MT. CHO-OYU EXPEDITION FROM TIBET

  • Duration 36
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Accommodation Hotel lodge with camping on treks and climbs.
  • Max. Altitude 8,201 meters (26,906 feet)
  • Activity scenic flights, treks, and climbs.
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights

On top of the world’s sixth-highest mountains, around the scenic plateau.
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Nepal and Tibetan landscapes from Mt. Cho-Oyu.
Explore the vast Tibetan plateau and villages adorned with fascinating cultures.
Scenic, exciting drive from Kathmandu to Cho-Oyu Base Camp in Tibet.
Experience of a lifetime adventure on top of stunning Mt. Cho Oyu

MT. CHO-OYU EXPEDITION FROM TIBET Overview

Expedition at a Glance:

Accommodations: Hotel lodge with camping on treks and climbs.

Climbing Grade: A full-fledged Mountaineering expedition.

Activities: scenic drives, treks, and climbs.

Expedition Duration: 29 Nights & 30 Days (from Kathmandu to Kathmandu).

Total Trip: 35 Nights & 36 Days (arrival to departure)

THE BEST SEASONS FOR MT. CHO OYU EXPEDITIONS:

Tibet has four seasons: spring from March to May, and summer with light monsoon months of June to August. Autumn/fall starts from September to November, and winter, the cold months of December to February.

The best seasons for Mt. Cho Oyu Expeditions are in the late spring of May, with early summer of June to July. The autumn/fall, when days are clear for views, treks, and climbs. The spring, from late March to May, is a high season and most favorable for pleasant scenic walks and climbs. 

Days are longer with longer sunshine hours from early 6 am till 6 pm
It gets overcast with light snowfall sometimes, but it is an enjoyable time for the

Climb. Enjoy the clear views of the Snowy Mountains throughout the climbing adventures to Mt. Cho Oyu.

During spring, cold mornings are below -5° to -10° Celsius and in shade, including

the nighttime. Most days are fine and clear with strong sunshine and maximum

temperatures of + 15° to + 20° Celsius.   

The next best season is autumn/fall, from September to November.
Most days are fine, with crystal clear blue skies for excellent views of the surrounding scenery and snow peaks. Gets dark soon by dusk from 5 p.m. onwards and sunrise by 6 a.m. Cold mornings, late afternoons, and nights with minimum temperatures of -10° to -15° Celsius, altitude-wise. 

The maximum temperature is + 15° to 20° Celsius, perfect for climbing, and for
a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes. Expect snowfall sometimes during autumn, late October, and November. Above 3,000 meters, the daytime will be bright with strong UV light in the spring, summer, and autumn. Good snow goggles, sunglasses, and sunblock creams are essential. Sun hats and long-sleeved shirts protect against the strong UV sunlight.

OVERVIEWS: 

Mt. Cho-Oyu Expedition from Tibet allows mountaineers fewer technical challenges than from the Nepal side. Located south of Mt. Cho Oyu, around the Khumbu area of Everest in Nepal. 

Mt. Cho-Oyu, the northern ridge of Tibet, offers a more successful ascent to the summit. The Summit rises above 8,210 m/26,906 feet, the world’s 6th highest peak. Mt. Cho Oyu is just a mere distance west of Mt. Everest, which makes the boundary between Tibet/China and Nepal.

Mt. Cho Oyu was first ascended on October 19th, 1954, by the Austrian Climbers
H. Tichy and S. Jöchler. Included the great support of an expert guide from Nepal,
Pasang Dawa Lama. From 1970 onward, Mt. Cho-Oyu has attracted more mountaineers due to its lesser technical difficulties than the other 8,000-meter peaks. Tibet, with the world’s three highest peaks, Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, and the 14th highest Mt. Shisapangma. 

The route to Mt. Cho Oyu is much easier and shorter than other world-highest peaks. The drives can reach you in the heart of Mt. Cho Oyu at base camp within a few days. After crossing the Nepal and Tibet/ China borders from Rasuwagadhi of Nepal frontier to enter Tibet/ China at Kyirong County.

Kyirong, the border town, is located north of Ganesh and Langtang Himal and within the southern end of Tibet’s vast plateau. 

Brown Bear Trail Mt. Cho Oyu Expedition provides ample time for acclimatization before heading higher towards Cho Oyu base camp.

