Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world at 8,201 metres above sea level. Cho Oyu means ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in Tibetan. The mountain is the westernmost major peak of the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalaya, 20 km from Mount Everest. The mountain stands on the China-Nepal border. Cho Oyu is considered the easiest eight-thousander, with the lowest death-summit ratio (1/25th of Annapurna’s). It is the second most climbed eight-thousander after Everest, whose height makes it the most popular, and has over four times the ascents of the third most popular eight-thousander, Gasherbrum II. It is marketed as a ‘trekking peak’, achievable for climbers with high fitness but low mountaineering experience. It has a broadly flat summit plateau with no cairn (the traditional prayer flags on Cho Oyu’s summit plateau do not mark the technical summit), which can be a source of confusion and debate amongst climbers.
Cho Oyu’s height was originally measured at 8,150m, and at the time of the first ascent, it was considered the seventh-highest mountain on earth, after Dhaulagiri at 8,167 metres. Manaslu, now 8,156 metres, was also estimated lower at 8,125 m. In 1984, Cho Oyu’s estimate of 8,201 metres moved it up to sixth place. New measurements made in 1996 by the Government of Nepal Survey Department and the Finnish Meteorological Institute in preparation for the Nepal Topographic Maps put the height at 8,188m, remarkably similar to the 8,189m by Edmund Hillary in his 1955 book High Adventure.
Cho Oyu was first attempted in 1952 by an expedition organised and financed by the Joint Himalayan Committee of Great Britain as preparation for an attempt on Mount Everest the following year. The expedition was led by Eric Shipton and included Edmund Hillary, Tom Bourdillon, and George Lowe. A foray by Hillary and Lowe was stopped due to technical difficulties and avalanche danger at an ice cliff above 6,650m, and a report of Chinese troops a short distance across the border influenced Shipton to retreat from the mountain rather than continue to attempt to summit.
The mountain was first climbed on October 19, 1954, via the north-west ridge by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jochler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of an Austrian expedition. Cho Oyu was the fifth 8000 metre peak to be climbed, after Annapurna in June 1950, Mount Everest in May 1953, Nanga Parbat in July 1953, and K2 in July 1954. Until the ascent of Mount Everest by Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978, it was the highest peak climbed without supplemental oxygen.
The Cho Oyu Expedition with Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition is carefully designed to maximize acclimatization, safety, and summit success. With experienced Sherpa climbers, structured logistics, and a strong emphasis on high-altitude preparation, Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition offers one of the most reliable and rewarding ways to climb this legendary Himalayan peak.
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location: Kathmandu
We complete our customs formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there will be a representative from our company who will take you to your hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day resting. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by our company. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today, you will rest and prepare for the Tibet visa application, an important step before crossing the border into Tibet for the Cho Oyu Expedition. Our team will handle the necessary documentation while you relax and recover from your journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
On this day, your Tibet visa will be issued. You will also be given an elaborate checklist of materials and gear that you need to make sure that you possess before taking off. We will be briefing you regarding the details of the upcoming expedition and the roles and responsibilities of each team member. You will also get introduced to fellow expedition members and guides.
Today is another day set aside for rest and recovery. It is an ideal time to double-check your climbing gear and prepare mentally for the upcoming expedition. You may also explore Kathmandu’s local markets, visit its rich cultural landmarks, or simply relax at your hotel.
One of the important days, as we begin the expedition journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timure, the border town between Nepal and Tibet. The route follows the Trishuli River, offering picturesque views as you pass through remote villages, lush hillsides, and terraced farmlands along the way.
After crossing the border from Nepal into Tibet and completing immigration formalities, you will continue the drive to Kerung. The border town marks the beginning of your journey on the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, observe the dramatic change in landscape as lush valleys gradually give way to the rugged terrain of the high-altitude region ahead.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into Tibet as you drive to the high-altitude settlement of Old Thingri. As you gain elevation, the vast Tibetan Plateau begins to unfold, revealing expansive landscapes, dramatic skies, and breathtaking views of surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Old Thingri, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude and thinner air. Overnight stay in Old Thingri.
Today, we begin our journey by scenic drive from Old Thingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp. En route, visit the sacred Rombuk Monastery, one of the highest monasteries in the world, renowned for its spiritual atmosphere and spectacular views of Mount Everest. Continue onward to reach Base Camp, and stay in Base Camp.
We spend the next three days at Cho Oyu Base Camp to acclimatize and prepare for the climb to higher altitudes. This period allows your body to adjust to the thin air and challenging conditions, while providing time to organize equipment, review climbing plans, and build endurance for the ascent ahead.
After spending three days in Base Camp, we will trek toward the Intermediate Camp. The route provides stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as you gain elevation, allowing your body to gradually acclimatize.
We will continue ascending to Cho Oyu’s Advanced Base Camp, situated at 5,700 meters, which plays a crucial role in your acclimatization process. Along the way, take in the breathtaking glacial landscapes and dramatic high-altitude terrain that surround you, preparing both body and mind for the climbing rotations ahead.
These 22 days mark the main climbing phase of the expedition. Over the next few weeks, you will have a rotation phase between higher camps, acclimatize, and after completing the rotation period, we will make our final push to the summit of Cho Oyu at 8,201 meters. The climb is physically demanding but immensely rewarding, offering unparalleled views from the world’s sixth-highest peak and an unforgettable high-altitude adventure.
After the summit, we will descend back to Cho Oyu Base Camp, where we will celebrate, take time to rest, and reflect on our achievement.
We will leave Cho Oyu Base Camp and drive back to Thingri. Enjoy the scenic drive and overnight stay in Thingri.
We will continue our journey to Kerung, the Tibetan border town. Overnight stay in Kerung.
Now, we cross the border and return to Nepal and continue the drive to Kathmandu. Arrive in the vibrant capital city and enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel after the long journey, marking the conclusion of your high-altitude adventure.
After the long, exhausting journey, you might be worn out a bit. Today, you can do some relaxation activities or just take some rest and connect with your friends and family back home. You can also just wander down the lively streets of Thamel and Asan and buy some souvenirs. In the evening, your tour officer will pick you up for dinner at one of the cultural restaurants of Thamel. After the dinner, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
43 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
|
Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |
