Trip Type
Mountaineering
Difficulty
Severe
SKILLS PROFILE
No Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
Tea House
DESTINATION
Nepal,Tibet
Start / End Point
Chinese Base Camp / Chinese Base Camp
Region
Lhasa
Duration
44 days
Elevation
8201 M
Seasons
Sep-Nov
Group Size
2 - 7
Popularity
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
Check upcoming trip dates, availability & prices. If you can't see dates that suite you, contact us we will do our best to assist you.
| GUARANTEED DEPARTURES | PRICE | AVAILABILITY | |
| Apr 6, 2026 - May 19, 2026 | $27000 | High | |
| May 18, 2027 - Jun 30, 2027 | $27000 | High |
Trek Highlights
- Mount Cho Oyu was first climbed on October 19, 1954, via the north-west ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of Austrian Expedition.
- Until the ascent of Mount Everest by Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978, this was the highest peak climber without supplemental oxygen.
- The breathtaking view from the summit plateau includes the entire panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, Ama Dablam and other peaks of Khumbu.
- This Cho Oyu massif is arguably the most technically straightforward, accessible and safe to climb.
Why This Trip ?
Cho Oyu consists of five main ridges: Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West with the Jabula Glacier on the north and the Lanba Glacier on the south that rewards you with a great chance to encounter with the vast Tibetan Plateau and great views of the surrounding Himalayan Giants, Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma
Photo Gallery
Dive into our gallery to get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring vistas waiting for you on our guided treks across stunning landscapes.
Short Itinerary
Day
1
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Day
2
DAYS 2-3
Day
4
DRIVE TO TIBET
Day
5
DAYS 5-6
Day
7
DRIVE TO SHIGATSE
Day
8
DRIVE TO XEGAR
Day
9
EXPLORATION DAY AT XEGAR
Day
10
DRIVE TO CHINESE BASE CAMP
Day
11
CHINESE BASE CAMP
Day
12
DAYS 12-15
Day
16
DAYS 16-39
Day
40
RETURN TREK TO ROAD-HEAD
Day
41
DRIVE TO ZHANGMU
Day
42
DRIVE TO KATHMANDU
Day
43
ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Day
44
DEPARTURE
Comprehensive Trek Guide
Cho Oyu, also known as the “Turquoise God” is the sixth tallest mountain in the world. It stands tall at the elevation of 8201 meters and is a part of the Greater Himalayas of Nepal where the central Asia plateau meets the Indian subcontinent. Because of its ease of access, ABC is often crowded with a large number of expeditions. Just west of Cho Oyu is the Nangpa La, the old trade route between the Khumbu's Sherpas and Tibet which separates the Khumbu and Rolwaling Himalayas.
There’s a quite fascinating story behind the Cho Oyu facing opposite to Everest. Legend says the Turquoise God fell in love with Chomolungma (Everest), but she instead married her near neighbour to the southeast, Makalu. The rejected Cho-Oyu never wed, and now he faces the opposite to avoid looking at Chomolungma. Cho-Oyu, being relatively easier to climb than its 8,000-meter family, is ideal for those mountaineers with no experience of climbing mountains above 8000m.
The climbing route is devoid of undue hazards and has only a few short technical sections. Hence, it is the best option for debutantes who want to experience the thrill of summiting one of the highest mountains in the world.
Tipping Recommendation
We recommend allocating 10-15% of your total tour cost to tipping guides, drivers, and other hardworking staff who ensure your experience is unforgettable. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to support the seasonal workers who dedicate themselves to making your trip extraordinary.
By booking with us and participating in the tipping culture, you are directly contributing to Nepal’s local economy and helping sustain the tourism workforce. This support is crucial in retaining talent within the country and addressing challenges like brain drain.
Your generosity makes a lasting impact—thank you!
Itinerary
Day1
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
We will be delighted to welcome you at the airport. Make yourself comfortable and our representative will take you to the hotel. We'll have our briefing over the welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu;
Day2
DAYS 2-3
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING, GETTING PERMITS AND VISA TO TIBET
Day4
DRIVE TO TIBET
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
We drive all the way to Tibet crossing the border from Khasa Bazar. From Khasa we drive to Lhasa, where we spend our next 2 nights.
