Cho Oyu

The company director assigned to join you on our high-altitude expeditions has a world class background in leading expeditions of this nature.

Rolfe, who is leading the 360 Cho Oyu expedition, has lead expeditions to four of the 8,000m peaks. Mount Everest: 2007 (North Col), 2015, 2016 and 2019. Manaslu: 2013, Cho Oyu: 2016 (two summits in 24 hours), 2018 and Lhotse (unsuccessful) 2016. Furthermore, he was an Expedition Leader on 5 unsupported, technically difficult 7,000m peaks and has guided more than seventy expeditions to 6,000m peaks. The key word here is guided.

The key word here is guided. Leading an expedition of this calibre demands a thorough familiarity not only with the mountains unique complexities but also a complete understanding of a client’s individual requirements. With almost 30 years’ experience in this leadership role, it is safe to say that Rolfe has what it takes to confidently deal with the demands this career entails.

One of many reasons to choose 360 is that we work closely with a Sherpa and Nepali team with whom we have enjoyed several decades of climbing success. These guys are quite simply the best in the business. The people looking after you will not only have climbed the mountain before but will have an experience of 8,000m expeditions that is unsurpassed. The Sirdar (head Sherpa guide) and our climbing Sherpas typically have multiple Everest ascents under their belts.

We employ the services of a professional Base Camp manager whose sole purpose is to assure the seamless running of the camp facilities and the logistics on the mountain. He does not participate in the ascent but is on 24-hour standby via VHS radio to facilitate the safe running of the expedition and throughout the ascent period. He is in daily communication with our office in Kathmandu to source weather forecasting, pass on messages and to update the progress of the expedition.

One of many reasons to choose our expedition company lies in the fact that one of the company directors will be joining the expedition and managing the expedition on the mountain with you. These guys are professionals and want to ensure that you get the best possible chance of topping out. Plus, continual support right from the word go from a seamless, professional and hugely dedicated office crew means that you can concentrate on the climb without distraction and loss of time. Our entire 360 team work hard to make sure that you reach the summit.

When comparing expedition companies, it is important to look beyond the price and consider the inclusions. We offer a Cho Oyu expedition package which contains many more than the expected inclusions and there are no hidden costs. We don’t compromise on the quality of our service by skimping on added luxuries which enhance the expedition experience. As standard we provide experienced and qualified western guides, a dedicated world-class Sherpa team, seamless logistical management both in country and prior to departure, small group sizes, modern climbing equipment and safe client to guide ratios. Beyond this it is the host of additional inclusions and services, such as our unique individualised ascent strategy which makes this Cho Oyu expedition truly a life changing experience.

Our directors are keen to pass on their hard earned knowledge to you, allowing you to come back from this expedition with not just a summit “tick” but more importantly return with a huge amount of mountain know-how learnt and practiced. Our 360 team’s experience and knowledge is based on three decades worth of high altitude climbing experience. Logistical planning, assessing the weather forecast to developing a climbing strategy, gaining an insider’s view of the daily running of an expedition on every level is valued by most expedition members. They will involve you every step of the way. Their job is to oversee the entire expedition from start to finish and to actively be there for you on the summit bid. We do not run a “facilitated” expedition where our climbers are provided with oxygen and Sherpas and left to their own devices.

Both mountains are incredible adventures and offer a hugely satisfying expedition experience and both are fantastic stepping stones for Mount Everest, but each are as different as well, like chalk and cheese.

Firstly, although they are both part of the greater Himalayan massif they are in different countries and situated on different sides of the range. This makes a huge difference in the landscape and overall feel of the expedition experience. Manaslu is approached from the lowland jungle whereas Cho Oyu is approached from the high Tibetan Plateau. Equally the politics of the two places are different. Nepal has a more relaxed feel to it whereas Tibet is tangibly under Chinese influence. Recently the number of climbers attempting Manaslu has increased because political issues in Tibet resulted in the closure of the border.

Most climbing teams walk to Manaslu basecamp (4,800 meters) over a week via a stunning trail which is billed as Nepal’s most beautiful trek. This allows teams to get both fit and acclimatised before reaching basecamp. The approach to Cho Oyu from Kathmandu to Chinese basecamp (4,800 meters) is by road over the vast Tibetan plateau. Although incredibly beautiful and culturally interesting the altitude, if not carefully planned for, can be gained too quickly and altitude related problems may result.

The climbing seasons vary between mountains also with Cho Oyu offering equal chances of success in both spring and autumn and Manaslu having a better success rate in autumn due to high snowfalls in the region during spring. It is important to remember, however, that the availability of strong Climbing Sherpas for Cho Oyu for the spring season will be reduced as most will be employed by western mountaineering outfitters on Mount Everest.

The mountains themselves are also very different. Cho Oyu is slightly easier in the sense that it doesn’t have an active icefall to navigate nor a long approach glacier to traverse but it does have technical terrain in the form of steep icewalls and a rock-band to climb on the summit day.

The distance to the summit is longer on Cho Oyu from its respective high camp (7,200 meters) by about 300 meters but the normal climbing strategy for Manaslu is not to return to its high camp (7,400 meters) after summiting but to descend as low as camp 1 (5,700meters) making for an equally long day.

Further because of the different altitudes of their main operating bases ABC (5,700 meters) on Cho Oyu and BC (4,800 meters) on Manaslu there are 4 high camps on Manaslu and only 3 on Cho Oyu. Making logistics slightly simpler on Cho Oyu.

Both mountains can have avalanche problems after big snow storms (particularly in spring on Manaslu and autumn on Cho Oyu) but because of the aspect of slope and the higher precipitation rates in Nepal snow build up can be greater on Manaslu during both peak seasons.

Nowadays the 4 camps commonly used on Manaslu are placed in very safe places unlike in the past where camp placement lead to severe problems due to avalanche activity.

The cost of these expeditions varies significantly too with Manaslu being cheaper primarily due to the climbing permits currently being less costly in Nepal. But this will probably change soon.

Overall both mountains are a fantastic adventure and deliver a high altitude experience which if conducted by a professional mountaineering outfitter is made as safe as possible and offers an equally high success rate.

