Cho Oyu is the world's sixth highest mountain and considered to be the easiest of the fourteen 8,000m peaks.
As with all ascents at high altitude, the climbing is strenuous and a high standard of fitness is required, but as a peak to experience the thin air at 8,000m for the first time, Cho Oyu is ideal. Many of our expedition members use the experience gained here as a 'stepping stone' to Everest - or climb it as their ‘once only’ 8,000m goal.
Our Cho Oyu expedition itinerary has been tailored to include a visit to the city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture. Here we explore the Potala Palace and other cultural sites while acclimatising for the journey ahead. We then travel overland to the base of the mountain followed by a short walk to Base Camp.
The climbing route links features devoid of undue hazard with only a few short technical sections, yet the ascent path is direct, allowing climbers to gain altitude without covering a lot of distance.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Dates 2024
September 3 to October 17, 2024
Pricing Schedule 2024
The cost of the expedition ex Kathmandu is US$39,900.
Please note our pricing includes the new fee structure from Chinese authorities for operating high altitude expeditions in China.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account #: 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Cho Oyu Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 5 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 12 members and 3 guides. A team of between 3 and 6 climbing Sherpas will carry loads and support the summit climb and we will have a cook at Base Camp.
We get a wide range of experience levels and nationalities on our trips and the expeditions are geared to accommodate this. People without a lot of high altitude experience often experience trepidation about their performance before a trip and the only way to find out how you will perform is by going to altitude. Increasingly we find that accomplished high altitude climbers are using our services so they can concentrate on their sponsorships rather than private expedition organising.
We recommend to aspiring high altitude climbers that the best approach is to climb gradually higher peaks throughout your career so you can adjust to the requirements of altitude. However, anyone who is a strong and active mountaineer will most probably experience few problems at altitude under our supervision.
Our Guides
The Expedition Leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders to the 8,000m peaks have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
JB Chandesris
Expedition Leader 2019
Having spent his life climbing and skiing across the globe, French guide JB has found the progression to high altitude expeditions as natural as his guiding ability. Not content with summitting 8,167m/26,794ft Dhaulagiri without oxygen in 2017, JB has also led three expeditions to Antarctica’s highest peak, Vinson Massif (4,892m/16,050ft), and earlier this year paraglided from South America's highest peak, Aconcagua (6,962m/22,841ft). JB is as strong a leader as he is a climber and is one of our most popular guides, having guided for Adventure Consultants around the world, from New Zealand to Europe and Antarctica.
Rob Smith
Private Expedition Leader 2019
Rob started climbing in 1989, and has been guiding since 2000. He divides his time between guiding during the summer Antarctic seasons and the greater ranges of the Himalaya. Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland Rob is now based in Fort William, Scotland. He has guided for Adventure Consultants for a number of years and his notable guided ascents include Everest, Vinson Massif, Carstensz Pyramid, Cho Oyu and Elbrus among many others.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Kelly McLaren, Expedition Liaison
Having worked for Adventure Consultants since 2004, Kelly has gained a vast knowledge of AC expeditions and treks. In her role as Expedition Liaison, Kelly will assist with the planning and logistics for your trip, providing useful information, reminders and answering any questions to ensure you arrive well prepared.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
There is no definite measure for assessing the required skill level to climb Cho Oyu so we prefer to discuss this on an individual basis. However, there are some broad guidelines that can be applied from the outset.
A successful team member will have been visiting the mountains for at least three seasons and made ascents of peaks up to 5,500-6,000m/18-20,000 feet. It is quite common for members to have previously climbed Denali in Alaska, Aconcagua in South America, or various Mexican volcanoes as training for Cho Oyu.
He/she will be familiar with crevasse travel techniques and have a good overall standard of fitness. See our Fitness Training Programs for details on how you can best prepare for the challenge.
Age itself is no barrier. To date we have succeeded on Himalayan trips with members aged from 22 to 65 years of age.
