Here is what Jack from California had to say about our Kilimanjaro/Mt. Kenya/Safari:
"The leaders made considerable efforts to insure a great climb on Kenya and memorable trekking of the Circuit Route around the massif. Climbing guides especially were all amazing in knowledge of mountain craft, experience and patience.
I was able to make the summit in the company of clients and guides from all over the world; Canada, Germany, Holland, Kenya and the US. The backgrounds among all the people here are equally as varied and interesting."
Here is what Nicola from Australia, now living in London, had to say:
"It was an amazing time, one I do not wish to forget in a hurry. Words cannot describe my experience in Africa. I thought the other team members were great and everyone seemed to really enjoy the safari."
Here is what Sylvia from Victoria, Canada, had to say:
"Thank you for a very enjoyable and successful trip. I think it was really good."
Here is what Paul from Chicago, had to say:
"I had a great time and the trip was awesome."
Here is what Cheryl from Vancouver, had to say:
"I really enjoyed it. I am very glad that we had the chance to stay on Mt. Kenya. The trek and time spent there was amazing."
Here is what Wayne from Vancouver had to say:
"The trip was really very well done and I commend SummitClimb on the flexiblility they are able to bring, allowing people to all try to reach their goals in their own way."
Here is what Kelly from Chicago had to say:
"The camaraderie is great and the SummitClimb guides are great team-builders."
Shishapangma Basecamp Trek-Walk to the 14th Highest Peak in the World
These photos were taken on our recent successful trek. Photos in slideshow: Dan Mazur, Ryan Waters, Tunk Findik, Sam Mansikka, Andrew Brash and Elselien te Hennepe. For caption information, please visit our Shishapangma Basecamp Trek photo gallery.
Leadership:Arnold Coster, over 10 years experience leading treks in Tibet.
We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.
Dates and cost:
1-18 September, 2013. 18 days in Tibet and Nepal.
Full Service Cost: $3550, £2150, €2450. GBP & EUR conversions as of {1-Jan-12}.
Recent News: Our Autumn Shisha Pangma Trek has just returned from the mountains and it was a huge success. Click here to read news of our expedition, listen to audio dispatches, and view recent photos of the walk.
Please click one of the links below to view that section of our introductory information or just scroll down (photo right by Dan Mazur: The trail to advanced basecamp at 5400 metres/17,700 feet).
Introduction: Shisha Pangma, known in Tibetan as "the god of the grasslands", is the lowest of the world's fourteen 8000 metre peaks. It is also the only 8000-meter peak located wholly in Tibet. After an early attempt, it was first climbed in 1964 by a Tibetan-Chinese expedition and was opened to foreign climbers in 1978. The peak originally carried a Hindustani name: Gosainthan. Our trek to the base of the world's fourteenth highest mountain allows you to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, and walk to a very high altitude on good snow-free trails providing stunning views of surrounding high peaks of the Himalaya (photo right by Dan Mazur: The view of Shishapangma near basecamp, 14th highest mountain in the world).
The trek takes place during the autumn climbing season. You will have a chance to sample expedition life and check out the basecamps of teams from around the world.
You travel at a very careful pace without having to carry a heavy rucksack, while enjoying freshly prepared meals and lots of hot drinks, all important for acclimatization. The logistics are all taken care of, so just relax and enjoy the pure and pristine environment of the high Himalaya.
This easy, peaceful and interesting trek to Shishapangma maximizes many years of accumulated wisdom in the Himalaya, a long and proven record of safe and fun trekking through Tibet, Nepal, China, Africa, and many other fascinating mountain destinations around the world. Our friendly guides and trip leaders are experts at leading interesting groups of men and women throughout Tibet. In addition, they have an intimate knowledge of the terrain, people, customs, temples and shrines in each picturesque village you pass through.back to top
Leader and staff: In Kathmandu, on the drive across Tibet to basecamp, during the trek and in Chinese Base and ABC, our experienced staff is with you all of the way. Our skillful cooks prepare delicious, fresh, tasty food and hot drinks at least 3 times a day.
On trek: Your guide, together with friendly and helpful sherpas, cooks and local people leading yak caravans carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trip. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the trek.
Our comfortable basecamp and ABC: We have comfortable, heated dining tents with tables and chairs where our cooks and waiters will serve you delicious meals (photo right by Sam Mansikka: Our friendly and helpful staff of sherpas, cooks, and porters. They carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trip).
