TRIP FACTS

CLIMBING HISTORY

  • 1952 – First attempt of Cho Oyu by a British party led by Eric Shipton. Ed Hillary was a member of the expedition which couldn’t pass 6600 meters.

    1954 – First summit of Cho Oyu by Dr. Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Pasang Dawa Lama (Sherpa) of an Austrian expedition via the north-west face.

    1984 – Věra Komárková (USA) and Dina Štěrbová (Czechoslovakia) became the first women to summit Cho Oyu

    1985 – A Polish duo made the first winter ascent of Cho Oyu

    1994 – First solo ascent via the South West face by Yasushi Yamanoi.

    1994 – Mexican Carlos Carsolio made the fastest ascent of Cho Oyu from the base camp to the summit in a mere 18 hours 45 minutes.

    2014 – Expedition Himalaya’s first commercial team successfully summited Cho Oyu

OUR CHO-OYU SPECIAL

  • Customizable packages from normal to deluxe
  • Highly qualified and experienced climbing guides and supporters’ team
  • Full-proof documentation so you don’t have to worry a bit Every attempt to make your summit dream come true
  • Visit the famous Tibetan cities of Lhasa, Shigatse and Tingri in a comfortable, reserved vehicle up the approach
  • Required numbers of porters for the trek and 1:1 Sherpa during the climb Sustainable and environment-friendly operation module
  • Expedition Himalaya is built on the foundation of social principles; we give back to the Himalayan communities as we make it.

Cho Oyu at 8201 meters (26,906 feet) above sea level, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world. The Tibetan meaning of the word ‘Cho Oyu’ is “Turquoise Goddess”, as it turns into a stunning, turquoise-colored peak after sunset. Standing atop the mountain, stunning views of the mountains in Tibet and Nepal are visible. A special feature of Cho Oyu is that it is considered one of the most accessible 8000ers from the China side, while the Nepal side is considered one of the toughest ones.

It is located in the heart of Solukhumbu district, 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest, along the border of Nepal’s Province No. 1 with China’s Tibet. Among the 8000ers, it has the lowest death rate and the highest success rate. It is also the second-most-climbed mountain after Everest.

Cho Oyu was first summited by the Austrian party led by Dr. Herbert Tichy, putting Tichy, Jochler, and Pasang Dawa on the summit in 1954. The expedition will start and end in Kathmandu.

Advance Base Camp (5600 m / 18,372 ft)

The Cho Oyu Advance Base Camp (ABC) is a crucial staging point for climbers attempting to summit Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world. Situated at an elevation of around 5,700 meters (18,700 feet), the ABC serves as an intermediate camp between the Base Camp and higher-altitude camps during the ascent. It provides a strategic location for acclimatization and further preparation for the challenging climb. The camp is equipped with essential facilities, including tents for accommodation, dining areas, and necessary gear storage. From Cho Oyu ABC, climbers typically undertake rotations to higher camps to acclimate and hone their skills before attempting the final push to the summit.

Camp I (6400 m)

Situated at an altitude of around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), Cho Oyu Camp 1 (C1) plays a pivotal role in the ascent of Cho Oyu. Serving as the initial higher-altitude camp, it serves climbers by offering a vital acclimatization point and a staging area for their continued journey. Basic tents are established for accommodation, complemented by facilities for equipment storage and brief rest intervals. Climbers commonly allocate time at C1 to acclimatize to the higher altitude before advancing to higher camps, enhancing the safety and success of their Cho Oyu ascent.

CAMP II – 7,020 m

Located at an elevation of approximately 7,020 meters (23,000 feet), Cho Oyu Camp 2 (C2) serves as a crucial point in the ascent of Cho Oyu. Positioned at a higher altitude than Camp 1, C2 facilitates further acclimatization for climbers, offering a necessary staging point for their journey to higher camps. Basic facilities, including tents for accommodation and essential equipment storage, support climbers as they prepare for the challenges ahead. C2 acts as an intermediate camp, aiding climbers in adjusting to the increasing altitude and preparing for the subsequent stages of their ascent towards the summit of Cho Oyu.

Camp III (7400 m; 24,115 ft)

Situated at an altitude of approximately 7,400 meters (24,300 feet), Cho Oyu Camp 3 (C3) marks a crucial stage in the ascent of Cho Oyu. This higher-altitude camp serves as a vital acclimatization point, allowing climbers to further adapt to the challenging conditions. With more limited facilities than lower camps, C3 is strategically positioned to support climbers in their final preparations before the demanding summit push. As climbers progress to Camp 3, they are on the verge of reaching the higher reaches of Cho Oyu, making this camp a pivotal waypoint in their journey to the summit.

Summit Push (8188 m; 26,864 ft)

Cho Oyu's summit day is the pinnacle of the climb, challenging climbers at an altitude of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet). Negotiating steep terrain, navigating snow and ice, and overcoming technical obstacles characterize this arduous ascent. Climbers must exhibit peak physical and mental resilience during the intense duration of summit day, carefully pacing themselves in the thin air with low oxygen levels. The ultimate reward awaits at the top, where panoramic views and a profound sense of accomplishment greet those who conquer the summit of Cho Oyu, the world's sixth-highest peak.

INCLUDES

EXCLUDES

ROUTE MAP TO THE CHO-OYU

OUR GEAR LIST FOR 8000M

Preparing for a challenging expedition requires assembling a comprehensive array of essential gear, encompassing a durable backpack, weather-resistant tent, cozy sleeping bag with an insulated sleeping pad, and a reliable stove for cooking sustenance on the go; navigation tools like a map, compass, and GPS device ensure a safe journey, while a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency shelter, and multi-tool provide security in unforeseen circumstances; carefully chosen clothing layers, including waterproof rain jackets, trekking socks, and sturdy hiking boots, offer protection from the elements, complemented by trekking poles, a backpack rain cover, and dry bags for added resilience against inclement weather.

