Cho Oyu Climb (with Shishapagma combo option) &Tibetan Cultural TrekDifficulty Level: Trek: Beginner | Climb: Intermediate to Advanced

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Cho Oyu is an iconic mountain and the world’s 6th tallest peak. Standing on the Chinese – Nepalese border, it towers above the high Tibetan plains to the North and the lush green pastures of Nepal to the South, just 30km west of Mount Everest.

While Cho Oyu is a goal in her own right, if you have any ambition to climb Mt. Everest, or further 8,000m peaks, this expedition is the perfect place to ready yourself and see how your body responds to extreme altitude.

Feeling motivated? Seize the opportunity to join the elite few who have ascended 2x 8,000m peaks in a single season by adding on a climb of Shishapangma at the end of your Cho Oyu expedition.

Cho Oyu Expedition and Tibetan Cultural Trek Highlights:
  • Experience Tibetan Culture first hand
  • Take in the vista of Everest and Cho Oyu both from the Tibetan Plateau
  • Opportunity to climb two 8000m giants in a single season
  • Tackle the famous "ice cliff" and "Yellow Band"
  • Watch the sunrise over Mt. Everest from the summit of Cho Oyu, hands down the best view of Everest

At CTSS we are creating a new paradigm in Himalayan climbing focused around:

1) A completely customizable expedition to fit your needs & price point
2) Fully internationally UIAGM certified Sherpa guides (beyond our trusted western guides), that offer the finest leadership at an accessible price point
3) New levels of service like our “Executive” programs and the highest quality food and amenities
4) An owner-run expedition
5) Exceptional price; In short, we are focused on the overall experience. We firmly believe that happy, healthy, comfortable, well-nourished climbers are successful climbers.

Don’t get stuck with an antiquated- one size fits all approach and be left wanting on the mountain. Rather, join CTSS and enjoy the finest service, customization, personal attention, and luxuries Cho Oyu has to offer, refined over countless expeditions, for less than many of our competitors’ basic models. While you can’t buy the summit but you can buy better odds.”
–Mike Hamill, CTSS Owner

“As a whole, our CTSS team had the best chance on the mountain by a mile. We had the strongest support, a great deal of experience behind us and a leader with a whole lot of heart.”

Ross V (Australia)

Climbing Cho Oyu, is one of the world’s great adventures and trekking through the exotic landscape of Tibet is like going back in time. On this expedition we have the pleasure of experiencing Nepali, Tibetan and Chinese cultures en route to the summit. Tibet is one of the most exotic and photogenic regions on the planet and Cho Oyu is a breathtaking and challenging climb and an excellent stepping stone to an Everest summit. This expedition offers one of few opportunities to add on a second 8,000m peak within the same departure.

Despite its massive height of 8,201m it is the most accessible of the fourteen 8,000m peaks and one of the safest climbs at such extreme altitude offering less objective hazard and a drier climate than Manaslu or Dhaulagiri.

Our Cho Oyu expeditions and Tibetan treks all begin in Kathmandu where we obtain our climbing permits and have a free day to check out the city before we drive to Tibet to start our voyage to base camp. This breath-taking drive is a beautiful way to start the trip. From the moment you land in arrive at the border you will be at altitude. From here we make our way across Tibet via Nyalam and Tingri staying at some of the finest accommodations the region has to offer before heading to Base Camp.

Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our teams avoid getting sick at all costs. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Tibet so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the expedition. Stay focused on sanitation to minimize illness. Be careful eating undercooked foods and always have a bottle of hand sanitizer with you that you use religiously after going to the toilet and shaking hands. Drink bottled or boiled water where you can.

Once at base camp we get settled in and use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Our base camp is first rate. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible.

Please note that Cho Oyu is a potentially dangerous mountain and climbing at 8,000 meters is very serious and meant for climbers with prior experience at altitude and sound climbing skills. Even while trekking in Tibet you are at altitude that average the summits of the tallest peaks in the continental US. Guides and Sherpa staff will work with you throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success.

“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.”
– Tim Igo

Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Cho Oyu Expeditions and Tibetan Cultural Trek

Tibet is one of the most exotic and unknown cultures in the world and has been the setting for legendary climbs since the days of George Mallory. We look forward to leading you on the mighty Cho Oyu and showing you the many incredible sights and sounds of Tibet.

Cho Oyu is a personal favorite of mine. As you crest the summit you are greeted with one of the most exclusive and unique views in the world, a full length vista of Mt. Everest in all her glory, an outlook that can only be seen when standing atop a mighty Himalayan peer. In fact, setting sight on that view is how you know you’ve reached the top of the mountain. I love it so much that I have an enormous photograph of it framed in the entrance way to my home to remind me to answer the call of the mountains and I invite you to do the same.

I find myself returning to Cho Oyu year after year, in fact I‘ve been back so many times I’m proud to have the most summits for a non Sherpa. Why? Partly because of Cho Oyu’s beauty in the heart of the Himalaya and partly because I love seeing my clients enter the new realm of climbing 8,000m peaks.

