Cho Oyu Expedition
Photo Credit: “Cho Oyu from Old Tingri” by stevehicks
Expedition Details
Altitude: 8,188m
Location: Nepal/Tibet
Estimated Price: $30-35k
Number of days: ~45
Season: Spring & Autumn
March to May;September to November
A Cho Oyu expedition itinerary is roughly a 45-day journey that includes travel to Kathmandu and Lhasa, a drive across Tibet to the Chinese Base Camp, and a climb to the 8,201-meter summit via the North West face. The itinerary focuses on acclimatization at various altitudes, establishing high camps (Camp 1, 2, and 3), and culminating in a summit attempt during the climbing period, typically from Day 15 to Day 38. After the summit push, climbers descend back to Base Camp and then drive back to Kathmandu for departure
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, for logistics and final preparations.
Days 2-4: Gear Checks & Permits : Finalize equipment, obtain necessary travel and visa permits, and allow for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 5: Flight to Lhasa: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet.
Days 6-7: Lhasa Acclimatization : Acclimatize and sightsee in Lhasa.
Days 7-9:
Drive to Shigatse & Tingri:Drive to Shigatse, then to Tingri (or Xegar), stopping for acclimatization at these high-altitude locations.
Days 9-10:
Drive to Chinese Base Camp: Reach the Chinese Base Camp at approximately 4,900m/5,100m after a significant drive.
Days 10-12: Acclimatization at Base Camp: Rest, organize gear, and undertake acclimatization walks to higher elevations around Base Camp.
Days 12-14:
Trek to Advanced Base Camp: Trek from Base Camp to the Advanced Base Camp (ABC), usually at around 5,700m.
Days 14-22: Establish High Camps: Begin the process of establishing higher camps: Camp 1 (around 6,400m), Camp 2 (around 7,000m), and Camp 3 (around 7,400m).
Days 23-30: Summit Window: Utilize the established camps for the summit attempt. This period includes an ascent from Camp 3 to the summit (8,201m), with oxygen typically used from Camp 3 onwards.
- Trek Back to Road Head & Drive to Kathmandu:
Trek back to the road end, then drive to Kyirong on the Nepalese border, and finally drive back to Kathmandu. - Depart from Kathmandu.