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Tibetan Himalaya, Tibet / Expedition

Cho Oyu Expedition

Approach Cho Oyu from the Tibetan plateau for a sustained high-altitude expedition with base and advanced camps.

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The north face of Cho Oyu
The north face of Cho Oyu.
Duration
43 daysOutline programme
Summit objective
8,188 mRoute objective
Season
AutumnAsk for current dates
Experience
High-altitude expeditionExpedition

A closer look at the journey.

Cho Oyu is approached from Tibet, with overland travel and acclimatization on the plateau before the expedition moves to advanced base camp. The mountain programme reserves several weeks for rotations, rest and an attempt. Although often discussed as a progression towards other 8,000 metre objectives, it remains a serious expedition with extreme-altitude demands.

This programme combines time on the Tibetan plateau with an extended climbing period. Access, permits and the final road route must be agreed before travel. Higher camps, acclimatization rotations and the summit attempt depend on mountain conditions. We plan the support and equipment around the team rather than a fixed summit date.

  • Plateau approach with acclimatization stops
  • Base and advanced camp progression
  • Extended climbing window on Cho Oyu

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1-3Kathmandu preparation

Arrive and complete equipment checks and the expedition arrangements.

Day 4-6Enter Tibet and acclimatize

Travel by the agreed border route and include acclimatization stops on the plateau.

Day 7-8Tingri acclimatization

Continue towards Tingri and spend time preparing for the mountain approach.

Day 9-10Cho Oyu Base Camp

Reach the road-access base and organize equipment and loads.

Day 11-13Advanced base camp approach

Move through intermediate staging camps towards advanced base camp.

Day 14-39Cho Oyu climbing period

Use rotations and rest to prepare for a summit attempt when conditions allow.

Day 40-41Return to Kathmandu

Descend and travel back by the agreed overland route.

Day 42-43Onward travel

Allow time for the departure connection and return journey.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Agree the permit arrangements and in-country transport in your quotation.
  • Agree the guiding, porter support and responsibilities on the mountain.
  • Agree accommodation, camp facilities and the meals provided at each stage.
  • Agree shared climbing equipment, communications and emergency arrangements.

Budget separately

  • International travel, entry documents and costs outside the agreed programme.
  • Personal climbing equipment and insurance appropriate to the itinerary.
  • Personal spending, tips and any separately agreed climbing staff bonuses.
  • Additional accommodation, transport or evacuation costs if plans change.

Before you set out.

Previous high-altitude climbing, competent glacier and fixed-rope skills, and the capacity for repeated camp rotations are required.

Accommodation: Hotels during the approach and return, with expedition camps on the mountain.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Is the summit attempt on a fixed day?

The itinerary gives a climbing window. Your guide will adjust the attempt, rest days and descent to the conditions and the team. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.

What experience should I discuss before booking?

Previous high-altitude climbing, competent glacier and fixed-rope skills, and the capacity for repeated camp rotations are required. Share details of your recent climbs, altitude experience and rope skills so that we can assess the preparation and support required.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.