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Cho-Oyu Expedition - 44 Days

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Duration: 44 Days
  • Trip Grade: Technical Challenging
  • Min person: 2
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About Trip:

Cho Oyu, 8201 m/26,906 ft, ranks sixth among the world’s highest mountains. The peak is 12.4 miles/20 km west of Mount Everest and straddles the Nepal-Tibet border. Cho Oyu is one of only fourteen summits over 8000 m and a highly sought-out climb for worldwide mountaineers. Himalaya Hikes is here to assist you in making your climbing dreams on Cho Oyu come true safely and successfully.

The peak was first ascended by an Austrian expedition in 1954. As the sixth highest on the planet, the exhilarating accomplishment of climbing Cho Oyu would be recognized throughout the world, especially within the climbing community. Cho Oyu is considered one of the most technically accessible of the fourteen peaks over 8000 m and recommended as a first 8000 m peak before attempting Everest or another more technical 8000 m peak. On the Tibet side, it is possible to drive by jeep to base camp. Our Cho Oyu expedition is available for both spring and Autumn seasons Autumn is preferred for member aiming to join the Spring Everest expedition. TheSpring climb generally has more ice, with more snow encountered in the autumn, post-monsoon.

Cho Oyu is typically approached along the westridge from Tibet. As challenging as climbing an 8000 m peak can be, you can leave the planning and all logistical concerns to us, allowing you to focus on reaching the goal of a lifetime. We will support you in all ways and each member will be joined along the way by our seasoned team of Sherpa. Nuru Wanchuk Sherpa, organizes all of our expeditions and is a 13 times Everest Summitter and  a veteran of expeditions on peaks over 8,000 m. He is one of the foremost authorities in the world on Himalayan peaks, and the success rate of these expeditions has been an unparalleled 100% including nearly 90% of members summiting! With Nuru’s leadership, you are in expert, caring hands, and you can be assured that he has considered every measure to protect your well-being and to give you the best chance of Cho Oyu success.

Our knowledgeable crew of Sherpa specialists will be with you on the climb. Our exceptional team of guides has the skills and experience that can only be gained by living and working in the high Himalaya, a mountaineer’s paradise. With Nuru and our expert crew, you can be confident of your health and welfare on Cho Oyu!

The expedition itinerary is designedfrom experience, planned with careful attention by Nuru and professional climbers to safeguard a gradual rate of ascent with proper adjustment to altitude and environmental conditions.

After arriving in Kathmandu and meeting the team and other participants, we will complete pre-expedition briefings, equipment checks and other final preparations before taking a drive in personal vehicles to Tibet. We meet up with our full crew at Cho Oyu Base Camp where they will have established a comfortable camp and will be awaiting us. From there we begin a gradual journey upward to one of the highest points on the planet allowing for proper rest and rejuvenation along the way. Base Camp lies at 4900 m (16,075ft). Advance Base Camp is 5800m (19,030ft), Camp 1 is6400 m (21,000 ft), Camp 2is 7000m (22,965ft), and Camp 3 at 7450 m (24,440ft) from where we launch oursummit bid.

Porters and Yaks: The expedition will have porters and yaks to carry supplies, a dining tent, sleeping tent and more for your comfort.
Base Camp Accommodation:  Each individual client will be provided a personal two-man, high-performance tent at Base Camp. From Camp 1 and higher, it will be necessary to share tents.

Meals :We consider delicious and nutritious food and beverages to be a key component to the overall success of all of our expeditions. We charter the food in and take the utmost care in quality preparation. Our skilled High Altitude Chef will be with us for all meals at Base Camp and up to Advance Base Camp. From the Camp 1 onwards the climbing Sherpa will take care of all meals.

Oxygen Cylinders: Each client is provided oxygen cylinders, reserved in their name for personal use on the climb. These will be guaranteed to have original seals (not refilled cylinders) manufactured by Top out, UK.

We are well-known for our dedication to the highest standards of professionalism and responsible tourism and we look forward to you joining us for the climb of a lifetime! All accommodations in Kathmandu are at 5-Star hotels.

