Mount Cho Oyu, meaning ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in Tibetan, is situated 20kms west of Mt. Everest, straddling the border between China & Nepal. Rising to an elevation of 8,201m, Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. The Expedition on Mount Cho-Oyu was first done and summited on 19 October 1954 via the north-west ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jochler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama, members of an Austrian expedition.

The Nangpa La, a 19,000-foot glacier pass which lies west of Cho Oyu makes it easier for climbers to approach the mountain. Other than the challenge of the climb itself, an expedition to this mountain offers climbers spectacular views of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,856m) and other Himalayan peaks.

Mount Cho-Oyu expedition is an achievable undertaking for intermediate climbers who wish to attempt an 8,000 m peak. The expedition of Cho-Oyu provides a perfect entrance into the world of high-altitude Himalayan climbing. The sixth highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu lies in the heart of the Tibetan/Nepalese Himalayas and offers climbers views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and literally hundreds of other Himalayan peaks. The Cho Oyu climbing expedition exposes climbers to the ancient culture of Tibet.

While the challenge of high-altitude climbing cannot be underestimated, the technical nature of the ascent is moderate. Our route is composed of snow slopes with short sections of ice and rock scrambling. We use some fixed ropes for speed and safety. We climb Cho Oyu in classic Himalayan expedition style, employing Sherpa who assists with load carrying and camp preparation. The assistance of expert Sherpa, many of whom have guided with us on Mt. Everest, greatly increases our chances of success. We move up and down the mountain three to four times while establishing camps and acclimating to the extreme altitude. Supplemental oxygen is used for the summit attempt and while sleeping at High Camp. Our itinerary has extra days built in for inclement weather and slow acclimatization. The relatively short time needed to complete the climb adds to the attraction of this tremendous ascent.

This is a fully guided ascent, led by experienced guides who will climb the mountain with you. We are one of the few outfitters offering this type of support (and, as a result, we have a high success rate and an outstanding safety record). It should be noted that most outfitters merely offer a supported trek, where a single guide facilitates the climb but does not act as a guide during the ascent.

Itinerary:

Day 01         Arrive Kathmandu

Day 02         Rest/Preparation

Day 03         Extra day for paperwork

Day 04         Drive Kerung (~2900m)

Day 05         Rest/acclimatize

Day 06         Drive Tingri (4330m)

Day 07         Rest/acclimatize

Day 08         Drive Chinese Base Camp (4900m)

Day 09         Acclimatize/explore

Day 10/12    Trek Cho Oyu Base Camp (5700m)

Day 13/38    Climbing Duration

Day 39         Drive Kerung

Day 40         Drive Kathmandu

Day 41         Rest

Day 42         Depart Kathmandu

Cost Inclusions

• Departure and arrival shuttle to and from the airport and hotels
• CTMA climbing permit and other costs, such as Tibet visa and travel permit
• Applicable local and government taxes
• Surface transportation on private vehicles both in Nepal & Tibet as per the itinerary
• Bed and Breakfast for 6 Nights’ Accommodation at 5-Star Hotel (Radisson Hotel) in Kathmandu (Twin sharing basis)
• Tibet's quality Hotels/Lodges
• Accommodation on full board (breakfasts, lunches & dinners) during the road transfers.
• Individual sleeping tent with mattress for base camp accommodation
• Base camp service (shared with group) includes a cooking tent with a chef and a kitchen boy, a dining tent with tables and chairs, a shower tent, a toilet tent, a storage tent, a gas heater, and solar electricity for battery charging
• High altitude foods during the climb having high calories
• 3 oxygen bottles (4l) for each member & 2 oxygen bottles (4l) for climbing sherpa
• 1 climbing Sherpa for 1 climbing member during the expedition
• Medical Kit carried by the Guide/ Sardar
• Walkie-Talkie and Satellite Phone (Charges Per Call)
• Sherpa's remuneration and load-bearing bonus (this bonus does not include the summit bonus)
• Required number of porters/yaks to and from base camp and return
• Climbing equipment, transportation, lodging, food, salary, and insurance for Sherpas and other staff are all provided.
• Heli flights from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu; you may avoid long, exhausting car rides while still taking in the sights of the charming tiny cities and hamlets you passed by on your route.
• Welcome and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu at an Authentic Nepali Restaurant.

Cost Exclusions

• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Nepal Visa fee
• Travel & medical insurance including insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation
• Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
• Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, bottled water, bar bills, etc.
• Trekking/Climbing gear (also available on hire)
• Summit Bonus for Sherpa & tips for local staffs ($1200+300)
• Cost for the daily weather forecast
• Tips for the staffs as a gratitude
• Any extra cost arising out of natural calamities or cancellation of the program
• All other items not mentioned in the list of ‘Inclusions’

Gears and Equipment

The journey to the 14^th highest mountain in the world demands appropriate gears and equipment. Expedition Himalaya suggests the following Gears and Equipment.