Adventure

Cho Oyu Expedition

The Sixth Highest Mountain in the World

Ultimate Himalaya – Fully Guided Expedition

Cho Oyu (8,188m), known as the “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and one of the most accessible 8,000-meter peaks. Located on the Tibet–Nepal border, west of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu is widely regarded as the ideal introduction to high-altitude mountaineering above 8,000 meters due to its comparatively straightforward route, lower objective hazards, and high summit success rate.

This expedition follows the classic Northwest Face / Northern Ridge Route from Tibet, utilizing a well-established high camp system and a carefully planned acclimatization schedule. The journey combines overland travel through Tibet's dramatic landscapes with a professionally supported Himalayan expedition, making it an excellent stepping stone for climbers aspiring to tackle Everest or other 8,000-meter giants.

Cho Oyu rises prominently above the Tibetan Plateau and offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Unlike many 8,000-meter peaks, Cho Oyu involves fewer technical sections and relatively low avalanche risk, making it one of the safest and most achievable 8,000ers.
The expedition begins in Kathmandu, where climbers complete final preparations and obtain Tibet travel permits. The team then travels overland via the Kerung border into Tibet before reaching Chinese Base Camp (5,100m). From there, a gradual ascent through Intermediate Camp and Advanced Base Camp (ABC) allows proper acclimatization before rotations to Camps I and II.
Summit attempts are made during the designated weather window, typically from Camp II, utilizing supplemental oxygen and a fully supported climbing infrastructure. Throughout the expedition, each climber is paired with a dedicated high-altitude climbing Sherpa (1:1 ratio), maximizing safety, efficiency, and summit success.

COUNTRY
Nepal
DURATION
32 Days
GRADE
Challenging
MAX ALTITUDE
8,201m
GROUP SIZE
2+
SEASON
April–May and September–October
Adventure
Cho Oyu Expedition
32 Days · challenging
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No booking fees · Free cancellation up to 50 days
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the Ultimate Himalaya team and transferred to your hotel. Expedition briefing and equipment check.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02

Sightseeing and Tibet Visa Preparation (1,400m)

Free day for rest, equipment organization, and visa documentation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

 

Day 03

Expedition Briefing & Tibet Visa Processing

Official expedition briefing covering climbing strategy, safety procedures, logistics, and permit formalities.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04

Final Preparation Day

Last-minute gear purchases and packing.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05

Drive to Timure

Scenic drive through Nepal’s mid-hills towards the Nepal–Tibet border.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 06

Cross Border and Drive to Kerung (1,962m)

Immigration formalities before entering Tibet and driving to Kerung.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 07

Drive to Thingri (4,300m)

Journey across the Tibetan Plateau with spectacular Himalayan views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 08

Acclimatization Day in Thingri

Short acclimatization hikes and final preparations before entering the expedition zone.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 09

Drive to Chinese Base Camp (5,100m)

Drive via Rongbuk region to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Day 10

Rest Day at Chinese Base Camp

Acclimatization and expedition organization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Day 11

Trek to Intermediate Camp (5,400m)

Gradual ascent through glacial terrain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Day 12

Trek to Advanced Base Camp (5,700m)

Arrival at the main operational base for the climbing phase.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Day 13-20

Acclimatization Rotations

Rotation 1

  • ABC → Camp I
  • Touch Camp II
  • Return to Camp I
  • Descend to ABC

Rotation 2

  • ABC → Camp I
  • Camp I → Camp II
  • Overnight at Camp II
  • Return to ABC

These rotations are essential for acclimatization and allow climbers to adapt gradually to extreme altitude.

Accommodation: High Camps

Day 21-26

Summit Climbing Period

Weather-dependent summit window.

Typical summit sequence:

Advanced Base Camp → Camp I → Camp II → Summit (8,188m) → Camp II / ABC

Summit day involves:

  • Early alpine start
  • Fixed rope sections
  • Supplemental oxygen usage
  • Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Shishapangma, and the Tibetan Plateau

Following a successful summit, descent is made safely back to Camp II and eventually ABC.

Accommodation: High Camps

Day 27

Descend to Chinese Base Camp

Pack expedition equipment and celebrate the climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 28

Drive to Thingri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 29

Drive to Kerung Border

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 30

Return to Kathmandu

Cross into Nepal and transfer to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 31

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Buffer day for weather delays and sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 32

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Cho Oyu Expedition

32 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the Ultimate Himalaya team and transferred to your hotel. Expedition briefing and equipment check.