The Expedition leader runs the expedition in close consultation with the local experts, the 360 Nepali team and climbing Sherpa team. Together they will formulate the safest and best strategy of producing a successful expedition. Each of the expedition staff supporting your ascent has their own unique remit but a large degree of overlap in the day to day roles exists. On some occasions for example your climbing Sherpas will be employed to carry communal expedition equipment to the higher camps, sometimes they are needed to fix rope or assist in an evacuation. At these specific times you will be climbing with only the Expedition leader and one climbing Sherpa. Our Sherpa team will be with you throughout summit phase of this expedition. For this phase the ratio will be 2 clients per 1 climbing Sherpa.

We usually keep our group sizes small and rarely have more than 6 clients for this expedition. In this case there will be 3 climbing Sherpas joining you on the summit bid.

Occasionally several summit bids take place during the cause of a favourable weather window. If 3 climbers are on one summit bid the ratio will be 2 Sherpas (and the Expedition leader) to 3 climbers, a 1 to 1 support scenario.

The 360 leader is not part of the Sherpa to Climber ratio, he will be with you in addition to your climbing Sherpas for the entire trek in, mountain phase and summit bid thereby increasing your summit support team to 4 to 6 if a full team were to summit at one time.

Every team member is unique. They come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences. Equally their training and climbing resumés may differ and therefore an individual ascent strategy for the duration of the entire expedition has to be devised. Our team members benefit hugely from our small group policy as our guides can dedicate a huge amount of time devising an individualised plan which will maximise their chances of standing on the summit. Based upon pre-existing factors and an individual’s expedition progress our guides will be able to fine tune every client’s individual performance and enjoyment of the expedition. By creating an open and honest two-way communication between client and the guide from the onset of the expedition, your guide will be able to dramatically enhance your experience and improve your chances of standing on top. Details such as pairing you up with a climbing Sherpa you work well with on summit night, working out your ideal tent buddy, closely watching your diet and hydration, making sure you are adequately rested, teaching you the correct dosage and use of altitude related medicine, taking the time to retrain you on techniques you may not be familiar with, re teaching you the use of climbing kit you haven’t used for a while and determining when is the optimum time for you to summit, all form but a small part of our individualised ascent strategy.

As noted on the itinerary page this route is the North-West ridge route. It is the standard route to ascend Cho Oyu.

The lengths of the days during the climbing phase of the expedition vary. Some camps are closer together or the conditions may be slower going. At the beginning of the expedition, the days will seem longer but as you get more acclimatised and adjusted to the regime, the days go quicker. Average days can be 6–10 hours long. Summit day can be up to 20 hours long. A good break will be had after every big day out to allow you to adjust to the altitude, rest, eat and to rehydrate properly

A typical summit day is 8 to 10 hours for the ascent from C2 to the summit and about 6 to 8 hours to return. These times vary enormously from team to team and between team members and varies according to individual fitness and progress made to get to C2. The summit departure time will be determined by the team leader and climbing Sherpas based on these factors as well as movements of other teams on the mountain.

We work closely with each individual team member to determine their own unique ascent profile. Generally speaking though a typical ascent profile is as follows:

• Arrive at base camp, rest for a few days, followed by days of short acclimatisation walks
• Climb to altitude approximating ABC and descend to base camp
• Climb to ABC via an intermediate camp and remain
• Several rest days at ABC
• Climb to Camp 1 and return to ABC
• Climb to Camp 1 and sleep here, continue to Camp 2 next day and spend a night before descending to ABC
• Several rest days at ABC

The next stage is the actual summit climb. By now you will be fit, well rested, well fed, fully hydrated, properly acclimatised and have developed a good mountain sense. You are ready for the climb of your life!

The journey to ABC has been well described on the itinerary page. The information below follows the route above ABC to the summit.

For our first time above ABC we will explore the glacier around the camp. 60m to 70m high ice towers called penitenties form incredible structures which we take our time to explore up close. Further trips above ABC will include training days to sharpen our expedition skills needed for the ascent and to re-familiarize ourselves with the expedition equipment.

Once we begin our first rotation we will not be climbing to Camp 1 directly but will spend a night at a picturesque camp called Lake Camp first. This camp is at 6,000m and takes 4-5 hours to reach from ABC.

From here it takes another 4 to 6 hours to climb to Camp 1.

The times taken for each rotation and finally for the ascent phase of the climb will be reduced as we get more acclimatised and stronger.

The route from ABC to C1 follows the Cho Oyu glacier besides its spiky glacial back until we reach a sharp rise which leads to the start of the North West ridge and lake camp. From here we ascend “killer hill” a rock-strewn scree slope to the crest of the ridge to find the spectacularly located C1 at 6,450m. Fixed lines are normally not needed to ascend this section but can be put into place should conditions demand it. I.e. after a storm.

Now firmly perched on the North-West ridge we get a clear view of the route to C2. We will be staying at camp one for several nights during the rotation phase of the ascent to get acclimatised and to get familiar with the fixed rope and the terrain to the first ice wall at 6,800 meters. Stretching between the two camps the ridge offers a variety of terrain all of which is protected by fixed line. The climbing above C1 starts up a steep snow-slope which rises to 40 degrees then flattens out to rise again around a rocky out-crop. We by-pass this to where to ridge broadens and we can see the famous serac wall.

We follow the broad ridge keeping a careful eye open for crevasses until we reach the first crux of the route at 6,800m, the serac band. This ice wall spans the entire route and is quite unstable but we always find a safe way through. The sections of near vertical ice to climb are about 40m to 50m high and we use jumars (ascenders) to climb them and a figure 8 or similar device to rappel down them on the descent. Once on top we cross a small plateau to reach another higher but less steep ice wall to get to Camp 2. This section of ice wall kicks up to 60 degrees for 120m and takes around 2 hours to climb. The total amount time taken from Camp 1 to reach Camp 2 is around 8-10 hours.

Camp 2 is situated on a broad ledge directly below the North-West face of Cho Oyu. Its altitude is 7,150m. There is a Camp 3 at 7,400m but this is rarely used owing to logistical difficulties and because it is exposed to high winds. Our ascent to the summit begins from Camp 2.

We, leave Camp 2 at 7,150m and climb up an increasingly steep snow slope to reach a rocky outcrop below Camp 3. Here we have a chance to rest and re-hydrate.