On entering Tibetan soil, our adventure starts following the wide, windswept plateau, and amazing views of snow-capped mountain ranges. 

The drive leads parallel to the bordering Himalayan peaks of Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges. Then the journey heads close to Mt. Shisapangma as it climbs to join the main Lhasa and Kathmandu, Friendship Highway.  

Fascinating scenery of the Himalayan arrays of snow peaks, with the vast, amazing Tibetan plateau. Driving through small villages to a wind-blown town at Old Tingri, leaving the main highway. Then head towards our destination at Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp for the exciting adventures. At base camp, with ample time for climbing preparation, acclimatization, and climbing exercise.

Beyond base camp requires 4 camps, including the intermediate camp en route
Advanced Base Camp. Before setting up I, II, and III final camp for the summit bid. 

Enjoy the classic mountaineering climb of exciting skills to the top of the world’s
6th highest Mt. Cho Oyu. After a glorious climb, feeling in high spirits, the return journey to the Tibet/China and Nepal border at Kyirong.

The return journey makes the adventure more flexible, to enjoy the beautiful, dramatic landscape scenery. After an overnight in Kyirong and a last moment in Tibet/China, head back to Kathmandu.

THE CLIMBING ROUTE TO THE SUMMIT OF MT. CHO-OYU:

Mt. Cho Oyo base camp is at 4,859 m/ 15,940 feet.
Located on a wide grassy plateau with close views of Mt. Cho Oyu.

Advance Camp:
Takes one and a half days to reach the Advanced Base Camp, after spending overnight at the Intermediate Camp at 5,273 m/ 17,300 feet.

Reach Advance Camp at 5,578 m/18,300 feet close en route to Nangpa-La Pass, which leads across the border to Khumbu-Nepal.

CAMP-I (6,218 m/ 20,400 feet):

Takes 3-4 hours to climb from Advance Camp to Camp I. After trekking over the lateral moraine of Gyarag Glacier with a steep rocky slope of 366 m/ 1,200 ft.
Located on a rocky-snowy ridge, an ideal camp for an Observation Post.
For the climb to the summit of Mt. Cho Oyu.

CAMP-II (6,797 m/ 22,300 feet):

The climb leads from Camp-I through snow humps and a vertical ice wall of
329 m/ 100 m. One of the main cruxes of the climb is exposed on a flat snow field, which can be very windy. 

CAMP-III (7,315 m/ 24,000 feet):
Camp III is established on a ridge that emanates from the summit and is quite windy, due to the paucity of space. Only a few tents can be set around this high ridge for Camp III.

SUMMIT BID:
The summit of Mt. Cho-Oyu is relatively flat and open, and rewards majestic views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. It includes the vast expanse of the Tibetan plateau with views of Mt. Shisapangma and the Langtang Himal ranges. 

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02-03: Kathmandu free day, preparation for the Mt. Cho-Oyu Expedition.
Day 04: Drive to Syabrubesi 1,460 m via Trisuli and Dhunche – 07 hrs.
Day 05: Drive to Kyirong 2,890 m (Kyidrong / Dzongkha) County in a lodge or
                       Guesthouse-04 hrs.
Day 06: In Kyirong, rest day for acclimatization.
Day 07: Drive to Old Tingri 4, 260 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: At Old Tingri for rest and acclimatization.
Day 09: Drive to Cho-Oyu Base Camp 4,800 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: At base camp, acclimatization and preparations.
Day 11: Trek to Intermediate camp en route Advanced Base Camp- 04 hrs.
Day 12:     Trek and climb to Advanced Base Camp at 5,800m-03 hrs.
Day 13-27: Ascent of Cho-Oyu from North Col (15 Days for the summit bid)
Day 28-29: Descend to base camp.
Day 30:  Clean the base camp and pack for the return journey.
Day 31: Drive to Kyirong 2,890 m (Kyidrong –Dzongkha) via Old Tingri.
                       Overnight in a Lodge or Guesthouse – 06 hrs.
Day 32: Drive to Dhunche town 1,950 m – 05 hrs.
Day 33: Drive back to Kathmandu – 05 hrs.
Days 34-35: In Kathmandu, rest and submit a report to the concerned
                      department.
Day 36: International departure for homeward bound.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal’s international airport, Brown Bear Trail guides and staff receive you. Then, transfer to your hotel and join the other members of the Mt. Pumori Expedition. Our guide and group leader will brief the group regarding the trekking routes and technical skills required.