However, climbing at 8,000m and above is extremely serious and not to be undertaken lightly. I along with all of the CTSS guides and team are committed to your safety and success. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and drawing on decades of first-hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value. In fact, I personally lead all of our Cho Oyu expeditions and am pleased to say that well over 120 summits have been notched on Cho Oyu under my direct guidance.

I also extend the invitation to Cho Oyu climbers to ask their friends and family to join them on this exotic journey by jumping on our Tibetan Cultural Trek. You will be able to share many cultural experiences together as well as time at base camp and advanced base camp. This time together often makes these long expeditions more “do-able” from a time-away perspective.

We look forward to sharing a great experience with you in Tibet, and I look forward to communicating with you directly regarding the expedition options.

Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits

About Mike Hamill

1)    Customization: We firmly believe that Himalayan climbing should not be a cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” approach or even a “two-sizes-fits-all” approach. We offer the largest variety of expedition options (see “expedition options”) and have created new and novel approaches to climbing Cho Oyu so that you can have the expedition that fits your needs and your budget. Please look closely at out expedition options and contact us directly for more information. We want you to have the best complete Cho Oyu experience from start to finish. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your expedition to you, and in fact we encourage you to customize your program. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lost in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer. You and your Cho Oyu climb are too important.

2)    Best Value: We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of customization, base camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy climbers are strong and successful climbers on the mountain. A Cho Oyu climb is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our expedition. We have created an expedition that incorporates everything that will make you successful and have stripped it of every aspect that could hinder your success. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry. You will NOT find a better value.

3)    CTSS Owner Mike Hamill oversees the expedition: Mike Hamill, 6 times Everest summiteer, 8 x Cho Oyu summiteer and leader of 25 x 8000m expeditions has custom designed and oversees all the logistics and execution of our Himalayan programs. 

4)    The best guides: This is hugely important- please research the quality and experience of your guides thoroughly. All of our guides have stood on top of Himalayan peaks, most of them many times, and have proven themselves at altitude time and again. Don’t pay top dollar for inexperienced guides.

5)    “Cho Oyu Executive”: With the roll-out of our “Cho Oyu Executive” add on option this year we are redefining what the Himalayan climbing experience is, from start to finish. Some climbers will choose our traditional service option and will no doubt live in excellent style and comfort. Those that choose our ‘Cho Oyu Executive” option will live in unparalleled comfort and luxury- the best Cho Oyu has to offer. This extra can be added on to any of our climbing options. (Please see our “Cho Oyu Executive” option for more info) Don’t go with another outfitter and be left wanting. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-fed climbers perform much better at altitude and are more successful.

6)    Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone on the mountain so that they are happy and take care of our clients, and so we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.

7)    The Best Food: CTSS has the best chefs and food, hands down. Our teams are consistently blown away by the quality of food and hygiene at base camp. Our head chef trains at 5 star restaurants during the off season. Think lemon crepes, cheese omelets, chicken cordon bleu, pizza, fresh fruit almost daily, fresh salads, steaks, apple pie, fresh croissants and cinnamon rolls, and moist chocolate cake. We can keep quality high because we are a smaller team- in a larger team, quality suffers.

9)    We believe in Team: Part of what makes us so successful at CTSS is our team mentality. We strongly believe working together, supporting each other, and climbing as a cohesive group, both climbers and Sherpa, helps each individual stand on top. 

“The 2018 Cho Oyu expedition was the most organised I’ve ever been on… The transporting of tonnes of kit and provisions across two countries and several landslides was logistical genius. The camp facilities were first rate, with amazing food (plenty of it). Our chefs and kitchen boys ensured there was an endless supply of hot drinks and water.

Our team of Sherpas worked tirelessly. The amount of carrying they did was immense, not to mention effectively leading the line fixing. Their contribution was huge and I can’t thank them enough. Thank you Tendi, and to you Mike. See you on the next one –  Everest hopefully.” -Richard W (UK), 2018 Cho Oyu Client and Summiteer

Expedition Options (Climbs, Trek, Schedule and Prices)

At CTSS we offer a variety of different Cho Oyu expedition options along with our cultural trek.
Our treks join the climbing team as we make our way through Tibet visiting the most iconic and recognizable religious sights in the region. Our variety of climbing options include: Group guided climb, CTSS Speed Ascent, Personal Sherpa/extra oxygen option, Private western guide, and private western guide with extra oxygen and personal Sherpa. These cover varying styles of ascent and allow you to customize your climb to suit your ability and your budget. They also vary slightly in length and on mountain accommodations. (All Prices are in US Dollars.)

Cho Oyu Guided Climb

CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR DATES/PRICES

This expedition will provide logistics, food, support, oxygen, and guidance for a summit attempt on Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th tallest mountain. We begin our trek by meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, obtaining our Chinese visas, then drive to Tibet via the stunning Kriyong Pass and tour Tibet en route to Cho Oyu base camp. We will then climb the mountain and return to Nepal by driving via Kiryong pass.

Manaslu Climb Add On
CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR DATES/PRICES

This is your opportunity to tag 2X8000m peaks in one season! 

This program is at the cutting edge of Himalayan climbing and CTSS is proud to be the only company to be offering it commercially. Why not use your acclimatization from Cho Oyu to quickly summit another 8000m peak while you’re already in the region? This is your opportunity to enter the record books with the tiny number of elite climbers that have summited 2 X 8000m peaks in one season.

