Nepal is a landlocked gem, sandwiched between India and China, located in the Himalaya (“The mystic land of Yetis”).The country fascinates with mesmerizing mountains, rich cultural diversity, magnificent temples, artistic shrines, and inspiring natural scenery. Due to its geographical diversity, Nepal is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Whatever action you love to do, in Nepal you can do it! The choices to embark to a lifetime experience are endless. Either you climb high mountains, trek between the world’s tallest mountains, go for a Safari ride, mountain bike in the core of the Himalaya, raft on the wild rivers, explore the UNESCO World heritage sites, the experience is indescribable.
Bhutan is well-known for its dramatically varied topography. It boasts a great diversity of awe-inspiring landscapes of snow-clad mountains, lush valleys, dense forests and rushing streams that are considered to be abodes of the gods.To the south lies India; to the north Tibet. Having only opened its doors to the tourism in 1974, Bhutan has remained relatively isolated from western influence and enabled to maintain a rich traditional based Buddhist culture.
The autonomous region of Tibet is located at the main part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, south-West frontier of China. Tibet borders with Sichuan, Yuannan, Qinghai
and Xinjiang; to the south contiguous to India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Burma, and bounded by Kashmir on the west. Open grassland, virgin forest, Tibet is also home for some of the world’s tallest mountains, with several of them making the top ten list with Mount Everest: the highest mountain on earth. With its particular dry climate, Tibet is worth a visit almost all year long. April to November are the milder months.
A splendid Nature, a history of several thousand years, an identity like no other: the Alps. Are you dreaming of a new experience? Climbing a 4000-metre high peak, enjoying a meal at a timeless bivouac or admiring the high peaks on a journey of several days’ walking. Excited of spending the summer in the mountains?
Discover this true natural gem with WILD YAK. Whether in Switzerland, France or Italy, WILD YAK takes you off the beaten track.
Since long time, expedition to the Himalayan Mountains has fascinated the climbers from all around the world; whether it is for a personal challenge or an experience to do something beyond one’s imagination. Expedition to the Himalayan mountain is captivating; why?
Love love love! Have you ever dreamt of going trekking in Nepal? If you have never done trekking in Nepal, then you certainly miss a magical experience in your life. However, many people assume one needs to be strong, physically very fit, and have a long holiday to go trekking in Nepal.
Open grassland, virgin forest, Tibet is also home to some of the world's tallest mountains, with several of them making the top ten list. Experience an authentic discovery of the highland of Tibet by foot. Mount Everest: the highest mountain on earth in the background gives a special taste to your adventure.
In the Himalayas' heart, landlocked between India and Tibet, Bhutan offers many possibilities for trekking off the beaten track that will leave no one indifferent. Due to the country's policy of isolation, there is little traffic on the trekking trails. With 70% of its territory covered by forests
The Himalayas are a treasure trove of traditions and culture. WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS offers a wide range of guided tours to enjoy the charm of these local treasures. Discover our cultural tours or contact us for a customized cultural tour, we will be happy to advise you!
5* Hotels in Kathmandu / Chinese comfortable hotels / WYE Campsites
Meals
Dinners in Kathmandu / All meals during Expedition
HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction of culture and tradition of the Tibetan Buddhist culture
Guided sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and Lhasa
Fabulous experience of mountaineering in an extreme environment: Cho Oyu, 8201m (6th highest summit in the world)
Extraordinary views on Himalaya Giants: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Shishapangma
Focus on high-quality services, experienced WILD YAK Team for a small group of 4 to 6 participants only.
Note: You might have the possibility to combine the Cho Oyu Expedition with the Shishapangma Expedition. Please contact us for further information.
Overview
Cho Oyu is also known as “Turquoise Goddess”. It was named by the Tibetan. Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the World. It stands on the Tibet-Nepal border, 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest and Lhotse. Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain situated in the Khumbu region, along the Tibetan border. Even more on its west, you can see the Nangpa La. Nangpa La was a major pass and trade route between the Khumbu Sherpa, the people of Nepal, and Tibet from centuries.
CHO OYU EXPEDITION
First of all, we start our expedition with the help of our Guides. Cho Oyu has the reputation to be one of the easier access and safe 8000-meter climbing mountains. Therefore, most of the climbing is in moderate ice and snow slopes up to 50 degrees. Finally, with a few short sections of steeper rock and ice, we move on.
Austrian expedition on 19 October 1954 climbed the Mountain via its northwest ridge. It was only the fifth successful expedition to climb an 8000-meter peak.
