Cho Oyu Expedition
Mountain Hawk Trek
Mountain Expedition RegionChallenging

Cho OyuExpedition

Summit Cho Oyu (8,188m), the sixth highest mountain on Earth, on a 43-day expedition via the classic route. Often called the most accessible 8,000-meter peak. Full Sherpa support, staged high camps. From USD 18,000.

View Itinerary
43
DaysTotal trek duration
8201m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–May
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$18,000
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Standing on an 8,000-meter summit is one of the rarest experiences in mountaineering. Cho Oyu's summit at 8,188m puts you higher than all but five mountains on Earth. The view spans Everest, Makalu, Shishapangma, and the vast Tibetan plateau stretching north.

The classic route is less technically demanding than Everest or Annapurna, making Cho Oyu the standard "first 8,000er" for experienced mountaineers. The rock band above Camp 2 is the crux, but fixed ropes reduce the technical challenge.

Base camp on the Tibetan plateau at 5,700m is a unique setting. The dry, brown landscape is completely different from the green Khumbu valleys on the Nepal side. The expedition atmosphere at ABC is shared with teams from around the world.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Cho Oyu Expedition is a 43-day climb of Cho Oyu (8,188m), the sixth-highest mountain on Earth. Cho Oyu is widely regarded as the most accessible 8,000-meter peak due to its relatively straightforward route and lower technical demands compared to Everest or K2. The classic route approaches from the Tibet (north) side with base camp at approximately 5,700m on the Tibetan plateau.

High camps are established at Camp 1 (6,400m), Camp 2 (7,100m), and Camp 3 (7,500m). The summit push from Camp 3 involves a sustained snow slope and a short rock band. Supplemental oxygen is used above Camp 2. Fixed ropes are placed by the Sherpa team through the rock band and on the upper snow slopes.

All permits and logistics are managed end-to-end, including Tibet entry permits and Chinese mountaineering permits.

For a lower-altitude Khumbu expedition, the Ama Dablam Expedition (6,812m) is a 29-day technical climb. For trekking peaks, Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) or Mera Peak Climb Via Zatra La Pass (6,476m) offer 6,000m summit experiences.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
8,188m6,477m4,767m3,056m1,345mKathmanduZhangmuNyalamTingriCho Oyu Base CampAdvanced Base CampCho Oyu SummitAdvanced Base CampCho Oyu Base CampZhangmuKathmandu8,188m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

43 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Rest Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Rest day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Sightseeing & Preparations

Kathmandu

Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and necessary preparations for the expedition. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day04

Preparation Day

Kathmandu

Final preparation day for the expedition. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day05

Kathmandu to Zhangmu

Zhangmu

Drive from Kathmandu to Zhangmu at the Tibet border.

Hotel
Day06

Zhangmu to Nyalam

Nyalam

Drive from Zhangmu to Nyalam.

Hotel
Day07

Nyalam to Tingri

Tingri

Drive from Nyalam to Tingri.

Hotel
Day08

Tingri to Cho Oyu Base Camp

Cho Oyu BC

Drive from Tingri to Cho Oyu Base Camp.

Tented Camp
Day09

Acclimatization at Base Camp

Cho Oyu BC

Acclimatization day at Base Camp.

Tented Camp
Day10

Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp

Advanced BC

Move from Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp.

Tented Camp
Day11

Acclimatization at Advanced BC

Advanced BC

Acclimatization day at Advanced Base Camp.

Tented Camp
Day12

Climbing Period (Days 12 to 37)

Cho Oyu

Climbing period including rotations, summit push, and acclimatization days.

8,188mTented Camp
Day38

Return to Advanced Base Camp

Advanced BC

Return to Advanced Base Camp after summit attempt.

Tented Camp
Day39

Return to Base Camp

Cho Oyu BC

Return to Base Camp.

Tented Camp
Day40

Drive to Zhangmu

Zhangmu

Drive from Base Camp to Zhangmu.

Hotel
Day41

Zhangmu to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive from Zhangmu to Kathmandu.

1,345mHotel
Day42

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day43

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 18,000
The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

The most accessible 8,000-meter peak. If you want to test yourself at extreme altitude, Cho Oyu is the standard starting point.

Thrill

Summit of the sixth-highest mountain on Earth with views of Everest and the Tibetan plateau.

Connection

Gateway to Everest. Many Cho Oyu climbers use it as preparation for an Everest attempt.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are an experienced mountaineer with prior climbs above 6,500m seeking your first 8,000-meter summit.

You can commit to a 43-day expedition with extended time above 5,700m.

You are physically and mentally prepared for extreme altitude: sustained effort above 7,000m with supplemental oxygen.

You have completed at least one technical peak above 6,000m (Ama Dablam, Denali, or equivalent).

Budget is USD 18,000. Includes all permits, Sherpa support, oxygen, and logistics.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

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Trail Stories

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