41 Days Cho Oyu Expedition
Cho Oyu Expedition is a peak climbing adventure through the Cho Oyu Base Camp to reaching the summit of Mt. Cho Oyu. Mt.Cho Oyu is known as the sixth highest peak in the world standing at an altitude of 8,188m. The Cho Oyu Expedition begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The trek to the summit of Mt. Cho Oyu is done from the trekking routes of Tibet. This expedition gives you experience of both Nepal and Tibet. The Cho Oyu expedition is an easy peak climbing expedition compared to other 8000 meters peaks. The duration of this trek is about 41 days. This peak climbing is for those who wanna experience an easy peak climbing expedition above 8000 meters.
Cho Oyu Expedition Facts
Kathmandu
Strenuous
Full Board on Trek
Tea House and tent camp
Jeep / Bus
8201 Meters
Spring and Autumn
1-10 Pax
Teahouse and Camping
Cho Oyu Expedition Highlights
- Reach the summit of the sixth-highest Mountain in the world, Mt. Cho Oyu, standing at 8,188m
- Witness breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Shishapangma, and other peaks along the Nepal-Tibet border
- Grab high-altitude peak climbing experience to prepare for higher peaks like Mt. Everest in the future
- Experience culture and tradition of both Nepal and Tibet
- Climb the summit of Mt. Cho Oyu with experienced Sherpa teams, guides, cooks, and use of mountaineering equipment
- Explore the high-altiude deserts and ancient monasteries with overland travel through Lhatse, Shigatse, and Tingri
Cho Oyu Expedition Overview
Cho Oyu (8201m.) is the 6th highest mountain in the world and 7th highest of Nepal’s mountains. It is one of the easy accessed mountains for mountain expedition. The trail of this mountain is very easy to climb at its summit. Cho Oyu lies next to Mt. Everest in the Khumbu region between Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.
Mt. Cho Oyu is one of the easiest mountains among fourteen other 8 thousanders all over the world. It is climbed more than 500 times after it was first conquered by Herbert Tichi, an Austrian citizen in 19th October, 1954. The success of the climbers to summit the mountains is because of its easy ascending trail of the expedition.
Cho Oyu is relatively easier expedition in comparison to other mountains over 8000m.in technical and geographical aspects. Climber needs experience of high mountaineering and skill of climbing too. West face of the mountain is favorably used because it has two short technical sections to reach at the top. The expedition of Cho Oyu also includes Nangpa La Pass. This pass is used as the route of Khumbu people for trading with Tibetans.
Cho Oyu means in Tibetan language “The Turquoise God”. According to the folktale of Khumbu people, Cho Oyu fell in love with the Goddess Chomolungma (Tibetan name of Mt. Everest). But Chomolungma got married with Mt. Makalu. Being sad by the act of Chomalungma, Cho Oyu never married and thus it faces opposite of the Chomolungma i.e. Cho Oyu is opposite of the Mt. Everest.
Cho Oyu expedition provides the opportunity to explore Cho Oyu National Park and its beautiful view around there. The trek to Advanced Base Camp and further three base camps are set before climbing the top of the summit. It needs special permit for the expedition members to climb Cho Oyu before starting the expedition. The expedition can be carried by anyone who is physically healthy and fit. Climber should have experience of high altitude mountain climbing to make successful expedition. It needs enough acclimatization while expediting the peak.
Cho Oyu Expedition Outline
Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu Airport & transfer to hotel (1350m).
Day 02 to 05 - Rest, preparation, visa collection, assignment & briefing.
Day 06 - Drive to Timure- Immigration formalities- Kyirong, overnight hotel (BB Plan).
Day 07 - Rest and Acclimatisation in Kyirong (2850m), overnight hotel(BB Plan).
Day 08 - Drive to Old Tingri (4390m), overnight hotel.
Day 09 - Acclimatisation at Old Tingri; overnight hotel.
Day 10 - Drive from Tingri to Chinese Base Camp (4700 m- 3- 4 Hrs.), tented camp.
Day 11 and 12- Rest and acclimatisation at Chinese Base Camp of Cho oyu (CBC).
(Provision of Yaks and preparation for the Advanced Base Camp (ABC) trek.)
Day 13 - Trek from CBC to Middle Camp (MC-5300m); camping.
Day 14 - Trek from MC to the Advanced Base Camp (main-ABC-5700m).
Day 15 to 36 - Climbing Period – Summit Cho-Oyu (8201m).
Day 37 - Dismantling ABC, prepare for departure.
Day 38 - Drive via Tingri to Kyarong (8 Hrs.), overnight hotel (BB Plan).
Day 39 - Drive from Kyarong to Kathmandu; overnight hotel (BB Plan).
Day 40 - Rest and leisure day, and shopping in Kathmandu(BB Plan).
Day 41 - Final departure to your port of destination.
Cho Oyu Expedition Packages (2025–2026)
The cost of Cho Oyu expedition depends upon the group size, duration and services included in the trek. The price for the Cho Oyu expedition typically costs between USD 29,500 to USD 35,700 per person for a standard 41-days trek from Kathmandu to the top of Mount Cho Oyu, and back. The service typically includes domestic flights, permits, accommodation, airport pick-up/drop-off, necessary mountaineering equipment, meals, an experience guide, climbing sherpa team, experienced mountaineering staff, and porters. A large group trek offers a shared experience, along with support of a professional group leader and local team.
SERVICE INCLUSION
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by car / van / bus.
- Chinese government royalty fees for Cho Oyu and all necessary permits.
- Standard twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu breakfast included (7 nights)
- Stander meal Lunch , Dinner, and Brekfast and Lodge accommodation and Tented camp during the Climbing Period.
- All Surface transfers as per mentioned in the itinerary
- 1:1 Sherpa to Climber and 1:4 Leader to Climber ratio to assist during summit push
- 3 bottled oxygen with use of mask and regulator
- Service of base camp manager and climbing sirdars
- Satellite communication system at base camp but nominal charge for use
- Radio set for communication between camps
- Meals at base camp and higher camps during expedition
- Member’s personal luggage transfer from base camp to advance base camp and from advance base camp to base camp (Maximum 40kg).
- Accommodation and meals during travelling to base camp and back to Kathmandu after expedition
- All kitchen tents, dining tents, shower tents, toilet tents, store tents and cooking utensils
- Staffs wages, allowances with their insurance
- Common climbing equipment
- liaison Officer Fee and Garbage Deposit
- 2 waterproof duffel bags
- All our government taxes.
- Tourist service charge.
- Official expense :
What's not included?
- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance (compulsory).
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal Equipment.
- Tips for staff.
- Summit bonus USD 1000
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Departure Dates
We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you've made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
If you want to cancel the trip for any reason, you can let us know at least 30 days in advance. We will refund your deposit. If you want to cancel the trip within a 30-day period, we will keep your deposit until you find out the next schedule.
| Starts | Ends | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 07 Sep 2025 | Saturday 18 Oct 2025 | $29,500Per Person | 8 Booked Limited Space | Book Now |
Useful Info
Best Time of Year for Cho Oyu Expedition
The best time for the Cho Oyu Expedition is during the spring season from March to May and autumn season from September to November. These months offers trekkers with clear skies, stable weather, dry trials, safer climbing conditions, and excellent mountain views. You can see clear and breathtaking mountain views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Shishapangma, and other peaks along the Nepal-Tibet border. Along the trails, spring season showcases vibrant rhododendron blooms, alpine flowers, and excellent visibility of the mountains located in the Nepal-Tibet border whereas in autumn season, trekkers witness stable weather conditions and clear skies with stunning Himalayan views, dry trials, and crisp air, ideal for trekking and photography. Mostly, the Cho Oyu Expedition is done by trekkers during the spring season rather than in autumn. The autumn season is often avoided because it is considered slightly riskier, as soft snow is commonly found on the trails during this time. Monsoon season (June to August) is avoided due to heavy rainfall, cloud cover, slippery trial, and poor visiblity. While winter season (December to February) brings extreme cold and heavy snowfall and trial blockages during Island Peak Climbing. For the best experience in the Cho Oyu, plan your trek in spring or autumn when the weather is favorable, trails are dry, and views are at their finest.
Cho Oyu Expedition Distance in KM and Elevation in Meters
The Cho Oyu covers a distance of approximately 540 kilometers (335 miles), starting from Kyirong , reaching the summit of Cho Oyu, returning to ABC, and ending the trek in Kyirong. Trekkers ascend around 3,500 meters after starting from Old Tingri to the top of Cho Oyu, and then descend gradually through the Tibetan city like Tingri and Kyarong. The starting point of this trek at Tingri sits at an elevation of 4,390 meters, while Mount Cho Oyu lies at 8,201 meters. The China Base Camp of Cho Oyu lies at an elevation of 4,700 meters, and Middle Camp at an elevation of 5,300 meters. The last camp named known as Advanced Base Camp lies at an elevation of 5,700m.
Reliable and Safe Cho Oyu Climbing Experience
At Mountain Hawk, your safety is our top priority. We provide expertly guided Cho Oyu Expedition package with a focus on altitude acclimatization, health, care, and emergency preparedness. Trekkers need to follow the guide instruction properly for safe, enjoyable, and rewarding high-altitude experience that takes them to the summit of Mount Cho Oyu. Our experienced, licensed guides are trained in high altitude safety, ensuring you journey is both achievable and rewarding. From planned acclimatization days, quality gear advice, porter support, and responsive rescue coordination, we offer a level of service that gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker, you can depend upon Mountain Hawk for a safe, attentive, and unforgettable Mount Cho Oyu adventure.