Outline itinerary

Day 1:Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)

Day 02-05:Kathmandu Valley

Day 6:Rest &acclimatization at Nyalam

Day 7:Drive to Tingri (4,300 meters/14,110 feet)

Day 8:Rest and acclimatization at Tingri

Day 9:Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp (4900 meters/16,075 feet)

Day 10:Trek to Palung (5300 meters/17,390 feet)

Day 11:Trek to Advanced Base Camp (5800 meters/19,030 feet)

Day 12-13:Rest Days at Advanced Base Camp

Day 14-42:Base Camp

Day 43:Kathmandu

Day 44:Transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport (TIA) for departure home

Cost Includes:

    Full Board Service Cost Includes: 

    • All arrival and departure transfer services to and from international airport with other necessary surface transportation as per itinerary. 

    • Assistance at the international airport by our  representative on arrival and departure.

    • 5 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per itinerary. 

    • Truck for expedition equipment from Kathmandu-Kerung-Kathmandu and private jeep transportation for climbing members.

    • Chinese custom clearances at the border

    • Chinese Government Royalty for Cho-Oyu Expedition for group and climbing Sherpa guide.

    • Chinese visa for climbing period, both Base Camp staff, Sherpa and group;

    • 1:1 Climbing Sherpa guide each member and leaders will be included. 

    • TMA or CTMA selected English speaking Chinese liaison officer and interpreter 

    • All camping equipment in Base camp and Advance Base Camp;

    • Full Board hotel in route in Tibet: Kerung, Tingri (B/L/D) (provided by CTMA);

    • Food during expedition period for expedition members and staff;

    • Tibet Visa and Travel Permit for expedition crew;

    • Expedition Permit to climbing Cho Oyu along northwest ridge route;

    • Permanent kitchen facilities at advance base camp. 

    • All staff during Expedition period with experienced guide (Base Camp Manager) as per group size.

    • Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary;

    • Cargo clearance & duties assistance service free;

    • Daily wages, equipment allowance & insurance for expedition staff;

    • Gamow Bag will be available for expedition group;

    • Solar panel for light and batteries charger will be available for expedition members;

    • Quality personal tent at base camp and advance base camp

    • Permanent kitchen and dining facilities at advance base camp

    • Shower facility at base camp and advance base camp

    • All necessary climbing hardware and ropes.

    • Preferable meals at BC, ABC, higher camps, Hot drinks and beverages, freeze dried food during expedition

    • 24 hours hot drinks and beverage during expedition

    • Quality high altitude freeze dried food for Sherpa and staff;

    • 2 Oxygen Bottles with mask and regulators (if requested by client)

    • We provide Sherpa's tents, food for climbing, and insurance.

    • Ice falls charges, all high quality tent for  higher camps 1, 2, 3 •

    • EPI gas and burners  for cooking food above base camp;

    • All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurances for cook, climbing Sherap guide and base camp staff.

    • All necessary camping equipment's like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, kitchen tent, shower, toilet tents etc. 

    • Per person 50kg baggage allowance during trekking-up and down carrying by Yak; 

    • Truck will be provided at Kodari boarder -Chinese base camp and return Kodari for loads;

    • Yaks curry the loads from Chinese base camp to middle camp to advance base camp and return; 

    • Required experienced, trained and Government Licensed climbing guide(s) during climbing period per person as per requirements.

    • First Aid medical kits for the group and the staff.

    • Satellite phone carrying by guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call. 

    • Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required. 

    • Emergency oxygen and mask regulator.

    • All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal 

    • Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary) 

    • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure. 

    • Our  Special Gifts (T-shirt/broschure)

    • Our service charges

Cost Excludes:

    Full board service Cost Exclude:

    • Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the farewell dinner)

    • Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking.

    • Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.

    • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.

    • Extra transportation then display in itinerary program.

    • Any additional staff other than specified.

    • Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.

    • Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.

    • Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.

    • Wallie-talkies & Filming permit (if special camera or walkies-talkies).

    • Personal climbing gears;

    • Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkies-talkies or satellite phone And Internet expenses

    • Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears

    • Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.

    • Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa Guides as per Mountaineering Association rules. Minimum US$ 1000.00 per climbing Sherpa guide.

    • Tips and gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff.

    • Airfare of international flights.

    • Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)

    • Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.

