What is the best season to climb Cho Oyu?

The best climbing seasons are pre-monsoon (April–May) and post-monsoon (September–October) when weather is relatively stable and skies are clear.

How difficult is Cho Oyu to climb?

Cho Oyu is considered one of the easiest 8,000 m peaks, with minimal technical challenges and objective dangers, but it still requires excellent fitness, high-altitude experience, and proper acclimatization.

What is the highest point of Cho Oyu?

The summit of Cho Oyu is 8,201 m (26,906 ft) above sea level.

Cho Oyu Expedition -

The first attempt to climb Cho Oyu was made in 1952 by an expedition organized and funded by the Joint Himalayan Committee of Great Britain, intended as preparation for a Mount Everest attempt the following year. The team was led by Eric Shipton and included Edmund Hillary, Tom Bourdillon, and George Lowe. A climb by Hillary and Lowe was halted at an ice cliff above 6,650 m due to technical challenges and avalanche risks. Additionally, reports of Chinese troops nearby influenced Shipton to retreat rather than continue the summit attempt.

Cho Oyu was eventually first summited on October 19, 1954, via the northwest ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama, members of an Austrian expedition. It became the fifth eight-thousander to be climbed, following Annapurna in June 1950, Mount Everest in May 1953, Nanga Parbat in July 1953, and K2 in July 1954. Notably, until Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler’s ascent of Mount Everest in 1978, this was the highest peak climbed without supplemental oxygen.

Accomodation
Hotel/Tea house/Camping
Best Season
Spring /March, April, and May
Transportation
Fly/ Car/ Jeep/ Tourist bus
Maximum Altitude
8201m

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Mount Cho Oyu, standing at 8,201 m, is the world’s sixth-highest peak. It is located 20 km west of Mount Everest, on the border between Tibet (China) and Nepal. Cho Oyu is considered the easiest of the 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks to climb, as it has minimal technical challenges and low objective dangers. According to legend, the mountain is known as the “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan and holds great spiritual significance in the region. Most climbing expeditions approach Cho Oyu from the Tibetan side, where the route is relatively accessible and comfortable. Organizing an expedition from the Nepal side, however, is much more difficult.

Trip Highlights

The summit of Cho Oyu 8201m, the sixth-highest mountain in the world, gives climbers a profound sense of accomplishment.
Climbers at the summit can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range, including well-known peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Travelers experience the rich culture, especially interacting with the Sherpa communities in the Khumbu region.
Climbers learn important skills for climbing at high altitudes and how to get used to the thin air.
The area around Cho Oyu lets climbers see unique animals and plants found only in the Himalayas, adding to the experience.
Setting up camp at the base of Cho Oyu, located in a remote and scenic area, is an exciting part of the journey.
The area around Cho Oyu lets climbers see unique animals and plants found only in the Himalayas, adding to the experience.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal (1,400 m). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your journey, or take a short stroll around the nearby area. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02 :

Preparation Day for Expedition (1,400 m)

Spend the day in Kathmandu preparing for the Cho Oyu expedition. This includes organizing your gear, checking equipment, and attending a briefing about the trek and climbing route. You may also take the opportunity to explore the city’s culture, temples, and local markets. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Gongkar Airport, Lhasa (3,650 m)

Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Gongkar Airport in Lhasa, Tibet (3,650 m). Upon arrival, complete immigration and customs formalities, then transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lhasa.

Day 04 :

Sightseeing Around Lhasa (3,650 m)

Spend the day exploring the cultural and spiritual highlights of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Visit iconic sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. This day also helps with gradual acclimatization to the higher altitude. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lhasa.

Day 05 :

Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3,950 m)

Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3,950 m), enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau along the way. Stop at interesting sites, including Yamdrok Lake and Kumbum Stupa, for sightseeing and photos. Overnight stay at a hotel in Gyantse.

Day 06 :

Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3,950 m)

Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3,950 m), the second-largest city in Tibet. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and visit important landmarks, including Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shigatse.

Day 07 :

Drive from Shigatse to Tingri (4,350 m)

Drive from Shigatse to Tingri (4,350 m), a small town near the base of the Himalayas. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Cho Oyu and Everest in the distance. Take time to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Overnight stay at a lodge or hotel in Tingri.

Day 08 :

Rest Day at Tingri for Acclimatization (4,350 m)

Spend the day resting in Tingri to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Use this time to relax, hydrate, and take short walks around the area. Proper acclimatization is crucial to prepare your body for the climb ahead. Overnight stay at a lodge or hotel in Tingri.

Day 09 :

Drive from Tingri to Chinese Base Camp (4,800 m)

Drive from Tingri to the Chinese Base Camp of Cho Oyu (4,800 m). Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your camp and take time to rest and adjust to the higher altitude in preparation for the climb. Overnight stay at the base camp.

Day 10 :

Rest and Acclimatization at Chinese Base Camp (4,800 m)

Spend the day at the Chinese Base Camp resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Use this time to hydrate, organize your climbing gear, and take short walks around the camp to help your body adjust. Proper acclimatization is essential for a safe and successful ascent. Overnight stay at the base camp.

Day 11 :

Trek from Chinese Base Camp to Middle Camp (5,300 m)

Begin the trek from the Chinese Base Camp to Middle Camp at 5,300 m. The trail passes through glacial moraines and rocky terrain, offering stunning views of Cho Oyu’s slopes. Take a steady pace to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Overnight stay at Middle Camp.

