Cho Oyu Expedition

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Mount Cho Oyu

Behind the mountain’s name there is a beautiful meaning – The Turquoise Goddess, or the Goddess of Turquoise, owing to its colours in the setting sun. The peak offers views which are equally splendid as the name, standing on the border of Nepal and Tibet. It has Mount Everest as its neighbour, several dozen kilometres to the east. Cho Oyu’s summit was first reached in 1954 and since then it has delighted mountaineers from all over the world.

At 8201 metres, Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world and one of the most popular entrances into the realm of the 8,000-metre mountains. For a mountain of such altitude, it poses a moderately demanding challenge. This makes it the second most climbed eight-thousander in the world, giving ground only to Mount Everest. Climbers are also encouraged by the fact that most attempts end in reaching the summit of Cho Oyu. In fact, it has the highest success rate of all the 8,000-metre peaks.

The Cho Oyu Expedition is technically easier than the other 8,000-metre mountains and is thus a good stepping stone to prepare oneself for the serious high altitude demands of Everest or the more technical 8,000-metre mountains.

Climbing Cho Oyu

The Cho Oyu Expedition lasts about 10 weeks, starting and ending in Kathmandu. Since Mount Cho Oyu is situated between Nepal and Tibet, the Cho Oyu Expedition starts in Kathmandu with days allocated for the necessary paperwork and permits before heading into Tibet. The journey to Cho Oyu base camp can be done either via flights to Lhasa or via land through Rasuwagadhi border. The climbing party will have a few days to acclimatize before driving to the Cho Oyu base camp, and a day of acclimatization at the camp itself.

Expedition characteristics

The Cho Oyu Expedition consists of very short but scenic treks to Cho Oyu basecamp, intermediate and advanced camp followed by 3 climbing camps  that feature very limited and short steep and technical sections making it perfect to get used to the demands on extremely high altitude awaiting the mountaineers on summit day. The avalanche risk on the route is minimal.

The summit itself is a broad plateau and it offers stunning views of the neighbouring peaks, such as Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse or the ever-fascinating Mount Everest. In addition, the easier nature of the climb coupled with the time allocated on the mountain ensures more successful ascents on the mountain. For a specific plan of the expedition, see the detailed itinerary below.

Your Asian Trekking mountain guides for expedition

Organizing mountaineering expeditions since 1982, we have experience to make you feel safe. Each team is assigned seasoned climbing Sherpas, who will help the team with setting up camps and carrying load. The Sherpas provide excellent assistance in the climb, as well as the summit attempt. Many Asian Trekking employees come from the region, so you can be sure they know the routes and conditions inside out.

We care about the mountaineering parties’ team members as much as about the mighty mountains they climb. Striving to save the invaluable nature of the Himalayas, we realize projects raising awareness about climate change and environment protection. We are not afraid to get our hands dirty, too, having collected tons of rubbish from the Himalayan slopes throughout several years. We trust that the mountains’ well-being is of importance to you, and you can fully trust us in this respect.

Who can climb Cho Oyu?

To attempt at reaching the summit of Cho Oyu, good physical condition and stamina are required. You need to be healthy and fit enough to be able to walk for several hours straight. Generally, while climbing Cho Oyu, be prepared to trek for as long as 8 hours continuously on consecutive days. As for the terrain expectations, Cho Oyu is vastly covered in glaciated and snow slopes. Despite its easy access and moderate technical difficulty level, the conditions are those of high-altitude mountains and should be taken seriously. Technical mountaineering gear is a must.

Overview

The mountain

  • Mount Cho Oyu is the safest of all the eight-thousanders
  • It is 8,201 metres high
  • It is the 6th highest mountain in the world
  • It has high ascent success rate and practically no objective risks

The Cho Oyu Expedition

  • Trip time: around 10 weeks
  • Includes time for visa processing before entering Tibet
  • South West climbing route
  • Features fairly short treks to: base camp, intermediate and advanced camps, three climbing camps
  • Minimal danger occurrence possibilities
  • Moderate technical difficulties on the ascent
  • Experienced Sherpas guiding the climbing party

Why climb Cho Oyu?

