Following the paths of Herbert Tichy...
The Cho Oyu, also called "The Grace of the Gods" or Qowowuyag, rises at the border between Nepal and Tibet with its breathtaking 8. 201m as sixth highest mountain towards the sky and already comes quite close to it. What is particularly important to us Austrians in connection with Cho Oyu: the legendary first ascent of Herbert Tichy, his Tyrolean mountain companion Sepp Jöchler and Sherpa legend Pasang Dawa in 1954. The Austrian writer, geologist, explorer, adventurer and mountaineer climbed Cho Oyu with much patience and without additional oxygen. The route chosen by the trio is still considered to be the "normal route" to Cho Oyu and will lead us to the summit. And Tichy's stories make us really looking forward to our expedition into the middle of the Himalayas:
"When we remember this time, it is not so much the extreme but rather the harmony and beauty - the hours, the landscape and the surrounding people - that remain in our memories. (Herbert Tichy)
The Cho Oyu is perfect for preparing for one of the harder eight-thousanders, as it is considered one of the objectively safer and easier eight-thousanders. Nevertheless, this mountain must not be underestimated, because it is still one of the highest mountains in the world and therefore a challenging undertaking. However, through good preparation, a professional team and the appropriate equipment, the objective dangers of our expedition can be contained relatively well and that is what CHO OYU is all about:
Not much of a risk, but definitely fun!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the safest 8.000ers
- 1:2 member-Sherpa-ratio
- IFMGA mountain guide
- High camp equipment included
Itinerary
The following schedule is planned:
The exact schedule depends on weather and snow conditions as well as on the progress of the logistics and the group on the mountain. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu or meeting point at the hotel in Kathmandu. Everyone will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel, whether the arrival was individual or with the group. And then everything begins in a very comfortable way… check in, get to know each other, have a beer on the terrace and enjoy the upcoming excitement.
Day 2: Free time in Kathmandu. Who does not know it yet, will love it. Relaxing, shopping in Thamel, cultural programme or simply soaking up the flair. Everyone as he wants.
Day 3: Flight to Lahsa. For the time being we say goodbye to Nepal and fly to Lhasa, the highest capital of the world. The centrally located hotel offers a good starting point to explore the city and to breathe Tibetan air for the first time.
Day 4: Free time. Also today there is still enough time to admire the former residence of the Dalai Lama and the countless monasteries and temples of the city, some of which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or to watch the everyday life of the Tibetans with a bowl of butter tea.
Day 5: Drive to Lhatse
Day 6: Drive to Tingri at 4300m. The accommodation is again very simple, the food is still very good! From here you can already see Cho Oyu!
Day 7: Rest day for acclimatization. Also here beautiful 5.000m high hills to hike. One is surprised about the flocks of sheep with their shepherds, because it is even more barren here.
Day 8: Arrival in the paddock. After a long journey for acclimatization purposes we finally arrive today at the Cho Oyu paddock at 4.900m.
Day 9: Rest day: Another rest day for acclimatization and to organize the loads for the yaks.10th day: Departure for the intermediate camp at 5400m.
Day 10: Advance base camp at 5.650m. We reach the advanced base camp at 5650m. The sight of the mountain, which we can already enjoy here, is enormous!
Days 11-35: There will be enough time to set up the route and the high camps and to wait for good weather and suitable snow conditions for a safe ascent to the summit.
The planned camps at Cho Oyu are as follows:
- Camp 1: 6400m
- Camp 2: 7000m
- Camp 3: 7350m
Day 36: Paddock. Way back to the paddock, where the jeeps are waiting for us.
Day 37: Drive to Kyirong. Drive on to Kyirong and the rest of the day for rest.
Day 38: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 39: Kathmandu. One breather… Whatever happened, the last 6 weeks, we will be happy about good food, a cool beer and a comfortable bed.
Day 40: Individual return flight. Today we have to say goodbye and start our journey home with many exciting memories in our luggage.
Inclusion
- Organisation of the expedition
- IFMGA mountain guide on the whole expedition
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
- All transfers in Nepal and Tibet (jeep / private shuttle)
- Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
- Drinks at shared meals (no alcoholic drinks)
- Double occupancy rooms/tents during journey to the mountain
- Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (30kg personal gear / member) for both mountains
- 1 tent each member in each basecamp
- 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
- mat for approach and basecamp
- High camp equipment (tent, stove, cooking gear, gas, meals)
- Fixed ropes, fixing material
- 1 Sherpa each member
- Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
- Medical emergency oxygen
- Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
- Kitchen staff
- Comfortable, heated Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
- Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
- Oxygen
- Radios
- All fees and permits
- weather forecast
- organization and cost for the Tibetan visa
- Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator
Exclusions
- International Airfare to Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinnerin Kathmandu
- personal insurance
- Visa for Nepal
- Personal medicine
- Personal climbing sherpa (optional)
- Oxygen (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
- Personal climbing gear
- Sleeping bag
- High camp mat
- Fees for satellite communication
- Helicopter flight basecamp – Kathmandu (optional)
Optional:
- Personal Sherpa
- O2 Pack (newest oxygen system, rent mask & regulator, 4 bottles)
