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Cho Oyu Expedition - 45 Days
Cho Oyu Expedition offers an opportunity for the climbers to extend their experience to extreme altitudes and is recommended as a first 8,000m Peak.
Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath.
- Guided Sightseeing in Lhasa Tibet
- Visit to Lhasa and Potala Palace
- Step inside and experience life as the “mountain people” live, in the heart of Himalaya.
- Climbing up to Cho Oyu Summit
- Exclusive small team with a high guide to climber ratio.
- High Sherpa ratio – 1 Sherpa with every climber
- Lead by experienced guides who have stood on the summit of Cho Oyu and other 8000 meters peaks.
- Best Sherpa, support staff and logistics.
Trip Overview
The sixth highest peak of the world (8201m/26906ft) Cho Oyu stands for’ Turquoise God’ which means the turquoise color of the peak in the afternoon sun from the Tibet side of the mountain. But in Nepal it is known as Qowowuyag by the Sherpas. The mountain lies in the Himalayas and is 20 km west of Mount Everest, at the border between China and Nepal. Though the expedition attempt was made by Eric Shipton in1952, an Austrian Herbert Tichy made the first successful ascent of Cho Oyu in 1954 with fellow Austrians Sepp Jochler and Helmut Heuberger.
Our sensitively designed ‘Ace Cho Oyu Expedition’ offers you an excellent opportunity for the climbers to extend their experience to extreme altitudes and is highly recommended as a first 8,000m Peak. Climbing Cho Oyu is one of the best practices for attempting the Everest. This is also one of the best attainable of the among world’s highest mountains due to the lack of objective dangers in comparison to the other mountains. The terrain for this is uncomplicated, which makes the climbing assessable.
This trip starts from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu. It will be guided by our fully experienced Sherpa climbing guide. The indigenous Shepras were born in the Himalayas, reared in the Himalayas and involved in climbing and mountaineering occupation.
To begin this trip we fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and spend a few days exploring the ancient Tibetan capital, taking time to let our bodies acclimatize, before driving across the Tibetan Plateau to Chinese Base Camp. This is the place from where we load up Yaks and trek to Cho Oyu base camp, below the north-west face. The route above base camp consists mainly of low-angled snow slopes up to 30° with one short but very steep section to bypass a sérac barrier at 6,400meters. We use three camps on the mountain; the highest at 7,500m is the launch pad for the summit, which is reached in 5 to 8 hours under normal conditions.
Short Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting at 9:00 a.m. & Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Official formalities and Preparation day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Final Preparation day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Lhasa. Over night at Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa
Guided sightseeing around Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.
Drive to Shigatse. Overnight at hotel in Shigatse.
Drive to Xegar. Ovenight at hotel in Xegar.
Arrive at Chinese Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Rest and Acclimatization day in Chinese base camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Rest and Preparation day in Chinese base camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Cho Oyu base camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Climbing period of Mt. Cho Oyu. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Descend to Cho Yuo Base Camp and drive to Tingri. Overnight at hotel in Tingri.
Drive Zhangmu. Overnight at hotel in Zhangmu.
Arrive at Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Free day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Int’l air port for your final departure.
Departures & Availability
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
Price Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by Tourist Vehicle.
Standard twin sharing accommodation in three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (6 nights)
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by Tourist Vehicle.
Two star hotel accommodation in Lhasa and Gyantse with basic guesthouse accommodation in Shegar and Zangmu including Breakfast.
Full board meal during the trek, camping at base camp and advance base camp, prepared by our cook with hot Tea & coffee.
All base camp and Advance base camp camping gears (We will provide fully water proof dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent at the base camp)
High quality tents for all camps.
Insurance for all Nepali staffs and porters including helicopter rescue provision.
Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek and at base camp.
Expedition permits
Liaison officer and his round trip flight, insurance, wages, expedition equipments etc.
High altitude climbing food, fuel, Gas above base camp (you are also advised to bring some high altitude food yourselves)
Guide, cook, porters, helpers up to base camp
Climbing Sherpas (1 member = 1 Sherpa Ratio on climbing day)
A well stocked first aid and medical kit sufficient to counter any possible mountaineering ailments, from headache to serious injury.
Oxygen from Camp two and above (2 bottles in each camp – camp 2 and camp 3).
Extra Oxygen equipment for medical use only.
A portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag)
Emergency communications on the mountain and satellite communications link for helicopter evacuation.
