Cho Oyu Expedition – 45 Days

Cho Oyu is one of the most accessible of the world’s highest mountains, thanks to its relatively easy access, lack of major hazards, and generally straightforward terrain. However, like all […]

42 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea House
Start from Kathamndu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 10 Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
challenging

Highlights

  • First climbed on October 19, 1954, via the northwest ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of the Austrian Expedition.
  • Until 1978, it was the highest peak ascended without supplemental oxygen, prior to Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler's Everest climb.
  • Summit offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, Ama Dablam, and other Khumbu peaks.
  • Considered one of the most technically straightforward, accessible, and safest peaks to climb.

Overview

Cho Oyu is one of the most accessible of the world’s highest mountains, thanks to its relatively easy access, lack of major hazards, and generally straightforward terrain. However, like all Eight-thousanders, climbing it requires significant effort, demanding physical fitness, good health, technical climbing skills, and self-sufficiency. The expedition begins in Lukla.

The route to Cho Oyu’s base camp consists mainly of low-angle snow slopes, with one particularly steep section at 6,400 meters where climbers must navigate a serac barrier. For the summit push, we will establish three camps, with the highest at 7,500 meters serving as the launch point. Under typical conditions, reaching the summit from this camp takes approximately 5 to 8 hours.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or wish to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're always here to help you craft the perfect holiday experience. Contact us today!

Day 01

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our agent will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Upon arrival, you will receive a kit bag containing a sleeping bag and a down jacket. In the afternoon, we will conduct an equipment and gear check to ensure you’re well-prepared. In the evening, you'll attend a pre-trek briefing and have a great chance to meet your fellow group members before heading out for dinner.
Day

Preparation day for expedition

During these days, we'll have plenty of time to explore the vibrant bazaars, shops, and monasteries of this incredible city. The expedition leader will also inspect everyone's climbing gear, ensuring any missing items can be acquired in Kathmandu. Additionally, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu will process and issue Chinese visas for entry into Tibet.
Day 06

Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (1,895m/6,217ft)-123Kms

After breakfast at your accommodation in Kathmandu, you'll set out early for a scenic five-hour journey to Kodari (1,873m). After completing immigration and customs formalities, we'll drive up to Zhangmu (2,300m), a border town in Tibet. Here, our Tibetan guide will greet the group before we continue our ascent toward Nyalam, where we will spend the night. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking views of a deep valley adorned with cascading waterfalls.
Day 07

Trek from Kerung (1,895m/6,217ft) to Nyalam (3750m)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Nyalam. Once we arrive, you'll have the entire day to relax and unwind. Overnight stay in Nyalam.
Day 08

Rest day for acclimatization

You’ll have a full day to enjoy Nyalam and make the most of your acclimatization. Spending this day in Nyalam is crucial for your safety and proper adjustment to the altitude.
Day 09

Trek from Nyalam to Tingri (4390m) -147 Kms

We’ll drive to Tingri, a journey of about 5–6 hours, passing through two stunning passes: Lalung La Pass (5082m) and Nyalam Pass (3800m). Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of towering mountains, including Mount Everest (8848m), Jugal Himal, and Mt. Makalu (8464m). Arrive in Tingri by afternoon.
Day 10

Arrival day at the Chinese base camp

After a few hours of walking, we will reach the starting point of the road and the Chinese base camp. Leaving Xegar, we will head south along the rugged road, continuing until we arrive at the route's beginning beneath Cho Oyu.
Day 11

Organization day at Chinese base camp

This day will be key for organizing all the loads for the yaks to transport. The yaks will arrive in the afternoon, and we'll prepare for the first leg of the journey to base camp tomorrow.
Day

Trek to Cho Oyu base camp

We will hike up the long valley to base camp, guiding yaks that carry the expedition's supplies. Along the way, we’ll spend three nights at intermediate camps at 5,200 and 5,450 meters before reaching base camp. Once we arrive, the benefits of our acclimatization camps will be felt as we settle in. On day 15, we will reach base camp early, allowing time to prepare our climbing supplies for the ascent.
Day

Climbing the north-west face of Cho Oyu

On the first day, we’ll take a cautious trip to explore the base of the mountain, aiming to climb as high as possible to assess the route and mountain conditions. We won’t carry any gear, and we’ll return to base camp by evening. As we improve our fitness and acclimatization, we will gradually ascend higher, planning to spend the night at both Camp 1 and Camp 2. This will allow us to prepare thoroughly for the final leg of the climb. The Sherpas will finish setting up the high camp at 7,400 meters before the summit push, after a sufficient rest period at base camp. On day 40, all climbers should return to base camp once the mountain has been cleared of gear. Everyone will need to help with the cleanup to ensure we leave no trace. If we summit early, we’ll leave base camp ahead of schedule. After completing the summit climb, we’ll head back to Kathmandu. Based on past experience, we likely won’t need all the allotted days unless the conditions are particularly favorable and everyone acclimates exceptionally well.
Day 41