Our next climb is a short but steep snow-slope to reach C3 where we switch O2 cylinders to reach the summit. Above Camp 3 we meet the yellow band. This broad band of yellow rock is up to 200m high and broken up by various gullies and ledges. The condition of the yellow band varies from year to year and can be either rocky or snow filled. It is essential to wear helmets for either conditions as rocks, set lose by the teams above might tumble into the gully system we climb to get to its top. The yellow band steepens to around 60 degrees in places and it might be awkward to climb the rocky sections using crampons. Still firmly protected by the fixed line and with help from your support team it should take around 2 hours to reach the top of the yellow band at 7,800m.

Above the yellow band we meet the broad snow slopes that bring us to the summit plateau at 8,100m. The snow slopes are not steep, 40 degrees at most but might be rocky near the edge of the plateau. Once we reach the plateau at 8,100m we begin the hour long push over its slightly rounded back to reach the true summit of the mountain at 8,201m. By now your eyes will be firmly set on the prize and your efforts are rewarded by incredible views as the vista expands around you.

Standing on the summ1it of Cho Oyu is utterly unique. The views you get over Tibet span to the curvature of the earth and looking down into Nepal you will see familiar summits such as Ama Dablam, Pumori, Changtse and the 6000 ers. And of course, the crowning glory is that view of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse and all the historic features such as both the North and South col, western cwm and the Khumbu glacier from the one vantage point, which is only visible from this incredible summit. Generally, 20 to 30 minutes are spent on the top to savour your accomplishment and to soak up the grandeur. This truly is a summit of a life time.

We descend the same way we came up using the fixed line to rappel the steeper sections. The total time necessary to reach the summit will be around 8-10 hours from Camp 2 and the return journey will take between 6-8 hours.

The weather conditions and hence conditions on the mountain change not only with the seasons but also due to the current effects of climate change. Only broad terms can be used when describing what conditions can be expected when choosing between the 2 optimal seasons, spring and autumn to climb the mountain.

Generally spring has less snow and avalanche danger, but dry conditions mean it has more ice and the climbing particularly between C1 and C2 can be more technical. The autumn can be good, but if big snow fall is experienced you might experience long delays waiting for the avalanche conditions to become safe.

Spring starts out cold and windy but generally gets better as this season progresses. Autumn starts out warm and often has quite a lot of snowfall initially which eases to allow for a favourable summit period to develop. Then as the jet-stream moves over the mountain it rapidly gets cold and windy around early October.

360 Expeditions have lead expeditions to Cho Oyu for both seasons but we do not have a preferred season as such. In spring we aim to summit in April or early May when the weather starts to improve, and in the autumn during late September/early October before it gets too cold, and the monsoon storms arrive.

There are more expeditions on Cho Oyu in the Autumn, only because many expedition companies are on Everest in the Spring and Sherpas can earn more money working on Everest.

You will need to be thoroughly familiar with all the necessary skills needed to climb a mountain of this magnitude. Appropriate time spent on high altitude mountains as well as several technical alpine routes prior to coming to Cho Oyu are a basic requirement to join the expedition. Alpine climbing techniques should not be learned for the first time on the mountain.

To climb Cho Oyu you will need to be in the best physical shape of your life. By the time you book and are accepted onto an Everest expedition you will have a good understanding of your level of fitness and how you cope with altitude and with the discomforts of an expedition of this nature as a whole. This expedition is gruelling and will be physically demanding. We have rated it as P7, T5 for level of fitness needed. Please check our fitness chart.

The price for this expedition is based on a group of 4. However, the price is variable and the expedition can be run with 1, 2 or 6 clients comfortably. We keep our groups small as we feel that our teams benefit enormously from the tight knit bonding and enhanced team spirit which develops on a complete expedition of around 10-12 members (including guides and Sherpas). Getting to know each other personally and climbing together during the course of an expedition helps team members understand each other better and allows a measure of internal support for each other to develop. This coupled with receiving a much closer level of support from the guides and Sherpas significantly enhances the expedition experience and hence increases an individual climber’s chances of standing on the summit.

Your fellow team members will have similar experience and ambitions to you. Our criteria for joining this expedition is that you have been to altitude before and have sufficient technical ability to cope with the terrain encountered on the mountain. Your teammates may come from a wide variety of backgrounds and will have different interests but the common ground is that you have all got what it takes to be on this expedition. In the past a great cast of characters have led to our expeditions being made all the more enjoyable. Life-long friendships have always developed by this shared experience.

The journey from Kathmandu to BC and then the trek to ABC offers a glimpse into quintessential Tibet. It encompasses a fantastic blend of culture, amazing views and provides a good insight into traditional Tibetan and Chinese life as well as what a true Himalayan expedition is all about. Of course, it would be great to share this experience with your family and friends and we are able to arrange this.

Although it is all possible and sounds exciting having family and friends come along, we actually discourage this as we feel it is less ideal for our climbers on the team.

The time spent in Kathmandu and the journey to Base Camp gives the team valuable time to bond without distractions. If family and friends join, this process is jeopardised and the focus is very different. Subsequently, when family and friends depart and the team are left to climb, it can leave a bit of a hole that is needed to be readdressed. Focus then needs to be formed.

So in short yes it’s possible but we discourage it as we are keen to focus on the task at hand. This is of course reaching the top of Cho Oyu.

This is the bonus tip that the client gives to his 1:1 Sherpa guide for reaching the summit. It is set at a minimum of $500 – $750. You will need to have this money with you in cash to give to your Sherpa after your climb.

Four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast. Dinner will be included on the first night. Dinners are as per the itinerary above. Once the expedition departs Kathmandu all accommodation and meal costs are included in this itinerary.

The very nature of climbing an 8,000m peak is risky. Although there are risks associated with climbing any mountain whether it is Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc or Aconcagua, the risks on an 8,000m peak are considerably greater primarily due to extreme altitude and weather conditions. Physical, mental and technical preparation will go a long way towards a safe ascent. Furthermore, our Western guides and climbing Sherpas are trained in the use of medical oxygen, Gamow bags and specialized wilderness first aid equipment and medicine which we take on all our itineraries. We also carry satellite phones and radios to ensure proper communications with the outside world and between camps. In fact, we are often the first port of call when other teams have an emergency on the mountain!

All our leaders are in communication with each other by phone and radio. (VHS and/or Motorola) In the majority of cases of emergency rescue the problems can be attributed to slow acclimatisation or altitude and if so the solution is immediate descent to lower altitudes. Our 360 Nepal crew is very experienced in dealing with any problems that may arise. Our leaders have the highest standard of wilderness first aid qualifications and can handle emergencies to the highest level of competency.