Two days in Kathmandu for necessary preparations, packing, and purchasing
the necessary equipment for the expeditions. On the last day in Kathmandu,
for a final briefing regarding the climb. Includes dos and don’ts.
The expert climbing guide will provide more information and the items required for the climb.
Interested people can join city tours around Kathmandu at places of interest, as Kathmandu valley is steeped with world heritage sites of impressive historical and cultural monuments.

Mt. Cho Oyu from Tibet starts with an exciting overland drive heading North of Kathmandu past farm villages and towns. During the drive, enjoy the grand views of snow-capped peaks, as the drive follows the winding ups towards cooler country. Reaching Dhunche 1,900 m, a large town and the headquarters of Rasuwa district within the Langtang area. The Rasuwa region of Langtang Himal is also a popular trekking destination, populated by the Tamang mountain tribes.
From Dhunche downhill for a few hours to Syabrubesi for an overnight halt.
The gateway town to Langtang, Ganesh and Tamang Heritage Trail, including the door to the Tibet/China border.

From Syabrubesi, the morning drive starts heading north, towards the borders
of Nepal and the Tibet/China border. The drive follows upstream past farm areas and a village to Rasuwagadhi 1,800 m/15 km. At the frontier post in Nepal, going through immigration and customs. Then cross the border line into Tibet/ China, received by our Tibetan counterpart guide and drivers. At the Chinese border post, after completing the necessary paperwork and customs formalities.
A short drive to Kyirong county town for the first night stop in Tibet, accommodation at a local guesthouse.

At Kyirong a free day for acclimatization before heading higher within the vast Tibetan plateau. This moderate-sized village has developed into a small town,
Kyirong is the main border post at present.
A perfect altitude at 2,890 m for acclimatization, and to enjoy exploring Kyirong and the local cultures.

Leaving Kyirong, on a four-wheel drive with a Tibetan driver, leads towards the wide Tibetan plateau. The road follows past Tibetan farm villages with views of Langtang and Jugal Himal, which borders southern Tibet/China with Nepal.

The drive heads close to Mt. Shisapangma, 8,013 m, the world’s last 14th-highest peak within Tibet. The road then heads up towards Lalung-La Pass (5,050m) with views of massive Mt. Shisapangma. Includes all the Himalayan ranges that border both countries. From here, the drive leads on the main highway, a scenic drive to
Old Tingri faces the views of Everest and Cho-Oyu peaks.
On reaching the windblown town of Old Tingri, situated on the main
Nepal/Tibet-China Friendship Highway. Enjoy the comfort of a nice local lodge for two overnights with rest days at Old Tingri. Where the altitude rises above
4,000 meters high, and the door to Cho Oyu and Everest Base Camp.

At Old Tingri, rest day for acclimatization, and explore the traditional Tibetan village and town of Tingri with impressive culture. Enjoy the grand views of Cho Oyu and Everest. The old Tingri town and the villages were destroyed by the
2024 earthquakes. Many lives were lost, but the town and the village are slowly returning to normal.

The morning drive leads east with views of Mt. Cho-Oyu and Everest.
The drive leads to the heart of the world’s highest and largest plateau with wonderful surrounding scenery. After a few hours’ drive on the dirt and rough road to reach beneath the towering Mt. Cho-Oyu for the expedition.
The camp is set by the advanced party of camping crews, climbing staff,
and guides.

A necessary day to ferry the load and to plan for the climb.
Full rest for acclimatization, and check the climbing equipment.

From Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp requires another camp, which leads to a long hike. Taking more than 6 hours around this windswept high country, for better health and physical condition. It is best to add an extra intermediate camp for proper acclimatization and rest. The walk follows on a wide arid field and heads across over moraine of glaciers to set the intermediate camp.