Return trek to road-head

As we make our way back to the trailhead, the yaks will carry our gear. Upon arrival, our road transportation will be waiting for us. We'll spend our final night in the tents before heading out.
Day 42

Drive back to Kerung

While it’s possible to reach Kathmandu in 7 to 9 hours, assuming good road conditions and no snow blocking the passes, we’ve planned for 2 days to account for any delays or unforeseen circumstances. On the first day, we’ll aim to drive to Kerung and spend the night there.
Day 43

Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu

Your Tibetan guide and driver will bid you farewell, and you’ll cross the river to meet a Nepalese escort who will accompany you on the rest of the journey to Kathmandu. A short drive from Kerung will take you to the Friendship Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, bringing you closer to immigration control. From there, it’s a 6- to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu. Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax at the hotel.
Day 44

Leisure at Kathmandu

On this lovely day, you have the freedom to spend the entire day at your leisure. If you wish, you can opt for an additional excursion for an extra fee, or take the opportunity to explore Thamel for some final shopping. In the evening, the group will gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 45

Departure from Kathmandu

You’ll have a free day to shop for any last-minute souvenirs or gifts for family, friends, or loved ones before your departure. If you have any additional adventures or activities planned with us, this is the perfect time to start them. If you're departing by flight, you’ll be transferred to the international airport to catch your next flight.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Airport transportation as per your arrival date to join the expedition.
  • 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a B/B plan for 2 nights before and 1 night after the expedition (If clients return early from their expedition, they will be responsible for their extra Kathmandu hotel bookings).
  • Kathmandu to Manthali and Lukla to Kathmandu airfare as per the expedition itinerary.
  • Each member will have one climbing guide with ample experience.
  • Bottle of oxygen and mask regulator for clients and climbing Sherpa guide (For Everest: 10 bottles of oxygen, other 8000m peaks: 5 bottles of oxygen).
  • 7000m peak only emergency oxygen mask regulator available at base camp.
  • Korean fixed rope, dynamic and static rope, carabiner, ice crew, and snow bar.
  • Expedition mountain climbing permit, national park and local government area permit, and all government taxes.
  • Full-board high-altitude meals while trekking to base camp and during the climbing period.
  • Liaison officer with all his expenses covered while on the expedition.
  • Expedition manager, expedition cook, support crew, and porters with their equipment, daily wages, food, insurance, etc.
  • All camping gear, including base camp and high camp: single box tent at Baruntse Base Camp.
  • North Face dome tent for two people at higher camp.
  • Pillow and luxury foam mattress in the tent, table, chair, carpet, green grass, and heater in the dining area.
  • Solar panel for light in every tent and battery charging.
  • Hot washing water as required, warm hot bag for members, etc.
  • EP Gas, EP gas stove, JetBoil, and Kofel set.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure company duffle bag or outer cover bag, cap, Khata, Lungdar, Kungbu, Ting, Dalda, Dhup, etc., for Puja prayer at base camp.

Safety & Security

  • Walkie-talkie for communication during the expedition and emergency oxygen with regulator mask available at base camp.
  • Satellite phone available at base camp in case of emergency (pay-per-call).
  • Medical kit box for first aid.

What's not included

  • Medical and personal high-risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu): $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days.
  • The main meals in Kathmandu (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Summit bonus: $1500 USD for climbing Sherpa guide. If, for any reason, the summit is not reached due to health issues or any other reason, the client will pay 60% of the summit bonus to the climbing Sherpa guide.
  • Optional tip for the climbing Sherpa guide, cook, kitchen staff, and porter staff: minimum $250 each. The guide will collect the tip at base camp, and they will divide it among the staff by themselves.
  • Personal equipment and climbing gear.
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Bottled drinks and beverages, laundry, phone services, and personal expenditure transactions.
  • Tea breaks, chocolates or other snacks, and any meals besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Delays and cancellations due to natural phenomena.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure will manage helicopter rescue or other required services if necessary.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charges for satellite phones, communication equipment, and commercial filming during the Baruntse expedition.

Departure Dates

From 15 Apr 2025
To 27 May 2025
Days 42

Frequently Asked Questions about Cho Oyu Expedition – 45 Days

1.How difficult is the climb?

While Cho Oyu is considered one of the easier 8000-meter mountains, it still presents the challenges of extreme altitude and limited technical sections. It’s an excellent choice for climbers looking to build their experience in high-altitude conditions.

2. What is the best time of year to climb Cho Oyu?

The best time to attempt Cho Oyu is during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) or the post-monsoon season (September-October), when the weather conditions are more favorable for climbing.

3. What is the altitude risk like on Cho Oyu?

Climbers face the risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering, including altitude sickness, reduced oxygen levels, and extreme weather conditions. It's important to acclimatize properly to minimize these risks, which is why the expedition is designed with multiple camps to help with gradual elevation gain.

4. How is the weather on Cho Oyu?

Weather conditions on Cho Oyu can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures, high winds, and occasional snowstorms. Climbers should be prepared for extreme conditions, especially at higher elevations. It’s essential to stay updated on the forecast and adjust plans accordingly.