There has been frequent talk from the Tibetan Mountaineering Association about making Helicopters available for rescue work on Cho Oyu and as we understand this will be a service that is offered in 2019. In 2018 helicopters were used in Tibet on Shishapangma and we have been greatly encouraged by this move.

If weather and logistics permits, the helicopters will take over making the rescues and evacs far quicker and seamless but we always plan and continue to plan to be self-sufficient if outside help is unavailable due to logistics and bad weather.

We plan to use our Guides and Sherpas on the mountain before transferring to the yaks from ABC down. From BC the nearest modern medical facilities are a 3-hour drive away.

We take state of the art medical and rescue equipment with us and ensure all our staff on the mountain have current first aid and/or medical qualifications and have our own expedition medical specialist on standby for the duration of this expedition.

All our Guides, Expedition leaders and Climbing Sherpas have attained the highest necessary qualifications and training needed to deal with not only emergencies but also to maintain a healthy expedition from day one. For this expedition we will be bringing comprehensively suppled medical kits, emergency oxygen and Gamow bags as well as state of the art communication equipment. On the mountain our Expedition leaders carry sufficient medical equipment to deal with localised first aid scenarios and at the basecamp we have sufficient supplies to deal with longer lasting medical problems such as anti-biotics to treat infections

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the climb. If you have a blister developing, for example, then please stop, take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem.

We would recommend your own first aid kit should contain:

Diamox, or other high-altitude drug, enough for the duration of the expedition; a basic blister kit, plasters, antiseptic, sun protection, your own personal medication (your luggage might not get to camp before you and so you may not be able to take your medicine according to the regime you are used to), basic pain relief (paracetamol/aspirin/ibuprofen,) and a personal course of antibiotics – two different types are preferable, as back up. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters.

Generally, the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

Your 360 expedition guide will carry a very comprehensive first aid kit that contains a wide range of supplies and medications. They are fully trained to use whatever is needed for any emergency that may arise. We advocate keeping this in mind when packing your own first aid supplies and keeping your own first aid kit as compact and light as possible.

Although our acclimatisation regime ensures that everybody enjoys the best possible chance of getting high on the mountain, altitude related problems can happen. The most common of this is high altitude sickness (AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness).

Symptoms for this can include headaches, nausea and vomiting.
This sounds quite dramatic but generally this is just the process your body naturally goes through to adjust to the higher altitudes and the reduced partial pressure of the atmosphere. For some people the acclimatisation process takes a little longer than others. For our guides this is all part and parcel of ascending a 6,000m peak and, although we assess each client’s personal situation carefully, we also further consider the compounding effects of dehydration brought on by excessive vomiting and loss of appetite.

AMS might sound frightening but our guides are fully trained (and highly experienced) in helping relieve your personal symptoms and providing advice on how to best proceed.

To help avoid AMS, following the below rules can be simple but effective:

• Pay attention to the advice given to you by your expedition leader
• Drink lots of water
• Walk slowly
• Stay warm
• Eat well

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various affects that altitude can cause. During your pre-climb briefing, we describe altitude sickness to you in detail, and advise you how to cope with it. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it and to know how to deal with it and more importantly tell your leaders how you feel.

The severe forms of altitude sickness, HACE and high altitude pulmonary HAPE are extremely unlikely to occur on this expedition. Our leaders and Sherpa team are fully trained in recognition of the onset of these problems and will deal with them at the first sign of their development and will not let them develop to a dangerous level.

We recommend you come armed with a course of Diamox or other high-altitude drug on this expedition, though we do not recommend that take you these as a prophylactic during the trek or climb. We view Diamox as a treatment drug rather than a preventative medicine. Most adventure medics give similar advice, however we do appreciate this can be confusing, as many GPs (who aren’t necessarily mountaineers) do suggest taking it as a prophylactic.

We pride ourselves on designing all our itineraries with acclimatisation front and centre and this expedition has been carefully designed to allow for your body to adjust to the altitude gradually, safely and comfortably. However, if you find that you are still having problems adjusting to the altitude (see our FAQ on Altitude Sickness) then your expedition leader or medic will recommend the correct course of action regarding taking Diamox.

For the mountain phase, it is highly recommended to carry your own treatment dose of high altitude drugs such as Nifedipine, Dexamethasone or Diamox. We advocate that each team member carries these drugs in the same place (i.e. top LH pocket of your down-suit) so that if an emergency should arise the Expedition leader, climbing Sherpa or fellow team member can locate them easily.

It is far preferable to take Diamox if and when needed during the course of the expedition. If you are already taking it and then start having altitude related problems you are left with few options but to descend to a more comfortable altitude which sadly often means that the summit is not attainable.

Furthermore, Diamox is a diuretic, meaning you will have to drink a lot of fluid to prevent dehydration. Of course, the upshot of this is you’ll have to pee more which means you’ll probably be having to get up more in the night and take cover behind rocks during the day. Another quite common side-effect is that it can cause your extremities to “buzz and tingle” including your fingers, toes and lips which can feel quite unsettling. Other side-effects can include dizziness and light headedness with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Although all these side-effects are manageable when you have symptoms of altitude sickness, we personally believe it is counter-intuitive to take it unless necessary.

Of course, it is totally up to you, this is just our recommendation and we’re not doctors. If you do decide to take Diamox on the advice of your doctor then please do let your leader know in situ so they are aware of this. We also suggest you take the drug for a couple of days a few weeks before travelling so you can experience the symptoms before taking them during the trek.

Telephone and internet coverage is available from Kathmandu to BC. Above this the Expedition leader will have a satellite phone and this is kept charged using solar power. For a small fee you can use them for calls home.

On the mountain all team members will be provided with a small lightweight Motorola radio to stay in communication with other team members. Mobile phones will only work for a small period of time on the beginning of the trek in.

Additionally, our Expedition and Sherpa crew carry VHS radios to communicate with each other and the Basecamps.

If a climber needs to leave early for whichever reason, medical or personal the Expedition leader and Sherpa team will deal with the matter with utmost competency and discretion. Further arrangements will be made with the assistance of our 360 team in Kathmandu and Europe to arrange every detail of the journey back of the mountain. Additional costs (transport, hotels, flights etc.) might be incurred by the climber but our 360 team will be able to assist in every detail of your departure.

