Cho
Oyu is the world's sixth highest mountain and an excellent introduction
to an 8000m Peak.
Background
Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world and, even though
it is regarded as a technically straight forward 8000m peak, its
altitude is a serious undertaking and requires careful preparation
and a high level of fitness. It is said that Cho Oyu means ‘Goddess
of Turquoise’, as its stark shadows appear this colour in
the light of the setting sun when viewed fromTibet. This mountain
is a vast bulk of sweeping snow slopes and clean glaciated lines;
a most noble and impressive first 8000m peak.
The elegant North West face of Cho Oyu brings us up fairly easy
angled 30 degree snow slopes. There is one steep serac barrier
to negotiate at 6800m. Where necessary, fixed lines will be placed
to aid us on steeper sections. Following our acclimatisation walks
in Nylam and Tingri, we will arrive at the Chinese Base Camp where
we begin our exciting preparations to move up to Base Camp at
5700m via an Intermediate Camp at around 5400m, to aid acclimatisation.
Camp 1 (6400m) is reached in 4-6 hours via an
initial walk up the Gyabrag Glacier, up a steep scree to a broad
snow shoulder and our first high camp.
Camp 2 (7100m) we follow the snow ridge out of
Camp 1 to a steep 50 metre ice wall, which provides us with our
most challenging climbing on this route. To make this ascent safe
we use fixed ropes.
Camp 3 (7500m) we are now on easier ground and
we reach our third camp in around four hours. At this altitude
there is a tremendous sense of effort to gain further height.
Summit Day It takes 6-9 hours to attain Cho Oyu’s
grand summit plateau. The route takes us over moderately easy
snow and rock; it is now only the weather and altitude that can
stand in our way of conquering this grand 8000m peak.
Level
of support
We have established a good infrastructure and employ a regular
and strong team of Sherpa staff who know the mountain well and
are very loyal to us. They are supported by an equally good team
of cooks who have been well provided for in terms of facilities
and training to maintain high levels of hygiene and care. Finally
our BC facilities are very comfortable allowing you to relax and
build up strength whilst not high on the mountain. Climber to
Sherpa ratio 1:2.
 CLICK
HERE FOR CLIMB CHO OYU EXPEDITION INFORMATION SHEET
| Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 |
Fly to Kathmandu
|
| Day 3 |
Final preparations
|
| Day 4 |
Drive to Friendship Bridge, enter Tibet overnight in Zhangmu |
| Day 5-6 |
Drive to Nyalam, acclimatisation walks
|
| Day 7-8 |
Drive to Tingri, acclimatisation walks
|
| Day 9 |
Drive to Chinese Base Camp 4900m |
| Day 10 |
Preparations |
| Day 11-13 |
Trek to Base Camp via intermediate camps |
| Day
14-39 |
Ascent of Cho Oyu
|
| Day
40-41 |
Return to Kathmandu |
| Day
42 |
At leisure, evening flight |
| Day
43 |
Return flight |
|
