Climbing Expeditions
Cho Oyu Expedition
(26,906´) Khumbu Himalaya, Tibet
Days:38 September 6th-October 13th 2009
(Note: We will not be running a 2008 trip due to the uncertainty surrounding Tibet closure)
Skill Level:
Advanced
Cost of Trip:
2009 costs $14,000 U.S.
Trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal
Trip Description:
At 26,906 feet (8,201 meters), Mt. Cho Oyu is the world’s sixth highest peak. Cho Oyu, means Turquoise God in Tibetan, and is an impressive mountain located on the Nepal/Tibet border. Join the Mountain Professionals world-class international mountain guides and Cho Oyu veterans for a privately organized and guided expedition to the world’s sixth highest mountain. Our staff has no less than 9 expeditions to Cho Oyu placing numerous foreign climbers on the summit.
The normal Tibet route has become one of the classic routes in the Himalaya. It is the perfect introduction to the world of 8,000 meter peaks and we consider this an excellent preparation climb and valuable experience for an attempt on Everest. The route is moderate in nature and has only a few steep sections of rock and ice. We will fix ropes on these steeper sections to ensure an added safety measure. Most of the climbing route consists of moderate snow and ice slopes at high altitude. Excellent physical conditioning and prior use of mountaineering techniques at altitudes above 20,000 feet are recommended for an attempt on Cho Oyu.
We will meet in Kathmandu, Nepal for our team organization and final preparations. Once we are all dialed and ready to go, we travel via internal flight to Lhasa and spend several days there enjoying the sites and Tibetan culture plus a visit to the Potala Palace. We will continue to travel via road up through several small towns and villages, taking a few days to acclimatize and remain healthy. Our goal is to reach the 15,000’ basecamp above the Ra Chu Valley feeling healthy.
The route continues with a trek to advanced basecamp at 17,000’, which will become our true basecamp for the remainder of the climb. We will establish 3 more high camps successively higher on the mountain. On summit day we climb through a moderately steep rock and ice section that will be fixed with rope and continue above on moderate snow slopes to the summit plateau at approximately 8,000 meters. We continue about an hour further on to the true summit with stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nupste to the east.
Your entire expedition will be organized and managed by our highly skilled professional Cho Oyu guides and other Mountain Professionals staff. Our staff has led 9 prior expeditions to Cho Oyu in Tibet placing several foreign climbers on the summit of Cho Oyu. All of the in country transportation, the on mountain services, food, tents, yaks, and guides are included. Our guides have safely placed well over 30 climbers on the summits of 8,000m mountains including Mt. Everest and we have personally climbed this route in the past along with our Nepalese and Tibetan staff. We feel that we have the strongest Sherpa and Tibetan climbers on the mountain with multiple Everest and Cho Oyu summits to their credit, there to support us. Our expedition manager has organized 6 expeditions to Cho Oyu and works as a consultant to the Tibetan Mountaineering School. We look forward to a well organized and efficient expedition allowing our members the best chances at a summit attempt.
Projected Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu Tribuvan International Airport. Our team transports to our hotel The Hotel Courtyard.
Day 2: Relax and enjoy the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Some organization of personal gear and needs.
Day 3: Private team meeting and logistical/gear needs. Team dinner and celebration.
Day 4: Transport via internal flight to Lhasa, Tibet.
Day 5: Visit the Potala Palace and other Temples. Relax and hike for acclimatization.
Day 6: Here we take another day to fully acclimatize and visit several Historic Monestaries!
Day 7: We leave Lhasa and transport to a smaller city at a higher altitude and have relaxing evening.
Day 8: One more short driving day and we reach Tingri at 14,000' for the evening of acclimatization and views of Cho Oyu and Everest.
Day 9: From here we travel the final stretch via 4x4 up to basecamp located at 15,000’.
Day 10: Relax at basecamp and begin to sort personal gear.
Day 11: We organize loads to send towards Advanced Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek to intermediate camp below ABC for acclimatization.
Day 13: Trek to ABC, rest, relax and move into our new home.
Day 14: Rest in ABC, organize personal gear.
Day 15-28: These days are focused on climbing and establishing camps higher on the mountain.
Day 29-33: This is our summit window, we carefully pick the most stable weather and make our attempts.
Day 34-36: We have planned in extra time to allow for a late weather window and to take down our camps and pack up. During these days we also take a private overland transport to Kathmandu.
Day 37-38: Downtime in Kathmandu to celebrate and shop for gifts. Team Celebration Dinner.
Price Includes:
- Mountain Professionals Guides
- Expedition permit
- Four nights accommodation in The Hotel Courtyard in Kathmandu
- Full board on twin sharing basis in Tibet
- Internal Flight to Lhasa
- All transportation in Nepal and Tibet as per itinerary
- Yaks, porters from BC to ABC to BC
- Tibetan Sherpa cooks, kitchen and climbing staff at BC and ABC
- Tibetan staff equipment allowances, daily wages, insurance, food and lodging for BC and ABC staff
- Dining, kitchen, shower and toilet tents, chairs and tables at BC and ABC; food and fuel at BC and ABC; equipment allowances, daily wages, insurance, food and lodging for Liaison Officer and Interpreter
- Highway and conservation fees; peak fee
- Group climbing equipment, high altitude tents, stove and fuel; high altitude food imported from the United States, two way radios
- Comprehensive medical supplies
Price Does Not Include:
- International airfare to and from Katmandu
- Meals in Katmandu, outside of team dinners before and after expedition
- Drinks, laundry, postage, telephone calls and all other items of personal nature
- Nepal visa and re-entry visa, Katmandu airport departure tax; personal travel, medical and Rescue insurance
- Personal climbing clothing and equipment
- Oxygen bottles, mask and regulator, please contact us for cost.
Please contact Mountain Professionals at admin@mtnprofessionals.com
See Sign Up for a detailed gear list, booking information, and application form.