The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We recommend a training programme tailored to mountaineering such as those from Uphill Athlete.
Cho Oyu is the world's sixth highest mountain and considered to be the most achievable of the fourteen 8,000m peaks.
As with all ascents at high altitude, the climbing is strenuous and a high standard of fitness is required, but as a peak to experience the thin air at 8,000m for the first time, Cho Oyu is ideal. Many of our expedition members use the experience gained here as a 'stepping stone' to Everest - or climb it as their ‘once only’ 8,000m goal.
Our Cho Oyu expedition itinerary has been tailored to include a visit to the city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture. Here we explore the Potala Palace and other cultural sites while acclimatising for the journey ahead. We then travel overland to the base of the mountain followed by a short walk to Base Camp.
The climbing route links features devoid of undue hazard with only a few short technical sections, yet the ascent path is direct, allowing climbers to gain altitude without covering a lot of distance.
- Climb with the most experienced expedition operator on the mountain
- Experience high-altitude climbing on the world’s sixth highest peak and prepare yourself for Everest
- Visit the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Lhasa
Expedition Level
Expedition Level
Advanced
Elevation
Elevation
8,201m/26,906ft
Duration
Duration
45 days
Location
Location
Tibet, China
CHO OYU ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal
DAY 2
Commence Tibet Travel Permit process
DAY 3
Gear checks and sightseeing in Kathmandu
DAY 4
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
DAY 5
Finalise Tibet Travel Permit
DAY 6
Fly to Chengdu, China, overnight
DAY 7
| Fly to Lhasa, Tibet 3,650m/11,975ft |
DAY 8
Sightseeing in Lhasa
DAY 9
| Drive to Shigatse 3,800m/12,470ft |
DAY 10
Drive to Tingri 4,350m/14,270ft
DAY 11
| Rest day in Tingri |
DAY 12
Drive to Road End Base Camp 4,800m/15,750ft
DAY 13 - 14
Rest/acclimatisation at Road End
DAY 15
Trek to Valley Camp 5,300m/17,390ft
DAY 16
Trek to Base Camp 5,650m/18,500ft
DAY 17 - 18
Rest at Base Camp/organise equipment
DAY 19 - 31
Establish high camps and acclimatise
DAY 32 - 39
Summit window
DAY 40
| Return to Base Camp |
DAY 41
Pack equipment
DAY 42
Trek back to road end and drive to Tingri
DAY 43
Drive to Nepalese border
DAY 44
Drive to Kathmandu
DAY 45
Depart from Kathmandu
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition
PREPARE
Fitness
Technical Experience
You must be able to efficiently climb ice, snow and rock terrain, multiple days in a row. Climbers will ideally have a broad set of climbing skills from basic rock climbing to advanced cramponing on snow and ice and strong rope skills such as rappelling and rope ascending. You should be comfortable with camp craft and self-care at high altitude.
Altitude Experience
Prior ascents of multiple 6,000-7,000m peaks are preferred (such as Denali, Aconcagua, Peak Lenin, 6,000m peaks in Nepal, or the Ecuador volcanoes).
Why Adventure Consultants?
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Chinese government royalty fees
- All expedition organisational requirements
- All climbing and trekking permits
- Land transport in Tibet and Nepal
- Flights to Chengdu and Lhasa from Kathmandu
- Accommodation ex Kathmandu
- All team equipment and five bottles of oxygen
- All expedition staff, including Western guides at 1:5 ratio and 1:1 Sherpa support
- All food after departing Kathmandu and before arriving back in Kathmandu
- All supplies necessary to make a safe and strong bid for the summit
- Medical kit
- Regular written and photo internet dispatches for families and friends to follow your progress
- dZi Foundation support for their "Revitalize a Village" program – likely to include support for a Nepalese child’s education for a year.
Add Ons
Experience tells us that a high degree of Sherpa support greatly increases the rate of success for our team members. Check out the Cho Oyu Trip Notes for more details on how these options might work for you!
- Personal Sherpa
Our Guides
DISPATCHES
Cho Oyu 2024
August 27 2024
Follow our team as they travel through Tibet, China to climb the majestic 8,201m Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest mountain! Read More
Everest 2024
May 26 2024
What would you miss a night's sleep for? An all night party, watching a sports final held in a different time zone, or climbing Mount Everest?... Read More
Aconcagua #3 2023/24
February 06 2024
A huge congratulations to our all female team of Ivy, Mimmi and Popi who topped out on Aconcagua today!.. Read More