On the Tibet-Nepal border lies Cho Oyu 8201m. It makes an ideal first 8000m peak due to its technically straight-forward nature and easy descent. But it is still a Himalayan giant and we treat it with great respect. This expedition is only suitable for climbers with previous altitude experience.
Using a careful acclimatisation plan and full logistical support we tackle the mountain over 6 weeks from the Tibetan side. Experienced high altitude western and sherpa guides do much of the work on the mountain to give you every chance of success and to maximise safety. We include bottled oxygen, mask and regulator, for one summit bid. Additional oxygen can be purchased if required.
Standing on the summit of Cho Oyu, looking over at Everest only 650m higher will be a memory you will take with you for the rest of your life. It will probably inspire you to go the next 650m too!
On the successful trip in May 2000 we reached the summit on the 31st day of the expedition: we had good weather and conditions. We will allow 6 weeks for the trip and by using the pre-monsoon season (April-May). Another bonus of the Spring season is there is usually less snow, so less chance of avalanche and easier going. And of course it gets warmer and warmer toward summit date as we approach summer (June). We begin our preparation in Kathmandu but have an option to fly to Lhasa(which allows a better acclimatisation program and is an interesting city to acclimatise in). We have now added an option to climb Labchi Kang a 7367m high peak near BC which allows us to pre-acclimatise and then move quickly up the mountain in one push, minimising repetitive trips to high camps.