  • A perfect starting point to begin 8,000m-plus climbing
  • An excellent combination of moderate technical difficulty and great altitude
  • Stunning views on the Himalayas, including Everest
  • Well-organized trip with Asian Trekking with the highest safety standards and environmentally friendly attitude

For more information and advice, click the “Ask for details” button in the top left corner. You can either fill in a contact form or write to our travel experts directly.

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EVEREST TAILOR MADE EXPEDITION

We are the number 1 most
experienced expedition company the World. No other company has as much
experience as us. We have organized more than 3,000 personalised treks and
expedition since 1982, including 286 climbing expeditions on Mt.
Everest.

Price Start From 55,000 US$ And
Includes

  • Each member is assigned with:
    1. One veteran Sherpa Guide with Nepal Mountaineering Association
      certification and has previously summited Mt. Everest at least 5
      times.
    2. Two High Altitude Sherpa with Nepal Mountaineering
      Association certification and has previously summited Mt. Everest at least 2
      times.
    3. The Sherpa will assist the member during climb and summit
      attempt. They will also carry all food and gear to high camps.
    4. Full Mountain Support
  • Unlimited CE
    certified oxygen cylinders with British Top out mask and regulator during
    climbing and summit attempt.
  • Services of Asian Trekking
    Expedition Doctor and medical consultation services at the Base Camp with the
    Himalayan Rescue Association.
  • All food and fuel for Base Camp
    and higher camps during expedition. Services of cook and kitchen boy at Base
    Camp and Camp 2.
  • 3 days guided acclimatization climb on Mt.
    Lobuche East before Everest climb.
  • High altitude tents for each
    member.
  • Weekly supply of fresh vegetables, meat and fruits to
    Base Camp from Kathmandu Common climbing equipment (necessary rope, ice bars,
    ice screws, etc.)
  • Porterage of member’s personal climbing
    equipment Kathmandu-Lukla-Base Camp-Kathmandu.
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi
    Internet at base camp.
  • Solar panels, batteries and generator
    with fuels at Base Camp for light and charging mobile phones, digital cameras
    and laptop.
  • Hotel accommodation for 8 nights in 5-star hotel in
    Kathmandu before or after the expedition.
  • Welcome group dinner
    in Kathmandu with chairman/founder of Asian Trekking, Past President of Nepal
    Mountaineering Association and Honorary member of UIAA (International Climbing
    and Mountaineering Federation), Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa and CEO of Asian
    Trekking Dawa Steven Sherpa.
  • Restop toilet bags for all members
    and Sherpas to bring human waste off the mountain.
  • Airport-hotel-airport transfers.

If Needed/On
Request

  • Spacious high wall personal tent at Base
    Camp with wooden platform and carpets. Each tent is equipped with personal
    solar powered lights, mattress, pillow, working table with chair, folding
    cabinet, satellite television and personal heater.
  • International
    Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA/ UIAGM) accredited guide to
    lead the team.
  • Helicopter flight Kathmandu/Lukla/Namche/
    EBC/Kathmandu.
  • Private kitchen with professional and trained
    5-star hotel cook to cater to the client’s taste.
  • Photography
    and video filming service during the expedition.
  • Satellite
    Internet at Camp 2
  • Personal base camp dining tent, equipped with
    wooden platform, padded insulation floor and carpet and one LED television set
    with DTH connection.
  • Clean and spacious Private toilet and
    shower tent and much more…

Good To
Know

Asian Trekking is a Nepali expedition operating company
established 36 years ago. According to Paragraph 26 of the Tourism Act
(2035), no foreign expedition teams or companies are allowed to
provide expedition services in Nepal directly and any foreign company must
work through a Nepali company
 licensed by the Ministry of
Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal. As such, Nepali
companies are the ones that provide all the legal, administrative, logistical,
guiding and support services in Nepal, while also being legally responsible
for the safe and responsible conduct of the expeditions. Booking
through foreign expedition companies naturally makes the cost to the customer
higher due to the extra layer of administration and profit margins, without
necessarily adding any extra value.

