Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201 m) – Tibet – 38 days
At an awesome 8201 metres, straddling the Tibet/Nepal border, Mt. Cho-Oyu offers some of the most spectacular views to be found from any mountain in the world. These include marvellous views of Everest, which is 645 metres higher and just a stone’s throw away.
Technically the climb to the summit of Mt. Cho-Oyu is straightforward, with an easy descent. However, this expedition is more suitable for climbers with previous high altitude experience because Cho-Oyu requires such careful acclimatization.
The climb itself takes 13-14 days, during an itinerary spanning 29-33 days, dependent on weather conditions. We provide full logistical support for the climb and our team prepares the route with safety in mind, to maximize the chances of a successful ascent.
Our tour begins in Kathmandu, where we spend two days preparing for our journey and also, time permitting, visiting some of the famous historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley.
On day three we fly to Lhasa (3650 metres), where we take three days acclimatizing, which also allows ample time for sightseeing. On day seven we head out towards Tingro on the Friendship Highway, travelling via Gyantse, Tibet’s ancient trading hub and Shigatse, the second largest city (home of Panchen Lama, who is, after the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s second most holy man). We reach Tingri nine days into our trip and on the following day drive directly to Cho-Oyu base camp to liaise with our climbing team, who have travelled from Kathmandu.
The next two days are spent at base camp (5560 metres), sorting equipment and loading up the yaks ready for the climb.
On day 13, we begin our climb towards Advance Base Camp. We include bottled oxygen, a mask and regulator for one summit bid. Additional oxygen can be purchased if required.
Itinerary:
Day 01: On your arrival in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
Day 02: Preparation day
Day 03: Preparation day
Day 04: Fly, Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transports you to Lhasa (98 km; a 2-hour drive).
Day 05: Tour in Lhasa including Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace & Barkhor Square.
Day 06: Tour in Lhasa including Sera & Drepung Monastery.
Day 07: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m)
Day 08: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m)
Day 09: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lao Tingiri
Day 10: Jeep tour: Lao Tingri to Cho-Oyu Base Camp
Day 11: Rest day at Choyu Base Camp
Day 12: Rest day at Cho-Oyu Base Camp
Day 13: Trek from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp
Day 14: Rest at Advance Base Camp.
Day 15-19: Acclimatization at Cho-Oyu advance Base Camp
Day 20-34: Cho-Oyu climbing (climbing days 15)
Day 35: Make summit and climb down to advance Base Camp
Day 36: Return to Base Camp
Day 37: Jeep tour: Cho-Oyu Base Camp to Nyalam (3750 m)
Day 38: Jeep tour: Nyalam to Kathmandu via Zhangmu and Kodari