Day 12 :

Trek from Middle Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) (5,700 m)

Trek from Middle Camp to the Advanced Base Camp (ABC) at 5,700 m. The trail ascends gradually, passing glaciers and high alpine terrain. Take regular breaks to acclimatize and enjoy the breathtaking views of Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks. Overnight stay at the Advanced Base Camp.

Day 13 :

Day 13–39: Climbing Period – Summit Cho Oyu (8,201 m)

This period is dedicated to the gradual ascent of Cho Oyu. Climbers will follow a series of camps, including Advanced Base Camp (5,700 m), higher intermediate camps, and high camps on the mountain. The schedule allows for proper acclimatization, rest days, and rotation climbs to safely prepare for the summit attempt.

The ultimate goal is to reach the summit at 8,201 m. Climbers must carefully monitor weather conditions, altitude effects, and energy levels. Each day’s trek between camps is challenging, passing glaciers, icefalls, and steep slopes, requiring endurance, teamwork, and careful planning. After reaching the summit, climbers descend step by step back to lower camps for rest and recovery.

Day 14 :

Day 40: Trek to Middle Camp and Drive to Tingri (4,348 m)

After descending from the higher camps, trek back to Middle Camp. From there, drive to Tingri (4,348 m), enjoying the stunning Himalayan landscapes along the way. Rest and recover after the long day of trekking. Overnight stay at a lodge or hotel in Tingri.

Day 15 :

Day 41: Drive from Tingri to Shigatse (3,950 m)

Drive from Tingri to Shigatse (3,950 m), taking in the breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau along the way. Upon arrival, visit local sights if time permits or simply rest and recover from the expedition. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shigatse.

Day 16 :

Day 42: Early Morning Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3,650 m)

Depart Shigatse early in the morning and drive back to Lhasa (3,650 m). Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau along the way, including mountains, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages. Upon arrival in Lhasa, check in to your hotel and rest after the long journey. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lhasa.

Day 17 :

Day 43: Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Take a flight from Lhasa back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting, shopping, or exploring the city at leisure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18 :

Day 44: Free Day in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may visit local markets, cultural sites, or simply rest after the Cho Oyu expedition. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19 :

Day 45: Departure – Return Home (1,400 m)

Today marks the end of your Cho Oyu expedition. After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport for your flight home. Take with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayas and your climbing adventure.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

All arrival and departure transfer services to and from the international airports.
3-night request star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per itinerary.
Truck for expedition equipment from Kathmandu-Kerung-Kathmandu.
Land Transportation from KTM-KERUNG-KTM for Climbing members and Staff.
Chinese custom clearances at the border.
Chinese Government Royalty for Cho-Oyu Expedition for the group and climbing Sherpa guide.
Chinese visa for the climbing period, both Base Camp staff, Sherpa and group.
Climbing Sherpa guide and leaders will be included.
Selected English speaking Chinese liaison officer and interpreter.
All camping equipment in Base camp and Advance Base Camp.
Full Board hotel in route in Tibet: Lhasa, Tingri (B/L/D).
Food during expedition period for expedition members and staff..
Tibet Visa and Travel Permit for expedition cre.
Expedition Permit to climbing Cho Oyu along northwest ridge route.
Permanent kitchen facilities at advance base camp.
All staff during the Expedition period with an experienced guide (Base Camp Manager) as per group size.
Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary.
Cargo clearance & duties assistance service free.
Daily wages, equipment allowance & insurance for expedition staff.
Gamow Bag will be available for expedition group.
Solar panel for light and batteries charger will be available for expedition members.
Quality personal tent at base camp and advance base camp.
Permanent kitchen and dining facilities at advance base camp.
All necessary climbing hardware and ropes.
Preferable meals at BC, Ad.BC, higher camps, hot drinks, and beverages, freeze-dried food during an expedition.
24 hours hot drinks and beverage during the expedition.
Quality high altitude freeze-dried food for Sherpa and staff.
2 Oxygen Bottles with mask and regulators (if requested by client).
We provide Sherpa's tents, food for climbing, and insurance.
Icefalls charges, all high-quality tent for higher camps 1, 2, 3.
EPI gas and burners for cooking food above base camp.
Per person 50kg baggage allowance during trekking-up and down carrying by Yak.
The truck will be provided at Kerung border - Chinese base camp and return Kerung for loads.
Yaks carry the loads from Chinese base camp to middle camp to advance base camp and return.
Required experienced, trained and Government Licensed climbing guide(s) during climbing period per person as per requirements.
First Aid medical kits for the group and the staff.
Satellite phone carrying by guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call.
Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required.
Emergency oxygen and mask regulator.
All necessary paper works, office Service charge, and Government Taxes levied in Nepal.
Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation, and visa extension procedure services (if necessary).
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.

Cost Excludes

Airfare of international flights.
Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu).
Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking.
Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides.
Political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.
Extra transportation then displays in the itinerary program.
Any additional staff other than specified.
Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
Walkie-talkies & Filming permit (if a special camera or walkies-talkies).
Personal climbing gears.
Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone And Internet expenses.
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears.
Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.
Tips or gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff.
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa guide, minimum US $ 1500.00 per climbing Sherpa guide.
Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Any other item not included in the “inclusion” section.

Cho Oyu Expedition

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs