Cho Oyu Expedition (8201 M) - 45 Days

Altitude: 1400 m

The first day marks your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After you land, our representatives will come and get you at the airport. They will welcome and guide you to your hotel.

Once you’re at the hotel, you’re free to rest and spend your time on your own. After a long flight, you might be having jetlag. Get proper rest and enjoy the delicious Nepali cuisine for dinner in the evening.

Highlights

• 3-star hotel for accommodation
• Delicious, tasty and authentic Nepali cuisine

Altitude: 1400 m

Duration

This is the day when you will be doing all your last-minute preparation before leaving Kathmandu. The journey for the Cho Oyu expedition lasts for a month and a half. That’s why it requires better preparation. From food, climbing equipment to any personal belonging you can find anything in the traditional markets of Kathmandu.

Strolling around the old market place of Thamel, Assan, and Durbarmarg will help you understand the city culture better. Besides, all your permits and visas are provided to you on this day.

Highlights

• Explore the bustling markets of Kathmandu
• Immerse yourself into the urban culture of Kathmandu.

Altitude: 3650 m

After breakfast, you head out of the hotel in Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport. This is the day when you will be flying to the highest altitude capital city of the world, Lhasa which is the capital of Tibet.

This exciting flight takes you over the Himalayas and offers splendid views of some of the highest peaks of the world including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and more.

On reaching Lhasa, our representatives will greet you at the Gongkar airport and guide your way to the hotel. Since Lhasa is at the altitude of 3650m, you will need a day to acclimatize with the altitude.

Highlights

• Exhilarating flight over the Himalayas.
• Extraordinary views of peaks like Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and many more.
• Stay at the world’s highest-altitude capital city, Lhasa.

Altitude: 3650 m

Lhasa is at the altitude of 3650m which is quite high compared to the 1400m altitude of Kathmandu. Hence, it is wise to spend a day acclimatizing in Lhasa. In addition, there’s a lot of Lhasa has to offer. This ancient civilization resembles a beautiful balance of culture and modern lifestyle.

While in Lhasa, you can visit the magnificent Potala Palace which is home to the Dalai Lama. It is open for tourists and serves as a major attraction because of its size and architecture. Likewise, other spiritual sites like Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery are some other sites you can visit in Lhasa.

Highlights

• Experience spiritual energy with visits to monasteries.
• Admire the centuries-old art and architecture of the city.
• The rocky landscape with mountains on the backdrop provides a splendid view.

Altitude: 3950m

On this day, you leave Lhasa for a road trip to Gyantse. Followed by breakfast, you will be all set to hit the road on a 4 wheeler arranged for you. The journey on this day takes you further high in terms of altitude.

You will pass through the unbelievable Yamdrok Lake with its unreal colors on the way. The journey is a pleasing one with well-managed highways passing through lakes and glaciers. Kharola Glacier is one of such popular glaciers that you will be coming across.

The drive usually takes 6 hours on a regular 4 wheeler as the city of Gyantse lies 260km from east Lhasa.

Highlights

• Drive through one of the most scenic and picturesque highways.
• Enjoy the comfort of driving through a well-managed highway at the altitude of 3950m.

Altitude: 3950 m

Today, you will be on a ride from Gyantse to Shigatse which is the second-largest city of Tibet. Pack your bags and hop in the vehicle for driving through the majestic landscapes with turquoise rivers, rocky mountains, and historic places.

You will notice the change in landscape as you pass through Tsang Po ( which becomes the Brahmaputra river in India) and turns southwest passing through barren desert-like valleys.

Highlights

• Enjoy the dreamy landscape of high altitude valleys.
• Comfortable ride through one of the best high altitude highways in the world.

Altitude: 4350 m

Continuing our road trip through the Friendship Highway we drive from Shigatse to Tingri on this day. You will see the charismatic view of Everest along with many other peaks as you drive by.

You will notice monasteries and other interesting places on your way. But, unless you have the right permit, you’re not allowed to visit the place.

Crossing several high altitude passes and places like Xegar we reach the old settlement of Tingri. It is one of the remotest regions of Tibet. The place has decent facilities to offer accommodation and food.

Highlights

• Explore the remote high altitude region of Tibet.
• Splendid panoramic views of world’s highest mountains

Altitude: 5000 m

Before heading further for the expedition, this is the place where you should acclimatize. When it comes to acclimatization, always listen to the guide and strictly follow the rules. Since Tingri marks the 5000 m altitude mark on your Cho Oyu expedition, you should at least spend a day here to acclimatize.

During acclimatization, you can explore the local culture by taking a stroll down the main town area. Or, you might as well hike up a hill and enjoy some peaceful time on your own.

