- Expeditions
- 8000M Peaks
- Cho Oyu
Altitude
8188 m
Co-ordinates
28.0942° N, 86.8106° E
Duration
35 Days
Best Season
Autumn
Activity
8000m Expedition
Trip Grade
Extremely Difficult (Alpine TD+/ED – Très Difficile to Extrêmement Difficile)
Enquire Now
Cho Oyu Expedition
Mount Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak at 8,188 meters, sits on the Nepal-China border west of Everest. Named “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, it’s considered the most accessible 8,000-meter peak. First summited in 1954 by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama, it’s a popular choice for mountaineers gaining high-altitude experience or preparing for Everest. Our expeditions run 6–8 weeks via the northwest ridge, with gradual acclimatization and glacier climbing. We provide experienced Sherpa guides, permits, camps, oxygen, and solid safety support for this achievable giant.
Detailed itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by our expedition representatives and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to rest after international travel or explore the city at a relaxed pace. In the evening, an informal welcome meeting introduces the expedition overview and key team members.
These days are dedicated to thorough expedition preparation. Activities include detailed equipment inspections, final gear adjustments, safety briefings, and discussions on climbing strategy and logistics. Our experienced guides review acclimatization plans, health protocols, and emergency procedures. This preparation period ensures all participants are fully equipped and mentally prepared before entering the high-altitude environment of Tibet.
Today marks the transition from Nepal to Tibet. After an early departure from Kathmandu, you drive toward the Nepal–Tibet border before continuing into the Kerung Valley. The journey offers stunning views of Himalayan landscapes and deep river gorges. Upon arrival in Kerung, you settle into a comfortable lodge and begin your first stage of natural acclimatization.
The trek begins gradually as you move higher into the Tibetan plateau. The route passes through wide valleys and rolling hills, offering expansive views and a noticeable change in terrain compared to Nepal. The steady ascent supports acclimatization while introducing the vast openness characteristic of Tibet. Overnight in Nyalam.
A vital acclimatization day. Short walks and light activity around Nyalam help the body adapt to increasing altitude. The remainder of the day is spent resting, hydrating, and monitoring physical condition under the guidance of the expedition team, preparing for the higher elevations ahead.
Today’s journey continues across the Tibetan plateau toward Tingri. The landscape becomes increasingly arid and dramatic, with sweeping views of distant Himalayan giants. This gradual ascent further strengthens acclimatization and prepares the team for Base Camp altitude.
You arrive at Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp, set on the vast plains beneath the north face of the mountain. Surrounded by expansive Himalayan scenery, Base Camp becomes your primary operational center. The camp is established with a focus on comfort, safety, and efficient logistics.
A full day dedicated to rest and organization. Equipment is sorted, climbing loads are prepared, and the route strategy is reviewed. Light acclimatization walks may be undertaken while guides monitor health and readiness. This structured pause supports adaptation before moving higher.
Over these days, you move gradually toward Cho Oyu Base Camp and Advanced Base Camp. The route ascends across glacial terrain and wide snowfields, allowing continued acclimatization while establishing higher camps and logistics. The pace is intentionally steady, maximizing safety and physical adaptation to altitude.
This period is allocated for the full Cho Oyu climbing program. Activities include acclimatization rotations to higher camps, route fixing, load carries, rest days, and continuous weather monitoring. Cho Oyu is considered one of the more accessible 8,000-meter peaks, making it an excellent objective for climbers progressing toward higher Himalayan goals yet it still demands respect, discipline, and experience. The summit push is carefully timed to align with optimal weather and snow conditions.
After completion of the climb, you descend back toward the road-accessible Base Camp area. With altitude decreasing, recovery is noticeable, and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. The focus remains on safe descent and equipment consolidation.
Today’s drive returns you to the Kerung Valley. The changing landscapes and increasing oxygen levels provide comfort and reflection after the intense high-altitude phase of the expedition.
Crossing back into Nepal, you drive to Kathmandu, completing the overland journey. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel, where modern comforts await.
A well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu. Time is available for sightseeing, shopping, spa treatments, or a celebratory dinner with the expedition team. This day also serves as a contingency buffer if required.
Your expedition concludes today with a scheduled transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. You leave Nepal carrying the achievement of summiting or attempting one of the world’s great Himalayan peaks, along with memories and experiences that last a lifetime.
Includes:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
4–5 nights’ deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Overland travel from Kathmandu to Kerung/Nyalam/Tingri/Chinese Base Camp and return.
Full Tibet travel documentation: Chinese Tibet visa, entry permits, climbing royalty, CTMA permit, route fixing fees, and liaison officer support.
All required ground transportation and vehicle support for members and staff.
Three meals per day during the trek, acclimatization stops, Chinese/Base Camp, and higher camps.
Fully equipped Base Camp and high camps with tents, dining/kitchen facilities, toilets, solar power, first aid kit, and high-altitude cooking equipment.
Group climbing equipment including fixed ropes, ice bars, and walkie-talkies for communication.
Porter and staff support with full wages, food, equipment, clothing, insurance, and medical/emergency coverage.
Experienced Sherpa guides and high-altitude assistants with dedicated summit support (typically 1:1 or better).
Supplemental oxygen cylinders for members and Sherpa, high-quality masks and regulators, and emergency oxygen reserves at Base Camp.
Excludes:
International round-trip airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal visa fees and China/Tibet visa or group visa processing fees.
Lunch, dinner, and extra meals in Kathmandu beyond breakfast.
Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu beyond the scheduled stay.
Personal travel, medical, high-altitude mountaineering, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation insurance.
Summit bonuses and tips for guides, high-altitude Sherpas, assistants, porters, drivers, and Base Camp staff.
Personal trekking and climbing gear, clothing, boots, sleeping bag, and technical mountaineering equipment.
Additional oxygen cylinders, personal medications, snacks, or extra supplies beyond allocation.
Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, phone calls, internet/Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging, souvenirs, or optional activities.
Helicopter evacuation or transport costs beyond insurance coverage.
Excess baggage fees, satellite communication charges, local donations or entry fees, filming permits, and any services not listed in the “Price Includes” section.