Nepal Makalu
Experience

Cho Oyu Expedition, Tibet

Our Cho Oyu expedition route transverses first driving all the way to the Cho Oyu Base Camp, crossing the Nepalese Border and continuing via Nyalam and Tingri. The way to Base Camp involves a normal drive at high altitude but rewards with powerful views of Cho Oyu (8201m) to the north. Further will be realm of the glaciers, surrounded by the unforgettable presence of the world's mightiest mountains.

We set up the Advanced Base Camp and then three high camps in the mountain. Thereafter starts our main attempt to scale the summit (8201m). The expedition will be supported by very experienced staff and climbing guides. We supply world class mountaineering tents also for the high camps to our climbers. Makalu Adventure has one of the best success rates in Cho Oyu.
Cho Oyu Expedition

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  • Itinerary
  • Cost Info
  • Departure

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Transfer to hotel. (H).

Days 2: Kathmandu sighseeing tour. (H,B, D)
Full day sightseeing tour, and enjoy the welcome dinner with live Nepali cultural show in the evening. The next day is free.

Day 3: Drive to Tibet, Cross the border (H,B,L,D).

Day 4-5: Drive to Nyalam and stay additional night for acclimatization
(H,B,L,D).

Day 6-7: Drive across Lalung La pass (5050m) to Tingri and stay additional overnight
(H,B,L,D).

Day 8-9: Drive to Chinese Base Camp 4900m with good views of Everest en route
We will also have one rest day before starting our trek to ABC. Our Yaks should arrive in the evening or early the next morning. (C,B,L,D).

Day 10: Trek to the intermediate camp before the base camp of Cho Oyu.
It is further 4 hours of walk and the altitude at this point is 5150m just above the terminal moraine of the Gyabrag Glacier. (C,B,L,D).

Day 11: Trek further up and arrive at the Advanced Base Camp of Cho Oyu at 5700m.
The walk takes about 7 hours. (C,B,L,D).

Day 12-14: Rest days.
(C,B,L,D).

Day 15: Acclimatisation walk to Lake Camp at 6000m.
This day will allow the team to explore the route out across the glacier from ABC to the beginning of the scree slope, which is the start of our climb on Cho Oyu. (C,B,L,D)

Day 16-20: Set up Camp 1 at 6400m (frequent moves between the high camp and base camp)
Everyone in the group transfers the essentials to higher camps. The climb from base camp to high camp normally takes 4-6 hours and offers a fairly stiff climb at above 6000m. (C,B,L,D).

Day 21-23: Camp 2 at 7100m
The journey up to camp 2 at 7100m involves climbing a steep 60 metre ice wall at around 6800m. With fixed lines this is a relatively straightforward task. Normally the journey takes 6-8 hours. (C,B,L,D).

Day 24: Rest day at ABC.
(C,B,L,D).

Day 25-27: Advance higher up to Camp 3 at 7500m
We ascend to Camp 2, this time to spend a night or two above 7000 metres. It is also possible to climb up to Camp 3 at 7500m. After this, members may wish to spend a number of days at base camp resting and building strength prior to making their summit bid. (C,B,L,D).

Day 28-29: Rest Day.
(C,B,L,D).

Day 30-10: Summit Days
It takes 8-10 hours to reach the summit. Initially we ascend up easy snow and rock to the summit plateau at which point it is only altitude, weather and fitness that will stop you reaching the sixth highest summit. The views across the summit plateau will include the other Himalayan giants: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Menlugste and the beautiful Ama Dablam. If we are successful in climbing the mountain early then we will leave base camp early. (C,B,L,D).

Day 41-42: Return to Kathmandu.
(In Tibet H,B,L,D, In Nepal H,B)

Day 43-44: At leisure in Kathmandu.
(H,B).

Day 45: Fly home.
(H,B).

Cho Oyu Expedition 2023 costs USD 25,500 per person

Included Services:

  • Airport pickup/drop
  • Eco-friendly boutique hotel Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu (total 4 nights, twin sharing, BB)
  • Private transportation to/from Tibet border
  • Tibet Travel Permit, Expedition Permits & other entrance fees
  • Transportation in Tibet by private land cruiser (1 for every 4 people)
  • Support Truck to transport luggage, equipment and expedition logistics
  • Liaison Officer and Interpreter
  • Accommodation on lodges/hotels as mentioned (twin sharing, full board)
  • Sightseeing tours, entrance fees at monuments, guide
  • World class camping equipment (HA tents, inner sheet, table, chairs etc)
  • Kitchen and Dinning equipment, Eating utensils
  • 3 Yaks for each member on way up, 2 Yaks on way down [1 'yak load' means 40kg in spring and 50kg in autumn]
  • Full staff support up to the Advance BC
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while staying at ABC and lower camps
  • Insurance of support staff
  • Basic First Aid Supply for support staff
  • Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)
  • Satellite mobile telephone (pay call)
  • Petrol Generator
  • Solar Panel

Excluded Services:

  • International flights, airport taxes, excess baggage charges
  • Visa Fees
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • HA food above ABC
  • Garbage deposit (non-refundable if climbers don't bring their wastage back from mountain)
  • Personal climbing gears, ropes, carabiners, ice screw, snowbar etc
  • Radio for climbers
  • Extra yak (if required for climbers' excess luggage)
  • Personal expenses like bar bill, laundry, telephone etc
  • Personal medical and travel insurance
  • Extra permits that may be required for activities like filming etc
  • Summit bonus (only for successful climb), Tips etc

Cho Oyu Expedition 2023/24

Arrival Date Departure Date Price Options
Tue, 11 Apr 2023 Thursday, 25 May 2023 USD 25,500 per person Booking Open
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 USD 25,500 per person Booking Open
Sat, Apr 6 2024 Mon, May 20 2024 USD 25,500 per person Booking Open
Sat, Aug 24 2024 Mon, Oct 7 2024 USD 25,500 per person Booking Open