We will acclimatize on and climb Cho Oyu first before heading to Manslu to make a speed ascent, as we’re already well acclimatized to the extreme altitude. Summiting 2X8000m peaks is a rare feat that has only been accomplished by a select handful of people. Let us know if you have interest in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Tibetan Cultural Trek

CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR DATES/PRICES

This trek is very special because it joins our climbing team attempting the world’s 6th largest mountain, Cho Oyu. Beyond being treated to the most incredible sights and sounds that Tibet has to offer you will get to see what a real climbing team goes through and how they approach their climb, giving you access to the heart of the Himalayas via Cho Oyu Advanced Base Camp with an option to hike above ABC for a day before departing for Kathmandu.

We begin our trek by meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, obtaining our Chinese visas and then driving to Tibet via the stunning Kriyong Pass en route to base camp. We will then trek in to Cho Oyu advanced base camp with the climbing team to get a feel for the mighty Himalayas from their very center. We will spend several days acclimatizing at Advanced Base Camp before having the option to make an attempt to Camp 1, climbing to 21,500ft/6,500m. Here you will be higher than almost anyone else on the planet! We then pack up and drive through Tibet to tour Lhasa and Shigatse, the two largest cities in Tibet and main cultural centers, en route to Kathmandu. We plan to visit the holiest and most recognizable sights in Tibet including the magnificent Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, and Tashi Lumpo Monastery, among others before flying from Lhasa back to Kathmandu.

Cho Oyu Climb with a Private Western Guide

1:1 Guide Ratio; Please contact us for dates and prices

Having your own private Western Guide with you for the entire expedition can be an indispensable advantage, allowing you to break away from the team climb and set your own pace. A private guide also brings an additional level of climbing experience and expertise, a higher level of safety given the 1:1 ratio, feedback and personal coaching. All of our guides are trained in wilderness and emergency medicine.

Cho Oyu Climb with a Private Western Guide, Personal Sherpa and Extra Oxygen

Please contact us for dates and prices

This is our “Cadillac” signature program in terms of setting yourself up for success on Cho Oyu. Not only will you be under the direct guidance of a private Western guide who can coach you throughout the whole expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall, you will also enjoy the company and camaraderie of a personal Sherpa who will assist you with your load carrying, thereby reducing your personal weight, help you at the end of a long day with food preparation above base camp, and serve as an additional set of eyes on you at all times.

Your extra oxygen will start from Camp 2 which will keep you energized and warmer, mitigating the risk of frostbite, aiding in recovery and can be considered an extra layer of insurance when you are climbing at extreme altitude.

Cho Oyu Speed Ascent

CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR DATES/PRICES

CTSS prides itself at being on the cutting edge of new approaches to climbing mountains that improve safety, success, and efficiency. Mike Hamill has worked with clients for years using portable altitude chambers to pre-accustom their bodies to the rarefied air found at altitude, and with great success. Through the Speed Ascents Program, we work with you to use special designed altitude chambers in the comfort of your own bed so you can spend more time at home with your loved ones and less time away on expedition. Also, mitigating the amount of time spent in harms-way in the mountains and at extreme altitudes can improve safety.

We feel that these altitude chambers are not a substitute for acclimating properly in the mountains but have found that they can be an incredibly valuable tool to facilitate acclimatization and mitigate the amount of time in the mountains. Do you have serious time constraints and need to spend more time focusing on work, productivity, and family at home rather than tediously acclimatizing on the mountain?

CTSS offers select climbers our “Speed Ascent” option which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow you to summit in less time. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found on Cho Oyu. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.

Due to the customization of this program and separate visa and logistics, this option is more expensive than our regular group expeditions. The Speed Ascent climb starts roughly two weeks later then our regular expedition and joins the team for the summit bid.

If you think this option may be right for you please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent Program” to maximize results for you.

All prices are in US Dollars.

CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.

All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.

Customizations & Add Ons

Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs and budget is a huge priority for us. As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference and not everyone is the same when it comes to their approach. Therefore we encourage you to tailor your expedition and talk to us about any other options you may wish for.

Cho Oyu Executive: $9,495 USD

Our Cho Oyu Executive add on is redefining what the Cho Oyu experience is, from start to finish. Other Cho Oyu models are antiquated in comparison having not changed significantly since the inception of commercial climbing. Some climbers will choose our traditional service option and will no doubt live in style and comfort. Those that choose our Cho Oyu Executive option will live in unparalleled comfort and luxury- the best Cho Oyu has to offer throughout the entire expedition- all for less than many other company’s base models. This extra can be added on to any of our climbing options. Don’t go with another outfitter and be left wanting. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-fed climbers perform much better at altitude and are more successful.

The signature piece of our Cho Oyu Executive model is our heated and humidified two-room personal house tents. Sleeping in a typical mountain tent is fine, but if you can live in comfort not cramped in a tent with a bit of luxury at base camp for a reasonable price, why not do it? Your double walled house tent comes replete with wooden plank floors with insulation and carpeting, an entry way gear room with room to hang your clothes and a heated bedroom/study which includes a desk and chair  to create a workspace that allows professionals and business executives to productively use valuable down time at base camp to continue to manage work obligations or to simply keep up with friends and family and update social media. Your house tent also features a battery operated heater, humidifier, overhead light, power and charging facilities, a garbage bin, a cot bed with mattress and pillow. We will even have your breakfast beverage of choice brought to your room each morning at the time you designate.

Other features included with our Cho Oyu Executive option include: single rooms throughout the expedition (Kathmandu, may not be available in Tibet), an upgraded single room in our first-class hotel in Kathmandu, and your own tent throughout the expedition (Please note that tent accommodations above base camp are double-occupancy.). Having a single room throughout goes a long way towards keeping you healthy and helping you get the rest you need to climb strong, thus improving summit success.

If you are stressed for time, you can consider combining our Cho Oyu Executive program with our CTSS Speed Ascent option to live in luxury AND minimize your time away from home.

*Please note the Cho Oyu Executive Program is non-refundable and non-transferable and is suitable for single rooming. Couples can be accommodated at an additional surcharge of $1,995*

Extra Oxygen – $5,995 USD

All our expeditions allocate a very generous supply of oxygen. In general, we plan to run an oxygen flow around 3L/min and 1L/min sleeping. With the advanced technology of our hyper-efficient, state-of-the-art oxygen masks, this is usually more than enough. We give you 3 bottles so, long story short is you don’t need extra oxygen.

However, if you can afford it we highly recommend it. Consider it cheap insurance. With the extra oxygen, you can run at a higher flow rate which will keep you warmer, allowing you to move faster on summit day and reducing your fatigue levels, all of which goes a long way towards keeping you safe.

Also, if you get delayed on the mountain for any reason (for instance in weather, or traffic) or miss thread your bottle which can periodically happen, having the extra Os may save your summit bid.

The extra oxygen option buys an additional bottle delivered to the upper mountain (we will discuss strategy on how to best use this extra oxygen). With the extra Os you can run high flow (4 – 5L/min) throughout summit day and start oxygen at Camp 2 (vs Camp 3 on the standard allocation)

*Please note, extra oxygen is non-refundable and non-transferable*

Personal Sherpa and Extra Oxygen- $7,995 USD.

Having a personal Sherpa and additional oxygen is one of our most popular add-ons for its benefits and cost-effectiveness. It adds a level of safety and improves summit success.
One of our Sherpa will climb with you on each rotation throughout the entire expedition, while above base camp helping you to stay safe, checking your technical rigging, setting a pace, saving you precious energy by carrying most of your personal gear and offering feedback about the climb. Having an attentive Sherpa in your corner can be invaluable on a peak like Cho Oyu especially if this is your first time above 8000m.

Our climbing Sherpa are hand-picked by Expedition Leader Mike Hamill and Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and are the best in the business. They are all knowledgeable, kind, strong, experienced, respectful, and very proficient.

Combine this with extra Oxygen and you will not only be safer but find yourself climbing stronger, staying warmer and mitigating chances of frostbite. Running a higher flow rate of oxygen at these extreme altitudes is hugely helpful and can be considered an extra level of insurance.

Single rooming option: $1,495 USD (entire climb)/ $500 (Kathmandu only)

We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations throughout the expedition for you. Due to local pricing in Tibet, please note that this can be very expensive. If you aren’t price sensitive and you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option.

We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way on a long expedition such as this. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know. Please note that tent accommodations above Cho Oyu base camp are double-occupancy for safety and warmth. The single room option comes with the “Cho Oyu Executive” option, if you have chosen that add-on.

Dietary restrictions accommodation: (please let us know, no charge)

We can accommodate just about any dietary restriction if you let us know far enough in advance. Please make us aware of any restrictions you may have and we will do our best to create healthy and satisfying options.

CTSS prides itself on offering the best expedition at the best price. Because of this we offer many amenities that other companies don’t. We have carefully worked through all of the details of our expedition to offer you every nuance that can help you be successful and comfortable and stripped our program of anything that could hinder you.

“The 2018 Cho Oyu expedition was the most organized I’ve ever been on… The transporting of tonnes of kit and provisions across two countries and several landslides was logistical genius. The camp facilities were first rate, with amazing food (plenty of it). Our chefs and kitchen boys ensured there was an endless supply of hot drinks and water.

Our team of Sherpas worked tirelessly. The amount of carrying they did was immense, not to mention effectively leading the line fixing. Their contribution was huge and I can’t thank them enough. Thank you Tendi, and to you Mike. See you on the next one –  Everest hopefully.” -Richard W (UK), 2018 Cho Oyu Client and Summiteer


Some of the many amenities in just our base model climbs include:

  • Accommodations at a premium hotel in Kathmandu
  • Team jackets and hats for all Cho Oyu climbers
  • The best food on Cho Oyu AND all-you-can-drink fresh coffee from Himalayan Java coffee roasters. Think lemon crepes, fresh bakes goods like croissants and cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat weekly, hearty soups, chicken cordon blue, burgers, fresh salads, chocolate cake and puddings for desert, etc
  • A light weight, state-of-the-art oxygen systems to maximize your summit chances. Our oxygen system weight 4.5kg total as opposed to the much larger American oxygen system that weigh 8.5kg that some companies use. This 4kg/9lb difference make a HUGE difference on summit day when every ounce counts.
  • The best weather forecasts money can buy sent to us daily to make sure you get the right weather window.
  • A solar array with backup generator for charging devices on international plug adapters
  • The most well-trained and highest paid Sherpa on the mountain
  • Large single sleeping tents with lush 4” thick sleeping pads that insulate from the cold and a liner on the bottom of the tent to keep out dampness. And of course, a pillow
  • Hand wash stations with mirrors in both the foyer of the bathroom and the foyer of the dining room
  • Accommodations at some of the nicest hotels in Tibet
  • A communications tent with ample charging stations
  • A wide array of healthy and nutritious upper mountain food to suit a wide variety of palates.
  • A very well-appointed dining tent and hang-out tent with comfortable chairs and blow-up couches
  • A movie projector and speaker system to watch movies in either the hang out tent or the dining tent.
  • A two-room toilet tent (one room for hand washing) and sit down toilet
  • A hot shower with two rooms: one for changing and one for showering
  • Comfort food brought directly from the USA including real Maple Syrup, Nutella, BBQ Sauce, salt and pepper grinders, Cholula Hot Sauce, snack food for the mountain, a selection of decaf and caffeinated teas, ranch dressing, to name a few
  • Choose our Cho Oyu Executive option for many more creature comforts… (see “Cho Oyu Executive” option for more information)These are just a few of the many amenities included in your expedition.
  • Cho Oyu is the 6th tallest mountain in the World.
  • The average height of the Tibetan plateau is roughly 14,000ft.
  • Cho Oyu lies on the border between China and Nepal. The “Normal Route” ascends the Northern side of the mountain.
  • The two largest cities in Tibet are Lhasa and Shigatse.
  • Cho Oyu is the best training climb for anyone considering an attempt Mt. Everest. It is one of the safest, and least technical 8,000m peaks despite it’s massive height, making it a great way to determine how your body does at extreme altitude. It’s also a great place to get used to the oxygen system, and climbing with our Sherpa team.

Climbing Cho Oyu requires serious fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for 6 weeks, and a desire for rugged adventure travel. Out Tibetan Cultural Trek also requires solid fitness but participants can choose to do as much or as little of the trekking as they like. Tibet is still a very remote and rugged place with few of the creature comforts we have come to expect in the west so don’t plan on being pampered with smooth roads, 5 star hotels, and blazing fast internet. We try to give our climbers all of the creature comforts that we can but at the end of the day this is Tibet, and true adventure travel!

Climbers need solid cramponing skill and familiarity with glacier climbing and fixed line climbing. Trekkers need to be fit and able to carry a pack of around 10 pounds for 4-5 hours. If you want to join this expedition but don’t have these skills, we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climbs. Please let us know how we can help!

“As a whole, our CTSS team had the best chance on the mountain by a mile. We had the strongest support, a great deal of experience behind us and a leader with a whole lot of heart.” -Ross V

Cho Oyu is a special peak that offers pleasant climbing, milder terrain, more accessibility and less objective hazard than the other 8,000m peaks. However it is important to emphasize that it is a serious undertaking and requires preparation. Your climb begins long before you reach the mountain. We encourage you to incorporate training into your daily routine at least 6-9 months in advance of your Himalayan climb. As your climb rolls around you want to be in top physical and mental condition.

While a mighty climb and a spectacular goal, Cho Oyu also offers the perfect training ground to prepare for even bigger peaks like Everest. On Cho Oyu you will become accustomed to the feel and function of oxygen systems, gain experience ascending fixed lines in severe temperatures and even sleeping and eating at extreme altitudes. All of these skills take time to integrate and become second nature but by the end of this expedition you will be set you up for on going success.

We approach the mountain from the North West Route and employ a slow acclimitization schedule into our schedule. Many expeditions rush this process and suffer the consequences during the summit bid because of it. This is not our strategy. We employ the “carry high, sleep low”, principle of high altitude mountaineering by carrying up to our next camp and then returning to a lower altitude to sleep before moving to the higher camp the following day. From base camp we will make three forays up the mountain to successively higher altitudes to prepare for the summit bid, with plenty of time to rest back at base camp in between.

Our base camp is first rate. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards. Each of our climbers has their own tent at base camp where they can feel at home when not socializing in the group dining and hangout tents. We have a state-of-the-art communications tent and make internet available to our guests. We receive up-to-date weather reports and have satellite phones for group use.

In between acclimatization rotations up the mountain we spend time strategizing our weather windows, skills training and troubleshooting to make sure you’re fully prepared for the climb ahead. We find much of the stress of a summit bid can be alleviated by early preparation.

Tentative Itinerary: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. All climbers need to be adaptable and roll with the schedule if it changes for the benefit of the team. This is adventure travel at it’s best and things never go exactly according to plan! We recommend climbers arriving to town one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses of this extra day (hotels, food, sightseeing, etc) are the clients responsibility. Please let us know if we need to organize logistics for your early arrival or a single rooming option.

Cho Oyu Climb Itinerary (42 days):

  1. Arrive KTM
  2. Apply for Chinese Visas/Free Day/Team dinner
  3. Wait for Chinese Visas
  4. Wait for Chinese Visas
  5. Drive to Timure
  6. Cross border and drive to Kriyong
  7. Acclimatize in Kriyong
  8. Drive to Tingri
  9. Acclimatize in Tingri
  10. Drive to Chinese base camp
  11. Acclimatization day
  12. Acclimatization Day
  13. Trek to Interim Camp
  14. Trek to Advanced base camp
  15. Rest
  16. Puja/Acclimatization hike
  17. Rest
  18. Climb to C1 and spend the night
  19. Descend to ABC
  20. Rest
  21. Rest
  22. Climb to C1
  23. Climb to C2
  24. Descend to C1
  25. Descend to ABC
  26. Rest
  27. Rest
  28. Rest
  29. Climb to C1
  30. Climb to C2
  31. Climb to C3
  32. Summit, descend to C1 or C2
  33. Descend to ABC
  34. Pack
  35. Descend to Tingri
  36. Drive to Kiryong
  37. Drive to Kathmandu
  38. Contingency Summit Day
  39. Contingency Summit Day
  40. Contingency Summit Day
  41. Contingency Summit Day
  42. Contingency Summit Day

Tibetan Cultural Trek (21 days):

  1. Arrive KTM
  2. Apply for Chinese Visas/Free Day/Team dinner
  3. Wait for Chinese Visas
  4. Wait for Chinese Visas
  5. Drive to Timure
  6. Cross border and drive to Kiryong
  7. Acclimatize in Kiryong
  8. Drive to Tingri
  9. Acclimatize in Tingri
  10. Drive to Chinese base camp
  11. Acclimatization day
  12. Acclimatization Day
  13. Trek to Interim Camp
  14. Trek to Advanced base camp
  15. Rest
  16. Hike to Camp 1 and back to ABC

Days separated from climbing team:

  1. Trek and drive to Tingri
  2. Drive to Shigatse and visit the famous Tashilumpo Monastery
  3. Drive to Lhasa and visit the famous Potala Palace
  4. Fly to Kathmandu
  5. Fly home

Travel Gear:

  • Travel Wallet: It should sling over your shoulder and lay discreetly next to your body
  • Passport, cash and travel documents. Make sure to have a print out of all travel documents, pen, plenty of csh for the trip, and your passport handy.
  • Day pack: Light weight 30 liter pack doubles as a carry on and a trekking pack
  • 2 Duffel Bags Climbers/1 Duffel Bag Trekkers
  • Heavy PVC duffel bags hold up to abuse and pack well on yaks and in jeeps.
  • Locks for Duffel bags. It is best to not tempt anyone into going through your gear so one lock per duffel is smart. TSA-type locks that customs officials can access and re-lock are handy as are zipties that can be cut off and put back on easily.
  • Passport photos (5). You will need at least 2 or 3 for your Visas and it’s always good to have a few extra.
  • Casual Travel Clothes. Several days will be spent in transit, in Kathmandu, driving to base camp and at base camp so it is nice to have some casual clothes to travel in.
  • Hotel vouchers if laying over. If you have extended layovers make sure to pre-book a hotel and print out the voucher. Our travel agent can help you with this.
  • A printout of your travel itinerary, all CTSS emails, etc.
  • Cash
  • Pen

Feet:

  • Sneakers. Light weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
  • 2 pairs light socks. For use with sneakers.
  • Medium weight trekking boots. Comfortable boots with plenty of ankle support and warmth to ascend to C1 at 21,000ft/6,500m.
  • 2 pairs medium weight socks. Synthetic or wool socks to use with medium weight boots
  • Medium weight gaiters. These are to be used with the medium weight trekking boots on the treks en route to base camp, trekking to ABC, and ascending to C1. They don’t need to be too big or too warm.
  • Foot warmers (optional). Some people use foot warmers and others don’t. If you get cold feet then you should consider them, although they don’t seem to burn very warm at 8,000m due to the lack of oxygen needed for the chemical reaction to take place.
  • Foot powder (optional). Foot power keeps feet dry and warm and can really help on summit day.
  • Down booties. These are great for walking around base camp and at the upper camps. Try to find something light weight with a sole.

Lower Body:

  • 2 pairs of synthetic under layers: 1 light and 1 medium. One lighter pair for down low and one medium for up high. They will be worn underneath climbing pants so make sure the climbing pants will fit over them.
  • 3 pairs of synthetic underwear, 3 pairs cotton underwear. A few pairs of each for travel and on the mountain.
  • 2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 light and 1 medium weight. The lighter pair will be worn trekking en route to ABC and the heavier pair above ABC. They need to fit over the synthetic under layers. Scholler type pants or quick drying zip-off pants are both great options.
  • 1 pair of insulated pants. These will be warn at base camp and ABC and can be used at the lower camps.
  • Casual jeans for travel and base camp
  • 1 pair of shell pants (water proof). These must be full zipper and should be light weight. They need to fit over your synthetic under layer and climbing pant combination to layer for warmth up to C1. They must be waterproof and breathable.

