Here is what Jack from California had to say about our Kilimanjaro/Mt. Kenya/Safari:
"The leaders made considerable efforts to insure a great climb on Kenya and memorable trekking of the Circuit Route around the massif. Climbing guides especially were all amazing in knowledge of mountain craft, experience and patience.
I was able to make the summit in the company of clients and guides from all over the world; Canada, Germany, Holland, Kenya and the US. The backgrounds among all the people here are equally as varied and interesting."
Here is what Nicola from Australia, now living in London, had to say:
"It was an amazing time, one I do not wish to forget in a hurry. Words cannot describe my experience in Africa. I thought the other team members were great and everyone seemed to really enjoy the safari."
Here is what Sylvia from Victoria, Canada, had to say:
"Thank you for a very enjoyable and successful trip. I think it was really good."
Here is what Paul from Chicago, had to say:
"I had a great time and the trip was awesome."
Here is what Cheryl from Vancouver, had to say:
"I really enjoyed it. I am very glad that we had the chance to stay on Mt. Kenya. The trek and time spent there was amazing."
Here is what Wayne from Vancouver had to say:
"The trip was really very well done and I commend SummitClimb on the flexiblility they are able to bring, allowing people to all try to reach their goals in their own way."
Here is what Kelly from Chicago had to say:
"The camaraderie is great and the SummitClimb guides are great team-builders."
Cho Oyu Basecamp Trek - Walk to the 6th Highest Peak in the World
These photos were taken on our recent successful trek. Photos in slideshow: David Lepagne, Guntis Brands, Andrew Brash, Tunc Findik, Ryan Waters, & Samuli Mansikka. For caption information, please visit our Cho Oyu Basecamp Trek photo gallery.
Leadership: Dan Mazur, over 20 years experience leading treks in Tibet. Max Kausch 3 time Cho Oyu leader and trekking expert.
We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.
Dates and cost:
2 to 19 September, 2012.
21 April to 8 May or 1 to 18 September, 2013 & 2014. 18 days in Tibet and Nepal.
Full Service Cost: $3550, £2150, €2450. GBP & EUR conversions as of {11-Jun-11}.
Please click the logo for payment options including credit card, cheque, bank transfer, etcetera.
Recent News: Our recent Cho Oyu Expedition has just returned from the mountains and the trip was a huge success. Click here to read news of our expedition, listen to audio dispatches, and view recent photos of the trek and climb. Please also visit our "Archived News" for more stories of past trips.
Please click one of the links below to view that section of our introductory information or just scroll down (photo right: Cho Oyu at sunset).
Introduction: Cho-Oyu at 8201 metres/26,906 feet has only recently become a popular mountain to climb. Our trek to the base of the world's sixth highest mountain allows you to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, and walk to a very high altitude on good snow-free trails providing stunning views of Cho Oyu and Everest (photo right by Samuli Mansikka: Team members trekking down to basecamp after a successful season).
The trek takes place during the autumn climbing season. You will have a chance to sample expedition life and check out the basecamps of teams from around the world.
You travel at a very careful pace without having to carry a heavy rucksack, while enjoying freshly prepared meals and lots of hot drinks, all important for acclimatization. The logistics are all taken care of, so just relax and enjoy the pure and pristine environment of the high Himalaya.
This easy, peaceful and interesting trek to Cho Oyu maximizes many years of accumulated wisdom in the Himalaya, a long and proven record of safe and fun trekking through Tibet, Nepal, China, Africa, and many other fascinating mountain destinations around the world. Our friendly guides and trip leaders are experts at leading interesting groups of men and women throughout Tibet. In addition, they have an intimate knowledge of the terrain, people, customs, temples and shrines in each picturesque village you pass through. back to top
Leader and staff: In Kathmandu, on the drive across Tibet to basecamp, during the trek and in Chinese Base and ABC, our experienced staff is with you all of the way. Our skillful cooks prepare delicious, fresh, tasty food and hot drinks at least 3 times a day.
On trek: Your guide, together with friendly and helpful sherpas, cooks and local people leading yak caravans carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trip. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the trek.
Our comfortable basecamp and ABC: We have comfortable, heated dining tents with tables and chairs where our cooks and waiters will serve you delicious meals (photo above right by Tunc Findik: One of our team members taking a short hike above Chinese basecamp. On our rest days along the trek, we will have plenty of time to trek and explore the surrounding Tibetan plateau and get spectacular views of the Himalaya all around us).