A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are essential prerequisites for this expedition. The guides and other expedition staff will provide the leadership, tactics and overall decision making required during the climb, but still you will have to physically put one foot in front of the other to climb to the top and back.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
History
Cho Oyu translates to the “Goddess of Turquoise”. The first to attempt to climb Cho Oyu’s 8,188m/26,863ft summit was by well-known adventurers; Eric Shipton, Edmund Hillary and George Lowe as part of the British Everest reconnaissance expedition of 1952. They managed to climb to 6,800m/22,309ft where they were stopped by an ice cliff. This same cliff is now fixed with rope.
In 1954, a small Austrian group organised a minimally equipped expedition to again attempt Cho Oyu. Herbert Tichy, Helmut Heuberger, Sepp Joechler, Pasang Dawa Lama Sherpa and Fritz Wiessner operated the expedition with an additional 6 Sherpas and 36 Porters. On October 19, Tichy, Joechler and Pasang reached the summit although Tichy suffered severe frostbite on his hands. It was the first expedition to follow the monsoon season and the route they took over the Nangpa La (pass) is no longer passable (except for local yak herders and Tibetan traders) due to its sensitive border location.
Food
Our Base Camp equipment and ample, nutritious meals are always the envy of other groups on the mountain!
AC will import western food for the expedition and supplement this with fresh and dried Nepalese and Tibetan products. Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food and the expertise of the cooks. We bring a variety of foods and snack foods to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat for the trekking days or high on the mountain, you may wish to bring some with you.
We highly recommend reading Mark Twight’s book, 'Extreme Alpinism – Climbing Light, Fast and High' for ideas about nutrition for mountaineering (as well as a myriad of advice on training and mental fortitude etc.).
It is a good idea to try out different snacks, energy bars and gels during your training. It can be difficult to stomach certain foods at high altitude so finding something that suits you is very important. Once you find what works for you we suggest you bring a supply with you to supplement the snacks that we provide.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
Base Camp Facilities
You will have your own tent at Base Camp and our Sherpa staff will help you get settled in. Most mornings, with the arrival of the sun you will be served bed-tea; a nice touch, which our Sherpa pride themselves in. Please bring soap, shampoo, shavers, a towel, hand sanitizer and ‘wet wipes’ etc. Showers are only occasionally available at Base Camp during times when the Sherpa are not too busy in the kitchen. Please do not expect to shower on a daily basis! In addition, there will be access to hot water for you to do a small amount of clothes washing.
The tents in Base Camp consist of the following:
We have audio speakers into which you can plug your iPod, tablet or phone, please feel free to contribute your preference in music. Otherwis,e you will be subjected to your guide’s choice of music! We also treat ourselves to the occasional movie night.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal |
| 2 | Commence Tibet Travel Permit process |
| 3 | Gear checks and sightseeing in Kathmandu |
| 4 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu, finalise Tibet Travel Permit |
| 5 | Fly to Chengdu, China, overnnight |
| 6 | Fly to Lhasa, Tibet (3,650m/11,975ft) |
| 7 | Sightseeing in Lhasa |
| 8 | Drive to Shigatse (3,800m/12,470ft) |
| 9 | Drive to Tingri (4,350m/14,270ft) |
| 10 | Rest day in Tingri |
| 11 | Drive to Road End Base Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) |
| 12-13 | Rest/acclimatisation at Road End |
| 14 | Trek to Valley Camp (5,300m/17,390ft) |
| 15 | Trek to Base Camp (5,650m/18,500ft) |
| 16-17 | Rest at Base Camp/organise equipment |
| 18-31 | Establish high camps and acclimatise |
| 32-39 | SUMMIT WINDOW |
| 40 | Return to Base Camp |
| 41 | Pack equipment |
| 42 | Trek back to road end and drive to Tingri |
| 43 | Drive to Nepalese border |
| 44 | Drive to Kathmandu |
| 45 | Depart from Kathmandu |
The expedition commences from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From there we travel by plane to Chengdu, China and then the following day onto Lhasa, Tibet where we are met by the staff from the Tibetan Mountaineering Association. There is time for some sightseeing in Lhasa, and we begin to acclimatise since Lhasa is at a height of 3,650m/11,975ft. We then transfer to vehicles for the journey overland to the mountain. We stop for a few nights along the way to assist acclimatisation as the vehicles ultimately take us to 4,800m/15,800ft. From the road’s end a two-day trek, with yaks carrying the luggage, leads us to the Base Camp at 5,650m/18,500ft. This is a spectacular spot set across from the famous Nangpa La pass.