SAFETY FEATURES
For the safety, good ambiance, and flexibility, we focus on teams of 4 to 6 climbers, as well as:
Supplementary 4-liter Oxygen bottle with mask and regulator is part of the emergency kit
Means of communication
Similarly, good connections with the local rescue Team in high altitude emergency
Weather updates, in particular for the climbing period of Mount Cho Oyu
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ Team consists of highly trained and skilled new generation climbing Sherpas. They are educated and have numerous experiences of high altitude climbing. Furthermore, they are fluent in various languages, friendly and supportive
1 Climbing Sherpa per 2 participants for the Summit days
Finally, we provide a warm down sleeping bag and down jacket for the participants for the duration of the Expedition
WHY GOING FOR AN ADVENTURE?
Wild Yak Expeditions believes an adventure in the outdoors has benefits ranging from physical to mental to spiritual. Himalaya is also the best place where we have enough time to rejuvenate our life by positive well being. It is essential to make some space from worldly news, social media, and a busy life to be productive. Besides personal benefits, it contributes to helping the local economy by visiting the areas.
Going on adventures raises your tolerance for uncertainty. Even more, placing yourself in situations where things don’t always go as planned helps you learn in life. And there is no shortage of those adventures in Nepal.
WHY WITH WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS?
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ Team welcomes you in the Himalaya. We commit to organizing small groups with high-quality services and security. These are essential for flexibility, good ambiance, and exchanges of cultural tradition with our Team and local guides. Finally, hospitality to our guest and economy to locals are part of our aspirations.
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ representative will be at Tribhuvan International Airport’s arrival and gracefully escort you to the Hotel. As the Hotel is very close to the UNESCO heritage site Boudhanath, our representative will familiarise you with the area after checking in with the Hotel.
After Dinner, Short briefing regarding the next day program.
Hotel: HYATT Regency
Dinner: in an excellent restaurant in town
Altitude at the stay: 1350 meters
Day 02
Sightseeing of the UNESCO heritage Sites in Kathmandu
After breakfast at the Hotel, an introduction meeting is foreseen at the hotel garden to exchange knowledge and tips regarding the Expedition.
During the day Wild Yak will follow for the visa formalities and sent Passports to Chinese Embassy.
Note: Recheck of all climbing materials
Kathmandu is also known as city of Temples, the century-long fusion of Budhhism and Hindusium harmony is displayed so well in the monuments and Temples.
Around 10:30 WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS private Van will arrive at hotel with the Cultural Tour expert guide.
Day 03
Chinese visa formalities
Its a Leisure day that guest can roam around the valley.
Day 04
Fly to Lhasa
Highlights of the Day
Flight to Lhasa, suspension bridges, Sera monastery
According to your flight schedule, a WILD YAK representative will escort you to the airport.
WILD YAK Services
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ philosophy is: as much as possible is included in the quoted price so that our Guests know the total costs of their Expedition in advance!
The organization of your Expedition
All airport/hotel transfers in Nepal
All ground transportation as per itinerary in Nepal and Tibet (private vehicles)
Accommodation infamous 5-star Hotels in Kathmandu (Hyatt Regency and Yak & Yeti) including breakfast, on a sharing basis (4 nights). Note: Additional charges occur for a single room, upon request
4 dinners in Kathmandu
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
All entry fees to the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
China (Tibet) Visa, formalities, and fees
Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Guided sightseeing in Lhasa and entry fees to the different sites
Accommodation, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Lhasa to Base Camp, on a sharing basis. Note: Additional charges occur for a single room, upon request
All necessary climbing permits in Tibet
Tented accommodation at Base Camp (individual dom tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, store tent, shower tent, toilet tent)
Tents (with isolation mattress), cooking stove (primus), butane gas and food for the high camps
All major meals during the climbing period
A well-experienced and trained Team: Climbing Sherpa Team (1 climbing Sherpa for 2 participants for the Summit days); Kitchen Team with Cook and Kitchen boy(s), including their salary, summit bonus, insurance, equipment, transportation, food, and lodging
Transport of the collective material and personal luggage until ABC by yaks
Liaison Officer (fees, lodging, and transportation)
Fixing route costs
Handset radios for communication in the Mountain
Satellite phone (for personal use on the participants’ own charge)
Solar equipment for light and charging of various electronic devices (as camera, I-pod)
Heater and hot electronic shower
Medical kit with Oxygen, mask, and regulator, in case of emergency
Warm big expedition jackets from Wild Yak Gear (on request, at the participants’ disposal for the duration of the Expedition)
Sleeping bag for the Base Camp from Wild Yak Gear (on request, at the participants’ disposal for the duration of the Expedition)
Travel and rescue arrangements
Weather forecast
Wild Yak Expeditions postcards
Last but not least: a hot bag to be warm in the tent at ABC (if required)
All government and local taxes
Not included
International airfare to and from Kathmandu *
Excess baggage charges and cargo fees for international flights, including local taxes
Multiple entries Visa fee for Nepal
Excess of 40 kg of personal luggage for the transport to the Base Camp/ABC, and back
Extra night(s) accommodation in Kathmandu (200$) or on the way to/from Base Camp due to early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain due to any reason which is not decided by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS and outside the scheduled itinerary, or in case of early summit success
Any extra night in lower altitude for personal reason (altitude sickness, etc)
Lunches in Kathmandu (20$ per day), as well as all meals related to the previous two points
Travel cancellation and rescue insurance
Personal climbing equipment
Personal climbing Sherpa (upon request) **
Oxygen bottle (4 liters), with mask and regulator (upon request)
Individual beverages
Personal expenses
Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended
Tips
Any other expense that is not included in the above-quoted Expedition price.