Day5
DAYS 5-6
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
EXPLORING LHASA
Lhasa is an ancient city of Buddhism. While we acclimatize with the high altitude, we also visit important landmarks in Lhasa including the Dalai Lama's Potala Palace. Lhasa life certainly offers glimpses into one of the most preserved ancient cultural heritages. Overnight in Lhasa;
Day7
DRIVE TO SHIGATSE
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we drive across the Tibetan plateau. At Shigatse, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built-in 1447. This is the residence of the Panchan Lama, the second most influential religious figure in Tibet. Overnight at Shigatse;
Day8
DRIVE TO XEGAR
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
We depart from Shigatse and head towards Xegar. On the Tibetan highway, we can see the northern edge of the Greater Himalaya with a spectacular panorama of peaks, including Mt. Everest. Overnight at the hotel;
Day9
EXPLORATION DAY AT XEGAR
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
We need a spare day to acclimatize. You are advised to avoid overexertion, but a visit to the main town and the gentle hike up to its hilltop monastery (4,200m) is highly recommended.
Day10
DRIVE TO CHINESE BASE CAMP
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our destination today is the Chinese Base Camp. Leaving Xegar behind and taking south turn we reach Chinese Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp;
Day11
CHINESE BASE CAMP
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
This day is allocated for the preparation of the trek. Loads will be sorted out and ready for transportation which will be carried by the yaks. Overnight at tented camp;
Day12
DAYS 12-15
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
TREK TO CHO-OYU BASE CAMP, ACCLIMATIZING
We will walk for 2 days to 5,200 m and 5,450 m before continuing to the base camp. On the third day, we acclimatize to the thinning air of higher altitude. We reach the Base Camp on day 13 and spend the afternoon organizing climbing equipment. Day 14th and 15th will be for good acclimatization and rest at the base camp. Overnight at tented camp;
Day16
DAYS 16-39
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
CLIMBING THE NORTH-WEST FACE OF CHO OYU
This is the actual climbing period of Cho Oyu and providing the detailed plan of day to day wouldn’t be convincing. The first day would start by learning skills for climbing and how to use the oxygen bottles and radios. The Sherpas will carry the needed equipment, food, and clothing. We reach the Base Camp.
From the Base Camp, we first climb along the glacier in the direction to the mountain. We acclimatize while climbing by doing the trip to the Gyabrag Glacier. It provides an excellent opportunity to view the route that will be taken and assess the mountain.
Once the team is acclimatized, we begin to climb the mountain in earnest. Throughout the climb, the leader will use a method that adjusts team members to the ever-increasing altitudes. This will be achieved by "climbing high and sleeping low". At each camp, the team will climb high but then return to the lower camp to sleep. Finally, the team will return to the base camp for a prolonged rest of at least four days before moving up to occupy Camp 3 in preparation for the ultimate climb to the top.
Mountain camps are situated as follows
Day40
RETURN TREK TO ROAD-HEAD
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Next, we return trek to the road-head along with yaks carrying our equipment. On reaching the road head, road transport awaits us. We spend the last night in tents.
Day41
DRIVE TO ZHANGMU
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
We drive for two days until we reach Kathmandu. We drive to Zhangmu and stay there for overnight;
Day42
DRIVE TO KATHMANDU
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
After crossing the border at Khasa we keep out way to the capital of Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu;
Day43
ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking all those days in the outshining mountains and purifying the soul, we will be back to feel the hustle and bustle of the city again. In the evening we'll have a celebration dinner to share our fresh memories and achievements. Overnight in Kathmandu;
Day44
DEPARTURE
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
We will escort you to the airport after having breakfast. Check-in time is 3hrs before the departure time
What's Included
- Standard/Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on a twin sharing B&B basis;
- Complete camping equipment for base camp and advance base camp (expert professional Nepalese expedition crews like cook, kitchen boy, ABC guide & mountaineering gears till to the ABC dining tent, table, chairs, mattresses, toilet tent & kitchen tent are provided including staff’s other equipment requirements);
- Tibet visa & Travel Permit for the expedition crew;
- Full board at Zhangmu, Nyalam & Tingri (bed & breakfast, lunch, dinner);
- 1 tent for 1 person at Base Camp and Advance Base Camp (North Face brand or similar);
- 40kg load per person carried by the yak from Chinese Base Camp to ABC;
- 30kg load per person carried by the yak on the way back from ABC to BC including food and equipment;
- All overland transportation as mentioned in the itinerary for all team members during the expedition;
- Climbing permit for Cho Oyu 8201meters;
- Tibet Visa for members + Nepali staff;
- Liaison officer & interpreter;
- Satellite phone for emergency use ($3 per minute);
- Nepalese staff life & medical insurance with daily wages;
- Gamow bag which includes basic first aid supply for support staff sharing it with crew members;
- Solar panel for batteries and emergency lights;
- Oxygen with mask and regulator for emergency use;
- One tent for each climbing member;
- Experienced Sherpa;
- Sherpa’s, cooks and helper's tents, insurance and food.
