Cho Oyu Expedition is the 6th highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,201 meters above sea level, located on the Nepal-Tibet border. Which is 20km west of Mount Everest in the Mahalangur range. Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess” in the Tibetan language.

To participate in the Cho Oyu expedition, a minimum requirement is previous high-altitude climbing experience, including at least two 6000-meter peaks and one 7000-meter peak, such as Himlung Himal, Baruntse, Mt. Nun, or Spantik. It is a must for climbers to have knowledge and experience of long-duration hiking (10+ hours) and climbing using crampons on snow, ice, and steep surfaces, as well as being comfortable and proficient in using fixed ropes on steep and exposed sections.

Why climb Cho Oyu?
Cho Oyu is a perfect starting point to begin climbing above 8,000m.
It offers an excellent combination of moderate technical difficulty and great altitude
Climbers experience stunning views on the Himalayas, including Everest
Well-organized trip with Everest Alpine Trekking with the highest safety standards and environmentally friendly attitude

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Cho Oyu Expedition is the sixth-highest mountain in the world at 8,188 metres above sea level. Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan. The mountain is the westernmost major peak of the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalaya 20 km west of Mount Everest.

Trip Highlights

Stunning Panoramic Views: Climbers at the summit can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range, including well-known peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Cultural Experience: Travelers experience the rich culture, especially interacting with the Sherpa communities in the Khumbu region.
Cho Oyu Base Camp: Setting up camp at the base of Cho Oyu, located in a remote and scenic area, is an exciting part of the journey.
High-Altitude Climbing Experience: Climbers learn important skills for climbing at high altitudes and how to get used to the thin air.
Scenic Trek Routes: The path to Cho Oyu includes beautiful walks through various landscapes such as forests, valleys, and areas with glaciers.
Local Wildlife and Flora: 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 And Transfer To The Hotel:

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will need to obtain Nepal Entry Visa at the counter. After these procedures, one of our representatives will meet and greet you and transfer you to the pre-booked 3-star hotel for you to rest. You can freshen up and enjoy your evening in Thamel.

Day 02 :

Preparation day:

On the second day, we will fulfill the required documentation and official formalities. We will also obtain the necessary permits. Meanwhile, you may go shopping for personal stuff that you might need during the trekking and Expedition.

Day 03 :

Drive From Kathmandu To Timure (1742m):

Our journey starts early in the morning after a warm and fulfilling breakfast at the hotel. We will drive to Timure, a small village in the Gosaikunda Rural Municipality. The drive will be quite tiring as we travel on bumpy roads up the hills, but nature’s beauty will deviate the pain towards tranquillity and peace.

Day 04 :

Drive To Kerung (1962M):

After staying overnight in Timure, we will then resume our journey to Kerung. Kerung is a village in the Solukhumbu District and serves as a trading route between Nepal and China. The road leading to Kerung is equally adventurous and bumpy.

Day 05 :

Drive To Tingri And Acclimatize (4300m):

After Kerung, we will then cross the border and enter Tibet, the autonomous state of China. We continuously drive uphill and finally reach Tingri. Tingri is an old settlement in Tibet that used to be an important trading point for farmers in Nepal and Tibet. The beautiful meadows, rivers with fresh water, and picturesque villages make Tingri a beautiful place to stop and acclimatize.

Day 06 :

Drive To Chinese Base Camp (5100 M) And Acclimatize:

From Tingri, we drive to Chinese Base Camp for Cho Oyu and stay 2 more days for acclimatization. We must allocate some good time for acclimatization as we will be gaining high altitude within a day as we drive instead of trekking.

Day 07 :

Trek To Intermediate Camp (5400 M):

We will be driving only to the Chinese Base Camp. After acclimatizing for two more days, we will then trek towards the Intermediate Camp. Our luggage and logistics will be carried by Yaks and Porters till the Intermediate camp. At the altitude of 5400 m, we will set up our intermediate camp with full board tented service.

Day 08 :

Trek To The Advanced Base Camp (5700 M):

After the intermediate camp, we then climb up to the Advanced base camp set up at 5700 m altitude. We will segregate the gear and equipment required for climbing and prepare for our climb to Cho Oyu summit.

Day 09 :

Climbing Period Of Cho Oyu:

The following three and a half weeks are allocated for the climbing period of Cho Oyu. During this course, we follow an acclimatization schedule of climbing with equipment and rest days. The summit climb requires setting up three higher camps on the upper flanks of the mountain above the base camp.

Camp 1 is set up at 6400m which is led by the route following the moraine up the main glacier which then turns towards the east to a tributary glacier requiring the climbers to climb steeply up the scree and snow.

The route to Camp 2 (7000 m) follows a moderate snow and ice ridge before a small ice serac out to a broad plateau.

After Camp 2, we need to climb up on a 30-degree snow slope to reach Camp 3 at 7400 m.

On the Summit day, we head towards the Yellow Band, a short but steep wall of rock and ice, technically challenging and demanding. After traversing the Yellow Band, we move up the West Face to the summit plateau. Most climbers stop at a set of prayer flags believing that they have summited the peak but there is still a 15-minute walk across the plateau to reach a point that offers spectacular views of the Gokyo lakes of Nepal, that point is the Summit of Cho Oyu.

After witnessing the extraordinary views of the mountain ranges including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, we slowly retrace our trail to the Advanced Base Camp. The summit day requires 10-12 hours of walking on rocks, ice, and snow.

Day 10 :

38,Trek Down To Intermediate Camp:

With the joy and feeling of victory, we then trek back to Intermediate Base Camp.

Day 11 :

39,Drive To Tingri:

After the Intermediate Base Camp, we will take a ride back to Tingri, the old settlement in Tibet.

Day 12 :

40,Drive To Kerung:

After staying overnight in Tingri, we then take a ride to Kerung, the border of Nepal and China, and rest overnight.

Day 13 :

41,Drive To Kathmandu:

Following the same rugged, rocky path that we took earlier, we drive back to Kathmandu and relax in our hotel.

Day 14 :

42,43,44,Sightseeing In Kathmandu:

Kathmandu is a beautiful city with numerous attractive destinations. There are many heritages listed in the World Heritage List as well. You can go sightseeing around Bhaktapur, Patan, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, or even roam around in the streets of Thamel trying some exotic cuisines. You can get beautiful souvenirs in Kathmandu that you can take back home for your loved ones.

Day 15 :

45,Final Departure:

If you have not signed up for any other Add-ons Adventure packages, it’s time to bid you farewell. One of our representatives will drop you off at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

FAQS

Expand all

Can I climbing Cho Oyu expedition independently or do I need a guide?

While it is possible to climbing Cho Oyu independently, it is highly recommended to have the support of experienced climbers or professional guides. They can provide crucial guidance, assistance, and ensure your safety during the expedition.

What happens if I get sick or injured during the Cho oyo expedition?

In case of illness or injury during the Cho Oyo expedition, it is crucial to have a well-prepared evacuation plan in place. Helicopter rescue services are available in the Cho Oyu region, but it is recommended to have appropriate travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescues.

Is Cho Oyu Expedition a good mountain for beginners?

Cho Oyu expedition is often considered a good introductory mountain for climbers aiming to summit 8,000-meter peaks. It is technically less challenging compared to other mountains of similar height, but previous mountaineering experience and high-altitude climbing skills are still necessary.

How much does a Cho Oyu expedition cost?

The cost of a Cho Oyu expedition can vary depending on factors such as the climbing route, duration, support services, and logistical arrangements. On average, the cost can range from $29500 to $36,000 or more.

What is the best time to climbing Cho Oyu Expedition?

The best time to climbing Cho Oyu is during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) and post-monsoon season (September-October). These periods generally have more stable weather conditions and lower chances of avalanches.

Do I need a climbing permit for Cho Oyu Expedition?

Yes, you need to obtain a climbing permit from the Tibet Mountaineering Association (TMA) if climbing from the Tibetan side or from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) if climbing from the Nepalese side. The permit can be obtained through a registered trekking agency or a professional mountaineering organization.

How long does it take to summit Cho Oyu Expedition?

The duration to summit Cho Oyu can vary depending on the climbing route, weather conditions, and individual climber’s fitness level. On average, it takes around 6-8 weeks from base camp to reach the summit and return.

Are there any fixed ropes on Cho Oyu Expedition?

Fixed ropes are typically installed on certain sections of Cho Oyu Expedition’s climbing routes to assist climbers. However, the availability and location of fixed ropes can vary from season to season, and it’s important to be prepared to navigate the terrain independently if needed.

Can I climb Cho Oyu without supplemental oxygen?

While it is possible to climbing Cho Oyu without supplemental oxygen, the majority of climbers choose to use it due to the extreme altitude and thin air. It is a personal decision that should be based on your experience, fitness level, and acclimatization capabilities.

How many people have successfully climbed Cho Oyu Expedition?

As of now, thousands of climbers have successfully summited Cho Oyu since the first ascent in 1954. It is one of the more popular 8,000-meter peaks and sees a significant number of climbers each year.