Mask regulator
Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees for entire trip.
Power supply at Base Camp for charging electronics (solar backup)
Flight cost from Kathmandu – Lhasa including airport departure tax.
Chinese visa and permit. (We handle all the paperwork for the Chinese visa and all the Tibet travel and climbing permits)
All our government taxes and vat.
Farewell dinner party in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and while staying in hotel/guesthouse in Tibet.
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
Personal trekking and climbing Equipment
Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected)
Recommended tipping and sherpa bonuses are as follow:
Allow $80-150 for general non-sherpa crew who stay at base camp.
Allow $150-250 for sherpas who go up to the base camp.
Summit climbing Sherpa US$ 400 – 600 per Sherpa.
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Detailed Itinerary
Expand AllDay 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345 meters).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Day 02: Pre-trip meeting & sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, T-shirt and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.
After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Boudhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five windows, art galleries, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel.
Day 03: Official formalities in Kathmandu.
Formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. The expedition leader will check that everyone’s equipment is in working order.
Day 04: Final preparation day in Kathmandu.
Final opportunity for last-minute purchases.
Day 05: Fly to Lhasa.
Early morning transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport for the hour-long flight to Lhasa. This stunning flight takes us directly across the main Himalayan range, providing magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, Lhasa is a further two hour drive. The remainder of the day will be left unscheduled for participants to rest and adjust to Lhasa’s higher altitude.
Day 06-07: Sightseeing around Lhasa.
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will visit the popular and awe-inspiring Potala Palace, Lhasa’s most famous attraction. From its construction in 1694 the Potala was the seat of the Dalai Lama until 1959, and serves as the final resting place for many of them. Today it is a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit the Jokhang Temple, the most respected religious structure in Tibet. We may also see Norbulingka Palace, the summer home of the Dalai Lamas, and Drepung monastery.
Day 08: Drive to Shigatse.
Today includes a long drive across the Tibetan plateau. Soon after leaving Lhasa, we reach the banks of the Tsang Po, which becomes the Brahmaputra River when it enters India. There we will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in 1447. This is the residence of the Panchan Lama, the second most influential religious figure in Tibet.
Day 09: Drive to Xegar.
As we continue our drive along the Tibetan highway, the northern edge of the Greater Himalaya comes into view, providing a spectacular panorama of peaks, including Mt. Everest. If time allows, we may be able to visit the main town and its hilltop monastery.
Day 10: Acclimatization day.
This day will be spent as a rest and acclimatization day, in preparation for the high altitude of the Chinese base camp we will reach tomorrow. Participants are advised to avoid overexertion, but a visit to the main town and the gentle hike up to its hilltop monastery (4,200m) are highly recommended.
Day 11: Arrival at Chinese base camp
Today we complete the drive to the Chinese base camp. Leaving Xegar, we turn south along the bumpy track that leads to the road’s end below Cho Oyu.
Day 12: Organization at Chinese base camp.
This will be an important day of preparation for the trek. Loads will be sorted out and readied for transportation, and the yaks that will carry them will arrive in the afternoon.
Day 13-16: Trek to Cho Oyu base camp.
With yaks carrying the expedition’s supplies, we trek up the long valley to the base camp. Three nights will be spent at intermediate camps rising respectively 5,200 m and 5,450 m before continuing to the base camp. The benefit of acclimatization will be greatly appreciated when we finally reach the camp, our home for the duration of the climb. We arrive at the base early on day 15 and spend the afternoon organizing climbing equipment. Day 16th will be Acclimatization day at the base camp.
Day 17-40: Climbing the north-west face of Cho Oyu.
From this point on, it’s not really possible to detail a climbing plan, because the pace will depend upon the leader and the particular team.
We set about acclimatizing and learning skills needed for climbing the mountain, such as how to use the oxygen bottles and radios. We will also sort out our equipment and clothing needed for the mountain, setting aside the food we want for the upper camps (as this will be placed there for us ahead of time by the Sherpa).
From the base camp we climb along the glacier toward the mountain and Camp 1. Because of the high altitude, this first trip up the Gyabrag Glacier and onto the mountain itself is for familiarizing participants with climbing and their equipment. It provides an excellent opportunity to view the route that will be taken and assess the mountain conditions.
Once the expedition leader is happy with the team’s acclimatization, we begin (weather permitting) to climb the mountain in earnest. In order to reach a position from which we can make successful summit bids, Sherpas will make sure that all camp stores and food are taken care of. The expedition leader will check to be sure that everyone is in good health and properly adjusted to the altitude.
Throughout the climb, the leader will use a method that adjusts team members to the ever-increasing altitudes. This will be achieved by “climbing high and sleeping low,” until each person feels suitably well-adjusted to make the next move up to a higher camp. At each camp, the team will climb high but then return to the lower camp to sleep. Finally, the team will return to the base camp for a prolonged rest of at least four days before moving up to occupy Camp 3 in preparation for the ultimate climb to the top. Mountain camps are situated as follows:
Camp 1 – 6,400m
Camp 1 is at 6,400 meters and five to eight hours from the base camp. The camp is reached by a steep climb from the head of the glacier at 6,100m. From here, the route follows steep scree, which improves as height is gained. Camp 1 is located on a broad shoulder of snow, which leads up to a ridge above the camp.
Camp 2 – 7,000m
Above Camp 1, a snow ridge leads to a series of ice cliffs. The way through these involves climbing a steep 50m ice wall at over 6,600m. Although straightforward, this is the hardest climbing on the route, requiring great effort to climb the steep ice at such an altitude. Improved acclimatization and greater familiarity make the prospect of subsequent climbs through the ice cliffs less daunting, but the challenge remains physically strenuous with each journey to Camp 2. Throughout this section, fixed ropes are placed in conjunction with other teams operating on the mountain at the same time. Above the ice cliffs, there are several large crevasses which we make our way around until they finally give way, giving access to Camp 2 at 7,000m. Depending upon the snow conditions, this can be a very demanding day of six to eight hours.
Camp 3 – 7,400 meters
Camp 3 is at 7,400m and roughly four hours above Camp 2. This camp is located beneath a rock band that cuts off the snow slopes of the upper basin. As we rise above the beautiful Nangpa Gosum peaks, the mountains of Nepal can be seen to the south, and the arid Tibetan plateau to the north. Although the distance to Camp 3 is short and easy, the high altitude makes the path more demanding.
Once at Camp 3, we must make every effort to prepare for the following day. This means eating, drinking, and resting. To function effectively on Summit Day, it is vital for climbers to drink as much as possible in order to replenish the calories and fluids lost during the climb. This can be a challenge, because the altitude makes even slight physical work difficult, and the task of boiling water slower than usual.
Summit Day
Summit Day begins early, as it takes several hours to make breakfast, hydrate properly, and fully prepare equipment before embarking. The camp faces west, so there is plenty of time for preparations before we depart as the sun rises. Once on our way, easily navigable snow and rock ledges lead through the short rock band above the camp. Gradually the angle of the slope relents until we emerge onto the broad windswept back of the mountain. Now it is only a matter of putting one foot in front of the other to slowly gain the towering distant summit of Cho Oyu, overshadowed only by Mt. Everest. The magnificent vista surrounding us as we cross the vast summit plateau toward the peak includes Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Menlugtse, Gyachung Kang and Gaurisankar, as well as the peaks of the Khumbu Himal. We reach the summit five to eight hours after leaving Camp 3.
For the descent the same route will be followed, with nights spent at Camp 3 and Camp 1.
On day 40 all climbers should be back at the base camp with belongings and equipment. Packing up the base camp is always time consuming, and everyone will need to help ensure that we leave no trace of our passing.
If we are successful in completing the climb ahead of schedule, we will leave the base early and head back to Kathmandu. However, past experience has shown that we will need all of the allotted days unless mountain conditions and the acclimatization process go exceptionally well.
(High Quality Camping Tents will be provided in each camp)
Day 41: Trek back to road.
After finishing our trek we will descend back to the road-head with yaks carrying our equipment. Our road transport will be waiting for us. Final night spent in tent.
Day 42: Drive to Zhangmu
Although the road from Lhasa to Kathmandu is in good condition, we have broken the fourteen hour drive into two days.
Day 43: Drive to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
Once back in Kathmandu, Ace the Himalaya will host an evening barbecue as a chance to celebrate the expedition, say farewell, and thank the Sherpas and team members for their support and friendship throughout the trip.
Day 44: Leisure day in Kathmandu.
Leisure day in Kathmandu.
Day 45: Transfer to airport for flight departure.
An Ace airport representative will escort you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Gears and Equipment
You will need clothing for dining in Kathmandu, trekking in the humidity and heat, and to protect you from the cooler temperatures in the mountains. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands of this trek and are the minimum required for this trip.
You are expected to provide the following personal equipment. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so make sure you have everything on the list.
The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional. Since you will be carrying all of your gear and a portion of the group gear, the items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions. The quality of the equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain so be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Comfort lends itself to a more enjoyable experience!
The layering system outlined is usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium layer such as a vest, which would be ideal for extra warmth around camp. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it’s a fine science of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.
Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that “wick” the sweat and moisture away from your skin to keep you much warmer.
We will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek. You can leave your bag with your non-trek items at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them after the trek.
All the equipments like Base camp tents, kitchen accessories and all the group climbing equipments ( climbing rope, ice screw, snow bar, ice hammer) is provided by the company.
Climbing gear
The Following equipments are essential for climbing.
- Alpine climbing harness. Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing.
- 2 locking carabiners. Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended
- 3 regular carabiners. Lightweight; BD Hot wire are recommended.
- Ice axe w/leash. Light weight (Grivel Air tech, Black Diamond Raven, or Charlet Moser Snow Walker). Under 5’7” use 60cm; 5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm; over 6’2” use 70cm.
- Plastic Mountaineering boots (Koflach Degree, Lowa Civetta, or Scarpa Alpha) or Leather Double Mountaineering boots (La Sportiva Olympic Mons, Boreal GI or equivalent; must be mountaineering/crampon compatible)
- Crampons. Must be fit to plastic boots prior to trip, new-matic type recommended; include a simple repair kit (Grivel G12, Black Diamond Contact, or Charlet Moser Super 12)
- Adjustable trekking poles.
- Belay/rappel device (Figure 8 preferred)
Upper Body
- 2 cotton t-shirt.
- 1 polypropylene t-shirt.
- 2 long sleeve polypropylene shirts. Lightweight, light colored for sunny days.
- 2 women sports bras. Synthetic, no cotton!
- 1 Softshell. Marmot Dri-clime Wind Shirt, Patagonia Stretch Zephur or Krushell Jacket (R2 pullover acceptable).
- Down/synthetic sweater or vest. Patagonia Puffball Jacket or Sweater preferred; R4 Jacket acceptable
- Hard shell jacket with hood. Water proof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
- 1 expedition down parka with hood. This is probably your most important piece of clothing! It is important that your jacket is 700+ fill down, baffle construction (not sewn through seams) and has a thick insulated hood
Hand Wear
You will require two systems: one glove system for lower on the mountain and a mitten overmitt system for the cold temperatures encountered on summit day.
- 2 pair liner gloves. Thin wool or polypropylene.
- 1 pair warm gloves. Fleece or wool.
- 1 pair expedition shell gloves.
- 1 pair modular expedition shell mitts. Or Pro Mitts. If they do not have wrist straps consider sewing one on so that you can either attach it to your jacket or cinch the strap to your wrist so that you do not lose your mittens in high winds.
Head Gear
- Warm hat. Wool or synthetic that covers your ears.
- Balaclava
- Face mask.
- Shade hat or baseball cap.
- Glacier glasses. 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (e.g. Julbo or Cebe)
- 1 pair extra sunglasses (also with UV protection in case your 1st pair breaks).
- 1 ski goggles with UV protection
- If you require prescription glacier glasses, you can get your lenses modified to your prescription.
Lower Body
- 4 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or Capilene.
- 3 pair lightweight trekking socks.
- 2 pair medium-heavy wool socks. Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on.
- 1 pair nylon shorts.
- 1 pair nylon pants for trekking and around camp.
- 2 pair lightweight long underwear bottoms
- 1 pair fleece pants with side zipper or “puff-ball pants”
- 1 pair soft shell pants (e.g. Patagonia Guide pants or OR Granite Pants. Schoeller fabrics).
- 1 pair of hard shell pants. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best.
- 1 pair gaiters. Make sure they will fit over plastic boots (OR Crocodiles or equivalent).
- 1 pair down booties (optional).
- 1 pair trail shoes for the hike to base camp and use at camp
- 1 pair sandals or tennis shoes for Kathmandu and in camp
- All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large plastic bags.
Pack
- 1 lightweight internal frame pack (approx 4,000 cubic inches).
