# Cho Oyu Expedition > The Cho Oyu expedition is a full-service climb of the 8,188 m peak by the north-west ridge (from Tibet). The sixth-highest mountain in the world is often called the most accessible 8,000 m peak. It is usually climbed from Tibet; an Austrian team made the first ascent in 1954.Our 40-day expedition includes the climbing permit and royalty, an experienced climbing Sherpa for every climber on summit day, base camp and high camp services, supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator, and all logistics from Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 40 days - **Difficulty:** Very strenuous, technical - **Activity:** Mountaineering expedition - **Max altitude:** 8,188 m (summit of Cho Oyu) - **Best season:** Autumn (Sep–Oct); also spring - **Group size:** 1–12 climbers - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps - **Meals:** All meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu - **Price:** from US$18,900 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/cho-oyu-expedition - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=cho-oyu-expedition ## Overview **Quick answer:** a 40-day Cho Oyu expedition by the north-west ridge (from Tibet), from US$18,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty, climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp services and supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator. This expedition is for experienced mountaineers. See our [guide to expeditions in Nepal](/category/expeditions-in-nepal) for requirements, permits and how to prepare. ### At a glance FactDetailsSummit8,188 mRoutenorth-west ridge (from Tibet)Duration40 days from KathmanduBase campAdvanced base camp, about 5,700 mHigh campsCamp 1 (about 6,400 m), Camp 2 (about 7,100 m), with an optional Camp 3PermitsChinese climbing permit, Tibet travel permit and group visa (included)CostFrom US$18,900 per climber ## Highlights - Summit of Cho Oyu, 8,188 m - The north-west ridge (from Tibet) - Experienced climbing Sherpas - Full base camp and high camp services - Permits, royalty and logistics handled ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2–4: Preparation and Chinese visa Gear check, briefing and Chinese group visa processing in Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 5–8: Drive to Tingri via Kerung Cross into Tibet at Kerung and drive across the plateau to Tingri with acclimatisation stops. _Altitude: 4,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotels and guesthouses_ ### Day 9: Drive to Chinese base camp Drive to base camp. _Altitude: 4,900 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tent_ ### Day 10–11: Trek to advanced base camp Trek via an interim camp to advanced base camp; yaks carry the equipment. _Walking: 5–6 hours a day · Altitude: 5,700 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_ ### Day 12–34: Climbing period Rotations to Camps 1 and 2 and the summit push. _Altitude: 8,188 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_ ### Day 35–36: Return to base camp and Tingri Descend and drive back to Tingri. _Altitude: 4,300 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Guesthouse_ ### Day 37–38: Drive to Kathmandu Drive back to the border and on to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 39: Reserve days in Kathmandu Contingency days for weather or flight delays; otherwise free time and a celebration dinner. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 40: Departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport transfers and hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Expedition permit and government royalty - Liaison officer, garbage deposit and national park or conservation fees - Domestic flights or road transport to and from the mountain - Lodges and meals on the approach trek - Base camp: individual tent, dining and kitchen tents, cook and kitchen team, all meals - Experienced climbing Sherpa (1:1 on summit day) - High-altitude tents, food and fuel at high camps - Supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator - Contribution to fixed ropes on the route - Satellite phone and radios for communication - Insurance for Nepali staff - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa - Personal climbing equipment - Climbing and travel insurance including helicopter evacuation (mandatory) - Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas - Extra oxygen beyond the allowance - Helicopter flights unless stated - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu - Personal expenses and tips ## Useful information ### Experience You should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak, or several high 6,000 m peaks, and be confident with crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, jumar and abseiling. Send us your climbing CV when you enquire. ### Fitness Train for 6–12 months with long days carrying a pack, uphill endurance work and strength training. ### Insurance Insurance covering climbing to the summit altitude and helicopter evacuation is mandatory. ### Rules Since September 2025, Nepal does not allow solo expeditions on peaks over 8,000 m; every climber is accompanied by a licensed guide or climbing Sherpa. ## Packing list - Down climbing suit and expedition down jacket - High-altitude double boots - Crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar and descender - Expedition sleeping bag rated to about –35°C - Expedition mitts and gloves - Glacier glasses and goggles - Helmet ## Frequently asked questions ### How high is Cho Oyu? **8,188 m**. ### How long is the Cho Oyu expedition? **40 days** from Kathmandu. ### How much does it cost? From **US$18,900 per climber**, including the permit and royalty. ### What experience do I need? At least one 7,000 m peak or several high 6,000 m peaks, and solid technical skills. ### Is Cho Oyu climbed from Nepal? It is usually climbed from Tibet, subject to Chinese permits and the border being open; we confirm before you book. ### Is Cho Oyu a good first 8,000 m peak? Yes, it is often considered the most accessible.