 

Detailed itinerary

Kyirong-Kyirong

1

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel

2

Day 2-3
In Kathmandu for Tibet

In Kathmandu for Tibet visa processing.

4

Day 4
Drive to Rasuwa Ghadhi

Drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwa Ghadhi (1804m/5918ft)-O/N Guest House

5

Day 5
Cross Border

Cross Border–Immigration and Custom formalities–drive to Kyirong (4114m-13498ft)-O/N Guest House

6

Day 6
Rest day in Kyirong

Rest day in Kyirong for acclimatization-O/N Guest House

7

Day 7
Drive to Thingri

Drive to Thingri (4350m-14,268ft)-O/N Guest House

8

Day 8
Rest day in Thingri

Rest day in Thingri for acclimatization-O/N Guest House

9

Day 9
Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp

Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp (4900m-16,072ft)

10

Day 10
At the base camp

At the base camp to acclimatize and preparing loads to advance base camp

11

Day 11
Trek to Intermediate Camp

Trek to Intermediate Camp (5400m-17,712ft).

12

Day 12
Arrive at Advance Base Camp

Arrive at Advance Base Camp (5600m-18,368ft).

13

Day 13-37
Climbing period

Climbing period.

38

Day 38
Trek back to Base Camp

Trek back to Base Camp.

39

Day 39
Drive to Kyirong

Drive to Kyirong.

40

Day 40
Arrive to Kathmandu

Arrive to Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel

41

Day 41
Free day in Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu

42

Day 42
Final departure

Final departure

Lhasa-Kyirong

1

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel

2-3

Day 2-3
In Kathmandu

In Kathmandu for Tibet visa processing.

4

Day 4
Fly Kathmandu Lhasa

Fly Kathmandu Lhasa (3650m-11,972ft). Transfer to Hotel.

5

Day 5
Lhasa sightseeing

Lhasa sightseeing. Tour of Drepung, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market.

6

Day 6
Lhasa sightseeing

Lhasa sightseeing. Tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang & Norbulingka summer palace.

7

Day 7
Drive to Shigatse

Drive to Shigatse (3900m-12,792ft). Sightseeing of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

8

Day 8
Drive to Thingri

Drive to Thingri (4300m-14,268ft). O/N Guest House

9

Day 9
Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp

Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp (4900m-16,072ft) and meet with the group

10

Day 10
Trek to Advance Base Camp

Trek to Advance Base Camp (5600m-18,368ft).

11

Day 11-37
Climbing period

Climbing period.

38

Day 38
Trek back to Base Camp

Trek back to Base Camp.

39

Day 39
Drive to Kyirong

Drive to Kyirong.

40

Day 40
Drive to Kathmandu

Drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.

41

Day 41
Free day in Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu

42

Day 42
Final departure

Final departure

trip grade
Very Hard

★★★★

42 Days  

Trip Code:  ATT-157

Price starts from:  14.000 USD

Ask for details

Altitude
Altitude

8201 m

Activity
Activity

Mountaineering Expedition

Technical Experience
Technical Experience

MountainInfo

  • Height: 8,201 m , 26,906 ft
  • Location: Khumbu
  • Range: Mahalangur Himal
  • Rank: 6th Highest Mountain in the world
  • AKA: Mt. Qowowuyag
  • Climbing
    Route: 
    South West
  • Latitude:
    28°05’37
  • Longitude: 86°39’43
Fixed Departures
Start Dates End Dates Group Size Remarks Availability Trip Enquiry
Aug 23, 2022 Oct 4, 2022 Booking open enquire now
Aug 23, 2023 Oct 4, 2023 Booking open enquire now
Aug 23, 2024 Oct 4, 2024 Booking open enquire now

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