The route to Camp One follows the moraine up the main glacier and turns off to the east up a tributary glacier after a two-hour hike. After a steep climb up the scree and snow we are led to the camp at 6,400m/21,000ft. We also use a Camp 1.5 at 6,700m/22,000ft.
From Camp One, the route follows a moderate snow and ice ridge before leading through a small ice serac and out onto a broad plateau. Camp Two is situated at 7,000m/23,000ft in a 'Football Field' looking up at the summit region.
From Camp Two, a 30-degree snow climb leads directly up to Camp Three at 7,400m/24,300ft.
The summit climb (8,188m/26,863ft) from Camp Three will take around 12 hours return for most members and involves climbing through a short rock band just above the top camp before heading into an open couloir, which in turn leads to the summit plateau.
Experience tells us that a high degree of Sherpa support, coupled with maximum oxygen flow rates, greatly increases the rate of success for our team members. With this option, you receive oxygen at a higher flow rate on climbing days allowing you to completely focus on summitting. The results speak for themselves. With the ‘Max Ox’ option, climbers have reported having better energy levels, a better appetite, more warmth, a higher degree of strength and greater enjoyment on summit day than those without. They also enjoy a higher rate of success!
Additional Sherpa Support
We offer a service giving members the option to have their gear carried on ‘camp moving’ days, so all you have to carry is your jacket and water bottle and items required for the day. This option is popular with those who have difficulty recovering after a carrying a heavy load at altitude.
Personal Sherpa
This option provides you with the assistance of a very experienced and dedicated Sherpa who will support you for the duration of the expedition above Base Camp. Your Personal Sherpa will climb with you each day while you are climbing on the mountain as your climbing partner and generally assist you throughout the expedition all the way to the summit. When on the mountain, you would share a tent with your Personal Sherpa and he would supervise cooking duties. Our Sherpa guides are very experienced with multiple ascents of Everest and other high peaks under their belts, and are friendly and supportive companions along the way!
Finally you can combine these options to give Max OX and Additional Sherpa support in one package at a favourable price. We feel that the results speak for themselves. Climbers who once may have had issues recovering from heavy load carrying, in time for a summit attempt, are now able to experience an enjoyable and rewarding summit day.
You may also like to talk to us about other options such as personal communication systems, or the provision of a personal tent on the mountain.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our 8,000m peak expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more about AC's history here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Nowhere else will you find a team of people more dedicated to your success! From when you first contact the AC office to the time you step on the mountain, our customer service is second to none. The AC team of guides and Sherpas will ensure that this expedition is run to our high standards and will be an enjoyable expedition with a great group of people.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
We stay at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu, which features a rooftop swimming pool and on-site dining. Ideally located in Lazmipat, the hotel is adjacent to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and is within walking distance of popular attractions including Durbar Marg and Thamel.
Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?
We generally book you into a single room at the hotel in Kathmandu and then twin share in any lodges used during the trek into Base Camp. When you arrive at Base Camp you will have your own tent but on the mountain you will share a tent with others. A single supplement is available, please contact our office for further details. On the Shishapangma and Cho Oyu expeditions, we book twin-share hotel rooms in Lhasa.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
Showers will often be available at the hotels and lodges on the approach to Base Camp, sometimes for a small fee. We do offer shower facilities on all our 8,000m expeditions and these will be made available as often as possible at your Base Camp. We advise people to bring wet wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. It is also possible to hand wash clothes at Base Camp between climbing cycles.
