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- Shishapangma
26,335 ft · Himalayas, Tibet
Shishapangma
Shishapangma is a 26,335 ft peak in the Himalayas, Tibet. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 11 mi, 7,831 ft of gain, Class 5.
Shishapangma at a glance
- Elevation26,335 ft8,026 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 5
- Distance11 mi7,831 ft gain
- Time5 – 6 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonApr – May
- RangeHimalayasTibet
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
Access from Lhasa, Tibet, via road to Nyalam and basecamp on the northern side. The northwest ridge is the standard route. This is the only 8000-meter peak entirely within Tibet. Full expedition logistics required with high camps and fixed ropes. Chinese permits through the Tibet Mountaineering Association are mandatory and expensive. Avalanche hazards exist throughout. Weather windows are typically brief in spring (April-May). The 14th highest peak on Earth and often considered a good stepping stone to higher 8000ers. Full team support and experienced high-altitude climbers essential.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (65–85 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Avalanches
- High winds
- Extreme cold
- High altitude
- Storms
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- Technical climbing
- Serac fall
- Icefall
Quests with Shishapangma
Eight ThousandersFrequently asked questions
How tall is Shishapangma?
Shishapangma is 26,335 feet (8,026 m) tall. It is in the Himalayas, Tibet.
How does Shishapangma rank among the Eight Thousanders?
At 26,335 feet, Shishapangma is the 14th highest of the 14 Eight Thousanders. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Shishapangma?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 11 miles with 7,831 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Shishapangma?
Shishapangma is an expedition: most climbers plan 5 – 6 weeks for the Northwest Ridge, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Is Shishapangma dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need oxygen to climb Shishapangma?
Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the Northwest Ridge, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Shishapangma?
Yes. At 26,335 feet, Shishapangma is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Shishapangma?
The usual climbing window is April to May. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Shishapangma?
Check the avalanche forecast at dhm.gov.np before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb Shishapangma?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Shishapangma include Protrek Adventure and 8K Expeditions.
Climb Shishapangma with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list