Trip Grade
Strenuous
Duration
42 Days
Daily Activity
4-7 hours
Country
Tibet
Season
Spring /Autumn
Group Size
2-10 pax
Max Altitude
8188 m /26906 ft
Transportation
Helicopter/private Vechile
ACCOMMODATION
Tents /hotel
Trip Type
Expedition
Cho Oyu (8,201m | 26,906ft) is an iconic mountain and the world’s 6th tallest peak. Cho Oyu, which translates as “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet at the Western edge of the mountainous Khumbu region, around 20km from Everest and offers climbers views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and figuratively hundreds of other Himalayan peaks.
Despite standing an imposing 8,188m above sea level, the world’s sixth highest mountain is actually a relatively straightforward climb - at least when compared to some of the other 8,000ers. Its flat summit plateau, and the relatively gentle slopes approaching it don’t require the same level of technical climbing expertise that, say, Kanchenjunga or Makalu do.
Climbing Cho Oyu is an achievable undertaking for intermediate climbers who wish to attempt an 8,000 m peak. The expedition provides a perfect entrance into the world of high-altitude Himalayan climbing. Despite its comparatively mellow reputation, this is still a significant mountaineering challenge, which involves spending long hours in the death zone.
Trip Highlight
Having the right equipment on your expedition will make almost as much difference to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment as any physical training you do. It is essential that you take the time to acquire the correct gear; don’t wait for the last minute to find out your local shop doesn’t have your size. This equipment is expensive, but you can often find great sales online and at your local gear store. The purpose of this gear list is to help guide your purchases. Often salespeople in your local shop do not have first hand knowledge of high-altitude climbing, so be sure to balance their advice with what you read here. We have strived to create a list heavy on detail, but there are always further questions!
This list is a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment, unless otherwise noted. Using our current suggested brand list we encourage you to shop around, do research, even borrow, and use your experience with our list to find the best gear for you.
Purchasing the specific items listed below will ensure you have the right tool for the job, but there are other options on the market.
A note on the packing
For your international 9lights, we recommend that you pack all your
equipment in your two larger duf9le bags. Do not simply pack your backpack (since the straps can be damaged by the baggage handling
machines). It is important to lock these bags for their trip. Depending
on the airport, you may be able to put your travel locks on after TSA
has searched the bags. If not, lock the bags with zip ties. If the TSA cuts off the zip tie to search your bag, they will replace it. You will still need the travel locks to lock your bags in the hotel and during the expedition. Generally, you will take two duffels up to Base Camp, and leave the third in the hotel in Kathmandu with your belongings for time in the city. ONE of the duffels going up to Base Camp can be sent on ahead (with items not needed for the trek in, such as climbing gear) and this bag will not be seen until we arrive at Base Camp. The other will be accessible during the trek in the evenings (with items that are needed for the trek in such as changes of clothing, sleeping bag). SO it’s easy – 1st
bag is with you, the 2nd is ahead going up to BC and the 3rd is left
behind for afterward – 3 duffels!
Body Wear
Head Wear
Hand Wear
Foot Wear
Packs & Bags
Camping Gear
Accessories
Climbing Equipment
Travel Gear
Pack the above items into the following bags ready for your flight to Lukla, trekking and Base Camp.
Kathmandu Duffel Bag
This bag will remain in Kathmandu and contains everything you will not need during the expedition.
Trek Daypack/Daywear
This will be the pack that you carry with you on the plane to Lukla and while on the trek.
Wear your trekking clothes (trekking pants, shirt or long sleeved top and fleece jacket) and boots; pack any spares in your trek duffel. Make sure you have enough clothes with you to keep warm in case you get to the lodge before your porter and trek duffel.
Trek Duffel Bag
This bag contains the items that you will need during the trek. Porters will carry this bag to the lodge that you are staying at each night. You will not have access to this bag during the day
Base Camp Duffel Bag
This bag contains everything that you will need for the climb and Base Camp only. This bag will go directly to Base Camp.
You will not have access to this bag until you arrive at Base Camp.