What food will be available?
If you have any special treat that you like, we encourage you to bring some along. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements on your application form and we will be happy to accommodate you. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and Western food! On the mountain, we usually have a wide variety of MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat). These are significantly tastier than freeze-dried meals, as they are real food vacuum-sealed and ready to heat and eat.
We work really hard to make sure our food is second to none. Our food is rated so highly that our guides are frequently seen chasing guides and clients from other expeditions out of our mess tents!
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You should plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Kathmandu if you have the time. Before your expedition, you will receive a “final details” email. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guides. An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day 1.
You are free to depart from the last day of the trip. Please do not book to depart before the final scheduled itinerary day.
What is the best way to get to Nepal?
Regular flights operate into Kathmandu via Bangkok, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore and Delhi.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure that you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows our local agents to assist with changing your return flight plans if need be, while you are in the mountains.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure that your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights earlier, then ensure that you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing them if we do have to cancel the trip.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes. We highly recommend using a travel agent, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Please plan to fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). An Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often still make arrangements for a pickup.
Can I arrive early or depart late?
Of course. We request that you arrive in Kathmandu by the assigned date to assure your baggage makes it on time and you have time to recover from jet lag before going to altitude. It is impossible on this expedition to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! Some people depart from our expeditions later to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu, but do keep in mind that this is a long expedition and we find that people often want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Do I need to get a visa?
Yes. Nepal visas can either be obtained on arrival into Kathmandu or can be issued in advance through an online visa system. Be sure to have the correct USD amount in cash for your visa application and have a passport photo for your arrival in Kathmandu. Currently, a 30-day visa costs $50 and 90-day visa costs US$125.
For the Shishapangma expedition to Tibet, visas are processed in Kathmandu following your arrival. Do make sure that your passport has at least six months validity and more details on this process are included in your Reference Notes, which will be emailed out to you upon sign up.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will email you a copy of our Reference Notes which include detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this can be directed to our Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you by recommending and sourcing a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the climb via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes. These lists have been carefully prepared so please bring everything on the list!
Can I bring food and other gear not on the list?
Absolutely! Most of our expedition members end up bringing “the kitchen sink!" We encourage you to bring some of your favourite goodies and tech toys, as Base Camp will become our home. The more comfortable you are, the more energy you have for the climb, so every little thing helps!
How heavy will my pack be?
We will have the luxury of a strong Sherpa team that will carry team equipment, food and oxygen on the mountain. Whilst there are some instances where the Sherpa may take a couple of small items for you to the next camp, this is only occasional and you are expected to carry your personal gear. This is achieved by taking small amounts of your gear to the higher camps each time you go. However there are times when you must carry all your personal gear at one time making for a fairly heavy load. When you put all your gear into a pack it still amounts to between 18-25kg/40-55lbs so the load is not insignificant and you must come prepared for the high level of physical output. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive.
Given the large amount of equipment that I need to bring, can I send freight ahead?
Sending your equipment ahead by freight is not as easy as it sounds. The costs can be considerable with expensive clearance and duty fees, plus time delays getting your gear out of customs. We advise against it, but if considering it, please contact us to discuss the process and associated costs.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated on your expedition equipment list. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the type of bag we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
What altitude medication will be available? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine and Sildenafil for altitude illness. Some of our bigger expeditions even have their own doctor. Generally, there is no need to take prophylactic altitude medication before or during your expedition but if you have a previous history of altitude illness, then please discuss this with us and your physician.
You do, however, need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also, bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
What sort of O2 masks do you use?
We use Summit and Topout masks plus regulators for all our Sherpas, guides and climbers.
What is the oxygen bottle size?
We use 4-litre Poisk bottles, which are the lightest available at 3.5kg/8lbs each.
What is Max OX? How does it work?
