Strenuous 4E

Max Altitude

8025 m
26289 ft

Daily activity

Approx
5 - 6hrs

Season

Autumn

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $65,000

Our Shishapangma expedition is open to climbers who’ve made ascents of at least one 6,000m or 7,000m peak. You must have mastered basic mountaineering skills and have a high level of fitness.

The 14th highest peak

Shishapangma, at 8,027m above sea-level, is the world’s 14th highest peak and the last on the list of the 8,000ers. It was also the last to be climbed - the first ascent was made by a Chinese expedition in 1980. The reasons for this delay were more political than technical however, and these days, Shishapangma is relatively easy to reach, with the base camp accessible by vehicle.

When our co-founder Nimsdai set out to smash the record for the fastest ascent of all the world’s 8,000ers, climbing them all in just over 6 months, Shishapangma was the last on his list. But just because it’s a relatively straightforward climb, does not mean it was an easy victory lap. This mountain still presents significant challenges, and demands to be treated with respect.


Elite Exped’s Shishapangma expedition is based on the plan successfully implemented by Nims, along with our other co-founder Mingma David, when they reached the summit in 2019 to complete Project Possible. The easy access to base camp means we can complete the climb in just 39 days, while still leaving plenty of time for acclimatisation and rest days. This makes it one of the shortest of any of our 8,000er expeditions, and a perfect introduction to 8,000m peaks.

If you’re eyeing up Shishapangma as your first 8,000er, you could not be in safer hands. The Elite Exped team are not only record breaking mountaineers, they’re highly trained in altitude rescue and recovery techniques - skills that have been put to test in the most extreme environments on Earth. We have evacuation plans and accessible helicopter rescue in place for emergencies, and we guarantee an industry leading 1:1 guide to client ratio, with four, hugely-experienced Sherpas always kept on standby, just in case.

Shishapangma might be an easy climb, but you don’t want a guiding company who treats it like one. Getting you to the summit and safely down is our number one priority, and from the moment you sign up, to the moment you’re back in Kathmandu, our guides will be with you every step of the way. 

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

  • Day 02

    Staff Introduction; Get Chinese VISA

  • Day 03

    Preparation day for Expedition/ Kathmandu Valley sightseeing (Optional)

  • Day 04

    Drive to Timure; overstay night in Timure

  • Day 05

    Drive to and cross Tibetan Border, Overnight in Kyirong

  • Day 06

    Drive to New Thingri; Overstay night in New Thingri

  • Day 07

    Acclimatize day in New Thingri; Short acclimatize hike

  • Day 08

    Drive to Chinese Base Camp

  • Day 09

    Acclimatize day in Chinese Base Camp; preparation load for Advance base camp

  • Day 10

    Trek to Middle Camp

  • Day 11

    Trek to Advance Base Camp

  • Day 12-34

    Climbing Period Shisapangma

  • Day 35

    Trek to Base Camp

  • Day 36

    Drive Basecamp to Kyirong; overstay night in Kyirong

  • Day 37

    Drive back to Kathmandu

  • Day 38

    Leisure day in Kathmandu

  • Day 39

    Final Departure

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Training

Build your skills


Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja and Mingma David Sherpa’s mountaineering world records speak for themselves, but our founders are more than just supremely-talented climbers. While some choose to direct operations from a back office, Nimsdai and Mingma David lead from the front. Their experience of every aspect of guiding and climbing - from fixing ropes, to organising logistics - is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that when they’ve worked together they have a perfect, 100 percent success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it, this is key to attain and maintain our industry leading strategy for success and safety. We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running totally self-sufficient expeditions, not relying on any other teams on the mountain to achieve our objectives. We are capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and have backups to cover all scenarios, from secondary oxygen supplies through to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots, and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective of the world of mountaineering, and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures. We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks. An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
8000m Peaks

At 8,034m above sea-level, the second highest peak of the Gasherbrum massif is the world’s 13th highest mountain. Generally reckoned to be one of the easiest of the 8,000ers - alongside Broad Peak, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma - it’s often the first that many people climb, serving as an introduction to Everest, or K2. More experienced alpinists looking for a serious challenge may want to consider tackling this as a double-header, with Gasherbrum 1. 

Jun-Jul
$30,000
8000m Peaks

Broad Peak, across the Baltoro Glaciers of north-eastern Pakistan to K2, is named for both its most prominent feature - a 2km wide summit ridge - and its similarity to Switzerland’s Breithorn (which means ‘broad horn’ in German). This defining characteristic is one of the features that makes this a relatively easy climb when compared to the other 8,000ers. For this reason, it’s often used as a wide stepping stone to further adventures, including its near neighbour, K2.

Jun-Jul
$35,000
8000m Peaks

Characterized by its sharp, picturesque peak, Manaslu dominates the Mansiri-Himal subrange of the Himalayas. First summited by a Japanese team in 1956, the world’s eighth-highest mountain has a long association with Japanese climbers, but among Europeans remains one of the less well-known peaks. Reaching the summit at 8,163m is a serious undertaking, but one that Elite Exped is ideally equipped to help you achieve.

Sep-Oct
$15,000