*Please contact us for the booking of your international flight: info@wildyakexpeditions.com
**To book at the latest 30 days prior to the departure date.
LOGISTICS
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS PHILOSOPHY
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS is focusing on group sizes of 4 to 6 participants for its Cho Oyu Expedition because our experience has found this to be the best way to have a successful trip while providing excellent services. Furthermore, it creates a pleasant ambiance within the group, including an exchange of cultures and traditions with our local Team.
Last but not least, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ focus on small groups permits more flexibility and support to the participants individually.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Kathmandu: we stay at the famous 5-star Hyatt Regency on a sharing basis, including breakfasts to optimize your preparation for your Cho Oyu Expedition. All dinners are served in excellent restaurants in town where you can enjoy various types of cuisine, from the typical Nepali, Thai, and even steaks and Italian meals. Each restaurant has been screened by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS representatives to ensure that it is of suitable quality for our guests.
Lhasa to Base Camp: we stay at a high standard hotel and experience real Chinese cuisine with a mixture of Tibetan style with a b0wl of beverage along with each meal.
The individual beverages until Base Camp are on each participant’s own charge.
Base Camp and ABC: WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ Base Camp is comfortable, warm, and well organized. Each participant has an individual extra double large tent where one can almost stand to change the clothes (about 165cm high). Light, insulation from the ground, and an extra-large thick mattress with a soft pillow are provided for each individual tent.
Our triple skin base Primaloft dining tent is heated in the evening (by the heater) at both places (Base Camp and at Advance Base Camp) and the ground is insulated and topped up with a Tibetan carpet. Our kitchen is hygienic, clean, and equipped with modern utensils and stoves. Likewise, the shower tent is facilitated with hot gas gijar (electronic water heater) system with shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, and mirror. The toilet tent is big enough to render a high altitude toilet comfortable, equipped with toilet paper and fresh Odinel. A water bucket with soap and hand sanitizer is at your disposal besides the dining tent. Similarly, a store tent and communication tent will be set up, depending on the number of participants. Radio, Internet, phone, and batteries charging facilities are part of the Base Camp and ABC.
During the Expedition, you can enjoy various kinds of food, from the typical Nepali food to all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, European, Indian, Japanese, etc.) As we provide Oven so the team can enjoy fresh bread and cakes and cookies at BC and ABC, along with varieties of drinks, among others, hot chocolate, coffee, and fruit juice. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat are supplied as regularly as possible from our kitchen. On request, for higher camps, a freshly cooked hygienic food or a packed food (as per condition) can be provided from our kitchen team as well as drinks and snacks.
Light and Generator: Base Camp and ABC are equipped with a solar charging system and a powerful generator (less noise but more power in the altitude).
SAFETY FEATURES
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS believes in a high level of security while operating its Expedition to Mount Cho Oyu and provides accordingly to the Expedition members with all the necessary means in order to optimize their chance to summit Mount Cho Oyu.