Sherpas: Many of our loyal sherpas have been working for us for more than 10 years and could share an intimate knowledge of the beautiful trek to Cho Oyu and the rustic, medieval villages we will visit, as we explore their home region. They live in this land, grew up on farms here, and have family and friends in the stunningly barren areas we will pass through, allowing a unique glimpse into the ancient and still intact culture of the Tibetan Plateau. They go out of their way to help make your visit remarkable, enjoyable along the way, and create lasting ties with the majestic landscapes and the inhabitants who reside there. This is an exotic trek with an interesting and fun group of friends. back to top
Cho Oyu National Park: The park is situated among rolling, vast green (in May, June and September) short-grass and boulder strewn valleys leading up to the basecamp. The environment is beautiful and stark, inhabited with wild birds and animals. Upon arriving in basecamp by vehicle, you trek towards the mountain, where the vegetation changes to become more alpine and rocky, with Cho Oyu and many smaller unclimbed peaks looming upwards above you. Plants in the park range from spruce, pine, a wide variety of evergreen trees, as well as coldbelt grasslands. Many precious animals inhabit Tibet, such as antelope, deer, fox, gazelles, yaks, and many species of birds (Photo right by Jon Otto: Tibetan gazelles abound in the grassy valleys around basecamp).
Drive to basecamp: Our drive from Kathmandu, into Tibet and finally to basecamp is a relaxing and interesting adventure. We stop in medieval looking towns with dirt streets, experience Tibetan culture, while stopping to walk each day or so in the beautiful surrounding hills to acclimate to the rising altitude. It offers a great chance to encounter the vast Tibetan plateau and great views of the surrounding Himalayan Giants, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. We end at Chinese base camp at 4900 metres/16,000 feet, which is located just below the Jabula glacier, also known as the Kyetrag or Gyabrag glacier. Along the way we stay and eat at rustic hotels at the organizer's expense.back to top
Lhasa option:If you wish to add on a tour of the ancient city of Lhasa before arriving at basecamp, this is easily arranged so please let us know. Most people will prefer to fly to Kathmandu first to take advantage of the excellent equipment shopping there, then fly to Lhasa. The price includes a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa over the Mount Everest massif. Some people prefer to fly to Lhasa from another city in China and we can also assist you with these arrangements.
Trek to advanced basecamp: A beautiful trek to the base of the 6th highest peak in the world. This trek is very accomplishable by the average person who enjoys walking. Normally, you never step on snow and there is no climbing, only walking on moraine trails. There are gorgeous views of stunning mountains in the area, including Jobo-Rabzang, and many unclimbed and unnamed 6000 metre peaks. The trek is near the famous Nangpa La, an ancient route through the Himalaya where Tibetan traders carry goods to Namche Bazaar in Nepal and where many Tibetan refugees have fled for their lives. ABC is located at 5600 metres/18,400 feet (photo right by Guntis Brands: The view from advanced basecamp at 5600 metres/18,400 feet. On the left side of the photo is the famous Nangpa La, where Tibetan traders carry goods to Namche Bazaar in Nepal. Many of the peaks in this photo have yet to be climbed).
Rest Days: We take many rest days throughout the trek so you can adjust to the altitude. On rest days you can relax and explore surrounding hills and valleys, monasteries, meet other international climbing teams, etcetera.back to top
Who is this trip for?
We encourage men and women from around the world, of all ages to join us as an individual team member or with your own group, whether that is your spouse, partner, friends, sibling, clients, colleagues, etc. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy trekking, climbing, and traveling together.
Previous camping experience is beneficial to enjoying the trip, although not required.
It would be nice if you have some experience with foreign travel, although we are happy to advise and help you if this is your first time out of the country and, for many of our members, it is (photo right by Samuli Mansikka: Our comfortable advanced basecamp, located at 5600 metres/18,400 feet).
All of the work is done for you, such as cooking, carrying group equipment, setting up tents, etc. Trucks, yaks and sherpas will carry all of your personal items so you do not have to carry a heavy rucksack.
It is not necessary to be in extremely good shape to enjoy this trek. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills with a few 20 minute breaks mixed in, then you should be fine. back to top
Please "click" one of the links on the column on the upper right of your screen under "Cho Oyu Basecamp Trek" to learn more about our expedition.
