What kind of physical training is required to prepare for Cho Oyu?

Training for Cho Oyu should begin 6–12 months before the expedition and include: Cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, hiking) Strength training (legs, core, and upper body) Altitude simulation if available (hypoxic tents or altitude gyms) Back-to-back long hikes with a loaded pack Technical climbing practice with crampons and ice axes A personalized program from a mountaineering trainer can help maximize preparation.

What is the success rate for Cho Oyu, and what affects it?

Cho Oyu has one of the highest success rates among 8,000ers, often around 60–70% in good seasons. Key factors affecting success include: Weather conditions Acclimatization strategy Physical fitness Use of supplemental oxygen Team dynamics and support Decision-making and risk management Success is never guaranteed, but good preparation and the right operator increase your odds significantly.

Cho Oyu Expedition (8201m)

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Duration

45 Days

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Max. Elevation

8201 m.

Transportation

Ktm-Lhasa Flight

Min. Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Cho Oyu Expedition 2026/2027

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,201 meters (26,906 ft) above sea level. The Tibetan meaning of ‘Cho Oyu’ is the Goddess of Turquoise. The mountain is part of the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas, which also consist of Mount Everest. It is located between Tibet-Nepal border, hence Cho Oyu Expeditions are often mounted from Tibetan side.

Cho Oyu is regarded as the easiest mountain to climb among 8000m club because of technically straightforward route. It has moderate slopes on northwest ridge approach with sweeping sights of vast snow slopes. Despite its ease, climbers are required to have satisfactory mental and physical preparation as a necessary precondition. The first attempts to climb Cho Oyu were made around 1952 by the famous climbers Eric Shipton, Edmund Hillary and Tom Bourdillion. However, it wasn’t until 1954 when an Austrian team of Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jochler, Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama successfully scaled it via northwest ride. It was fourth 8000m mountain to be climbed after Annapurna, Everest and K2. Ever since, Cho Oyu has become popular for climbers from all over the world.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day1Kathmandu Arrival

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day2Free day in Kathmandu for visa and other arrangements.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Free day in Kathmandu for visa and other arrangements. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day3Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day4Final day for the preparation of Cho Oyu expedition.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Final day for the preparation of Cho Oyu expedition. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day5Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

3650 m.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to hotel in Lhasa (3650 meters). Stay overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day6Drive to Shigatse through Gyantse (3950m)/ 261 km.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

3950 m.

Drive to Shigatse through Gyantse (3950m)/ 261 km. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day7Drive to Shigatse to Old Tingre

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

4300 m.

Drive to Shigatse to Old Tingre. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day8Free day

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

4300 m.

Free day for acclimatization and preparation. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day9Drive from Old Tingri to Chinese Base Camp (5100 m) via Rongbuk monastery.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

5100 m.

Drive from Old Tingri to Chinese Base Camp (5100 m) via Rongbuk monastery. Stay overnight at camp.

Days10–12Preparation days in Chinese Base Camp.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Preparation days in Chinese Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Day13Trek from Chinese Base Camp to Intermediate Camp

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

5400 m.

Trek from Chinese Base Camp to Intermediate Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Day14Trek from Intermediate Camp to Advance Base Camp (5700m).

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

5700 m.

Trek from Intermediate Camp to Advance Base Camp (5700m). Stay overnight at camp.

Days15–39Climbing period of Cho Oyu from north side

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

8201 m.

Climbing period of Cho Oyu from north side (Advance Base Camp – Summit (8201m) – Advance Base Camp). Stay all nights at camp.

Day40Trek from Advance Base Camp to Chinese Base Camp.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Trek from Advance Base Camp to Chinese Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Day41Drive from Chinese Base Camp to Old Tingri.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Drive from Chinese Base Camp to Old Tingri. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day42Drive from Old Tingri to Kerung.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Hotel

Drive from Old Tingri to Kerung. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day43Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu.

Food/Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

Hotel

Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day44Free day.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and recreation. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day45Departure

Food/Meals

Breakfast

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Price includes the following services

a) Kathmandu

Pick-up and drop-off service
All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Accommodation in Kathmandu
6 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 5 star standards hotel
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

b) Tibet

Visa and Tibet Travel permit
China/Tibet visa and Tibet travel permit for climbing members and Nepali staffs
Flight ticket
Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Permit
Expedition royalty and permit fee of Chinese Government (CMA / TMA) to climb Mt. Cho oyu
Liaison Officer
1 Government Liaison officer in Tibet with full equipments, salary, accommodation and insurance as per government rule
Garbage Deposit Fee
Garbage deposit fee
Garbage Collection Fee
US$1000 per climber as standard garbage (rubbish) collection fee
Insurance
Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
Land Transportation
Entire land transportation for climbing member, guide and other Nepali staffs by private jeep (Other Nepali staffs will go to Everest Base Camp via Kerung border)
Expedition Stuffs Transportation
Transportation of All Necessary expedition equipments & foods for all members and staffs from Kathmandu to Base Camp (by Jeep/Truck) – Base Camp to Advance Base Camp (ABC) by yak
While returning: Advance Base Camp (ABC) to Base Camp by yak and Base Camp to Kathmandu by jeep/truck
Member Luggage
Up to 70 Kg per member for personal baggage during the expedition period carrying by yaks (If luggage exceed 70 kgs then extra can be arranged with US$300 per yak and that carries up to 40 kgs)
Food
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) including tea and coffee during the trek and Base Camp/Advance Base Camp
Accommodation
3 star standards hotel in all places except Base Camp and above as per the itinerary
Well managed Base Camp set up for climbing members & Staff at Base Camp
Yaks
Yak for the transportation of personal luggage from Chinese Base Camp to Advance Base Camp and vice-versa
Base Camp and Advance Base Camp Staffs
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp / Advance Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
Staff Salary and allowance
All involved Nepalese and Tibetan staffs daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
Base Camp/Advance Base Camp (ABC) Tent
Each member will have individual tent in Base Camp
Base Camp/ABC equipments
Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & all necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
High Camp services
High altitude tents at (C1), (C2), (C3) high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews
Climbing guide (Sherpa)
An Experienced, Trained, Government licensed holder and 8000 m. summiteers climbing / expedition guide (Sherpa) for each climbing member (1:1)
Climbing Sherpa Salary & Allowance
Salary, equipments, meals and clothing for climbing guide
Bonus
Carry bonus of Sherpas and route fixing charges
Ropes
All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing
Rope Fixing Team
The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Cho Oyu (no extra charge will be applied to members)
Oxygen (O2) Bottle
2 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa
Oxygen Mask & Regulator
1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa
Back up Sets
Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator (with appropriate additional charge)
Heater
Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp
Solar/Generator
1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp
Walkie-Talkie
Walkie –Talkie for communication from Advance Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Advance Base Camp
Permits
Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits
Internet Service
Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp with additional charge
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs
Certificate
Certificate for Cho Oyu climbing issued by CMA after climbing Mt. Cho Oyu successfully
Tax and VAT
Tax, VAT and our service charge