Our leaders don’t take anti malarial drugs with them as they don’t perceive there to be a risk. The Malaria protozoa generally do not survive over an altitude of 1,500m so once we have started the trek malaria poses no threat. When visiting the lowland regions of Nepal or going to India after this expedition it may be advisable to seek advice about if and when to take the malarial prophylactics. When visiting these places, the chances of contracting malaria can be reduced by standard precautions such as sleeping under mosquito nets, applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers.

We recommend that you visit your local GP or Travel Clinic before departure to get the latest advice.

We stay at a centrally located hotel such as the Kathmandu Guest house. This modern, comfortable hotel offers, classy on-site restaurants and quiet tropical gardens just a stone throw away from the bustle of the exotic Thamel market and many of the cultural sites which feature on any visitor’s list of things to see list.

We are happy to make any arrangements scheduled outside of the trek dates; these might include personalised tours, extra hotel rooms, private airport pick-ups or arranging private rooms. Please indicate your requirements on your booking form and we will contact you with the relevant arrangements.

Base Camp (BC) and Advanced Base Camp (ABC) will be your home away from home. The Expedition leader and Sherpa team strive to make you as comfortable as possible whilst we are here during the acclimatising process or waiting for conditions to become safe. Our spacious double walled mess tents are heated with gas heaters and a small generator or solar panels provides power for light and recharging electrical appliances. The chairs are comfortable and you will find everything you need to snack or to make unlimited hot drinks on the large central table.

Further camp facilities include a private, hygienic toilet tent and a hot shower tent.
You are invited to pop into the large kitchen tent at any time should you wish to have a hot drink, meal or to chat with our kitchen team. Our kitchen tent is provided with all the modern necessities to cook delicious, fresh and varied meals and our chef is a world class expedition chef. Further our Basecamps are equipped with VHS radio communication systems and satellite phones to receive regular weather and condition updates.

Our central dining tent is not only used for meals but also as a space for relaxation and entertainment. We encourage you to take along books, personal music systems, and games. There are other teams sharing the BC and route with us and great friendships can be made by hosting them for a meal in our tent.

The dining tent also doubles up as a classroom; we’ll further your expedition knowledge by showing you how to use the oxygen systems and for informal lectures on acclimatisation, expedition health and to keep everyone abreast of the day to day logistical decisions and weather forecast.

The area around the Base Camp also becomes a classroom as your Expedition leader will find an appropriate area to refresh your knowledge on how to climb fixed rope, cross ladders, abseil, how to use the stoves (easy) and avalanche transceivers.

And of course, as a member of team 360 you will be intimately involved in all the planning and strategy of climbing this incredible mountain.

At Base Camp and ABC each expedition member will have their own tent so they can enjoy a bit of their own space, store their own equipment and relax.

Tent sharing will become necessary from Camp 1 and above. You will be sharing a tent with one of your team members. The primary reason for this is that most altitude related symptoms manifest themselves at night, therefore having a tent buddy to keep an eye on you is hugely reassuring. Tent share is always organised according to similar sex and where possible age groups. Obviously if climbing this mountain with a friend or partner then you will be able to share tents, and if you’re a group we’ll ask you your preference. If you have joined the team by yourself then it is highly likely that you will be sharing a tent with your preassigned hotel room buddy unless prior arrangements have been made. We use high quality 3-man tents to be shared between 2 people to provide extra space for your comfort.

There are hot showers at Base Camp and ABC. Our Sherpa team set up a permanent private shower tent nearby our collective campsite. Although there is no running water our kitchen crew will be able to heat sufficient water for you to enjoy a 5 minute shower.

Yes, your kit is safe in your tent but we do advise to bring locks for your kit bags when flying which can be used on your bags in your tents to be doubly sure.

Sanitary toilet facilities will be provided at both BC and ABC. The waste is carried out on yaks or porters and disposed of according to current sanitation and health regulations.

Above ABC basic toilet facilities are provided. Fortunately, your need to use the toilet will be less frequent at altitude. You will need to bring up sufficient toilet paper from ABC to cater for your individual requirements.

Our team has access to sophisticated weather forecasting services. We use Bracknell and Swiss forecasts for daily forecasts received from HQ in Europe. Our summit bid is aided enormously by totally up to date reliable forecasts.

All meals on the mountain are of the highest possible standards. Considering that our cooks have to produce the best possible meals in a wilderness setting the meals they produce are nothing short of a miracle. The meals are always delicious, fresh, nutritious and varied. We ensure that dietary preferences are always met and that the best local ingredients are used. We aim to provide a variety of western foods including many of the food items which you are familiar with to keep up your appetites. We pride ourselves in having base camp cooks that provide restaurant quality meals for every meal.

Snacks such as chocolate, fruit or biscuits are available throughout the day when in camp and are usually found on the dining table. If you can’t find what you’re looking for pop your head into the kitchen tent and our kitchen staff will be happy to help.

On the mountain we usually have a wide variety of MRE meals, these are significantly tastier than freeze dried, as they are real food vacuum sealed and ready to heat and eat. The underlying aim is to provide balanced nutritional meals packed with carbohydrates to refuel hungry bodies and to replenish stores for the next day of activity.

When setting out from the camp for a day’s activity your Kitchen crew will provide you with a snack pack containing sweets, chocolate bars, cake, boiled egg, cheese and biscuits or a local bread known as chapati.

Often your Expedition leader or Climbing Sherpa will get to camp before you and get the stoves roaring to welcome you into camp with coffee, tea and snacks upon arrival from a day’s climb or acclimatisation trek.

Clients are invited to bring along any of their favourite snacks and goodie bags from home as they are expensive to buy once on the trek. Concentrate on high energy foodstuff such as Jelly Babies etc. to give you that little boost on an arduous day.

Ample water is continuously available at BC and ABC as are hot drinks, soups and the occasional canned beverage. You will be able to refill at any time from the water supply provided in both the kitchen tent and the dining tent (hot water flasks- 24 hours per day.)

Once at Camp 1 and above for the rotations or summit bid you will begin the re-hydration process immediately upon arrival into camp. Your Guide and Sherpa team will assist you with this. Equally you will begin to make (from ice) all the water you will need for the following days activity before you leave the tent that day. On summit day your Guide and Sherpa team will carry extra flasks of hot tea in addition to your own water supply. The use of stoves and cooking equipment will be demonstrated to you by your Guide and Sherpa team.

For your stay in towns and cities and for the road journey to Basecamp bottled water will be used. At the higher camps we will use locally sourced drinking water from streams, springs or nearby glacier. These are usually fresh being topped up from meltwater above or by rainfall but we also increase their purity by treating the water with purification chemicals or by boiling it. We ensure the water is as pure as possible.

At the camps there is a continuous supply of hot water for you to make hot drinks and lunches and dinners usually commence with a soup. Further on the road trips ample soft drinks are available at hotels and restaurants.

We have a great cook and modern kitchen facilities at BC and ABC. Above this camp C1 you will be expected to use gas stoves to boil water to cook the “boil in the bag” meals and melt sufficient ice to serve as drinking water for the following day. The ready meals are of the highest standard and come in a huge variety of flavours. Appetite is likely to be reduced as we ascend higher but we aim to cater for every personal taste with a variety of meals to encourage essential fuel loading!

The 360 expedition training programs have been devised to be expedition specific. Use these as a guide but also feel free to contact us for individual advice on how to incorporate the best fitness program with your own lifestyle.

High altitude mountaineering is about slack days of low activity followed by long days where every grain of stamina you have is called upon and every ounce of determination you possess is necessary to reach your goal.

The essential idea in order to prepare for a mountain such as Cho Oyu is to increase the intensity of the exercise you do by small increments over 8-12 months before you leave for the expedition. Concentrate on cardiovascular workouts during the initial weeks by taking short runs when time allows and try to spend at least 2 weekends a month going on long duration walks (longer than 8 hrs) carrying a rucksack of around 15kg and aiming for 800-1000 meters of ascent. As you get stronger increase this rate of exercise and the duration by walking every weekend and running 5km every second day, for example.

Since this is a mountaineering expedition we further encourage you to increase your climbing efficiency and use of climbing equipment (crampons, ice-axes) by undertaking winter walks / climbs in the Scottish Highlands, Pyrenees or Alps. This will increase your body’s ability to cope with the extra demands of these activities and also allows you to get familiar with the equipment you will be using on the mountain.

A focused regime will not only prepare your body for carrying minor loads but will harden your body against the big days on the mountain itself. In addition, the weekend walks will help break in your boots and get you used to your equipment for the trekking stage of the expedition. In combination this will pay dividends when you reach base camp because even though you can’t train for altitude your body will be ready for arduous days and you will be familiar with how to best use your equipment, both adding to you being able to enjoy and appreciate the mountain all the more.

Furthermore, being familiar with moving over ice and glaciated ground will be beneficial when joining this expedition. Contact the office for further details and to discuss your individual background. This helps us to formulate a training strategy that best suits the demands of your daily life.

Additionally, ask our team about pre-acclimatisation on smaller mountains prior to your departure for Cho Oyu.

Several excellent training plans can also be found online to prepare you for this ascent. Check the thorough advice offered by high altitude specialists Steve House and Scott Johnston on their website: Uphill Athlete

Please review the equipment list. While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides so that climbers are prepared to summit in any conditions.

The cost of equipment, particularly at this level, can be a major deterrent for people coming onto trips in the first place. However, we advocate the use of personal equipment whenever possible. This is particular important for the use of boots and high-altitude clothing.

Alternatively, things you don’t currently have can be hired cost effectively from our partners at Outdoor Hire or sourced cheaply through our reliable contacts in Kathmandu.

Our leaders usually start the trek wearing long, lightweight trekking trousers and wicking (non-cotton) shirts. Long trousers are recommended to act as sun protection. Shorts can also be worn on the initial few days of the road trip and for walks around BC and to ABC as the temperature can be warm. Ensure that you apply sun protection frequently. Sunglasses are worn for most of the trek into ABC as well as sunhats.

The prevailing conditions on the trek will dictate what you will wear: If it is cold when you leave the camp in the morning for a trek around BC or when setting off for ABC then wear your base layer plus soft shell. As things warm up take advantage of the zipper system which most trekking clothing have and open and/or close the zips to adjust to your own preferred temperature. If you get too warm then take a layer off.

Waterproofs are needed on hand especially during the acclimatisation phase of the expedition. Cho Oyu creates its own weather system. It is not unusual to be caught out in an afternoon snowstorm low down on the mountain. Waterproofs should be Gortex material or similar and be carried with you at all times below ABC.

On summit day it gets cold and temperatures of -30C are not unusual. Typically, our guides wear 2 sets of base layers (long johns), a fleece mid layer (top and bottom) and thin down jacket on the torso. Over the top of this they wear a one piece down suit. To further ward of the wind chill a wind suit (thin Gortex shell) could be considered.

On their hands they’ll wear a thin layer of fleece or silk gloves over which a thicker set of gloves are worn. Over the top of these two layers a large set of mittens (down recommended) is worn. Hand warmers inside the mittens are also recommended.

Their heads are covered by a thermal “beanie” hat or a thick balaclava and the hood of their down jackets. On their feet the guides wear one thin sock and one thick sock. Foot warmers recommended.

Over the top of your clothing you will wear a climbing harness and you will be attached to a rope for high passes/summit day.

On summit day your guides will also wear snow goggles.

There are two distinct types of footwear on this trek. The boots used for the trekking phase to ABC should be sturdy, waterproof, insulated against cold temperatures and offer adequate ankle support. (Crampon compatible B2 boots.) In addition, it is highly recommended that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters. A range of suitable boots are on the market and further advice as to which brand names are available and their relative pros and cons can be found online or at your local gear store. If still stuck then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our 360 office for advice.

Double boots are essential for climbing 8,000m peaks. You will only be using your double boots for the entire mountain phase on this expedition. These boots should have a soft insulating inner bootie and a hard plastic exterior outer boot with a high insulated exterior gaiter covering both. The standard model would be Scarpa Phantom 8000, La Sportiva Mont or the Millet Everest equivalent. Temperatures high on the mountain are usually well below -30C and only double boots can withstand such conditions. Ensure that you have tried the boots on before you leave home and that you can wear a thin and a thick pair of socks in them and still be able to freely move your toes.

Crampons are worn for the majority of the time you spend above ABC and for the actual summit day itself. Your crampons should preferably be of the easy “heel clip” variety (rather than the strap systems which are fiddly). It is not necessary to use specialist technical climbing crampons as standard 12 point all round crampons such as those from Grivel will do the job very well.

