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!
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 and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu
Everyone will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel, regardless of whether the journey was booked individually or not. And then we will get off to a comfortable start… check in and get to know the others while enjoying a beer on the terrace and the emerging excitement of belonging to the distinguished expedition team.
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
Those who do not yet know Kathmandu will love it. Relax, shop in Thamel, enjoy the cultural program, or simply soak up the atmosphere. To each his own.
Day 3: Flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet
One of the probably most stunning mountain flights in the world where awaits us, where you might be able to catch a glimpse at the Everest and other 8.000ers. The rest of the day remains to explore Lhasas’ old town or enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Lhasa
In the morning, we have time for sightseeing at the most important sights of Lhasa: the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and the Jokhan Cemetery which shows us the rich culture of this beautiful country.
Day 5: Drive to Lhatse
Day 6: Drive to Tingri (4.300m)
Simple accommodation but good food! We can already see Cho Oyu from here.
Day 7: Rest day for acclimatization purposes
Around Tingri there are some nice 5.000m-hills to be hiked. We are wondering, how the shepherds and their sheeps are doing, as the vegetation seems to be quite sparse.
Day 8 – 9: Arrival at the Cho Oyu paddock
After a long approach in order to get a good acclimatization we finally arrive Cho Oyu paddock (4.900m) today!
Day 10 – 15: Climbing period
Days 16: Ascent phase on Cho Oyu
Day 17: back to paddock
Trek to chinese basecamps on both mountains (driver`s camps).
Day 18: Drive to Kyirong
Departure for Kyirong and after arrival free time. Day 38: Drive from Kyirong to Kathmandu
Day 19: Kathmandu
Finally back to civilization! Whatever has happened the last 6 weeks, we’ll be happy to enjoy a cool beer, nice shower and comfortable bed.
Day 20: individual flight back home
Time to say goodbye! We’ll leave Nepal with loads of exciting memories and stories to tell.
Organisation of the expedition
UIAGM certified mountain guide on the whole expedition
4 nights hotel in Kathmandu on double occupancy, single room optional
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 2 members
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 (WIFI, notebook, solar charging)
Radios
All fees and permits
weather forecast
organization and cost for the Tibetan visa
Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator
International Airfare to Kathmandu (ask for an offer – for now it is about € 800 ex Europe)
Lunch and dinnerin Kathmandu
personal insurance
Visa for Nepal (available at the airport aftre arrival, take a passport photo!)
Visa for China (must be obtained by members at the chinese embassy in their home country early enough)
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)
Options:
Personal Sherpa: € 6.000
O2 Pack (newest oxygen system, rent mask & regulator, 4 bottles): € 5.000
#adventure goes high