The 14 EightThousanders

Chooyu

Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world, at 8188 m (26,864 ft) above sea level. Cho-Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan.

Country

China

Peak name

Mt. Cho-Oyu

Duration

32 days

Route

NW Face / Northern Ridge

Range

6

Coordinates

28°05'39"N 86°39'39"E

Weather reports

Live weather report

Range

Mahalangur Range

Trip summary

Cho Oyu, (8201 m) is the sixth highest mountain in the world, located a short distance west of Everest in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal, along the Tibetan border.

There are no technical sections and objective hazards are virtually nonexistent. Its relatively easy access makes it an attractive climb for those short on time, as it can be completed in approximately six weeks (round trip). Base Camp is accessible by jeep, and it is possible to reach Kathmandu in a very long day from Base Camp.

Due to its easy access, the ABC (Ascent of the Khumbu Mountains) is often crowded with expeditions. Just west of Cho Oyu lies Nangpa La, the ancient trade route between the Khumbu Sherpas and Tibet.

It was the third peak of this type climbed, and the first on a lightweight expedition in autumn. Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama, from an Austrian expedition, first climbed the mountain on October 19, 1954, via the northwest ridge.

More Information

Base Camp (4,900 m/16,075 ft)

According to our itinerary, you will arrive at the Chinese base camp of Mount Cho Oyu (4,900 m) between days 10 and 12. You will acclimatize for a few days and then continue the trek to Advanced Base Camp. You will enjoy a pleasant stay with the team. A puja ceremony for good luck will be performed before we head to the upper camps. Seven Summit Treks boasts the best base camp, with a spacious dining hall, kitchen, bathrooms, communication facilities, and member tents.

Advanced Base Camp (5700 m/18,700 ft)

Base camp is located at an altitude of 5,700 m (18,700 ft). It features comfortable dining areas, a kitchen, and member tents, with panoramic views of the beautiful peaks surrounding Mount Cho Oyu. This camp will be your home base until the end of the expedition. It will be your second home for approximately one month. There will also be another team for the climb.

Camp I (6,400 m/20,997 ft)

The route to Camp I will take between 4 and 6 hours. We will hike across the main glacier and snowfield to Camp I. Our experienced climbing guides and Sherpas will set up camp in a safe area.

Camp II (7,100 m/23,294 ft)

Camp II is located at 7,100 m altitude before ascending to the high ground. Once the climbing rope is fixed to the ascent route, we will approach Camp II as a group. The trek will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. The snow slope will be 30 to 40 degrees. Two traverses will be undertaken for acclimatization. The first leg will be the ascent and return to base camp, and then you’ll go to Camp II while attempting the summit. Camp II is a spacious camp.

Camp III (7,500 m/24,606 ft)

Camp III is located at an altitude of 7,500 m. It is just below the yellow strip. This strip is a rocky cliff that we must cross to reach the summit. It will take us about two hours to cross it. Sometimes, the rock may be covered with snow. You will not sleep at Camp III, so your summit ascent will begin from there. Most climbers will leave Camp III late at night or early in the morning to attempt the summit, and people will begin using supplemental oxygen from Camp III.

Summit (8,188 m/26,863 ft)
With the best weather forecast, once we leave Camp III for the summit, it will take us between 6 and 9 hours of climbing. It is a long, challenging, and adventurous trek. Most of the summit attempt will be made early in the morning, between 7 and 10 a.m., and the return to Camp II will be made the same day after summiting Cho Oyu. The descent will take several hours. Fixing ropes to reach the summit is the main task of our climbing sherpa, so we greatly admire his ability to fix ropes, open trails, and make every effort to ensure the group reaches the top of Mount Cho Oyu.

Maximum elevation:

8.188 m / 26.863 ft

Walking per day:

4-5 hours

Accommodation:

Hotel + Lodge + Tent

Best season:

Autumn

Group size:

2 - 15 PEOPLE

Itinerary

Expedition Log

CHO-OYU 2026

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel by our team.
Hotel
Rest day in Kathmandu. Expedition briefing and final preparation of technical equipment.
B / L Hotel
Processing of the Tibet visa application and official expedition briefing with the team.
Breakfast Hotel
Last day of rest and final logistical preparations in Kathmandu before departing for the border.
B / L Hotel
Road trip from Kathmandu to Timure, near the border post with China.
B / L / D Lodge
Crossing the border from Nepal into Tibet (China) and continuation of the road trip to Kerung.
B / L / D Lodge
Ascent across the Tibetan plateau by vehicle to Tingri, gaining considerable altitude.
B / L / D Lodge
Free day in Tingri for acclimatization and final review of climbing equipment.
B / L / D Lodge
Transfer by vehicle from Tingri to the Chinese Base Camp of Cho Oyu, passing by Rombuk Monastery.
B / L / D Tent
Additional rest day to ensure proper acclimatization at 5,100m.
B / L / D Tent
Trekking from the Chinese Base Camp to the Intermediate Camp.
B / L / D Tent
Ascent from the Intermediate Camp to the Advanced Base Camp, the main logistical hub of the mountain.
B / L / D Tent
1st Rotation: ABC – C1 – Touch C2 – Sleep at C1 – Return to ABC.
2nd Rotation: ABC – C1 – C2 – Sleep at C2 – Return to ABC.
Full Board High Camp
Final Push: ABC – Camp I – Camp II – Summit – Descent to C2 or directly to ABC.
Full Board Summit
Descent trek from the Advanced Base Camp (ABC) to the Chinese Base Camp.
B / L / D Lodge
Road transfer from the Chinese Base Camp to the village of Thingri.
B / L / D Lodge
Drive across the Tibetan plateau from Thingri to the Kerung border post.
B / L / D Lodge
Cross the border into Nepal and travel by road to Kathmandu.
B / L / D Hotel
Free day for final rest or shopping in the city.
Breakfast Hotel
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Breakfast

Included

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Welcome

  • Kathmandu: 6 nights in a 4-star hotel in a single room with breakfast.
  • Welcome Dinner: One dinner at a standard tourist restaurant with office staff.
  • Tibet Visa: Full processing and payment of the Tibet visa fee.
  • Travel Bag: One official Seven Summit Treks duffle bag and route map.

Permits & Fees (Tibet)

  • Cho Oyu Permit: Royalties and permits from the Chinese Government (CMA / TMA), including restricted area fees.
  • Liaison Officer: 1 Government Liaison Officer in Tibet (equipment, salary, and accommodation).
  • Garbage Management: Deposit fees and a standard waste collection fee of USD $1,000 per climber.
  • Certificate: Summit certificate issued by the CMA after a successful ascent.

Transportation & Luggage

  • Transfers: Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers by private vehicle.
  • Overland Transport: Group travel by Jeep/Truck from Kathmandu to the Chinese Base Camp (via the Kerong border), round trip.
  • Equipment Cargo: Transportation of equipment from Kathmandu to Chinese Base Camp (Jeep/Truck) and from Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) by yaks.
  • Personal Baggage: Up to 60 kg per member transported by yaks (Excess: USD $500 per additional yak of 40 kg).

Meals & Logistics (Full Board)

  • During the Route: 3 daily meals with tea, coffee, and hot water in hotels/tea houses.
  • Base Camp & ABC: Full board with meat, fresh vegetables, soft drinks, and juices.
  • Infrastructure: Individual “Box”-style tent with mattress and pillow at Base Camp and ABC.
  • Facilities: Well-managed dining, kitchen, communication, toilet, and shower tents for members and staff.
  • Power & Weather: Solar panels/generator for device charging. Heaters in dining tents. Meteotest (Switzerland) weather reports.

Mountain Support & Staff

  • Personal Sherpa: 1 licensed, veteran climbing Sherpa (1:1) throughout the ascent and all rotations.
  • Assistance: Sherpa assistance carrying equipment to high camps.
  • Route Fixing: Experienced Sherpa team will fix the route on Cho Oyu (no extra charge).
  • Kitchen Staff: Professional cook and assistants at Base Camp and ABC.
  • Salaries & Insurance: Salaries, equipment, food, and medical/rescue insurance for all Nepalese staff.
  • Training: Base Camp training on oxygen use, masks, and ice/ladder techniques.

Oxygen & High Altitude

  • Oxygen Bottles: 3 oxygen cylinders (4L) for the member and 1 cylinder for the Sherpa.
  • Equipment: 1 “Summit” mask and regulator set per person.
  • Reserve: Backup cylinders and masks available at Base Camp for emergencies (subject to charges).
  • High Camps: Shared tents (2:1), EPI gas, cookware, and high-altitude meals at C1, C2, and C3.

Not Included

Cost Excludes

International Flights

Airfare to and from Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa

USD $125 for 90 days (must be multiple-entry).

Meals in the City

Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (or in case of early return).

Extra Nights

Additional accommodation in Kathmandu due to itinerary or flight changes.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory: Medical coverage, rescue, evacuation, and repatriation.

Personal Equipment

Technical clothing, climbing gear, personal first-aid kit, and toiletries.

Communications

Satellite phone, internet (Thuraya), and excess baggage / yak charges (USD $500 per extra yak).

Special Permits

Fees for filming, professional cameras, or drones.

Summit Bonus

Minimum USD $1,800 for the climbing Sherpa.

Gratuities (Tips)

Minimum USD $100 (Yak/Porter), USD $100 (Guide), and USD $400 (Base Camp and High Camp staff).

Dates

CONFIRMED DATES 2027
DURATION
STATUS
GROUP
ACTION
09 SEP – 10 OCT 2027
32 DAYS
Applications Open
15 PAX Maximum Group
INQUIRE NOW

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