1 Climbing Sherpa for 2 participants for the Summit days
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ Team consists of new generation climbing Sherpas who are highly trained and skilled in mountaineering, educated, with numerous experiences of high altitude climbing, are fluent in various languages and last but not least, friendly and supportive
Full-time Base Camp Manager for the logistic
We are flexible and supportive being a small group of climbers compared to other big outfitters which consist of more than 10 climbers in the team
First Aid medical box, including 2 oxygen bottles with mask and regulator for emergency
24/24 hours high altitude consultant in case of emergency
1 Radio set per 2 participants during the ascents
A 24-hour service based radio station at Base Camp
Satellite phone (personal communications on each participant’s own charge)
Weather forecast
Fixing lines by our Sherpa Team, where necessary
1-day workshop at Base Camp (the practice of gear technique, radio use, high altitude tricks, mental preparation guidance)
1-day workshop before going to the final Summit push which consists mainly of giving advice for the appropriate handling of the personal things which may be effective during the climbing
We are associated with the Tibetan Mountain Rescue Team
Last but not least, pre-expedition meeting in Switzerland and specific advice on how to prepare for an 8000-meter Expedition
OUR WILD YAK TEAM
The success of this Expedition depends on both the personal condition of each participant and the experience of our Team. WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ team has been carefully selected according to their experience in the specific environment and personal aptitudes. Our Team is thus highly experienced, skilled, trained, courteous, and helpful.
WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS’ is proud to support our local staff by providing them with a fair salary, encouraging them to take mountaineering workshops, wilderness first aid training, environmental preservation courses, garbage management, team leadership, and language refreshers on a regular basis.
Our Climbing Sherpas: is a professional qualified Team with great mountaineering experience and guiding at high altitude in the Himalaya. It is our Climbing Sherpas’ role to fix the tents, the ropes, where necessary, and assist you all the way to the Summit. It is always ensuring your safety and is checking your needs throughout the climbing and monitoring as well as symptoms of high altitude sickness. Our team has deep knowledge about the culture and traditions of this part of the Himalaya. It is giving you interesting information about mountains, technics, culture, and traditions. It plays a vital role in taking care of the clients’ needs, supervising the staff/porters, and assuring the safety requirements. It is also helping as interpret with the local population. The Sirdar of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS will be frequently informed about the progression of the Group throughout the Trip.
Our Kitchen Team: it plays a vital role during the entire Expedition. WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS Cooks are specialized, experienced, and trained in outdoor cooking at high altitudes, respecting the fundamental principles of hygiene and proper management of the base camp and its surroundings. The Cook role is also to manage the base camp in the absence of the Sirdar/Climbing Sherpa Team. Different types of cuisine and bakeries are served during the climbing period. Our Kitchen Team ensures also that the garbage is properly managed and the campsite is kept clean after its use.
Note: For the present Expedition, the collective material and luggage are carried by yaks until Advance Base Camp. The participants have then the choice to hire some local Tibetan porters from Advance Base Camp to Camp 1 (6300 meters) (to be requested on the place and paid in USD).
Before we choose the mountain to scale, we want to know some important details about its climbing route. Considering the experience of the mountain guides and ascenders, we developed a simple system of grading, which may help you to choose the right Mountain to climb up depending on your aptitude. Our grading system consists of 3 levels, which are I, II, and III.
CHO-OYU: Grade II
Fitness: very good body strength, endurance, and stamina, high efficiency in the altitude, being mentally very-well prepared to deal with the strenuous situations of the high altitude
Technical Skill: advanced climbing skill, able to ascend and descend independently with technical devices and an ice axe, good use of climbing gear, basic knowledge of high altitude medicine
Climbing Experience: at least a 6000 to 7000-meter peak climbing experience and some 4000-meter peaks in the Alps
Strength: ability to carry an 8-15 kg backpack in the high altitude environments
Climbing Distance between the Camps: 4-9 hrs
Summit Distance Overall: 10-15 hrs from the last High Camp, back to such Camp
Number of Higher Camps: 3 camps
Degree of Objective Danger: medium
Steep Sections: quite long, sections of nearly 50 to 300 meters with a steepness of 35-55 degrees
Ice Climbing Section: some parts of 10 to 15 meters and 35-50 degrees
A mix of Ice and Rock Climbing: few small sections
Altitude: 5000 meters to 8201 meters
Oxygen Level in the Body: 55% to 36%
What our Guests say
A trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS allows you to access the heart of Nepal in all its cultural richness and profound natural beauty. Andrea and Norbu have lived the experience… + Read More
Louise Reillyfrom Ireland
A trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS allows you to access the heart of Nepal in all its cultural richness and profound natural beauty. Andrea and Norbu have lived the experience and use their immense local knowledge to create a unique, authentic tour, the memories of which will live on long after your plane touches back down on home ground.
Norbu speaks fluently: English, Tibetan, Nepali and Hindi.
The vision to empower the young generation and inspire the benefit of traveling to the people are Norbu’s principal aspirations behind the creation of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS.
Andrea speaks fluently: Swiss German, French, German, English (with a little bit of Italian).
Believing in high-quality service and responsible tourism, her aim is to give people the opportunity to discover the magnificence of the mountain world and to help support the local people.