Morning leads to a climb south-west towards the advanced camp, right beneath
Mt. Cho-Oyu. The rise in altitude gains slowly, taking a slow step, and having few stops to follow a faint path. Then climb over an ablation valley towards the east side of the glacier. The climb follows along the valley onto a glacier, making our way over a boulder-strewn area. Which is covered with ice and snow at the advanced base camp. Advance Camp rewards with a grand vista of
Mt. Everest and Melung-Tse with Gaurishankar and Numbur peaks.
Advanced Camp is close to Nangpa-La Pass, which leads across the Tibet and Nepal borders towards the high Khumbu areas.
In the early days, most Tibetan traders with Yaks crossed the border via Nangpa-La Pass to Thame and Namche Bazaar.

The Third Pole and Brown Bear Trail allocated 15 days for the climb for the summit bid. Over two weeks provides enough time to get acclimatized.
It includes practice climbing on rocks and ice before heading for the summit.
These 15 days, our expert guides and team members will be busy ferrying loads to the respective high camps. Cho-Oyu is one of the stunning mountains with less technical skills, but it requires a maximum of 3 camps, after the Advanced Camp.
Our team of climbing guides will set Camp I to III, at 7,315 m/ 24,000 feet):
Camp III is established on a ridge, emanating from the summit, which is quite windy, due to the paucity of space. Only a few tents can be set around this high ridge for Camp III.
After full preparation at ABC, climb over a moraine with ice and glacier, and then reach Camp I at 5,350 meters. After climbing on boulders of rocks and ice within a scree slope to reach the required Camp I.
The climb then leads across a ridge of ice cliffs where fixing ropes and snow bars are required. Normally, climbers will be on the fixed rope for the ascent and another for the descent on this pitch, which is about 80 meters high.
This is the toughest part of the climb, but with a few difficulties. It is high above the serac to climb out onto a plateau cut by huge crevasses, a winding path to pitch Camp II at about 6,800 meters.
The two sections might lead to a challenge for some climbers with the high ice wall and the Yellow Band at 24,600 ft. Above Camp II, broad snow slopes lead more easily to Camp III. It is the highest camp for the summit bid.
Summit day involves an early start, depending on snow conditions.
Encounter some easy scrambling as the climb progresses, make way up and across the low-angled South East Face.
The summit of Mt. Cho-Oyu is relatively flat and open, and rewards majestic views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. It includes the vast expanse of the Tibetan plateau with views of Mt. Shisapangma and the Langtang Himal ranges.
The summit is a small plateau offering views of the Everest-Lhotse-Pumori Himal with adjoining peaks. It includes views of the world’s 14th highest
Mt. Shisapangma. After feeling in high spirits with a successful climb, head back to Advance and Base Camp. After a great and exciting climb to the summit of the world’s 6th-highest Peak at 8,201 m / 26,906 ft high.

After a successful climb, enjoy the descent to base camp; on these two days, all the climbing members and staff. Should be at the Base Camp for the return journey and packing.

At base camp pack and check each member’s health with an extra day to clean up the Base Camp. Leaving nothing except your footprints and memories.

After packing and leaving no trace of the expeditions and camping, dump the garbage at the disposal site and then drive back to the main road at Old Tingri.
After a brief stop for refreshment, a long drive to Kyirong frontier town, the journey leads past the Lalung-La pass. From here, leaving the main highway,
down towards the Mt. Shisapangma area. The drive follows south-west towards the border town of Kyirong, the last overnight stop in Tibet.

From Kyirong, with a drive to the border post of Nepal and Tibet / China at Rasuwa-Gadhi. After completing the visa and customs formalities, enter Nepal at Rasuwa Gadhi. Farewell to our Tibetan guides and drivers on leaving the border town and security post of Tibet/China. Then drive on the rough dirt road for a while to reach Syabrubesi village. After a short break, the drive continues to Dhunche town for an overnight stop.

After the adventure in Tibet with a climb of Mt. Cho-Oyu, from here to green vegetation and tall trees. Enjoy the views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal, as the morning drive leads downhill towards warmer areas. The drive follows through towns and villages past Ramche, Mani-Bhanjyang, and Trisuli Bazaar.
After Trisuli Bazar, a few hours’ drive to reach Kathmandu, and then check into your hotel.

These free days, with an option for a sightseeing tour, our leader and guide will submit the reports on the Mt. Cho-Oyu Expeditions. After an interesting sightseeing, back to the hotel with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities, these two days

After a great experience around the high Tibetan plateau with a successful climb on the world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu. Departure from the hotel to the airport for final departure, homeward bound, or to respective destinations.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Departure Dates

We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.

