Cho Oyu Expedition was first attempted in 1952 by an expedition organised and financed by the Joint Himalayan Committee of Great Britain as preparation for an attempt on Mount Everest the following year. The expedition was led by Eric Shipton and included Edmund Hillary, Tom Bourdillon and George Lowe.A foray by Hillary and Lowe was stopped due to technical difficulties and avalanche danger at an ice cliff above 6,650 m, and a report of Chinese troops a short distance across the border influenced Shipton to retreat from the mountain rather than continue to attempt to summit.

The mountain was first climbed on October 19, 1954, via the north-west ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of an Austrian expedition. Cho Oyu was the fifth eight-thousander to be climbed, after Annapurna in June 1950, Mount Everest in May 1953, Nanga Parbat in July 1953 and K2 in July 1954. Until the ascent of Mount Everest by Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978, this was the highest peak climbed without supplemental oxygen.

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Mount Cho-Oyu is the world’s 6th highest peak at (8,201m) above sea level. It lies 20 km west of Mt. Everest on the border between Tibet ( China) and Nepal. This mountain is considered the easiest among 8,000 meters high Himalayan Mountains for climbing due to non-existent of technical difficulties and objective dangers. According to legends Cho Oyu is called ‘Turquoise God’ in Tibetan language and highly regarded in Tibet. Most of the Cho Oyu climbing expeditions are undertaken from Tibet side due to a relatively comfortable climbing route. From Nepal side, it is very difficult to organize the climbing expedition.

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.
Excellent preliminary peak for Everest.
Easiest of the fourteen 8,000m peaks.
6th highest mountain in the world.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m):

Day 02 :

Preparation day for expedition (1400m):

Day 03 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Gongkar Airport Lhasa (3650m):

Day 04 :

Sightseeing around Lhasa (3650m):

Day 05 :

Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse(3950m):

Day 06 :

Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (Xigatse (3950m):

Day 07 :

Drive from Shigatse to Tingri (4350m):

Day 08 :

Rest day at Tingri for acclimatization(5000m):

Day 09 :

Drive from Tingri to the Chinese base camp(4800m):

Day 10 :

Rest and acclimatization at Chinese base camp(4800m):

Day 11 :

Trek from Chinese Base Camp to Middle Camp(5300m):

Day 12 :

Trek from Middle Camp to the ABC(5700m):

Day 13 :

13-39,Climbing Period –Summit Cho-Oyu(8201m):

Day 14 :

40,Trek to middle camp; drive to Tingri(4348m):

Day 15 :

41,Drive from Tingri to Shigatse (Xigatse):

Day 16 :

42,Early in the morning drive from Sigatse to Lhasa:

Day 17 :

43,Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu:

Day 18 :

44,Free day in Kathmandu:

Day 19 :

45,Departure day in Home"

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.

FAQS

Expand all

Can you climb Cho Oyu from Nepal?

Yes, what a season finale: Gelje Sherpa has fulfilled his life-long dream and led an eight-member team, including Alasdair McKenzie of France, to the summit of Cho Oyu. They succeeded from the highly difficult Nepal side via a new route. The team summited via the SSW Ridge at 8:35 pm Nepal time

Can I climb Cho Oyu independently or do I need a guide?

While it is possible to climb 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.

Do I need a climbing permit for Cho Oyu?

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 many people have successfully climbed Cho Oyu?

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.

How long does it take to climb Cho Oyu?

The best time to climb Cho Oyu Expedition is in the Fall, August-October. How many climbers are on this expedition? Generally, our maximum for this climb is 10 climbers plus guides and Sherpa.

Is Cho Oyu 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.

Are there any fixed ropes on Cho Oyu?

Fixed ropes are typically installed on certain sections of Cho Oyu’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.

What is the best time to climb Cho Oyu?

The best time to climb 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.

How difficult is it to climb Cho Oyu?

Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest peak, stands at 8,188 meters and is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is often considered one of the easiest and least hazardous 8,000-meter peaks to climb due to its gentle slopes and the straightforward nature of its standard route.

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

In case of illness or injury during the 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.