YOUR FIRST 8000ER

Cho Oyu

Proudly waving a flag on the summit of Cho Oyu 8201m
Cho Oyu stands tall in the distance and a team jumps in anticipation of the adventure ahead.

Cho Oyu is the world's sixth highest mountain and considered to be the most achievable of the fourteen 8,000m peaks.

As with all ascents at high altitude, the climbing is strenuous and a high standard of fitness is required, but as a peak to experience the thin air at 8,000m for the first time, Cho Oyu is ideal. Many of our expedition members use the experience gained here as a 'stepping stone' to Everest - or climb it as their ‘once only’ 8,000m goal.

Our Cho Oyu expedition itinerary has been tailored to include a visit to the city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture. Here we explore the Potala Palace and other cultural sites while acclimatising for the journey ahead. We then travel overland to the base of the mountain followed by a short walk to Base Camp.

The climbing route links features devoid of undue hazard with only a few short technical sections, yet the ascent path is direct, allowing climbers to gain altitude without covering a lot of distance.

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  • Climb with the most experienced expedition operator on the mountain
  • Experience high-altitude climbing on the world’s sixth highest peak and prepare yourself for Everest
  • Visit the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Lhasa

Expedition Level

Expedition Level

Advanced

Elevation

Elevation

8,188m/26,863ft

Duration

Duration

45 days

Location

Location

Tibet, China

CHO OYU ITINERARY
DAY 1

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal

DAY 2

Commence Tibet Travel Permit process

DAY 3

Gear checks and sightseeing in Kathmandu

DAY 4

Sightseeing in Kathmandu, finalise Tibet Travel Permit

DAY 5

Fly to Chengdu, China, overnight

DAY 6
Fly to Lhasa, Tibet 3,650m/11,975ft
DAY 7

Sightseeing in Lhasa

DAY 8
Drive to Shigatse 3,800m/12,470ft
DAY 9

Drive to Tingri 4,350m/14,270ft

DAY 10
Rest day in Tingri
DAY 11

Drive to Road End Base Camp 4,800m/15,750ft

DAY 12 - 13

Rest/acclimatisation at Road End

DAY 14

Trek to Valley Camp 5,300m/17,390ft

DAY 15

Trek to Base Camp 5,650m/18,500ft

DAY 16 - 17

Rest at Base Camp/organise equipment

DAY 18 - 31

Establish high camps and acclimatise

DAY 32 - 39

Summit Window

DAY 40
Return to Base Camp
DAY 41

Pack equipment

DAY 42

Trek back to road end and drive to Tingri

DAY 43

Drive to Nepalese border

DAY 44

Drive to Kathmandu

DAY 45

Depart from Kathmandu

3D Map of Cho Oyu

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
3 Sept - 17 Oct 2024 $48,500 USD $ Book Now

Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition

PREPARE

Fitness

The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We recommend a training programme tailored to mountaineering such as those from Uphill Athlete.

Technical Experience

You must be able to efficiently climb ice, snow and rock terrain, multiple days in a row. Climbers will ideally have a broad set of climbing skills from basic rock climbing to advanced cramponing on snow and ice and strong rope skills such as rappelling and rope ascending. You should be comfortable with camp craft and self-care at high altitude.

Altitude Experience

Prior ascents of multiple 6,000-7,000m peaks are preferred (such as Denali, Aconcagua, Peak Lenin, 6,000m peaks in Nepal, or the Ecuador volcanoes).

AC Cho Oyu Base Camp
Why Adventure Consultants?

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

Climbers leave Camp 1 enroute to Camp 2 climbing Cho Oyu
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Chinese government royalty fees
  • All expedition organisational requirements
  • All climbing and trekking permits
  • Land transport in Tibet and Nepal
  • Flights to Chengdu and Lhasa from Kathmandu
  • Accommodation ex Kathmandu
  • All team equipment and five bottles of oxygen
  • All expedition staff, including Western guides at 1:5 ratio and 1:1 Sherpa support
  • All food after departing Kathmandu and before arriving back in Kathmandu
  • All supplies necessary to make a safe and strong bid for the summit
  • Medical kit
  • Regular written and photo internet dispatches for families and friends to follow your progress
  • dZi Foundation support for their "Revitalize a Village" program – likely to include support for a Nepalese child’s education for a year.
Peaks emerge above clouds as climbers descend off Cho Oyu
Add Ons

Experience tells us that a high degree of Sherpa support greatly increases the rate of success for our team members. Check out the Cho Oyu Trip Notes for more details on how these options might work for you!

  • Personal Sherpa
Climbing fixed lines on Cho Oyu, Tibet

Spectacular views for climbers as they negotiate fixed ropes on Cho Oyu

GALLERY
A team on the summit plateau of Cho Oyu

Celebrating a successful summit on the wide expanse of Cho Oyu's summit plateau

Climbers contemplate the route above Camp 2 on Cho Oyu

Summit day beckons - climbers contemplate the route to the summit above Camp 2

Our Guides
Rob Smith
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Expedition Leader
Da Jangbu Sherpa
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Expedition Sidar
Kelly McLaren
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Expedition Liaison
Acclimatisation hike at Shegar enroute to Cho Oyu

"I thought it was a great trip and from my observations, our trip was better organized than some of the other groups we met on the mountain."

Kai Zinn, USA
Cho Oyu team trekking to Advanced Base Camp

'During the expedition, the strategies employed by Adventure Consultants played a crucial role in my success. The guides demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and made informed decisions based on the constantly changing weather and mountain conditions. Their knowledge of the route, acclimatisation techniques, and risk management was evident throughout the journey. I felt confident and supported every step of the way.'

Shika Raju, Australia
Climbers approach the ice wall on Cho Oyu summit day

"AC did a wonderful job. I'd 100% recommend them to anyone looking for an accommodating and professional experience."

Spencer Hall, USA
Standing on the summit of the world's highest peak Mount Everest

Take the next step and summit the world's highest peak Mount Everest!

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