Useful Info

🏕️ Personal Equipment

  • Down suit (recommended for summit push)

  • Expedition down jacket (high fill power, 800+)

  • Down pants

  • Gore-Tex shell jacket (windproof & waterproof)

  • Gore-Tex shell pants

  • Insulated synthetic jacket (mid-layer warmth)

  • Softshell pants

  • Base layers (top & bottom) – 3–4 pairs

  • Fleece or softshell jacket

  • Trekking pants & shirts

  • Lightweight down vest or jacket (for camp use)

  • Thermal underwear (merino or synthetic)

🧤 Hands & Head

  • High-altitude mittens (down or Primaloft)

  • Fleece gloves (inner layer)

  • Windstopper gloves (outer shell)

  • Warm hat or beanie

  • Balaclava

  • Neck gaiter or buff

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Ski goggles (anti-fog, UV-protected)

  • Glacier glasses (Category 4 UV)

👣 Feet

  • 8000-meter boots (e.g. La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Scarpa Phantom 8000)

  • Double boots (for acclimatization climbs)

  • Trekking shoes

  • Camp shoes or sandals

  • High-altitude socks (4–6 pairs)

  • Liner socks

  • Gaiters

⛏️ Technical Climbing Gear

  • Climbing harness

  • Climbing helmet

  • Ascender (jumar)

  • Figure 8 or ATC descender

  • 2 x locking carabiners

  • 2 x non-locking carabiners

  • Ice axe

  • Crampons (12-point, steel)

  • Prusik cords (2)

  • Sling (120cm or 60cm)

🏕️ Camping & Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag (rated -30°C to -40°C)

  • Sleeping pad (inflatable + foam)

  • Personal tent (optional for base camp comfort)

  • Thermos flask

  • Hydration system (CamelBak, Nalgene bottles)

🍴 Personal Items

  • Headlamp + spare batteries

  • Toiletries

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

  • Lip balm (SPF 30+)

  • Towel & wet wipes

  • Personal first aid kit

  • Medications (Diamox, antibiotics, etc.)

  • Snacks, energy bars, electrolytes

🧳 Travel & Packing

  • Duffle bags (2, 100L each – waterproof)

  • Daypack (30–40L)

  • Packing cubes/dry bags

  • Passport & Tibet permit copies

  • Money belt or pouch

📸 Optional Items

  • Camera or GoPro

  • Power bank/solar charger

  • Diary/journal

  • Books or e-reader

  • Trekking poles

  • Altimeter watch or GPS

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Expedition THIRD POLE Have Questions?
Talk to Expert

Shekhar Rayamajhi

WhatsApp/Viber (+977) 9851157825
FAQs

  • Mt. Cho-Oyu is located on the Tibet-Nepal border, with the standard climbing route accessed from the Tibetan (north) side.

  • Mt. Cho-Oyu stands at 8,188 meters (26,864 feet), making it the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

  • Yes, Cho-Oyu is considered the most accessible and least technical of the 8,000-meter peaks, making it a popular choice for climbers attempting their first 8000er.

  • Yes. Climbers should have:

    High-altitude experience (e.g., 6,000m–7,000m peaks)

    Technical skills (ice axe, crampons, rope travel)

    Solid physical conditioning and endurance

  • Yes. You need a Chinese (Tibet) climbing permit, a group visa, and liaison officer support, typically arranged by your expedition company.

  • Pre-monsoon (Spring): April–May

    Post-monsoon (Autumn): September–October
    Autumn often has more stable weather and is preferred by many climbers.

  • A standard Cho-Oyu expedition lasts 35–45 days, including:

    Acclimatization

    Overland travel from Kathmandu to Tibet

    Base camp setup and rotations

    Summit push and descent

  • You should train for endurance, strength, and altitude adaptation, including:

    Long hikes with a backpack

    Cardiovascular training (running, cycling, swimming)

    Altitude acclimatization hikes/climbs

    Stair climbing and strength workouts

  • Yes, most climbers use supplemental oxygen above Camp 2 (around 7,000m), especially for summit day. Some highly experienced climbers may attempt it without.

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