Mt. Cho-you Expedition

45 Days Expedition / (SKILL LEVEL: extreme)

ABOUT THIS TRIP
  • PRICE:
  • DURATION: 45 Days
  • ACTIVITY: Expedition
  • BEST SEASON: / autumn 
  • START: Kathmandu
  • FINISH: Kathmandu
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tea House & Camping
  • GRADE: extreme
  • AVAIABILITY: yes
  • GROUP SIZE: 2-8 pax
  • MAX ALTITUDE: 8,201m / 26906ft.

OVERVIEW

  • SKILL LEVEL
    extreme
  • DURATION
    45 Days

Cho Oyu (8201m) is the sixth highest mountain in the world, located at short distance to the west from Everest in the Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal along the Tibetan border.

There’s no really technical sections and the objective dangers are close to non-existent. Its relatively easy access makes it an attractive climb for someone with limited time, as it can be attempted in roughly 6 weeks round trip. Base Camp is accessible by jeep and it is possible to reach Kathmandu in a very long day from Base Camp. Because of it’s ease of access, ABC is often crowded with a large number of expeditions. Just west of Cho Oyu is the Nangpa La, the old trade route between the Khumbu Sherpas and Tibet.

More Detail

Mt. Cho-you Expedition

45 Days Expedition / (SKILL LEVEL: extreme)

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu & transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Rest day in Kathmandu: Tibet Visa Preparation

Day 3: Tibet Visa Issue and Expedition Briefing

Day 4: Rest day in Kathmandu.

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Timure

Day 6: Cross the border of Nepal and Drive to Kerung (1962m)

Day 7: Drive from Kerung in Old Thingri (4,300m)

Day 8: Acclimatization and Preparation Day in Old Thingri

Day 9: Drive from Old Thingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m), Via Rombuk Monastery

Day 10-12: 3 more Nights Stay in Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m)

Day 13: Trek from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Intermediate Camp (5,400m)

Day 14: Ascent from Intermediate basecamp to Advance Basecamp (5,700m)

Day 15 – Day 39: Climbing Period [Adv. Basecamp – Summit (8,201m) – Adv.Basecamp]

Day 40: Descend from Adv. Basecamp to Cho Oyu Basecamp

Day 41: Drive back from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Thingri

Day 42: Drive from Thingri to Kerung

Day 43: Cross the border and drive to Kathmandu (Overnight stay at Hotel)

Day 44: Free day or rest day in Kathmandu.

Day 45: Depart Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the rich culture of the capital city. Take some time to prepare for the exciting journey ahead, soaking in the ambiance of Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Day 2: Rest Day in Kathmandu: Tibet Visa Preparation

Today, I will rest and prepare for the Tibet visa application. This is an important step before crossing the border into Tibet for the Cho Oyu expedition. Enjoy the day exploring Kathmandu’s ancient sites or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 3: Tibet Visa Issue and Expedition Briefing

Your Tibet visa will be issued on this day, and you will receive a comprehensive briefing about the Cho Oyu expedition. This session will cover key information about the climb, safety protocols, and equipment, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 4: Rest Day in Kathmandu

Today is another day for rest. It’s a perfect opportunity to check your gear and prepare mentally for the upcoming expedition. You may also explore Kathmandu’s local markets or visit more cultural landmarks.

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Timure

Begin the expedition journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timure, the border town between Nepal and Tibet. This route offers picturesque landscapes as you travel along the Trishuli River, passing through remote villages and terraced farmlands.

Day 6: Cross the Border of Nepal and Drive to Kerung (1,962m)

After crossing the border from Nepal into Tibet, you will continue your journey towards Kerung. This border town marks the beginning of your Tibetan adventure. Take in the sights as the terrain changes dramatically, giving a taste of the high-altitude region to come.

Day 7: Drive from Kerung to Old Thingri (4,300m)

Today’s journey will take you further into Tibet, reaching the high-altitude village of Old Thingri. The stunning Tibetan Plateau starts to unfold, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and vast, open landscapes.

Day 8: Acclimatization and Preparation Day in Old Thingri

Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude in Old Thingri. Acclimatization is crucial for your body to adjust to the thinner air, ensuring a safer climb. This day also allows for final preparation before heading to the base of Cho Oyu.

Day 9: Drive from Old Thingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m), Via Rombuk Monastery

Embark on a scenic drive from Old Thingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp. Along the way, stop at the sacred Rombuk Monastery, one of the highest in the world, offering spectacular views of Mount Everest.

Days 10-12: Stay at Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m)

Spend the next three days acclimatizing and preparing for the trek to higher altitudes. This time allows your body to adjust to the challenging conditions of the Cho Oyu Basecamp, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the ascent.

Day 13: Trek from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Intermediate Camp (5,400m)

Today, you will leave the base camp and begin the trek towards the Intermediate Camp. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks as you make your way higher, gradually acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.

Day 14: Ascent from Intermediate Camp to Advance Basecamp (5,700m)

Continue the journey upwards, trekking to the Advance Basecamp of Cho Oyu. At 5,700 meters, this camp is a crucial step in your acclimatization process, and you will be surrounded by breathtaking glacial landscapes.

Days 15-39: Climbing Period [Adv. Basecamp – Summit (8,201m) – Adv. Basecamp]

This is the main climbing period of the expedition. Over the next few weeks, you will make multiple attempts at higher camps, acclimatize, and finally summit Cho Oyu at 8,201 meters. The climb is a demanding but highly rewarding journey, offering unparalleled views from the top of the world’s sixth-highest peak.

Day 40: Descend from Advance Basecamp to Cho Oyu Basecamp

After the summit, descend back to the lower altitude at the Cho Oyu Basecamp. The descent will feel easier after the strenuous climb, and you can take this time to rest and reflect on your achievements.

Day 41: Drive Back from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Thingri

Leave Cho Oyu Basecamp and drive back to the town of Thingri. Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way back towards civilization, descending from the high mountains of Tibet.

Day 42: Drive from Thingri to Kerung

Continue your return journey with a drive from Thingri to Kerung, the border town. The altitude continues to drop, making the descent more comfortable as you approach the border with Nepal.

Day 43: Cross the Border and Drive to Kathmandu (Overnight Hotel Stay)

Cross the border from Tibet back into Nepal and make your way to Kathmandu. You’ll be welcomed back to the vibrant city where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel.

Day 44: Free Day or Rest Day in Kathmandu

Take this free day in Kathmandu to relax, explore the city, or reflect on your incredible expedition. This day allows you to unwind after weeks of intense climbing and trekking.

Day 45: Depart from Kathmandu

On your final day, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure. Depart Kathmandu with memories of an extraordinary expedition to one of the world’s highest peaks.

  • ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Pick up and drop off services for both international & domestic flights as per the itinerary
  • HOTEL ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights Hotel in Kathmandu one double room with breakfast basis
  • WELCOME DINNER: A welcome dinner with Office Staff in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu
  • TRANSPORTATION: Kathmandu to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp and return transportation cost for our overall expedition crew for the entire expedition and trekking members.
  • CLIMBING PERMIT: Expedition Royalty and Climbing Permit for Cho Oyu expedition
  • ROUTE FIXING CHARGE: Cho Oyu summit route fixing charge
  • TRASH: Stool shipment and other garbage disposal fee
  • MEALS: Fresh Meals on full board (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) with Hot Drinks/ Tea/ Coffee/ fresh meat & fresh vegetables during the climbing and trekking days
  • LIAISON OFFICER: Government Liaison officer and his daily wages, equipment, food, and insurance.
  • COOK AND KITCHEN HELPERS: Experienced and well-trained base camp cook, Camp-2 cook, and Kitchen helpers
  • PORTERS: Porters up to the Kathmandu to Base Camp to Kathmandu and return from the base camp
  • STAFF WAGES: All wages, equipment, food, accommodation, and insurance for all staff in trekking and expedition
  • MEMBER PERSONAL BAGGAGE: Maximum fifty kilograms per member as a personal baggage
  • BASE CAMP TENT: North Face, Kailas, Red Fox or any other branded tent and each expedition member will have an individual tent available at the base camp
  • BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT: Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, hot shower tent, communication tent, mattress, pillow, table, chair, and other required equipment
  • ELECTRICITY: Generator at the base camp and solar panel at C2 for light or charging any electronic devices
  • HEATER: Heater at the base camp for a member and staff
  • COMMUNICATION: Communication devices like Satellite Phone & Willkie-Talkie in case of emergency.(USE PAY)
  • INTERNET AND CELL-PHONE: Internet service, satellite and cell-phone network available at the base camp (chargeable as per use)
  • MEDICAL SERVICE: Medical camp provides emergency medical services with certain charge
  • WEATHER FORECAST: Availability of the daily weather forecast during the entire expedition
  • OXYGEN CYLINDERS: O2 Poisk oxygen 4 bottles allocated for member and 2 bottles for each climbing Sherpa
  • MASK AND REGULATOR: Will be provided Top Out or Summit mask regulator for each member and climbing Sherpa
  • BACKUP OXYGEN AND MASK REGULATOR: In case of emergencies, sufficient oxygen and mask regulators at our base camp
  • HIGH ALTITUDE TENT: North Face, Kailas, Red Fox, or any other branded tent from Base Camp to C1, C2, C3, and C4
  • GENERAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: EPI gas and gas burner, dynamic climbing rope, ice screws, snow shovel, snow bars, carabineers, etc.
  • CLIMBING GUIDE (SHERPA): One professional climbing Sherpa per member
  • CLIMBING SHERPA ALLOWANCE: Equipment that requires advance payment, daily wages, carrying bonus, and summit bonus
  • EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE FOR STAFF: Equipment allowance for Base Camp cook, camp two coo, and kitchen helpers
  • RESCUE INSURANCE: Helicopter rescue insurance for high altitude climbing guide, cook, and staff
    Emergency Helicopter rescue arrangements,
  • FAREWELL DINNER: Farewell dinner with expedition staff in a  typical Nepali restaurant with the cultural show in Kathmandu
  • Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • Nepal entry Visa fee: Nepali Visa fee of USD 60 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days USD 120).
  • Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner in during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Extra night in Kathmandu: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Insurance: Travel and high-altitude insurance, accident, Helicopter medical & emergency evacuation. *Mandatory
  • Rescue Evacuation: Medical and emergency rescue evacuation costs if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
  • Personal Expenses: Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve soft drinks for members at the base camp).
  • Personal Equipment: Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.
  • Filming: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • Toiletries: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • Internet Service: Not included during the trek and expedition.
  • Summit Bonus: Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa- Minimum 1200 USD.
  • Tips: Tips for Guide and Basecamp staff.
  • Per yak, it is 300 if required Extra, (1 Yak can carry up to 40 KG).
  • Satellite permit $ 500 / per.
  • Extra Transportation: In case, if member has to return earlier than the team due to personal reasons, members have to pay their own transportation cost up to Kathmandu.
  • Extra: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Gears and Equipment

The Everest expedition with Lobuche Peak is undoubtedly challenging. It requires a certain set of gear and equipment. Here is a list of gear and equipment to bring for the trip.

Climbing Gears

  • Ice Axe with Leash
  • Crampons
  • Climbing Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Ascender (Jumar)
  • Belay Device
  • Prussiks cord
  • Trekking Poles
  • Helmet
  • Avalanche Transreceiver

Headwear

  • Headlamp (min. 200 lumens) with sufficient batteries (Li-Ion batteries)
  • Sunglasses (Polarized/ UV Protected)
  • Woolen Cap
  • Sunhat
  • Buff Scarf
  • Balaclava

Bodywear (Clothing/Layering)

  • Down suit
  • Down jacket
  • Down pant
  • Gore-Tex set \ Hardshell set
  • Insulated mid layer
  • Fleece jacket
  • Thermal set
  • Quick dry (half and full sleeved)
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking trousers
  • Additional as per necessity

Handwear

  • Liner gloves
  • Fleece gloves
  • Mittens (Gore-Tex)

Footwear

  • Climbing boots (8000er series)
  • Trekking shoes
  • Camp shoes/ slippers
  • Gaiters
  • Liner socks
  • Woolen socks/ trekking socks
  • Summit socks (8000er series)

Personal Kit

  • Sleeping bag (-40 & -20)
  • Trekking backpack
  • Hygiene kit (toiletries)
  • Sun screen (min. 60 SPF)
  • Lip Guard
  • Water bottle
  • Thermos

First Aid Kit

  • Personal medications
  • Personal first aid kit

Miscellaneous

  • Camera and associated gears
  • Camp knife/ multi tools
  • Pee Bottle/ Poop bag
  • Binoculars/ magnifiers
  • Personal reading accessories
  • Games and entertainment medium
  • Dry bag/ compression bag
  • Hand/Foot warmers
  • Emergency blankets