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Expedition

Cho Oyu Expedition

  • Duration: 45 Days
  • Max altitude: 8201 M
  • Group size: 2+
  • Grade: Hard
  • Best season: Autumn / Spring

Accommodation: Tea House & Camping

Cho Oyu (8201m) is the sixth highest mountain in the world, located at short distance to the west from Everest in the Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal along the Tibetan border.

There’s no really technical sections and the objective dangers are close to non-existent. Its relatively easy access makes it an attractive climb for someone with limited time, as it can be attempted in roughly 6 weeks round trip. Base Camp is accessible by jeep and it is possible to reach Kathmandu in a very long day from Base Camp. Because of it’s ease of access, ABC is often crowded with a large number of expeditions. Just west of Cho Oyu is the Nangpa La, the old trade route between the Khumbu Sherpas and Tibet.

Cho Oyu Expedition

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu & transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Rest day in Kathmandu: Tibet Visa Preparation
Day 3: Tibet Visa Issue and Expedition briefing
Day 4: Rest day in Kathmandu.
Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Timure
Day 6: Cross the border of Nepal and Drive to Kerung (1962m)
Day 7: Drive from Kerung in Old Thingri (4,300m)
Day 8: Acclimatization and Preparation day in Old Thingri
Day 9: Drive from Old Thingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m), Via Rombuk Monastery
Day 10-12: 3 more Nights Stay in Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m)
Day 13: Trek from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Intermediate Camp (5,400m)
Day 14: Ascent from Intermediate basecamp to Advance Basecamp (5,700m)
Day 15 – Day 39: Climbing Period [Adv. Basecamp – Summit (8,201m) – Adv.Basecamp]
Day 40: Descend from Adv. Basecamp to Cho Oyu Basecamp
Day 41: Drive back from Cho Oyu Basecamp to Thingri
Day 42: Drive from Thingri to Kerung
Day 43: Cross the border and drive to Kathmandu (Overnight stay at Hotel)
Day 44: Free day or rest day in Kathmandu.
Day 45: Depart Kathmandu

Included / Not Included

Not Included

  • International airfare and Visa fee
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Aerated and alcoholic beverages on trek and expedition
  • Personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry, internet)
  • Tips for porters and base camp staff, and summit bonuses for guides
  • Travel insurance (incl. early departure, mountain rescue)
  • Personal trekking/climbing gear

Included

  • International arrival and departure transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Trekking and climbing permits
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Experienced climbing guides at the high guide: client ratio
  • Kathmandu to Lukla and return airfare.
  • Extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit
  • Fully serviced base camp with personal tent, dining, kitchen and shower tents
  • All meals outside Kathmandu
  • Porters to carry personal/group equipment
  • Climbing Sherpas to set up camps and carry group food
  • Expedition duffel.
  • Government tax and fees.

More information

Visa Information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel Information

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

★★★★★
Martin legault Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Canada
Professionnal guide Big experience Have a respect every place during the treck Everything is on control with Pasang. I recommended a 150%
★★★★★
Stephen Tindall Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp UK
I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what…
★★★★★
Otávio Marcacini Everest Base Camp Trekking Brazil
Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!
★★★★★
Jensen Lodge Island Peak Climbling UK
Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. The altitude…
★★★★★
Wayne Storey Island Peak Climbling UK
Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills 👌

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Cho Oyu Expedition