Cho Oyu Expedition (8201 Meter)
Trip Overview
Trip Facts
- Country: China
- Trip grade: Strenuous
- Destination: Cho Oyu
- Activities: Driving and Climbing
- Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse & Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Maximum altitude: 8201
- Group size: Min - 5
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Mt Cho Oyu dominates the skyline at 8201m and is the sixth highest mountain in the world. As much as it is known for its titanic structure, it is also known for its magnificent beauty. In Tibetan language Cho Oyu translates to “Turquoise Goddess”. The mountain is also known as Mt Oowowuyag and lies in the center of the Tibetan and Nepalese Himalayas. The Cho Oyu peak radiates its beauty in such a way that it undermines other towering Himalayan Peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam and others that neighbors it. Every year this mesmerizing energy calls forward thousands of adventurers and mountaineers from all around the globe.
Mt Cho Oyu was first summited in 1954 by Herbert Tichy, Sepp Jocher and Pasang Dawa Sherpa Lama. Among all the fourteen highest peaks that tower over 8000m Cho Oyu is one of the easiest peaks to climb. Cho Oyu is known for novice climbers who are keen to learn the art of mountain climbing. The summit though physically demanding is not technically challenging due to presence of fixed lines. It offers one of the easiest and safest climbing experience in the Himalayas with the highest chance of summit. This straight forward climbing experience is also suitable for experienced climbers looking for a quick adventure.
The months between March to May during Spring are the best months for Cho Oyu Expedition as it allows enough time for proper acclimatization, several returns to base camp as well as rest days for the perfect ascent.
This expedition is not only a just mountain climbing but also a cultural excursion for any one not familiar with this region. The expedition takes one from the scenic hilly region of Nepal to desert like valleys of Lhasa filled with yaks. These places are inhabited by diverse group of populace who run lodges and hotels that serve weary travellers. Their cultures are reflected by different monasteries and temples.
The adventure begins from Kathmandu with an early morning flight to Lhasa in China. It is because the road transportation between Nepal and Tibet are not still not fully operated after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.The drive is easy and without any hassle along the Tibetan highway. The route follows through a high pass known as Nangpa La that is still used as yak track trading route between Nepal and Lhasa. The highway to the Cho Oyu Base Camp provides a scenic view of the Himalayas along the horizon. The ascent to the summit includes three camp along the way. These camps function as rest stops as well as check points for necessary preparation. The climb is coordinated by expert climbers while the Sherpas carry the equipment and gears to ease the ascent.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at the Kathmandu Airport
A designated individual will welcome you upon arrival in the Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be escorted to your hotel and will meet your travelling companions and a welcome dinner will be organized in the evening where you will be served with original Nepali cuisine and introduced to Nepali culture.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02 - 03: Sightseeing and necessary preparations in Kathmandu
Today we spend our day sightseeing and exploring in Kathmandu. The sightseeing involves UNESCO world heritage sites such as Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square and many more. Back at the hotel you will be briefed on the set itinerary to make necessary trip preparations along with Chinese Visas and paper works.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 04: Flight to Lhasa
Today we will be taking an early flight to Lhasa of Tibet. The flight is filled with soothing views of the Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kangchenjunga and Makalu. Upon your arrival in Lhasa you will be introduced to trek guides and porters. You will be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 - 06: Lhasa Sightseeing and Acclimatisation
This is an important phase of this trip where we acclimatize ourselves to the weather and the high altitude. To further acclimatization we explore and discover various landmarks of Lhasa such as the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Drive to Shigatse
Today we drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city. We drive along the banks of the Tsang Po river. The trail drives up-stream further to the southwest through barren desert-like valleys. We reach Shigatse where we spend overnight at a local hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Drive to Xegar
We drive along the Tibetan highway filled with the panoramic views of Himalayan Massifs including Everest. Once in Xegar we will pay visit downtown of Xegar as well as monastery at the hilltop. We stay overnight at a hotel outside of Xegar.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: At Xegar for acclimatisation
Today is acclimatization day in Xegar. In order to adapt ourselves to the height of Chinese Base Camp we visit the main town of Xegar. We will also be hiking up the hilltop monastery to further accustom ourselves to the cold environment.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Arrival at Chinese Base Camp
The trip includes further drive up to the Chinese Base Camp. The trail drives further south involving a bumpy track before descending down to Cho Oyu
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: At Chinese Base Camp for acclimatisation
Today we make further preparations in the Chinese Base Camp. In the afternoon we load our equipment and gears on the yaks. The next day the yaks will carry our loads to the Cho Oyu base camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 - 15: Trek to Cho Oyu Advance Base Camp
The trek resumes along the long valley up to the Cho Oyu Advance Base camp. The next 3 days we will spend it as acclimatization days in camps at 5200 and 5450 meters before reaching the base camp. In the afternoon we will be organizing our climbing gears and perform climbing practices.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 - 40: Climbing Period. Ascent of Cho Oyu (8201 meter)
On the first day we will try to ascent the lower part of the mountain. The climb will be further dictated by the weather conditions of the mountain before returning back to the base camp. We will further climb higher with proper acclimatization. The climb will occur from the north-west face of Cho Oyu. We reach Camp 1 (6400m) which is 6-8 hours away from Gyabrag Glacier. A snow ridge from Camp 1 follows a steep climb to reach Camp 2 at 7000m. From Camp 2 the climb is easy enough to reach Camp 3 at 7400m. These camps will act as resting stops before the summit. At the summit we reward ourselves with the glorious view that surrounds us. After spend quality time we descend back to the Base Camp by day 40 following the same path.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 41: Return trek to road-head and drive to Gyirong
We will return trek to the road-head with the yaks carrying our loads. The trek involves drive along the Tibetan Highway to Gyirong.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 42: Drive to Kathmandu (Nepal)
Leaving Gyirong we cross the border into Nepal. The drive to Kathmandu is further full day from here passing Syabrubensi. Once back in Kathmandu you will be escorted to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 43: Kathmandu
Today we will celebrate our achievement of our expedition during dinner and treat ourselves with much needed rest. You can spend the rest of the day exploring and sightseeing in various parts of the valley. You can also spend day by shopping to remember and reflect upon your visit to Nepal.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 44: Departure
On this day you are free to do as you please until departure. The day can be spent by sightseeing or by taking the day off to rest. A designated individual will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell.
Meal: Breakfast
Cost Details
What is included?
- All types of organizational requirements
- All trekking and climbing paper works and permits
- All airport and hotel transfers
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Flight to Lhasa and back
- Accommodation and meals during the whole of the expedition
- Government and local taxes
- Reference notes to plan your trip
- An experienced English speaking climbing guide, assistant climbing guide, Sherpa porters including their salary, insurance, food, lodging and all equipments
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Facilities of Email and satellite phones in base camp
- Necessary oxygen bottles
- Written and photo internet dispatches to send your progress to your family
What is not included?
- Nepal and China Visa fee(bring small denomination cash USD and passport sized photographs)
- International airfare
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra night accommodation apart from the schedule due to any reasons
- Lunch and evening meals in case of early return than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Charges of Email and satellite phones
- Charge for extra Sherpa porter (if required)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for climbing guide and Sherpa