- 1 daypack is optional for the approach hike, possible use on summit day and carry-on pack. If you plan to use it for your summit pack it must be large enough for your down jacket, misc. clothes, food and water. The Lowe Alpine Neutrino or Black Diamond Speed 28 are excellent, lightweight (16 oz.) choices.
- 1 large (7,500+cu.in.) duffel bag for gear, must be durable for use on pack animals
- Small padlock for duffel bag.
- 1 small duffel bag for luggage storage in Kathmandu. We will supply complimentary duffel/kit bag for the item you buy in Kathmandu.
Sleeping Gear
- 1 down sleeping bag rated to -10 F (Gore Dryloft or similar fabric helps protect down and dark colors speed drying time)
- Sleeping pad. Full length closed cell foam (mandatory) and/or Therma-Rest for extra warmth and comfort
Miscellaneous
- 1 first-aid kit with ibuprofen and any other doctor recommended medications.
- Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful to hang around your neck
- Sunscreen. At least SPF 40
- Headlamp. Petzl Myobelt 3 or Black Diamond Polar Star.
- 3 Water bottles. 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene (1 is a pee bottle).
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube for lower mountain (optional)
- 1 water bottle insulator.
- Plastic mug w/snap-on lid, 16 oz. or larger.
- Bowl and spoon. Plastic, small Tupperware works well. Lexan spoons are best.
- Pocket knife. Small Swiss-army type.
- Water purification. Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals
- Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
- 3-4 Large plastic bags, for keeping miscellaneous gear dry.
- Nylon stuff sacks. For food and gear storage (OR has a good selection); large Ziplocs are useful also.
- Bandana.
- Camp towel.
- Ear plugs.
- Hand wipes.
- 1 small stainless steel thermos (optional).
- Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds).
- Paperback books, cards, Walkman, etc.
- Binoculars (optional for viewing the route from the lower camps).
- Camera. 1 light weight point & shoot on the mountain, 1 large SLR type is optional for the trek in and base camp.
- Fanny pack or wallet for travel documents, money & passport.
- Passport and passport photos
- Airline ticket (Please leave your airline ticket at our office in Kathmandu because we may required changing the date of your departure from Kathmandu)
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
FAQs for Cho Oyu Expedition
General
Do your guides have the trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitudes?
We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
Depending on the group size we use both porter or Yaks to carry your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
Can I add extra days to my trip?
Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trip we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food
Can I rent climbing equipment from you?
Yes. Please contact us for the price. However we strongly suggest bringing the good quality equipment yourself. It is hard to find good quality brand new climbing equipment in Nepal.
What kind of guide do you have for climbing?
We have experienced local Sherpa guides, who have scaled the mountains of over 7,000 and 8,000 meters including Cho Oyu multiple times.
What immunizations will I need?
- COVID-19 vaccination (Negative PCR report in case of unvaccinated travelers.)
- Typhoid vaccination is recommended but not required
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
Are there any volunteer projects that we could visit after the tour?
Ace the Himalaya is one of the prime supporters of the social organization Sambhav Nepal. There are several on-going projects in a village called Arupokhari (Gorkha district) which you are more than welcome to visit or even volunteer at. You will be able to gain a different insight into the lives of the people in the hills and also make a difference!
Click here to learn more about our volunteer programs
Is there a minimum and a maximum number for your groups?
We cater to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.
However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.
More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.
I want to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.
Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.
Arrival and Visas
What if I arrive early or depart late?
As long as possible, we request you to arrive in Kathmandu on the assigned date, to assure your baggage makes it on time, and you have time to recover from jet lag before trekking. It is hard to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! We can arrange extra nights in the hotel. Many people depart from our Nepal expeditions later, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu, but do keep in mind that this is long expedition and we find that people want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.
Expedition
How will the Expedition operate?
After meeting all your team and crew in Kathmandu we fly directly to Lhasa. After exploring Lhasa and Potala Palace with lots of sights and monasteries, we drive to base camp and after some rest and preparation we begin the ascent. Base camp will be a collection of sleeping tents, as well as a large kitchen and dining tent. We utilize the services of specially trained Sherpa cooks and we import a lot of high quality food to supplement the local produce available. The guides and Sherpas will fix rope on the route and stock the camps with provisions and equipment. By utilizing fixed rope we can climb in average weather, and, if necessary descend to base camp with little problem in case of a major storm. Two or three climbing Sherpas will assist with the load carrying but no more will be engaged in order to avoid clogging the route and spoiling the nature of the climb. When the fixed line is in place, and the two camps are established and stocked, we will climb back up the ropes and make a bid for the summit. Sufficient supplies will be available to support all members. Guides and Sherpas will carry all group gear but members are expected to carry their own personal gear. Radios will be used to co-ordinate the movements on the mountain and provide a safety back-up for the lead team.
I want to climb Cho Oyu, but there are so many options and the cost is high! Why should I choose Ace the Himalaya? What makes you different to other companies out there?
As we all know that when you make a decision to climb any 8,000m peak, it is one of the most financially challenging trips to come on. Our prices compared to other outfitters that provide the same product, services, if not a lesser product are actually less! We invite you to shop around and compare, both in price and quality. We feel strongly that you will find us to be the best in the business.
One of the main things that set us apart is our attention to detail. Nowhere else you will find a team of people more dedicated to your success! From the time you contact the office to the time you step on the mountain, our customer service is the best. Another most important reason to choose is our community service.
Our trip prices are much more reasonable compare to many global based companies; it is not because we are economical in service in which we operate. We are local operator therefore we DO NOT re-sell or use second party or agency. Many international companies will take anything from one third to three quarters of the profits this is how your trip price makes huge unusual.
Can my friends and family come along to base camp for the climbing?
Sure! This is one of the best parts points to start the expedition. Having family and friends trek to base camp to see you off on your journey. Base camp for non-climbers is not a very hospitable place, but we strive to make your guests comfortable and welcome. Guests for the duration of the expedition are allowed on a case by case basis. The reason for this is simple. On the trip, our job is to be climbing; spending time just at base camp can be quite boring sometimes, so we usually encourage guests to trek in at the beginning or end of the expedition, to join you during the most exciting parts of the trip! Contact us for details.
Are the skills/prior experiences required for this climb?
You must have a solid experience of climbing skills. It is suitable for experienced, self-sufficient mountaineers. Climbers who have already climbed the peaks like Mera Peak; Island, Huascaran, Illimani, Denali, Muztag Ata, Spantik or similar, could well consider Cho Oyu. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition. Climbing an 8,000m peak is a tough test of endurance; both physical and psychological. Only having such condition, one has maximum chance of kissing on the top.
As the trip is so long, can I bring food and other gear not on the list?
Of course! Most people on the climbing, members end up bringing “the kitchen sink”!
Is there a private trip option too? If yes, how does that work and what are the costs?
Taking as your Cho Oyu climbing may be a once in a lifetime experience, we wanted to make sure you have every possible advantage. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows. A private means you will have your own guides, your share of the Sherpa carry staff, a private dining tent, and optional private communication facilities. This allows you to climb at your own pace, and enjoy the mountain on your own terms. The costs vary depending on how many clients there are in your private group. Please contact the office for details.
What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
You should be in the best shape of your life! This is our long climb of the year. It requires patience, stamina, mental fortitude, and a strong will. Summit day can sometimes be over 15 hours long! Day by day the challenges are different, but the more prepared you are, both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.
In a team, how many climbers will be on this climbing?
Maximum 10 members can be included on our Ace Cho Oyu Expedition. This is to ensure that we can maintain safety and our attention on detail. There may be more in base camp and in the camps on the mountain if there are private expeditions, but they will generally travel separately from the main team.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this climbing?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there may be someone in your area that can become a training partner, perhaps they can help you source some hard to find gear. The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to have some contact with folks that you will share this experience with.
How heavy will my pack be?
It will depend on the day. On a “carry” day, where you are moving your personal gear between camps, your pack can be 20-40lbs, equal to 9-18kg , sometimes higher if you choose to carry more of your equipment. On “move” days, the weight goes down significantly, to 10-15lbs., 5-7kg.
Accommodation
What kind of accommodation should I expect in Tibet and climbing? Is there a single room option on this trip?
Travelling in Tibet is one of the best experiences in life, the travelers are required to know that Tibet is located in a very high altitude. It is natural that most of the travelers have the more expectations while travelling any part of the world in terms of hotels, accommodations and the services as a whole. But what we have to consider that world is not perfect and no one is perfect. Since, Tibet is located in very high altitude, the hotels, accommodations and other services can’t be expected deluxe similar to Kathmandu all the moment. We normally provide two star (as per Tibetan stander) hotel accommodation in Lhasa but the accommodation outside of Lhasa can be very basic and some time even dormitory style. All the accommodations are pre-booked before starting the trip. While in the tour, if you want to change the hotels, the additional cost should paid by you to our guide directly. You will have your own tent in base camp, but on the mountain and while one the 4WD tour in Tibet, you will be sharing a room with others. We generally book you in to a single room in the hotel in Kathmandu. A single supplement is available. Please contact us for further details.
