14. Shishapangma Base Camp Trek (Tibet/China)

Snow-covered mountain peaks under a clear blue sky.

Trek Overview

Shishapangma, the world’s fourteenth-highest mountain, is the only 8,000-metre peak located entirely within Tibet. This trek offers a more accessible introduction to trekking to an 8,000 m base camp. On the vast Tibetan plateau, you’ll hike through a landscape filled with prayer flags, grazing yaks, and distant snow-covered peaks. Trekkers can choose an itinerary that starts or ends in Nepal or Tibet/China, depending on their preferred route.

Photo credit: Hiroki Ogawa (Wikipedia)

Key Information

Summit elevation: 8,027 m
Base camp altitude: 5,000 m
Highest trekking point: Shishapangma Base Camp
Duration: 8-10 days
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Best time to go: April-May and September-October
Starting point: Nyalam, Tibet (China)
Total trekking distance (return): Approx. 40-60 km

Example 9-day Itinerary (start/end Kathmandu, Nepal)

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m), cross Nepal/Tibet border, to Nyalam (3,750 m)
Day 2: Acclimatization day - Nyalam.
Day 3: Nyalam to Draabochhan (4,150 m)
Day 4: Draabochhan to Shingdip (4,600 m).
Day 5: Shingdip to Shishapangma Base Camp (5,000 m)
Day 6: Explore around Shishapangma Base Camp
Day 7: Shishapangma Base Camp to Shingdip (4,600 m).
Day 8: Shingdip to Nyalam (3,750 m).
Day 9: Drive from Nyalam, cross Tibet/Nepal border, return to Kathmandu (1,400 m).