What's not Included
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu;
- Travel and rescue insurance;
- International flights;
- Nepal entry visa;
- Entrance fees during sightseeing;
- Personal climbing equipment;
- All kind of personal expenses;
- Icefall fees garbage deposit (sharing with another member) if applicable;
- Wake talkies & filming permit;
- Personal climbing guide if requested;
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended;
- Tips for guides and porters (it’s encouraged to tip);
- Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
Tour Map
Frequently Asked Question
1. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon arrival
Yes, our representative will be there to receive you at the airport and you will be directly transferred to your hotel.
2. Is there an Orientation program
Yes, we will invite you for dinner in a cultural restaurant on the night of your arrival for briefing the itinerary and small orientation program will be held by the tour leader and guides before we embark on our adventure.
3. What is the overnight accommodation like
For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek, we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/camping/home stay for our clients, and whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, as per their request.
4. How big are the groups
We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.
5. How do you rate the difficulty for this mountain, on a scale of 1 to 10, compared to other over 8000m high mountains
This is certainly one of the highest mountains in the world. In terms of technical difficulty, we'd rate “Cho Oyu” as 7.
6. Who can climb Cho Oyu
Only mountaineers who have adept mountaineering skills, adequate strength and previous experience in high mountains can climb this mountain.
7. What about security during climbing
We make sure to take security measures during climbing to make your expedition successful. We hire experienced and authorized Guides/Sherpas to safeguard your life in the mountains. We strongly recommend that you follow the Guide’s/Sherpa’s instruction with utmost care.
8. What sort of food can I expect during this expedition
During camping, our expert camping cooks prepare a wide range of delicious meals empowering you with enough strength for your strenuous climbing. All the cooking materials will be carried by our porters.
9. Can we get drinking water during climbing
Yes, you will get purified, filtered water in many tea houses. You can also get a hot water during camping.
10. What mode of transportation do you use
We use a private vehicle for sightseeing inside Kathmandu Valley and to drive towards Tibet, come back to Kathmandu
11. What is the best season for Cho Oyu Expedition
August to November and March to May are the two climbing seasons for Cho Oyu Expedition.
12. Will I be taken care of during emergency
Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are totally insured. In case of emergencies like altitude sickness, dehydration or any medical conditions, let your guide know about your problem and subsequently. As soon as we are informed of a situation, we will send emergency helicopter rescue team. You will be then transferred to the hospital for the treatment.
13. What are the appropriate outfits we should possess
Climbing is a hard and tiresome activity that requires a lot of physical movement, so pack your active wears and trekking pants for at lower altitudes. Weather at high altitude is unpredictable, so carry a lightweight waterproof jacket along with thick down jacket, pant and thermal inner wear to escape the severe cold. Needless to say that, good shoes are very important for climbing in rough and snowy terrain, so invest in good quality shoes or rent it from us at a minimum price. For mountaineering, you will require special clothes that can be bought or hired from us.
14. Is it possible to alternate or change the trip days
Most of the time, it is not possible. But in emergency cases, you can. Still, we customize the trip according to your preference, but if you need to change plan during the trek, consult the guide and company.
15. Is it possible to alternate or change the day trips
We customize the trip according to your preference, but if you need to change plan during the trek consult the guide.
16. Are your Sherpas reliable and certified
Yes, our Sherpas are trekking experts and also authorized license holders from Nepal Government. The Sherpas know the climbing route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety in the mountains.
17. Do I need climbing permit
Yes, you need climbing permit. It is not legal to climb without it.
18. Is there any possibility of telephonic communication while we are on this expedition
Yes, for the first few days, it is possible to have telephonic communication. In some villages, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying certain amount directly. For higher altitude climbing, we usually have satellite phones with our Sherpas.
19. Can I add extra days to my trips
If you need extra day to complete the trekking, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guide’s schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.
20. What immunizations will I need
Before coming to Nepal, make sure you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Make sure you are in best shape to complete the trekking without any complications.
21. How will my booking be processed
To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of minimum of 15% of total trip amount is required, which can be made by bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash or card.
22. Can we use credit card during the climbing
No, you cannot use the credit card during the climbing. You have to exchange the money in Nepali Rupees before you start the trip. You can use credit card only in Kathmandu.
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