Upper body:

  • Casual shirts for travel and base camp
  • 2 synthetic under layers: 1 light, 1 medium. These must fit underneath your mid weight layers. The light one will be for lower on the mountain and the medium weight for up higher.
  • 2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest. These two layers must be able to be worn in unison over the synthetic under layer and underneath the Shell jacket and down jacket. They should be light and one should have a hood.
  • 1 shell jacket. This need to fit over your medium weight pile layers and be light weight, waterproof and breathable.
  • 1 heavy down jacket. This is to be worn at base camp, ABC and possible the lower mountain camps. It must be able to layer over your other layers and have a hood. It doesn’t need to be an 8,000m parka but should be the step just below.

Head and Hands:

  • 2 buff neck gaiters. These can be worn on the dusty drive to base camp to avoid sickness and on the mountain to warm and humidify the air.
  • 2 heavy weight winter hats
  • 1 baseball hat
  • 1sun hat. A sun hat that protects the neck is a great addition to your gear for trekking and on the mountain.
  • 1 pair light weight fleece gloves. These may be used on their own or underneath the warmer glove and mitten layers
  • 1 medium weight fleece glove. These will be used on their own lower on the mountain
  • 1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves. These can be used on their own or with a lighter pair of fleece liners higher on the mountain when climbing in cold weather. They are required gear and should be warm enough to climb to the summit in. Gloves have more dexterity than mittens for manipulating gear so they should be warn as much as possible as long as your hands are warm.
  • Hand warmers (optional). Some people use hand warmers, others don’t. If you get cold hands you should consider bringing them although they don’t burn very warm due to the low oxygen at higher altitudes needed for the chemical reaction to take place.
  • 2 pairs of Glacier glasses: one spare. These must block out as much light as possible and be the darkest level of protection (Cat 4). Removable side shields are useful. Bring a spare pair in case one is lost or broken.
  • Prescription eyewear. If you wear prescription eye wear make sure to figure out how you will deal with tis on the mountain when it is cold, dusty, and windy. Many people purchase prescription glacier glasses and goggles to use up high and use glasses and contacts down low.

Personal Gear:

  • Trekking Poles. These must be collapsible and fit in your duffel bags. A medium sized snow basket is recommend.
  • Pack cover. This is convenient for the trek to ABC if the monsoon season persists. It must fit your pack.
  • Umbrella. An umbrella is nice to have for the trip to base camp and ABC if the monsoon season is persistent. Buy a large one with a long handle.
  • 2 sleeping bags: 1 rated to -20F/, (1 rated to -40F/-40C, climbers only). The lighter sleeping bag will be used for the drive to base camp and on the trek to ABC and then brought up on the upper mountain in unison with your down suit. The heavier bag will be used for ABC only. The should be made of don and light weight.
  • 2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable (climbers only). The closed cell foam pad will be used on the trek to ABC and the inflatable used at the mountain camps. They should be light weight and have a high R-value.
  • 2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup both with extra batteries. The main headlamp must be bright but light weight and the other will be used as a back up. Bring extra batteries for both.
  • 8 AA batteries and 8 AAA batteries depending on what your electronics use
  • Make sure to have enough batteries for 6 weeks for all your electronics and gadgets.
  • 2 liter water bottles, wide mouth
  • Snack food. We will provide lunches but be sure to bring enough palatable personal snack food as you will need on the mountain. We recommend 5 pounds/2 kilograms. It need to be food you will eat when you don’t want to eat at altitude and specialty items such as “Gu”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks are excellent. It’s nice to have extra snacks on the drive to base camp as well. The food is good but some people feel they don’t get as full eating eastern food as with heavier western diets, so it’s nice to have some extra calories.
  • Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment. You can buy bottles water until base camp where we will boil the water for you, but it is nice to not create as much trash and save some money. I wouldn’t recommend drinking un-purified water out f the tap either in Nepal or Tibet.
  • Books
  • Bring one or two and we will be able to share them around to save weight.
  • Camera. Lightweight is good for the mountain but you can bring a heavier one for the drive and in to ABC. Make sure to bring plenty of storage and your battery charger.
  • Multitool
  • Toilet paper: 1 roll. It’s nice to have one roll for the drive. Toilet Paper will be provided once we arrive at base camp and at the hotels on the drive.
  • Altitude watch. Knowing your altitude is important in the mountains. Everyone should have an altitude watch.
  • Cup, bowl, spoon. A collapsible bowl, small cup, and durable spoon or two are needed for the mountain camps
  • Sun screen
  • SPF 30 or higher. Make sure to bring enough for the entire expedition.
  • Hand Sanitizer. Bring several small bottles to keep in your pocket at all times and one or two medium bottles for use at camps.
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Towel
  • Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
  • Nail trimmers
  • Baby wipes. These are invaluable while at the mountain camps.
  • Basic medical kit, should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, bandaids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, diamox (acetezolomide, 125mg) for AMS, niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethazone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprophen, anti-diahrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastero-intestinal such as Ciproflaxin), meletonin, Athsma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,