    • Any other item not included in “COST INCLUDES” section.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
Welcome to Kathmandu, where the gods and mortals intermingle. Our representative meets you at the airport and will usher you to the hotel. The first evening is free to do as you like, perhaps refresh and then explore or rest and relax at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 02-05Kathmandu ValleyThese four days will include optional tours of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights, including World Heritage Sites. Most importantly, we will get to know the other participants and crew, with briefings by our Lead and Assistant Guides and gear and equipment checks and final formalities.

Day 6Rest &acclimatization at NyalamWe have a scenic drive through Nepal and following the Sun Kosi River to the Tibet border where we have our passports stamped. We drive an additional 40 km along the Friendship Highway to reach Nyalam. Overnight at Hotel.(B,L,D)

Day 7Drive to Tingri (4,300 meters/14,110 feet)We have a short but scenic drive as we continue along the Friendship Highway through southern Tibet with spectacular views of the Himalaya, including Mount Everest. Overnight at Hotel.(B,L,D)

Day 8Rest and acclimatization at TingriWe take a day to adjust to the increased altitude while exploring Tingri and the monastery there and an optional hike in the surrounding foothills. (B,L,D)

Day 9Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp (4900 meters/16,075 feet)Another scenic day of driving as we head east to approach the Himalaya and reach our crew and comfortable accommodations and full crew at base camp.(B,L,D)

Day 10Trek to Palung (5300 meters/17,390 feet)We cross the Rachu River on our way to Palung with stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding Himalayan giants.

Day 11Trek to Advanced Base Camp (5800 meters/19,030 feet)We trek up to our camp near the Nangpa La, a traditional pass that has been used for centuries between traders of Tibet and Nepal.

Day 12-13Rest Days at Advanced Base CampWe take the essential time for rest and acclimatization and preparing gear with optional hikes to surrounding viewpoints before moving on higher to ground.

Day 14-42Base CampClimbing Period, including gradual acclimatization to higher camps with return down to lower camps for rejuvenation before the attempt for the summit.

Day 43KathmanduFree day in Kathmandu. The evening isreserved for a special celebratory farewell meal at a fine dining establishment.(B,L,D)

Day 44Transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport (TIA) for departure homeOur team representative will transfer you to the airport to see you off on your departure home. On your flight homeward, we hope you will remember this adventure of a lifetimeand your experience in the mountains with us with great pleasure. We look forward to joining you on your next journey to the Himalaya!

Equipments List

Personal Climbing Gears:

  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Harness
  • Screw gate Karabiners (2 lock, 4 unlock)
  • Descender
  • Plastic Mountaineering Boots
  • Ascender (mitten sized)
  • Helmet ( Optional)
  • Mittens (gloves)
  • 5 meters/15 feet of 6 mm climber’s cord

Clothings

  • Hiking boots
  • Socks
  • Trekking trousers and pants
  • Expedition weight thermal
  • Under Garments
  • Hiking shorts 
  • Running shoe/sandals for Kathmandu
  • T-shirts
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Waterproof jacket/trouser (breathable)
  • Goose –down (duvet ) trousers
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Thermal gloves
  • Thermo rest
  • Headlamp or head torch with spare bulbs and batteries
  • Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Water bottles ( 3 bottles)
  • Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toothbrush/paste etc)
  • Ear Plug (who know some people on group may snore)
  • Deodorants
  • Suns cream for lip/skin
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Tissue  roll
  • Anti bacterial hands wash
  • Reading book & note book
  • Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu come back from Trek

The gears in the list below are also provided by Himalaya Hikes as a part of your package but if you prefer to use your own private piece, we encourage you to bring your own.

  • Down vest and/or jacket
  • 4 or 5 season sleeping bag rated to - 20 degrees
  • Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
  • Carry mat

Group climbing gears

  • Snow bar
  • Fix rope
  • Climbing rope
  • Ice Hammer
  • Ice Screw
  • Karabiners
  • Note: Available to hire/rental through HH
  • For Expeditions:
  • Epi Gas stove

Others :

  • Digital camera with extra cards
  • Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage
  • Passport,2 extra passport size photos
  • Photocopy of passport and insurance

Trip Note

The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line; since we will be trekking on some of the most remote terrain on earth, it could change due to weather, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions. In the event of this happening, your senior guide will make the final decision after consulting with the group.

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