Please see our comprehensive kit list for the equipment and clothing systems you will need for this ascent. You might be familiar with some of the high altitude clothing and equipment needed for climbing Cho Oyu from having previously been to high altitude on other mountains.

The use of specialised equipment such as oxygen delivery systems, climbing and cooking equipment will be demonstrated and retaught to you at ABC should you be in need of a refreshment course or want to be updated on current techniques.

If you have specific questions about equipment or clothing than don’t hesitate to contact the office prior to leaving on the expedition, our dedicated team of professionals are always on hand to give you specific advice on any of the specialised equipment you will need for this ascent.

A rucksack is worn by the climber at all times during both the trek in phase to ABC and on the mountain itself above ABC. A good all round size to accommodate both phases of this expedition is around 70 L capacity. An enormous array of rucksack types and models exist on the market today. It is worth considering expedition specific rucksacks rather than travel rucksacks. Expedition rucksacks tend to have fewer frills and are of more durable construction and are lighter in weight. It is important that your ruck sack has an adjustable waist belt to transfer the weight of your daily load onto your hips and from here onto your legs so that the strongest muscles do most of the carrying and that the shoulder straps are sufficiently padded for extra comfort. Another handy feature would be a compartment in which to fit a Camelbak or water bladder.

For the road journey to BC and for the trek to ABC a smaller (around 40L capacity) rucksack can be used. The content of the rucksack for the trekking phase should include: a fleece or light down jacket (for when taking breaks or weather changes) a full set (top and bottom) of waterproofs, sufficient water for the day, snacks, camera equipment, personal medication and a head torch. Your day-to-day rucksack will weigh no more then 4 – 6 kg.

For the mountain phase the basic content of the rucksack is rearranged to be compatible with the demands of the next phase. It will include additional items such as sleeping bags, down clothing and personal climbing equipment which are to be carried between camps both on the ascent and descent. By this stage your ruck sack will weigh around the 8-10 kg mark. Our climbing Sherpa will assist you in carrying some items to the higher camps.

Your rucksack can be filled to the brim with extra stuff (socks, down jackets etc.) before checking in at the airport to save weight and space in your hold luggage.

Our main expedition luggage will be carried to ABC by porters and yaks.

The weight of your pack will usually not exceed 10 kg. We carefully scrutinise every item carried on “carry days” between camps and encourage a minimalist approach. Our yaks, porters and climbing Sherpa’s will be moving camping, kitchen and group equipment between camps.

Your daysack must contain the following items at all times. Waterproof top and bottoms, warm layer (thick fleece or light down jacket) gloves, beanie hat, head torch, personal first aid kit, sufficient water and snacks and of course a camera.

Most modern luxuries can be found in Kathmandu. Bring books as well as a Kindle as these can be shared more easily with the group once you finished reading them. (Kathmandu has a great selection of books to save plane weight). Furthermore, bring your iPads stuffed with as much variety of music and films as you can handle.

Yes, your kit is safe in your tent but we do advise to bring locks for your kit bags when flying which can be used on your bags in your tents to be doubly sure.

All expedition equipment is brought to BC either by you in your travel bag from Kathmandu or (as is the case with the bulk of the expedition equipment) by a large two tonne truck. Road transport can get as far as BC. Above this yaks are used to transport all equipment to ABC. Above ABC the climbing Sherpa will be carrying the bulk of the necessary camping and climbing equipment and team members will carry their personal climbing luggage necessary for the ascent.

Your Yak bags should be of a soft material “duffel bag” or rucksack variety and should not be a suitcase or hard bodied metal case. It is important to try to limit your equipment at this stage to around 35-40kg. This is plenty to keep you going!

Bear in mind that most of your mountain hardware which is not needed before ABC will already have been brought up to ABC and is stored there in a safe place.

Sleeping bags should be rated within the -40 C comfort rating. From around Base Camp upwards it is not unusual to experience frosty nights. A good night’s sleep is important to giving you the best chance to climb this mountain. Ensure you get a sleeping bag that has this temperature rating at this comfort rating rather than its extreme rating.

Our leaders take sleeping bags rated to well below -40C to ensure that they are warm at night. A 5-season sleeping bag can be enhanced by using an inner silk or fleece liner (or similar). The idea is to be as comfortable and warm as possible for the night and henceforth to ensure plenty of sleep for the arduous days ahead. Some clients have found the use of a “Bivouac bag” to increase the warmth of their bag.

For this expedition it is worthwhile to consider bringing two sleeping bags. One to leave at ABC and one to leave at the higher camps. This method is used by some to minimise the need to carry their sleeping bags back down to ABC after an acclimatisation rotation to the higher camps.

It is important to remember that down sleeping bags work by your own body heating the down that’s inside the bag. Once you have warmed up the bag the down will retain the heat and ensure that you sleep at a temperature that’s your own body temperature.

Casual dress is recommended for Kathmandu. Daytime temperatures are usually warm and shorts and t-shirts are fine. Evenings are generally cooler and a light fleece is recommended. A bag containing fresh clothes can be left in the hotel storage ready for your return.

The best time to climb in the Himalayas is March to May and September to November. The later time frame is generally clear but colder with snowy conditions that are more stable. The usual weather patterns that previously occurred with great predictability are now changing and it is not unusual to experience short spells of weather that is unprecedented.

Your expedition leader will most likely be in Kathmandu before you arrive. But he will be waiting for you at arrivals at Kathmandu airport and be with you for the entire expedition from there. Most will have been on an expedition with our leaders before. Their professionalism as well as personality seem to be the reason why we have such a high return rate. For an expedition of this nature we will be holding a pre-expedition meeting where you will not only get a chance to meet your fellow team members but also your leaders. This meeting is usually held over a weekend and will be an informal way to ask questions and sort out expedition equipment details. Naturally, you’ll be having a beer or two with your expedition team.

Your expedition leader will most likely be in Kathmandu before you arrive. But he will be waiting for you at arrivals at Kathmandu airport and be with you for the entire expedition from there. Most will have been on an expedition with our leaders before. Their professionalism as well as personality seem to be the reason why we have such a high return rate. For an expedition of this nature we will be holding a pre-expedition meeting where you will not only get a chance to meet your fellow team members but also your leaders. This meeting is usually held over a weekend and will be an informal way to ask questions and sort out expedition equipment details. Naturally, you’ll be having a beer or two with your expedition team.