What kind of food do you have on the mountain? Or at the base camp?
All these will depend on what camp we are in. In the base camp, we import tons of food from Kathmandu. So don’t be surprised by our sushi nights, fresh muffins, yoghurt for breakfast, and pizza! On the mountain, we usually have a wide variety of meals; these are significantly tastier than freeze dried, as they are real food and ready to heat and eat! At our advanced base camp, we have Sherpa cook staff, who prepare more ‘base camp like’ food. Pizza, pasta, eggs and bacon! We work hard to make sure our food is second to none.
We will arrange hotel and guesthouse accommodation including breakfast below base camp, however lunch and dinner in the hotel and guesthouse is not covered by our package price, you will be spending roughly US$ 14 to USU 18 per day for the lunch and dinner. From base camp and above until you return to base all the foods are provided.
How long will be a typical day on the mountain?
It depends on the day and your level of acclimatization. At the beginning of the trip, everything seems slower and longer, but as you get more adjusted to the mountain, the days go quicker. Average days can be 5-12 hours long. Summit day can be up to 15 hours long.
Is communication possible on the expedition? If yes, what its type?
Experience has shown how important it is on mountain to be able to talk to every team member, at all times. If you join Ace the Himalaya, you will have a dedicated radio. Each Sherpa will also have his own radio, so that at all times we can keep in touch with everyone, and everyone can keep in touch with each other.
Base Camp is equipped with a lap top and high speed satellite connection. The satellite communications are also used to send back regular reports, every couple of days, to Ace the Himalaya office. Expedition updates are then posted on the web and/or are sent to family and friends via email.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in Kathmandu?
We use standard rooms from three/four star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Hotel Vaishali, Samasara Resort are the examples of the hotel that we use in Kathmandu.
What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides?
There will be an Ace the Himalaya representative at the airport to meet you, and the first of many team briefing occurs in the evening of day 1 and 2 in Kathmandu with our local Sherpa guides.
Will it be possible to get any clothes washed along the way, to enable load to be kept as light as possible?
Laundry service is difficult to find, except in cities. For other trips, laundry is done by self at the taps.
What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
In major places, we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower. We will also have the shower tent at the base camp.
Payment and Extra Costs
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
Since this is our biggest and longest trip, we usually suggest our climbing members to bring USD$1500 -$2000. This will cover everything from gifts, to bottled drinks, tips, and anything else that catches your eye on the trail. ATM cash machines work in Kathmandu, but only pay the local currency, Rupees.
How much should I tip my guide staff?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 15,000USD for an Everest expedition tip. Tipping is not must, but a small way to show your guides thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide. Recommended tipping and Sherpa bonuses are as follow:
- Allow $80-150 for general non-sherpa crew who stay at base camp.
- Allow $150-250 for sherpas who go up to the base camp.
- Summit climbing Sherpa US$ 400 – 600 per Sherpa
Can I use US$ in Tibet?
Besides Chinese Yuan, only US dollars can be accepted in Tibet. Also shops that accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for an exchange rate. Credit cards can only be used at some hotels. The Bank of China also accepts credit cards. ATM is not widely available. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China (exchange rate between USD & RMB is 1:7.5 at the time of writing this text). While changing money at the local money exchange centers, please make sure that you are accompanied by your guide and do consult him as you may easily be duped with counterfeit notes.
Tibet is becoming more expensive every year. There are many shops in Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse that sell traditional Tibetan handicrafts. We recommend you to bring extra money to spend on souvenirs.
Traveler Reviews
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
What makes this trip different ?
Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal
- Ace the Himalaya believes in giving back to the communities that surround and support tourism in Nepal. Ace provides logistical support and, if needed, cash donations to the projects of Sambhav Nepal (a local NGO).
- Sambhav Nepal and Ace work together to plan volunteer programs that will bring in foreign volunteers and make use of their enthusiasm, time, and talents in a variety of projects.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
- Of the few Travelife Partners in Nepal, Ace the Himalaya is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Himalayas.
- About 80% of Ace the Himalaya’s staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.