Accommodation: Hotel

Free day for rest, equipment organization, and visa documentation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

 

Official expedition briefing covering climbing strategy, safety procedures, logistics, and permit formalities.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Last-minute gear purchases and packing.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Scenic drive through Nepal’s mid-hills towards the Nepal–Tibet border.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Immigration formalities before entering Tibet and driving to Kerung.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Journey across the Tibetan Plateau with spectacular Himalayan views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Short acclimatization hikes and final preparations before entering the expedition zone.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Drive via Rongbuk region to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Acclimatization and expedition organization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Gradual ascent through glacial terrain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Arrival at the main operational base for the climbing phase.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Rotation 1

  • ABC → Camp I
  • Touch Camp II
  • Return to Camp I
  • Descend to ABC

Rotation 2

  • ABC → Camp I
  • Camp I → Camp II
  • Overnight at Camp II
  • Return to ABC

These rotations are essential for acclimatization and allow climbers to adapt gradually to extreme altitude.

Accommodation: High Camps

Weather-dependent summit window.

Typical summit sequence:

Advanced Base Camp → Camp I → Camp II → Summit (8,188m) → Camp II / ABC

Summit day involves:

  • Early alpine start
  • Fixed rope sections
  • Supplemental oxygen usage
  • Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Shishapangma, and the Tibetan Plateau

Following a successful summit, descent is made safely back to Camp II and eventually ABC.

Accommodation: High Camps

Pack expedition equipment and celebrate the climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge

Cross into Nepal and transfer to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

Buffer day for weather delays and sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Permits & Documentation

  • Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) climbing permit
  • Tibet travel permits and visa processing
  • Restricted area permits
  • Government liaison officer fees
  • Garbage management and environmental fees
  • Rubbish collection fee (USD 1,000 per climber)

Accommodation & Meals

  • 6 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (single occupancy)
  • Accommodation during the entire expedition
  • Three meals daily throughout the trek and expedition
  • Tea, coffee, hot water, juice, and soft drinks at base camps

Transportation & Logistics

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu
  • Ground transportation between Kathmandu and Tibet
  • Expedition cargo transportation
  • Yak transport between Base Camp and ABC
  • Up to 60kg personal luggage allowance

Base Camp & ABC Facilities

  • Individual sleeping tents
  • Dining tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Communication tent
  • Toilet and shower tents
  • Tables, chairs, mattresses, and pillows
  • Generator and solar charging facilities
  • Heating facilities

Climbing Support

  • 1:1 Professional High-Altitude Sherpa Guide
  • Sherpa salary, insurance, food, and equipment
  • Route fixing team and fixed ropes
  • High camp tents and logistics
  • Group climbing equipment
  • Ice wall and ladder training

Oxygen Support

  • Three 4-liter summit oxygen cylinders per climber
  • One oxygen cylinder for personal Sherpa
  • Oxygen mask and regulator set for each climber
  • Emergency backup oxygen at Base Camp

Communication & Safety

  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Walkie-talkies
  • Weather forecasts throughout the expedition
  • Comprehensive medical kit

Additional Benefits

  • Expedition map
  • Ultimate Himalaya duffel bag
  • Summit certificate upon successful ascent

Exclusions

Travel & Visa

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Additional visa expenses outside expedition requirements

Kathmandu Expenses

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Extra hotel nights due to delays, early arrival, or extended stay

Insurance

  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
  • High-altitude rescue and evacuation insurance
  • Medical and trip cancellation insurance

Personal Expenses

  • Personal climbing gear and clothing
  • Personal medical supplies
  • Toiletries
  • Laundry services
  • Battery charging fees outside expedition facilities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Telephone and internet charges

Filming & Media

  • Drone permits
  • Professional filming permits

Staff Gratuities

  • Sherpa summit bonus (minimum USD 1,800 per Sherpa)
  • Tips for guides, yaks, porters, and expedition staff

Additional Charges

  • Extra yak services for luggage exceeding 60kg
  • Private services not included in the standard package
  • Any costs arising from itinerary changes, emergencies, or personal decisions

Map

Essential Information

Gear Lists

 Gear Guide Book

Comprehensive guide with expert recommendations on layers, boots, harness, ice axes, and high-altitude essentials. Everything you need for Everest.

Download Gear Book

Printable Gear Checklist

Interactive PDF checklist: tick off each item as you pack — from base layers to summit suits, medical kit to…

Download Checklist
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