As you land on Kathmandu, you will meet the representative of Kai expedition waiting for you outside at Tribhuvan international airport. From the airport, you will directly take to the hotel and clear check-in formalities and leave you at the hotel. If you landed in Nepal before 9am, on this day, we will apply for the Tibet visa.
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Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 02-04 Visa apply preparation and sightseeing
First, we will pick up your passport and submit them at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for the Tibet visa. While paperwork is being processed, climbers use the time to conduct final gear checks, purchase any last-minute supplies, and ensure all logistics are in place. Additionally, there is time to enjoy light sightseeing in Kathmandu, exploring cultural landmarks like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, and the vibrant Temple district.
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Day 05 Drive to Timure
From Kathmandu, we will drive towards Timure, where the journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, winding through lush hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering glimpses of rural Nepalese life. Timure serves as the final stop before crossing into Tibet, allowing the team to rest, acclimatize slightly, and prepare for the immigration process and further travel towards Cho Oyu Base Camp.
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Day 06 Drive to Kerung
On day 6 of the Cho Oyu expedition, the team drives from Timure to Kerung, a small border town in Tibet. From Timure to Kerung, the journey takes through scenic mountains roads and offers glimpses of the Langtang range. Upon arrival in Kerung, situated at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters, where you will rest and begin the process of acclimatization, preparing for the higher elevation to come.
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Day 07 Drive to Tingri
Today, you will drive from Kerung to Tingri. The route offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscapes, winding through high mountain passes and remote valleys. Upon reaching Tingri, a small but historically significant town, you will get your first clear glimpses of towering giants like Cho Oyu and Everest in the distance. This day is key for further acclimatization and preparing for the next stages of the expedition. -
Day 08 Rest day at Tingri
This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization in Tingri, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude before moving further up. At an elevation of around 4300 meters, Tingri provides the perfect setting to relax while still gradually adapting to the thinner air. At Tingri, you can take light walks around the town, enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and soak in the stark beauty of the Tibetan plateau. -
Day 09 Drive to Chinese Base Camp
On day 09 of the Cho Oyu expedition, we will drive to the Chinese Base Camp from Tingri. The journey takes several hours, traversing rugged mountain roads and remote Tibetan landscapes. Upon arrival at the Chinese Base Camp, you will begin the crucial process of acclimatization, setting into the high-altitude environment in preparation for the challenging climb ahead. -
Day 10 Rest day at Chinese Base Camp
On day 10 of the Cho Oyu expedition, this day is reserved for rest and acclimatization at the Chinese Base Camp. You will spend the day hydrating, taking short walks, and organizing gear while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. -
Day 11 Trek to Intermediate Camp
From Chinese Base Camp, the team embarks on a trek to Intermediate Camp, gradually ascending through the rugged glacial terrain. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks while helping you adapt further.
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Day 12 Trek to the Advance Base Camp
The team continues the ascent from Intermediate Camp to Advance Base Camp, situated at approximately 5700 meters. The trail becomes more demanding, crossing moraine fields and rocky paths with breathtaking views of Cho Oyu looming closer. This trek is crucial for acclimatization and marks a significant step in the expedition. Upon arrival at Advance Base Camp, the team set up camp in a stunning high-altitude setting that will serve as the main staging point for summit preparation in the days ahead. -
Day 13-37 Summit Cho Oyu
From day 13 onwards, the team begins the climb from Advance Base Camp (ABC), progressing through a series of high camps- Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3-each strategically placed to adapt to the increasing altitude. The route includes technical sections such as the infamous ice cliff and steep snow slopes, demanding physical resilience and mental focus. The weather windows are closely monitored, and climbers take rest days at the higher camps as needed to prepare for the final push.
Around day 30 to 33, the team aims for the summit during a favorable weather window. Departing from Camp 3 in the pre-dawn hours, you will navigate the final steep ascent in thin air, supported by fixed ropes and oxygen. The summit itself offers sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and the Tibetan plateau-a rewarding reward for weeks of effort. After a brief time at the top due to extreme conditions, the descent begins, retracing the route back to Advance Base Camp with utmost caution. By day 37, the expedition concludes with a safe return to Advance Base Camp, marking the successful completion of the Cho Oyu summit and a life-changing Himalayan experience.
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Day 38 Trek down to Intermediate Camp
You will trek descent from higher altitudes, trekking down to the Intermediate Camp. The thinner air gives a way to slightly easier breathing, and the landscapes slowly shift from icy expanses to more familiar rugged terrain. The return to Intermediate Camp offers a chance to rest, rehydrate, and process the incredible heights you have reached. -
Day 39 Drive to Tingri
The team leaves the Intermediate Camp and begins the journey back to civilization, driving to Tingri. The rough mountain roads wind through barren yet majestic landscapes, offering final glimpses of the towering peak left behind. As the altitude continues to drop, there is a sense of accomplishment and quiet reflection. Arriving in Tingri, the team enjoys the comforts of a warm meal and a proper bed, marking a significant step towards the end of the Cho Oyu expedition. -
Day 40 Drive to Kerung
The journey heads back to Kerung from Tingri, retracing the scenic mountain road through the vast Tibetan plateau. The drive offers final glimpses of snow-capped peaks, winding through remote villages and high-altitude landscapes. After several hours on the road, the descent into the verdant valley of Kerung marks a return towards the Nepal border, bringing a sense of closure to the incredible Himalayan adventure. -
Day 41 Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, we will drive back to the Kathmandu Valley from Kerung. Before driving back to Kathmandu, at the border, we will finish all the paper work and officially end the Cho Oyu expedition. After completing paper work, we will drive to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will take to the hotel, where you will take a rest at night. -
Day 42 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today, you go for sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley, or you can also rest for a whole day at the hotel. -
Day 43 Departure day
The guide will be at the hotel lobby to take you to Tribhuvan international airport. The team member of Kai expedition is also there to see you off and hopes that you will give an opportunity to serve you again.