Detailed flight information will be sent to you upon registration. We are ATOL bonded and ensure the most direct route with a reputable airline. 360 Expeditions carefully consider weight restrictions imposed by various airlines for an 8,000m peak expedition such as Cho Oyu.

On some occasions climbers prefer to organise their own flights. If this is the case than we are more than willing to assist you with every detail of the journey to Nepal. We will for example be able to advise you of the weight restrictions imposed by various airlines and recommend quality airlines.

Booking your own airline allows you to have the flexibility to use frequent flyer miles as well as manage your luggage weight. For example, it can be more cost effective booking a business class flight than paying excess baggage.

We are happy to make any arrangements scheduled outside of the trek dates: these might include personalised tours, extra hotels rooms, private airport pickups or arranging private rooms. Please indicate your requirements on your booking form and we will contact you with the relevant arrangements.

Your permit and costs cover 75 days therefore you will have ample lee way regarding the mountain logistic costs. We managed to summit with our teams in the past in around 40 days.

The itinerary is designed to accommodate bad weather delays and sufficient acclimatisation to summit but If the expedition overruns and you choose to stay out on the expedition your flights will be changed accordingly. The 360 office will help with this. There could be a charge imposed by the airline, we will invoice you for this on return to the UK. You have two scheduled nights in Kathmandu on your return after the expedition.

Copy of own travel insurance details. And relevant contact numbers are required.
Comprehensive expedition insurance is now available from various insurers. We recommend looking into deals offered by True Traveller, the BMC (although the BMC will only cover you for the summit phase if you have a history with them), Austrian Alpine Club or similar insurers.

Team members should take out private insurance that covers you against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons and it is important that the insurance contains coverage for medical evacuations.

Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip. Please contact the office if you have any queries regarding insurance for this expedition. We will be happy to help.

Past climbers have often used a combination of insurances, one of which covers you for the trip into Base Camp and another for the climbing phase.

All foreign nationals need visas. They are easily obtained at the border (airport) and cost $100 for a three month visa, however we recommend that you contact your nearest Nepali embassy (call 360 for details) to avoid queuing, unnecessary delays and potential clearance problems.

Alternatively, you can print the forms from here and complete them before your arrival to Kathmandu. Be sure to have the suggested USD amount in cash for your visa application and have a passport photo for your arrival in Kathmandu.

Visa requirements for entry into Tibet are different for tourists and climbing expedition members. Our Visa paper work is handled by our 360 Nepali office. Specific requirements to aid this application will be sent to you 3 months prior to departure as details are prone to change and cost.

Generally, deposits are due when you book as we need in turn to book the international flights and permits well in advance. The full amount should be paid four months prior to departure. However, having said that, our aim is to get you to the top of this mountain and we understand that personal financial situations can vary. Please contact our friendly office crew to discuss a suitable payment plan should you find raising the funds to be difficult. We have been in your shoes after all and go by the motto of where there’s a will there’s a way.

Please read 360 expeditions terms and conditions carefully before you depart. 360 expeditions highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits 360 expeditions must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. While tipping is not compulsory once someone sees the hard work the crew provides and realises the small amount of money they get paid relative to our own salaries, tipping will seem the least they can do to say thank you. As a general rule we suggest around $400 – $500 per client for the entire local crew to be shared amongst them.

Alongside this tip for the local crew you will also need to give a summit bonus tip. This tip is for your Sherpa support for reaching the summit. It is set at a minimum of $500 – $750. You will need to have this money with you in cash to give to your Sherpa after your climb.

Tipping the 360 Leader is entirely at your discretion.

American dollars are readily recognised and are easily converted to the local currency. Upon arrival there will always be a bureau the change at the airport or land border. Generally, these provide a better rate of exchange then your hotel. For most situations when buying gifts or small goods such as drinks or snacks etc. the use of small denomination US dollars is not a problem. Getting change for a $20 bill when buying a $1 coke will be a problem. Larger bills are good for tipping your 360 team at the end of the expedition and a sufficient amount should be carried with you. Your 360 leader will advise you in the pre-expedition brief as to what is the correct amount to take on the trip with you.

The amount of money you will need depends on how many presents you wish to buy or if you want to purchase soft drinks on the trek. As a basic rule of thumb $200 should be more than adequate for any expedition spending.

Nepal and Tibet are relatively cheap places and when indulging in the local custom of haggling, goods can be bought for excellent value for money. Your 360 leader will be happy to point out the relative bargains, suitable prices and where to get the best value for money. The only other cash you’ll need to consider taking with you on this expedition is the local crew tips.

You can always call our offices and one of the leaders will contact you as soon as they get off the hill. For this expedition we will be holding a pre-expedition meeting in plenty of time before the expedition is due to take place. This is to aid you with any questions you may have and to meet your team members. We feel it is important that you have already struck up a friendship with your team before leaving rather than setting off from the airport as total strangers.

Electricity is generated by small generators and solar panels. A ready power supply is available in both the kitchen and dining tent to keep cameras, iPod, Kindles and suchlike charged. However, charging laptops can be a problem to charge so to keep your personal equipment simple.

Base Camp normally benefits from Chinese mobile coverage. Beyond that we rely on satellite phones which will be available for your use, but will have a charge attached to them.

Wifi is provided by a couple of Chinese companies but it can be intermittent. You can get 3G in certain areas of Base Camp too.

Telephone and internet coverage is available from Kathmandu to BC. Above this the Expedition leader will have a satellite phone and this is kept charged using solar power. For a small fee you can use them for calls home.

On the mountain all team members will be provided with a small lightweight Motorola radio to stay in communication with other team members. Mobile phones will only work for a small period of time on the beginning of the trek in.

Additionally, our Expedition and Sherpa crew carry VHS radios to communicate with each other and the Basecamps.

Your 360 Leader will be sending regular updates to the 360 offices to allow your family and friends to track your progress on social media.

The best place to reach a loved one is through our main 360 office. We try to organise a daily satellite call with the 360 Leader on the mountain to allow communication between the outside world and to keep our team updated with important developments occurring at home.

The round three pin plugs are used in Nepal. The hotels used on this expedition will have modern European plug fittings. An adaptor can be purchased at the airport if you’ve forgotten it.