The Himalayas are undoubtedly the highest mountains on the Earth. That’s why they are a dream of many climbers from all over the world. Cho Oyu, 8201 is one of 14 8 thousand metres high mountains and the sixth highest mountain in the world. It is situated in the Nepal Himalayas near Mount Everest.

The Himalayas are not only the highest but also one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Its foot covers a thick jungle, and yaks’ grazing zones. Cho Oyu is situated on a China territory, that’s why we’ll ascend it from the Tibetan side, Nang Pala valley. The best time to reach Himalayan giants is after the monsoon, which is September-October or before the monsoon, in May. We’ll choose the first option. Compared with May it’s characterised by more stable and sunny weather, however, it’s colder and in October we may have to face strong winds. The temperatures around the peak may reach -40 C. During the day. Up to the level of 6500 it’s relatively warm, or even hot. Those who want to ascend 8 thousand metres must be properly prepared.

Apart from an excellent condition, climbing experience is indispensable, which means that you must ascend before at least 7 thousand metres. Up to two months before the expedition it’s good to ascend any other 6-7 thousand metres high mountain. The conditions in the Himalayas are extremely difficult. Piercing cold tends to be intensified by winds. Blood is very thick so it can cause vein blockage. Blood almost doesn’t get to the tips of fingers and toes which may result in frostbites. Above 6000 metres so called 1st death zone starts.
It’s an area where a body doesn’t regenerate. Being at this height for more than 4 weeks leads to a certain death. Above 7400 is so called 2nd death zone, the height at which an organism rapidly dies. We must outride the death. Practically this means that we mustn’t stay in this
zone for more than one day. Before setting out you have to go to the doctor’s and ask for his or her opinion on you body’s abilities to climb in high mountains. We ascend Cho Oyu along the trail well known to the organiser.

COSTS:

14 850 usd

The price includes; the organisation of the expedition, local guide who have been previously on the top, mainland tranfers, food (3 meals a day up to base camp, in higher camps we are using freeze-dried food), climbing insurance (including the possible helicopter action) accommodation in tents- tents are ready in every camp, training in high mountain climbing, climbing permission, caravan, porters, liaison officer, 4 nights with breakfasts in Kathmandu, gas, radio, ropes, 1 high altitude sherpa shared by 2-4 participants

The price doesn’t include:

• oxygen cylinders 510 usd
• oxygen mask and reducer 770 $
• all visas
• Excess baggage
• climbing the top bonus 200- 600 usd
• additional high altitude sherpa (6000 usd)
• tips
• satellite phone
• flight to Kathmandu
• all meals and additional accomodation in Kathmandu

APPLICATIONS:

Please contact us if You want to take part in expedition: annapurna@annapurna.pl

ITINERARY:

We fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal where we organise the food, porters, transport, fuel and other things indispensable during our expedition. In the meantime we should find some time for the sightseeing. Next we go to Tibet, in Tingri we spend one day on acclimatisation and we set off to the base camp located at 4600m. This base, called also Chinese Base, is used mainly for the recovery if someone gets injured in the mountains and for treating the height sickness. We move with our equipment to the forwarded base which will be our base camp. It’s situated at 5750 m so we can see the whole way to the peak from here. From the base camp we get to the first camp,at the hight of 6000, with our whole luggage. Ascent to the first camp is one of the steepest and demanding during our whole expedition. It’s an exposed crest with few rock and ice upcasts. Getting the first camp should take about 6 hours. After a night we ascend the second camp at the height of 7200m. We leave here some luggage and go back to the base camp. Next days again we ascend the 2nd camp but this time we spend a night there. Next, again, we descent to the base for a night. After that we go with the deposit to the third camp, 7500m. On our way we spend nights in the first and second camps. We leave the deposit in the third camp and get back to the second for a night. After a night we descend to the base camp where we take one day off. Next we climb the mountain intending to spend a night in the third camp. After that we descend to the base camp, try to rest and finally set off for the summit. Next day we ascend the third camp, we set off at 2 am. and, if everything is fine we climb towards the peak. On our way we have to face a few upcasts, fortunately there are fixed ropes. We ascend at the pace one step- 2,3 breaths. We move towards the summit till 12 o clock and then, no matter if we reach the summit or not, we descend. This is for our safety. The view from the summit is impressive, the whole Himalayas below us, only 600 metres higher Mount Everest, in the east, towers over our peak. From the peak we get to the third camp or if it’s possible to the second camp. Due to the conditions, weather, snow and the health and condition of the participants the ascent may look different than described above. The possible free time will be devoted for sightseeing in Lhasa.

NEEDED EQUIPMENT:

– Wind and snow proof overall with 2-3 linings.
– 2 warm polar fleece jackets
– antisweat underwear
– down filled overall
– warm polar fleece trousers
– thick and thin socks
– double gloves (loose), outer over-mitts and two pairs of inner gloves, the best are down filled and it’s good to take spare ones
– sleeping bag (- 40 C)
– thick foam pad
– hat, the best windproof
– plastic boots the warmest possible, one size too big
– glacier glasses
– butane burner or benzine coker
– comfortable rucksack 65 l
– vacuum flask
– headlamp with spare batteries
– overboots
– watch
– articles of toilet
– first aid kit; antibiotics, aspiryn, vitamins, microelements, isotonic preparations, plaster, bandages, strenghtening preparations, anticoagulants, digestants
– mess tin and cutlery
– crampons, ice axe, harness, telescopic sticks, locking biner, loop, ascender
– bivouac bag
– oxygen mask (useful)
– rescue transmiter (useful)
– chemical warming agents
– Sun protection cream
– Scarf or mask to cover the face