Sherpas: Many of our loyal sherpas have been working for us for more than 10 years and could share an intimate knowledge of the beautiful trek to Shishapangma and the rustic, medieval villages we will visit, as we explore their home region. They live in this land, grew up on farms here, and have family and friends in the stunningly barren areas we will pass through, allowing a unique glimpse into the ancient and still intact culture of the Tibetan Plateau. They go out of their way to help make your visit remarkable, enjoyable along the way, and create lasting ties with the majestic landscapes and the inhabitants who reside there. This is an exotic trek with an interesting and fun group of friends. back to top
Shishapangma National Park: The park is situated among rolling, vast green short-grass and boulder strewn valleys leading up to the base of the mountain. The environment is beautiful and stark, inhabited with wild birds and animals. Upon reaching basecamp, you trek towards the mountain, where the vegetation changes to become more alpine and rocky, with the mountain looming upwards and provides great views of the vast Tibetan plateaus and two of Tibets most famous sacred lakes. Plants in the park range from spruce, pine, a wide variety of evergreen trees, as well as coldbelt grasslands. Many precious animals inhabit Tibet, such as antelope, deer, fox, gazelles, yaks, and many species of birds (Photo right by Jon Otto: Tibetan gazelles abound in the grassy valleys around basecamp).
Drive to basecamp: Our drive from Kathmandu, into Tibet and finally to basecamp is a relaxing and interesting adventure. We stop in medieval looking towns with dirt streets, experience Tibetan culture, while stopping to walk each day or so in the beautiful surrounding hills to acclimate to the rising altitude. It offers a great chance to encounter the vast Tibetan plateau and the surrounding Himalayan Giants. We end at base camp at 5000 metres/16,400 feet. Along the way we stay and eat at rustic hotels at the organizer's expense (photo right by Dan Mazur: Our comfortable basecamp at 5000 metres/16,400 feet. From here it is a two day trek to reach ABC).back to top
Lhasa option:If you wish to add on a tour of the ancient city of Lhasa before arriving at basecamp, this is easily arranged so please let us know. Most people will prefer to fly to Kathmandu first to take advantage of the excellent equipment shopping there, then fly to Lhasa. The price includes a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa over the Mount Everest massif. Some people prefer to fly to Lhasa from another city in China and we can also assist you with these arrangements.
Trek to advanced basecamp: A beautiful trek to the base of the 14th highest peak in the world. This trek is very accomplishable by the average person who enjoys walking. Normally, you never step on snow and there is no climbing, only walking on moraine trails. Advanced basecamp is located at 5400 metres/17,700 feet on the north foot of the mountain.
Rest Days: We take many rest days throughout the trek so you can adjust to the altitude. On rest days you can relax and explore surrounding hills and valleys, monasteries, meet other international climbing teams, etcetera. back to top
This is a spectacular view of Tingri, the last town we stay in before heading to basecamp. In the background you can see Cho Oyu, the world's 6th highest mountain (Tunc Findik). One of our team members taking a short hike above Chinese basecamp. On our rest days along the trek, we will have plenty of time to trek and explore the surrounding Tibetan plateau and get spectacular views of the Himalaya all around us. The pace allows you to do as little or as much hiking as you feel comfortable with, as you slowly acclimate to the rising altitude before setting out to ABC (Tunc Findik). Our interim camp at about 5200 metres/17,000 feet. Our team is about halfway between basecamp and ABC (Dan Mazur).
Who is this trip for?
We encourage men and women from around the world, of all ages to join us as an individual team member or with your own group, whether that is your spouse, partner, friends, sibling, clients, colleagues, etc. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups that enjoy trekking, climbing, and traveling together.
Previous camping experience is beneficial to enjoying the trip, although not required.
It would be nice if you have some experience with foreign travel, although we are happy to advise and help you if this is your first time out of the country and, for many of our members, it is (photo right by Dan Mazur: Our team in ABC).
All of the work is done for you, such as cooking, carrying group equipment, setting up tents, etc. Trucks, yaks and sherpas will carry all of your personal items so you do not have to carry a heavy rucksack.
It is not necessary to be in extremely good shape to enjoy this trek. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills with a few 20 minute breaks mixed in, then you should be fine. back to top
Please "click" one of the links on the column on the upper right of your screen under "Shishapangma Basecamp Trek" to learn more about our expedition.
experience Tibetan culture, while stopping to walk each day or so in the beautiful surrounding hills to acclimate to the rising altitude. It offers a great chance to encounter the vast Tibetan plateau and the surrounding Himalayan Giants. We end at base camp 