The Max OX option is simple and in this era of better O2 systems, we wanted to offer our team members every possible advantage to summit. The Max OX option allows you to climb on a higher bottled oxygen flow rate, thus increasing your chance of success. Please see the 'Add Ons' section above for more information.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there is someone in your area who can become a training partner, perhaps they can help you source some hard to find gear. The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to have some contact with folks that you will share this experience with. We respect the privacy of each team member and check with each person before releasing any contact details.
How many guides/Sherpas will be assigned to our group?
A ratio of climbers to Western guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable ‘Trip Notes’. Sherpa guides are assigned depending on the size of the group and type of expedition.
How much should I tip my guide staff? What about the Sherpa staff?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from US$20 to US$10,000 for an 8,000m expedition. It is worth remembering that you will have a high degree of contact with some of the Sherpa staff, while others will be working away in the background providing necessary services to keep the expedition running and therefore we feel it is appropriate to include them in the tipping pool.
Can my friends and family join me on the trek into Base Camp?
Yes, this is possible on some of our expeditions so please do enquire directly with the Adventure Consultants office.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Gasherbrum 2 and Kanchenjunga, all of the Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows, so you can hike and climb at your own pace and enjoy the mountains on your own terms. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a climb at high altitude?
You should be in the best shape of your life! We invite you to check out our Fitness Training Page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For our high altitude expeditions, you should be comfortable walking for 5-9 hours with a weighted pack, although summit days on some peaks can be over 20 hours long! Pack weight can be 18-25kg/40-55lbs on carry days on but only 5-7kg/11-15lbs on summit day and on the trek in. Working out every day with day-long hikes with a weighted pack on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme. Day by day the challenges are different, but the more prepared you are both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
It depends on the day and your level of acclimatisation. At the beginning of the trip, everything seems slower and longer, but as you get more adjusted to the mountain, the days go quicker. Average days can be 5-10 hours long. Summit day can be up to 20 hours long.
How do you train for a trip like this?
Our standard response to this question is that you become a climber first, and everything else during this portion of your life comes second. This is the level of dedication to your training, both mental and physical, that you need to have. We have specific ideas around training and great book suggestions to help you along. Please look over our Fitness Training Programmes page for details. If you require more information please contact our office and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our senior guides for a consultation. We can also link you with our training coach to design a training programme for you.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries and electronic equipment throughout the expedition? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our computers, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office. Many of the lodges also have power available with typical Asian plug sockets (two horizontal prongs) and can recharge batteries for a small fee.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If so, what are the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 to $4 per minute depending on the region.
I want to contact a friend or relative who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Most of our expeditions send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
What weather report service do you use?
We receive comprehensive weather forecasts from our Swiss meteorologists which enable us to plan our ascent around favourable weather. Additional meteorological interpretation is provided by veteran high altitude guides through our head office in New Zealand and helps manage the decision-making process.
What insurance do we need to get?
We require you to have insurance for any personal or medical mishaps may occur during the expedition. This should include cover for illness, medical emergency and/or evacuation. We also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption or cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Please contact us for expedition insurance advice or visit our webpage here.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without taking a loss on non-refundable expenses already paid. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (for example, if minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we will refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our secure online payment system page.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
You can find information on expedition inclusions and exclusions in the 'Payment Conditions' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price, but we can recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your airfare.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
In addition to the cash you should bring for staff gratuities, you will also need to take funds for the likes of laundry, bottled water, alcohol, showers and any other sundry purchases that you may make. Approximately US$300-500 should suffice for the trek in and out for such small purchases.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the expedition is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for further information.
What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
What about the Maoists in Nepal?
The Maoist problem which partly crippled the economy of Nepal for a decade garnered major international interest. The Maoists have now formed part of the Nepalese government and there is a comprehensive peace agreement in place so we hope the troubles of the past are put behind the Nepalese people. Our sources in Nepal keep us up to date with the political situation and if there are significant changes we will be sure to advise you.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
Dispatches - Cho Oyu 2013
Dispatches - Cho Oyu 2007
Dispatches - Cho Oyu 2005
Dispatches - Cho Oyu 2003