Climbers only:

  • 2 water bottle covers
  • These must fit over your water bottles and be as insulating as possible.
  • 1 liter thermos. This will be used high on the mountain to make sure you always have unfrozen water. Make sure it insulates well and doesn’t leak.
  • 2 pairs heavy climbing socks . Heavy synthetic or wool socks to use with triple boots. They must not be too tight when used with triple boots.
  • Heavy down mitts. These are used as a back up pair if you were to drop a glove or if it is extremely cold and you need a layer warmer than heavy climbing gloves. They should fit over a lighter fleece liner glove.
  • 60L climbing pack. This pack will be used on the mountain. It must be lightweight and fit your back. We recommend Hyperlight designs out of Maine, USA
  • Triple climbing boots. The warmest 8,000m boots you can find to keep your feet warm above C1 and especially on summit day.
  • Boot warmers. Many people use boot warmers for 8,000m climbing and swear by them, others don’t. If you get cold feet you should seriously consider purchasing a pair of boot warmers and fitting them to your boots. They could prevent you from needing to turn around on summit day with cold feet.
  • 1 down suit or 8,000m top and bottom. This should fit comfortably over 2 top and bottom layers. Leg zippers, arm pit zippers, and a rainbow fly on the seat are highly recommended options. It must have a hood.
  • 1 face mask. A full face mask that can cover all of the skin on your face when used in unison with goggles is a necessity for cold, windy days.
  • 1 heavy weight pair of down mitts
  • 2 pairs of goggles: 1 clear lens and 1 dark lens. The light pair will be worn on summit night when it is dark if it is really cold and windy, and the dark pair the rest of the climb. They both should block UVA/UVB and fans are quite effective.
  • Harness. This should be lightweight and have detachable leg loops.
  • Ascender with sling. Buy an ascender for your strong hand. We will show you ho to rig this at ABC.
  • 2 extra slings
  • 3 locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners
  • 20 feet of prussik cord
  • Helmet. There are a few sections with rock fall and ice fall.
  • Ice axe. Bring an alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash.
  • Crampons. 12 point crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly. Once we get on the mountain there is no option to change crampons so a proper fit is critical. We will check this in Kathmandu.
  • Figure 8. A figure 8 is easier and smoother to use  for rappelling on the fixed lines on Cho Oyu.

Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!

To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.

Steps:

1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*

*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.

Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.

APPLY NOW!

As with all of our programs we strongly recommend you have travel insurance for your Cho Oyu departure that includes trip cancellation as program fees are non-refundable in the instance of your cancellation, unforeseen events beyond our control, including but not limited to, illness, injury, strike, natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorism, flight cancellation, lost or stolen passports, a rejected or denied visa application or climbing permit. 

Our expeditions are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:

  • International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
  • International flights from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu (trekkers)
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport, Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
  • Bottled or boiled water for the treks en route to base camp
  • Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
  • Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
  • Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
  • Sherpa tip pool ($500 for climbers/$200 for trekkers)
  • Guide tip (customary but optional)
  • Satellite telephone air charges & 3rd party base camp wifi
  • Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
  • Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation etc.)

One cannot underestimate the importance of having the right team of Sherpas to support a Cho Oyu bid.

Sherpas are integral to almost any aspect of a Cho Oyu expedition and perform crucial roles as climbing partners such as carrying loads and fixing ropes on the mountain, organizing gear and building camps amongst many other jobs. You will quickly notice not only their importance but also their many other positive traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.

Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are lead by our sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is among the best in the business.

“Tendi Sherpa – a truly amazing person and an inspirational leader… It is plain to see that the leaders of the other guiding companies hold him in the highest regard. As a client that gives you great confidence in your leader’s decision making. It was that decision making that made it such a successful trip. Thank you Tendi.” -Richard W

He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard to which he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled and trusted Sherpa friends. Tendi and his team will work hard to make your climb of Cho Oyu a success, and they are likely to become friends for life.

Our Sherpa Team in the eyes of our clients

“Our team of Sherpas worked tirelessly. The amount of carrying they did was immense, not to mention effectively leading the line fixing. Their contribution was huge and I can’t thank them enough.” Richard W, Cho Oyu Client and Summiteer

“I have been on many expeditions, and Tendi was by far the best, most knowledgeable and experienced guide I have ever had. He was personable, interesting, had great attention to details and most of all inspirational. Although I didn’t summit Cho Oyu due to ongoing health issues (the rest of the team made it up), I had an amazing time under his leadership and would recommend him to anyone. As a whole, our CTSS team had the best chance on the mountain by a mile. We had the strongest support, a great deal of experience behind us and a leader with a whole lot of heart.” -Ross V

“Tendi is a true superstar of the Himalayas. 

Under his ever watchful eye, he allowed me to build confidence, learn new skills and gain faith in myself. Seemingly everywhere at once, Tendi was always there ready and willing to assist me on how to climb smarter and safer. 

Kind, inspiring, courteous, strong and always smiling. There are truly no words I can write that do him justice. I look forward to more climbs with Tendi in the future.” – Peter W

Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.

We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.

We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.

To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.

Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.

We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.

Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.

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