Physical Preparation Guide for Cho Oyu Expedition
Cho Oyu Expedition requires prior climbing experience and a high level of physical fitness for a successful and safe ascent. A high level of physical fitness and technical mountaineering experience is necessary. Trekkers will be walking 5 to 7 hours a day at high altitudes on average, often on rocky, uneven trails and sharp elevation gains. People who regularly engage in fitness activities such as swimming, cycling, or cardio exercises find it easier to accomplish this trek. Trekkers with experience in long-distance walking or high-altitude trekking will adapt more easily, but even beginners can succeed with the right preparation and a slow, steady pace. Climbers must how to use basic mountaineering equipment such as using crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes. Climbers with experience in high-altitude trekking or peak climbing find it somehow easier than those with less experience. Technical climbing skills are essential for anyone attempting the Cho Oyu Expedition. The climb becomes more manageable for those who have prior experience with lower-altitude peaks. We highly recommend that climbers gain experience on other trekking peaks before attempting Cho Oyu, as it helps build the skills and confidence needed for a successful summit. Along with mountaineering experience and physical fitness, trekkers should have prior experience at elevations above 5,000 meters to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization and mental preparedness are equally important to reach the summit of Mount Cho Oyu at 8,201 meters. If you are preparing for the Cho Oyu expedition, mountaineering experience is essential along with a good level of physical fitness.
Transportation Options
The Cho Oyu Expedition begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong via Timure. You will take a drive to Chinese Base Camp, which is the starting point of your trek. While returning, you will take a driving from Kyarong to Kathmandu. This expedition journey is conducted using private vehicles rather than public transportation, and there are no flight options available.
Cho Oyu Expedition FAQs
Mount Cho Oyu (8,201m) is located in the Nepal-Tibet border in the Himalayas, close to Mount Everest. It is the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
The Cho Oyu Expedition is both technically demanding and physically challenging, with steep ice slopes, exposed ridges, challenging sections with fixed rope sections. Climbers need prior mountaineering experience and skills in using ropes, ice axes, and crampons along with prior experience in climbing steep rock, snow, and ice at high altitude.
Temperatures vary by altitude and season. At Base Camp, nights can drop to around -10°C to -15°C, while at higher camps, temperatures may fall between -20°C to -30°C, with wind making it feel even colder. Proper high-altitude clothing and gear are essential to stay warm and safe.
Yes, hiring a licensed guide and climbing Sherpa is mandatory. The climb involves steep ice slopes, deep glacier cracks and technical rope sections, which require expert guidance for safety. Experience guide and climbing Sherpa not only manage route fixing and rope handling but also provide crucial support in navigation, acclimatization, and emergency situation.
The main risks included in the Cho Oyu Expedition are altitude sickness, technical climbing hazards, avalanches, rockfall, deep glacier openings, and unpredictable weather. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and climbing with experienced Sherpas and guides can minimize these risks.
To prepare for Cho Oyu Expedition, focus on improving your physical fitness and building mental strength. It is also important to have good knowledge of using mountaineering equipment, as well as an understanding of the challenges of high-altitude trekking, such as lower oxygen levels, risk of altitude sickness, cold temperatures, and reduced stamina.
Yes, successful ascents of other peaks like Island Peak, Lobuche East, or Mera Peak are highly recommended for attempting Cho Oyu Expedition. Climbers should have prior experience with the use of crampons, ice axe, and fixed rope climbing.
No, the Cho Oyu Expedition is not for beginners. Cho Oyu Expedition is a technical demanding and physically challenging peak that requires prior high-altitude mountaineering experience. We recommend beginners to start with easier trekking peaks like Island Peak or Mera Peak first, so they can gain high-altitude mountaineering experience and learn how to properly use mountaineering equipment.
Yes, Cho Oyu Expedition is generally safe if done with experienced guides, proper preparation, and reliable logistics support. Professional climbing guides, well-planned acclimatization schedules, quality equipment, and strong safety measures are recommended to maximize success and minimize risks.
You will need a layered clothing system, warm jackets, trekking pants and shirts, Trekking boots, several pairs of trekking socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, personal water bottles, etc. You will also need to pack essential mountaineering equipment for the expedition. We recommend packing some essential items to ensure safety and comfort during the Cho Oyu Expedition.
During the Cho Oyu Expedition, accommodation is a mix of teahouses and camping. Along the trekking route in villages, you will stay in teahouses or lodges that provide basic rooms with meals whereas at Cho Oyu Base Camp and High Camp you will stay in tented camps.
At teahouses, you can expect traditional Nepali meals such as dal bhat, along with noodles, soup, eggs, tea, coffee and more. During the climbing section, your support team will provide freshly prepared meals in camp, focusing on nutritious and hygienic food keeping you strong and healthy at high altitude.
CANCELLATION
- 20% of the trip cost will be charged for the confirmed trip getting canceled.
- 50% of the trip cost will be charged if canceled between 30 to 10 days before the trip departure date.
- No refund if canceled within 10 days of the trip date or in the case of not showing.
- Regrettably, in the case where the trek/tour cannot be completed due to the customer’s own problem, sickness, or unfavorable weather, there will be no refund.
- If the trekking/tour is extended more than the given itinerary extra charge will be applied accordingly.
- If the agreed trip cannot be organized due to bad weather or any unforeseen events, a similar trip will be organized (in mutual understanding with the travelers).