CLICK THE PICTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAYS ABOUT US

Mark Synnott
Mark Synnott
Jackson, New Hampshire, United States
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Top Notch!
We had a lot of choices when it came to selecting an outfitter for our National Geographic-sponsored 2019 expedition to the north side of Mount Everest, and after careful consideration we settled on using Expedition Himalaya. We based the decision in large part on several strong recommendations we received from friends who have worked with them in the past. And I am happy to report that EH did a fabulous job for us, and I can strongly recommend them to anyone looking to hire an outfitter for anything from a simple trek to a full blown Everest expedition. Thanks to the great work done by Navin, Dawa and all of our camp staff and climbing sheras, led by Lhakpa Tenje, our team was able to summit on May 30, 2019. (You can learn more about our trip through the two documentary films we produced - Lost on Everest [available on Disney+] and The Ghosts Above [available on Vimeo). As a testament to how strongly I believe in and trust Expedition Himalaya, I am planning to hire them again to lead a trek to Everest south side base camp for my family.
6thSymphony
6thSymphony
Colorado, USA
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Excellent Expedition Logistics
Expedition Himalaya is the company my regular US-based expedition operator has been working with for years. Over the last 10 years, Nabin and his team have also organized several mountaineering expeditions for me personally, including ones to Ganchenpo, Cholatse and Pumori. I have been happy with his and his team's work every time. I have found Expedition Himalaya to be professional and well-connected in the industry. They have excellent staff across the board, and can make things (like sending helicopters, arranging PCR tests or booking accommodation) happen quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable price. I highly recommend Expedition Himalaya as a reliable expedition outfitter and expedition logistics partner in Nepal, and look forward to working with them in the future.
ArneH89
ArneH89
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Great expedition without worries!
The company helped us a lot in the organisation of the trip and helped us with getting into Nepal during the Covid-19 periode. It was easy getting into contact and the information they gave was very useful. The trip itself was great! From pickup from the airport, hotel, flight to Lukla, expedition, flight back, help with PCR test and transfer back to the airport was arranged perfectly!
Scott C
Scott C
USA
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Expedition Himalaya excels across the board
Expedition Himalaya exceeds all expectations. Amazing people, superb logistical planning, and excellent quality. Expedition Himalaya excels at expediting resources when needed to make it happen. EH arranged helicopter’s and much more when extreme limited availability. Expedition Himalaya operates in a safe and effective manner. Climb team comes with many years of knowledge and experience. Younger team members are being mentored properly. Chefs and Cooks were top quality and shocking what they can make at high altitudes. I highly recommend Expedition Himalaya for your Nepal, China and more expeditions.
Fischer Hazen
Fischer Hazen
USA,Alaska
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Very professional and organized
I have nothing but good things to say about Expedition Himalaya. They are a professional and well-run organization. We worked with Expedition Himalaya for the 2021 Everest season. From the onset, they provided reliable and timely information with regards to entering the country and initiating our trek into basecamp. Once on the mountain, the basecamp was fantastic. Very organized, amazing food and very nice tents. Dawa, Nabin, Sarki and the rest of the crew were very receptive to any requests, they were always thinking ahead and they organized a very successful trip. I would 100% work with them the next time I go back to Nepal, be it for climbing or treking. They are the best of the best.
 @tolivetotravel
@tolivetotravelUSA,Alaska
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Everest expedition 2021
Apr 2021 I climbed Everest with Expedition Himalaya. Despite us not being able to make it to the top due to Covid, It's been an amazing experience, great Sherpas, very dedicated, friendly and professional, great chef and kitchen stuff, amazing food, and very well connected agent back in Kathmandu that helped us a lot with the tough times during Covid lockdown. This certainly has been an experience of a lifetime.
 Elsie Bezuidenhout
Elsie Bezuidenhout
Centurion, South Africa
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Everest 2021 expedition
Apr 2021 The services of Expedition Himalaya is exceptional. They are professional, extremely efficient, give attention to detail and go out of their way to ensure every aspect of your expedition is covered. No task is too big or too small for Nabin (managing everything in Kathmandu) and Dawa (managing everything in basecamp). The Sherpa team has an outstanding summit resume, they are very professional, highly technically skilled, super human strong, friendly, patient and treat everyone with the utmost respect. Sarki, the basecamp cook, and his cook team, provides world class meals from their cook tent domain. I can highly recommend Nabin, Dawa and their amazing team!!
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REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Peak fitness is essential. Train with hikes, carrying gear. Personal Sherpas are optional; porters handle group equipment. Individualized advice for mental and physical preparation is available.

HEALTH

Pre-expedition medical examination is recommended. Dental checks are crucial due to pressure changes at higher altitudes.

EXPERINCE

Prior high-altitude and mountaineering experience is required for eight-thousander expeditions. Training programs for newcomers are offered. For seven-and six-thousander expeditions, experience on four-thousander peaks is advisable.

PREPERATION FOR EVEREST

Months of physical and mental preparation are necessary. Exercise, diet, and rest are key. Free world-class training programs for Everest climbers are available, along with exclusive discounts.

TECHNICAL TRAINING

Months of training are required for fitness and technical climbing experience. Climbing lower peaks familiarizes climbers with equipment and terrain. Expedition training programs are offered in Europe and the US.

HIGH ALTITUDE EXPERIENCE

Climb lower peaks for altitude adaptation. Tailor-made programs prepare climbers for 8000er expeditions.

OUR ASSOCIATED PARTNERS