Tibet trek tour to Shishapangma, 14th highest peak

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

With an elevation of 8,046m, Shishapangma lying west of Everest is known as the 14th highest peak on earth. Located at the border between Nepal and Tibet, it witnesses few visitors, thus the Shishapangma is also renowned as the hidden jewel of Tibet. A Tibet trek tour to Shishapangma would be full of surprises.

Before starting this Tibet trek, trekkers should spend several days at Lhasa for acclimation and preparation. At Lhasa, travelers have lots of things to do to kill the time. For instance, visiting famous tourist sites in Lhasa, including Potala Palace - winter palace of Dalai Lamas, Jokhang Temple – the holiest temple in Lhasa, Barkhor Street – a window of Tibetan culture and Tibetan lifestyle, Sera Monastery noted for its interesting Buddhist sculpture debating, Norbulingka – summer palace of Dalai Lamas, etc.

After several days’ acclimation in Lhasa, travelers can drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse, a traditional Tibetan town. En route, tourists can visit the famous holy Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilunpo Monastery.

And then drive to Nyalam for further acclimation. Travelers should spend at least one day at Nyalam for properly acclimation to the high altitude. They can take it an easy day to rest and enjoy the beauty of Nyalam. They can go to visit Nyalam Pelgye Ling, a small temple right out of town.

After fully acclimatizing the altitude of Tibetan plateau, travelers can start the trek to Shishapangma. It takes around five days to do this trek in Tibet.

On the first day of trekking, trekkers will head out of the Nyalam Town along the Tshongde Phu river valley. Trekkers can take a shorter day to head straight to the campsite at Draabochhan or make the pilgrimage trek to Tara Tsho Lake. If travellers are up for the steep walk along the way, the magical lake is well worth it. Legend has it that the lake was made from a piece of ice that a lama carried from Mt. Kailash. Beautiful prayer flags and stone monuments cover the banks of the lake. Draabochhan is a comfortable campsite.

On the second trekking day, the trekking will lead the travelers to the top of the ridge. As the trekkers follow the ridge, they will get an alluring views and blossoming rhododendrons. It is fabulous to spend a night in an amazing meadow camp in Shingdip. A good rest at night makes a better trek day tomorrow.

On the third trekking day, trekkers should head west as following the ridge once more. The Jugal Himal peak looms during trekking. After only two hours of walking, trekkers can reach the base camp! Unfortunately there are no views of Shishapangma at the actual base camp. However, trekkers will have plenty of time to explore the glacial lakes and boulder plateaus which do offer impressive views. Advanced base camp is in close walking distance as well.

Since the fourth day, trekkers should descend back to Draabochhan from the Base Camp. On the way, the wondrous alpine meadows, rhododendrons, and views of Jugal Himal make an enjoyable day.

On the fifth day, trekkers can get back to Nyalam for a good overnight at the town. Next, tourists can continue west to Zhangmu and then to Kathmandu, or drive back to Lhasa for home flight.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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