Highlights

• Explore the local culture of the town.
• Capture perfect views of peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, etc.

Altitude: 4800 m

From Tingri, the roads start to become rough with gravel and stones along the way. After driving for about 2 hours, you will reach the Chinese Base Camp. Though the estimated time is for 3 hours, it might take a bit longer as well as the road conditions are unpredictable. Cho Oyu seems really close from here.

Highlights

• Short but scenic ride takes you close to Cho Oyu peak.
• Spectacular canyon views.

Altitude: 4800 m

At the Chinese Base Camp, you will spend a day for acclimatization as well as preparation for the expedition. Before you head to the advanced base camp with all the necessary equipment for the ascent, all your preparations like arranging yaks are done here at Chinese Base Camp.

Since it is a one-day long trek from Chinese Base Camp to advanced base camp carrying heavy equipment through the high altitude above 5000m, proper acclimatization and preparation is done here

Highlights

• Last-minute preparations for the expedition.

Altitude: 5300 m

On the first day of leaving the Chinese base camp, you will be walking all the way up to the middle camp at the altitude of 5300m. This walk is a long walk through the valley before reaching base camp.

On reaching middle camp, you will be arranging your equipment preparing ahead of our expedition.

Highlights

• A comfortable walk through the rocky and deserted landscape.
• Close view of the highest peaks in the world.

Altitude: 5700 m

Continuing the same walk up through the valley, you will reach the advanced base camp on this day. On reaching base camp your tents would be set up by the guides for your accommodation. Everything else from food to toilets is arranged by your guides. However, you need to prepare or arrange your equipment yourself for the following day.

Highlights

• Final preparation for ascent.
• Stand at the base of Cho Oyu.
• The turquoise sunset view of ChoOyu is a view of a lifetime.

Altitude: 8201 m

Today marks the day when you begin the actual ascent of Cho Oyu peak. Within the next 26 days, you will be climbing through camps set up at different altitudes before making the final push to the summit.

The lower part of the mountain is a bit technical compared to the high parts. You will be climbing a little and descending again to the lower multiple times for acclimatization. This will also help you enhance your climbing besides making it easy for you to adjust with the altitude.

Your guides will be fixing the ropes ahead as you climb. Depending on the weather conditions and your acclimatization with the altitude, your guide will decide on the time for the final summit push.

On reaching the top, you are awarded spectacular views of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, etc. The sunset view of mount Cho Oyu is known among one of the best views.

On the 39th day, you will be down at the base camp after a successful ascent with a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

Highlights

• Technical at the lower part and easier at the higher part of the peak.
• Spectacular views of surrounding mountains like Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, etc.
• Excellent management of camps with the best food and accommodation services.

Altitude: 4348 m

This is the day when you start tracing back your way from the base camp after a successful ascent. You along with your guides and sherpas trek back through the long valley to middle camp carrying your tents and equipment on yaks.

It takes around 4 hours to get back to the middle camp from where you will be picked up by a 4 wheeler. From there, you will be heading to Tingri for an overnight stay. It takes six hours to reach Tingri.

Highlights

• Descending from higher altitude makes it easy for walking.

Altitude: 4350 m

You wave your goodbyes to the mountain and enjoy your last view of Cho Oyu from Tingri before hitting the road back home. As you descend in altitude and trace your way back through high altitude passes you will see the change in landscapes and surroundings.

Highlights

• Comfortable roads to drive along with outstanding views.
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel after a long time.

Altitude: 3650 m

Duration: 8 hours

The next day, we will be driving back from Shigatse to Lhasa enjoying the beautiful landscape of lakes, fields, canyons, and mountains. After an early breakfast, you will be traveling with a feeling of achievement and a heart that is self-satisfied.

Finally, you reach the capital of the city where you can enjoy some luxuries you have been missing while in the mountains.

Highlights

• Long yet fulfilling drive through high altitude valleys with best views of mountains.

Altitude: 1400 m

A short flight for a couple of hours takes you from Lhasa to Kathmandu on this day. On reaching Kathmandu, you will meet our representatives at the airport who will guide you to your hotel. Once reaching the hotel, you’re free to enjoy the day on your own. Get a much-needed rest and enjoy the comfort of a 3-star hotel.

Highlights

• Enjoy the luxury and comfort of a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Altitude: 1400m

This is the day for you to enjoy in the capital of Nepal. You can do anything you wish for, either treat yourself to a massage or relax in hotels’ swimming pools. If you wish to explore, you have multiple options too. You can explore world heritage sites, markets or residential sites to get a deeper insight of culture and lifestyle. Take an evening stroll through the busy streets of Thamel, enjoy live music, and taste delicious Nepali food.