Mt. Cho Oyu Expedition Itinerary

The trip starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. Our company representative will welcome you at the Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Later, on the same day, you can explore the alleys and streets nearby the hotel. You can also observe the lifestyle and hustle of the people in the capital. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

It will take some time to prepare the necessary documents and permits for this expedition. While we are busy preparing the documents, you can go out with our tour guide and explore the capital cityof Kathmandu.The UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley are the prime destinations for exploration. Beginning from the Swayambhunath Temple, the tour heads east to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Heading for a religious awakening at the Pashupatinath Temple, you settle at the Boudhanath stupa and witness the grandeur of Buddhism. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

From Kathmandu, you fly to Lhasa which is the capital of Tibet. From the window, you can savor the views of majestic mountain peaks in Everest, Kanchenjunga,and Makalu ranges along with the Tibetan Plateau. Our company representative in Lhasa will pick you at the Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.

As you have gained high altitude in a short period of time, you take this day for acclimatization andgetused to the altitude and temperature. During this stay, you can explore the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace which are culturally significant historic sites. Similarly, monasteries like Sera and Jokhang are the pride of entire Lhasa and Tibet. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.

Leaving Lhasa, you drive to Shigatse today. The drive takes you up the banks of Tsang Po and turns southwest through the barren desert-like valley before arriving at Shigatse. The drive for the day reflects the cultural prosperity of Tibet as the roads offer plentiful sights of monasteries and Tibetan-Buddhist monuments. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet andis home to the TashiLhunpo Monastery.Overnight stay at Shigatse.

From Shigatse, you drive to Xegar which is a small town located at the base of Mount Everest. During theride to Xegar,you can enjoy the fascinating views of the mountains and barren landscapes. You also pass Lhatse and Gyatso on the way. In the evening, you can check out ShelkarChode Monastery which is one of the prominent features of this town. Overnight stay at Xegar.

Altitude sickness can be a serious issue during the climb that is why you take rest andget acclimatized in Xegar before starting the climb. Xegar is the starting point for many climbing expeditions and is a busy hub for travelers aiming to partake in various hikes, treks, and expeditions. In case, you need any stuff for the climb or other purposes, you can buy them at the marketplace. Overnight stay at Xegar.

On the 9th day, you leave Xegar and head west along the Phung Chu River. The drive turns south from Tingri along the bumpy track that leads to the Cho Oyu Base Camp. You drive past Gonphuk before reaching the Chinese Base Camp. Upon arrival, you make camp and then check your climbing gear.Overnight stay at Chinese Base Camp.

The yaks will help carry most of the supplies up to the base camp.You will spend three nights at the intermediate camp between altitudes of 5,200 m to 5,450 m. This way you will get plenty of time for acclimatization and organizing the equipment for the climb. You can practice doing climbing sessions for the expedition that lies ahead. Overnight stays at Cho Oyu Base Camp.

The climbing period of the Mount Cho Oyu lasts for 24 days. The climbers will be making gradual climbs to the top with plenty of time sanctioned for rest and acclimatization along the expedition. Leaving the base camp, you head to the Camp I (6,400m) located at the northwest ridge of the Cho Oyu.

From the Camp I, the climb proceeds to the Camp II (7,200m). The trekkers will undergo a number of acclimatization days and practice climbs as they prepare for the ascent to Camp II. This part of the ascent also demands the use of fixed ropes for most of the parts.

Finally, the ascent to the High Camp (7,450m) is done with the guidance and assistance of our Sherpa climbers and leaders of the expedition. From the High Camp, the ascent to the summit of Cho Oyu (8,201m/26899ft) is pretty rigorous. Continuing along steep ridgelines and arduous climbs, the journey reaches the false summit. Thereon, the final push to the peak is fairly easy. The views of the entire Everest and Makalu ranges including the Himalayas like the Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,463m) are quite captivating from the top of Cho Oyu (8,201m/26899ft). Overnight stay at tented camps. 

After a successful climb to the summit, you head down to the base camp. You will be descending for almost the entirety of the trek. The snowy slopes and icy terrains can also pose problems to the trekkers. From the base camp, youpack your stuff then move towards the road-head. Overnight stay at road-head.

From the road-head near the Cho Oyu Base Camp, the drive heads north to Tingri and follows the northwest track to Menphu. Thereon, the road journey heads south crossing Lalung La (5,030m) and Thong La (5,153m) passes. If there is any delaythen you drive to Zhangmu. Crossing the Nepal-Tibet border, you enter Nepal and settle down at Kodari for the day.Overnight stay at Kodari.

On the way back to Kathmandu, you enjoy the lush green hills and beautiful countryside. Meandering along the Araniko Highway, the drive settles in Kathmandu. You can enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at the wellness centers in the valley.Later, you can celebrate the completion of the Cho Oyo Expedition. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

The 42-day trip comes to an end today. A Himalaya Summit Club representative will accompany you to the Airport from where you take the flight to your destination.