About
Cho Oyu is the world’s sixth-highest peak. Situated at the border between Tibet and Nepal and just west to Everest – Cho Oyu was first climbed on October 19, 1954, by members of an Austrian Expedition. Ever since it has drawn the interest of many high altitude adventurers and it has become one of the most popular 8000m. mountain.
The best suitable time to climb Cho Oyu is in the Autumn (September/October) and in the Spring (April/May). The normal climbing route is from the Tibet side – the North West Ridge. This route is considered to be of lesser technical difficulty and risks. Yet, it is still a big mountain and climbing it is a challenge in itself.
Cho Oyu is perfect for those who have already climbed mountains in the Himalayas and now want to try climbing a mountain over 8000m.
I´ve summited Cho Oyu many times since I first got here in spring 1996.
Date and price
This expedition takes place during the climbing seasons in spring/autumn when the weather is most favorable. Prices may vary depending on the exchange rater and permits. For current pricing, please contact us using the form below.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your arrival in Kathmandu marks the start of our expedition. We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then you have free time to refresh. We meet up again in the evening for a welcome dinner and an introduction with the remaining expedition members.
Day 2-4
In Kathmandu for Tibet/China visa processing
In the morning, on the second day, we will pick up your passports and submit them at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for Tibet visa application, which takes three working days to process. While we wait for our visas we utilize this time visiting cultural heritage sites around Kathmandu; also we do a thorough check of your personal climbing gears and purchase/rent if required.
Day 5
Flight to Lhasa
Our entry point in Tibet is usually the Lhasa city. We take a direct flight from Kathmandu to the Lhasa Gongar Airport and drive to Lhasa city. Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region of Tibet, China and it is famous for the Potala Palace and big monastic institutions.
Day 6
In Lhasa to acclimatize and explore
We stay one day more at Lhasa as part of acclimatization and utilize the time by exploring Lhasa – visiting the famous Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Street.
Day 7
Drive to Shigatse
After spending two days in Lhasa, exploring the Tibetan cultural heritage sites, and the bustling new modern developments, we head southwest towards the second-largest city in Tibet – Shigatse. The road trip between Lhasa and Shigatse offers some amazing scenery of any road in the world. Before arriving in Shigatse we cross over a 5000m. pass called Karo La Pass.
Shigatse means ‘ the fertile land’ in the local Tibetan language. And as the name goes by it covers one of the major cultivable lands across Tibet.
Day 8
Drive to Tingri (4350m)
Shigatse is also known for one of the most important monasteries in Tibet – the Tashi Lunpu Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, who is believed to be the second-highest incarnation after the Dalai Lama. So, we visit the monastery in the morning before heading towards Tingri.
Tingri is an old Tibetan settlement area situated above 4000m. which is a must-stop-by place before heading toward Cho Oyu base camp.
Day 9
In Thingri for acclimatization
We spend one more day at Tingri for acclimatization and for some last-minute preparation – shopping groceries. As part of the acclimatization, we hike to a nearby hill, from where we can see Cho Oyu and Everest.
Day 10
Drive to Cho Oyu Base Camp (5200m)
Now, there is road access up to Cho Oyu Base Camp. The drive from Tingri takes around 3 hours by jeep.
Day 11-13
At ChoOyu Base Camp
The Cho Oyu base camp is also called the Chinese Base Camp. We camp and stay two days here for preparing loads and transport them on Yaks.
Day 14
Trek to Intermediate Camp (Gyablung)
Today we trek to the Intermediate Camp at Palum for an overnight camp. A Chinese military camp is present at Palum near the interim camp. Passport documents are checked here.
Day 15
Trek to Advance Base Camp
We trek on the moraine trail of the Gyabrag Glacier and arrive at Advance Base Camp. This trail used to be the old trade route over Nangpa La pass, which was used by local Tibetans and the Sherpas of the Khumbu region.
Day 16-20
At Advance Base Camp
The Advance Base Camp is our main base for Cho Oyu. During these first few days at ABC , we acclimatize and prepare for climbing rotation. Also, we perform the puja ceremony for our expedition, and the Sherpa team set up route up to Camp1 – 6400m.
Day 21-30
Climbing Rotations
As we finish our preparations at ABC, we start our climbing rotations. There will be two climbing rotations to higher camps. First rotation up to Camp1; second rotation up to Camp 2 and above.
Day 31-36
Summit Attempt
while members complete their climbing rotations, Sherpa rope-fixing team establish camp 3 (7500m) and opens route up to the Summit. Then, we wait for the best weather window and launch a summit attempt from ABC.
Summit Attempt Day 1: ABC to Camp 1
Summit Attempt Day 2: Camp 2
Summit Attempt Day 3: Camp 3
Summit Attempt Day 4: Summit and descend to Camp1
Summit Attempt Day 5: Descend to ABC
Day 37
Advance Base Camp Clearance
At Advance Base Camp for wrapping up our camp.
Day 38
Trek to Interim Camp and drive to Tingri
There is off-road access up to Interim Camp. So, we trek up to Palum and drive to Tingri the same day.
Day 39
Drive to Kyirong (2700m)
We exit Tibet by road from Kyirong.
Day 40
Cross Tibet-Nepal border and drive to Kathmandu
In the morning we take a short drive up to China-Nepal border at Kyirong and arrive in Timure, Nepal. Then we take a jeep all the way back to Kathmandu.
Day 41
In Katmandu: free day
Free day in Kathmandu for rest and recovery. We meet up in the evening for a farewell dinner and celebrate our expedition.
Day 42
Transfer to airport for international departure
Transfer to the airport in Kathmandu around 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