Service Excludes

Lunch & Dinner
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night in Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
Rescue Evacuation
Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
Personal Expenses
Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
Personal Equipments
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
Toiletries
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
Filming
Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
Internet
Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
Summit Bonus
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa (Normally US$1200 applies to full board member)
Tips
Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs including guide
Satellite permit
US$ 500 per phone
Extra Transportation
In case member has to return earlier than the team due to personal reason, member has to pay transportation cost up to Kathmandu on their own
Extra services
Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary

Explore the route

Altitude & route map

Select a preview to open a large, zoomable view.

Cho Oyu Expedition (8201m) Altitude Graph

Frequently Asked Questions for Cho Oyu Expedition (8201m)

Cho Oyu, standing at 8,188 meters (26,864 feet), is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and is located on the Nepal–Tibet border in the Himalayas. It is considered the "easiest" 8,000-meter peak due to its relatively moderate slopes and lower technical difficulty compared to others like K2 or Annapurna. The standard northwest ridge route avoids major objective hazards like avalanches or seracs, making it a preferred peak for climbers aspiring to summit their first 8,000er or preparing for Everest. Additionally, the accessibility via the Tibetan side and fewer logistical hurdles compared to some Nepal-based climbs contribute to its popularity.

The two main climbing seasons for Cho Oyu are pre-monsoon (spring) from late April to early June and post-monsoon (autumn) from late August to early October. Autumn is generally considered better due to more stable weather and clearer skies. Spring expeditions may encounter more snow but are also viable. Weather on high-altitude expeditions is unpredictable, so climbers should prepare for sudden changes in conditions regardless of the season.

A typical Cho Oyu expedition takes about 6 to 8 weeks, including travel, acclimatization, and summit attempts. The itinerary usually includes several days in Kathmandu, overland travel to Tibet, acclimatization at Chinese Base Camp and Advanced Base Camp (ABC), followed by rotations between Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3 before the summit push. Travel and bureaucratic delays at border crossings can affect the timeline, so flexibility is important.

Cho Oyu is often regarded as the most accessible 8,000-meter peak in terms of technical climbing. The standard route has some steep snow and ice sections and short rock bands near the Yellow Band and summit ridge, but fixed lines are usually placed by expedition teams. It still demands strong crampon and ice axe skills, high-altitude experience, and the ability to move efficiently with fixed ropes. The main challenge is altitude, not technicality.

Yes, high-altitude experience is strongly recommended. Most successful Cho Oyu climbers have previously summited peaks over 6,000 meters, such as Island Peak, Mera Peak, Aconcagua, or Denali. Familiarity with altitude-related illnesses, use of fixed ropes, crampons, and extreme cold is critical. Without this, the risks of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or failure to summit increase significantly.

Training for Cho Oyu should begin 6–12 months before the expedition and include:

Cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, hiking)
Strength training (legs, core, and upper body)
Altitude simulation if available (hypoxic tents or altitude gyms)
Back-to-back long hikes with a loaded pack
Technical climbing practice with crampons and ice axes

A personalized program from a mountaineering trainer can help maximize preparation.

Many climbers use supplemental oxygen above 7,000 meters, especially from Camp 3 to the summit, to improve performance and reduce risk of altitude sickness. However, it is possible to summit without oxygen for experienced and well-acclimatized climbers. Whether to use it depends on your conditioning, altitude history, and risk tolerance.

Food at Base Camp and Advance Base Camp is relatively diverse, with fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, meat, soups, tea, and snacks. Once above ABC, meals are more basic (dehydrated or freeze-dried foods, instant noodles, soups, energy bars). High-calorie intake is essential at altitude, and many climbers bring personal snacks and electrolyte powders. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated if communicated early.

At Base Camp and Advance Base Camp, communication is usually available via satellite phones, Wi-Fi, or mobile networks (on and off). Higher camps often lack any connectivity. Expedition operators often carry radio sets for team communication and satellite phones or GPS messengers (Garmin InReach/Iridium) for emergencies and updates to family. Expect limited and expensive internet access.

Cho Oyu has one of the highest success rates among 8,000ers, often around 60–70% in good seasons. Key factors affecting success include:

Weather conditions
Acclimatization strategy
Physical fitness
Use of supplemental oxygen
Team dynamics and support
Decision-making and risk management

Success is never guaranteed, but good preparation and the right operator increase your odds significantly.

Additional Information

Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)

Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle

Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents

Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight

Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,

Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)

Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter