Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, stands tall at 8,201 meters and lies just west of Mount Everest in Nepal’s Khumbu region, along the border with Tibet. […]
Summit Achievement: Summit Cho Oyu (8,201m), the sixth-highest peak in the world.
Accessible Climb: Climb one of the most accessible 8,000-meter peaks with manageable technical challenges.
Breathtaking Views: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Scenic Journey: Experience a scenic overland journey through Tibetan landscapes and visit Rombuk Monastery.
Acclimatization Plan: Follow a well-structured acclimatization plan to ensure optimal preparation for the summit.
Comfortable Base Camps: Stay in well-equipped Base Camps and High Camps for comfort and safety.
Expert Sherpa Support: Benefit from personalized support and guidance from experienced Sherpas.
Summit Safety: Rely on fixed ropes for safer ascents and descents during the summit push.
Emergency Protocols: Access safety features like medical kits, satellite communication, and emergency evacuation options.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture with visits to local villages and monasteries.
Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, stands tall at 8,201 meters and lies just west of Mount Everest in Nepal’s Khumbu region, along the border with Tibet. Its name means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, reflecting both its spiritual significance and its majestic appearance.
Cho Oyu is often regarded as the most accessible and beginner-friendly of the 8,000-meter peaks. With no major technical sections and minimal objective hazards, it offers a safer and more manageable high-altitude experience—making it a popular choice for climbers preparing for more challenging peaks like Everest.
Cultural & Geographical Importance: The nearby Nangpa La Pass, an ancient trade route, highlights the mountain’s deep cultural ties between the Sherpa of Khumbu and Tibetan communities.
Quick & Easy Access: Cho Oyu is one of the most accessible 8,000m peaks, with Base Camp reachable by jeep and the possibility of returning to Kathmandu in a single long day.
Well-Supported Despite Crowds: While Advanced Base Camp (ABC) can become crowded during peak seasons due to its popularity, this also ensures excellent logistical support, experienced staff, and well-established infrastructure.
Historic First Ascent: Cho Oyu was the third 8,000m peak ever climbed and the first to be summited in the autumn season. On October 19, 1954, an Austrian team consisting of Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama made the first successful ascent via the Northwest Ridge.
Climbing Cho Oyu (8,201m)—often regarded as one of the most approachable 8,000-meter peaks—still requires thoughtful planning, technical awareness, and robust safety protocols. At Dream Himalayas Trek and Expedition, we combine strategic climbing practices with a strong focus on safety to ensure a successful and rewarding ascent.
If you’re considering taking on more 8000-meter challenges beyond Cho Oyu, here are some of the best high-altitude expeditions offered by Dream Himalayas Trek and Expedition:
Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Domestic Flights: Round-trip flight between Kathmandu and Bhadrapur.
Permits & Fees: All required permits (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, TIMS, climbing permits).
Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu; lodges on the trail; tents at base and high camps.
Meals & Kitchen Support: Full board meals, hot drinks, snacks, and dedicated kitchen staff throughout.
Guides & Sherpa Support: 1:1 Sherpa-to-climber ratio, plus salaries and insurance for all local staff.
High-Altitude Camp Setup: Tents, fixed ropes, ladders, ropes and equipment stocked at ABC and higher camps.
Medical & Oxygen Support: First-aid kits, medications for altitude sickness, and supplemental oxygen for high camps.
Communication: Satellite phone and radio communication at base camp.
Emergency Evacuation Planning: Helicopter evacuation arrangements (service cost applies).
International Flights: Airfare to and from Kathmandu from your home country.
Travel & Medical Insurance: Coverage for trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and high-altitude climbing.
Personal Climbing Gear: Boots, clothing, harness, ice axe, crampons, sleeping bag, and personal equipment.
Visa Fees: Nepal and (if applicable) Tibet visa costs.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, internet, snacks, and extra beverages.
Alcoholic Beverages: Any alcohol consumed during the trek or in Kathmandu.
Helicopter Evacuation Cost: The actual service charge for evacuation beyond the emergency planning.
Tips & Gratuities: Gratuities for guides, Sherpas, porters, and support staff.
Extra Accommodation: Any hotel nights in Kathmandu beyond the standard itinerary.
Optional Activities: Side trips, cultural tours, or excursions not included in the main program.
Cho Oyu stands at 8,201 meters (26,906 feet), making it the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
The typical Cho Oyu expedition lasts about 32 days, including travel, acclimatization, rotations, and summit attempts.
Yes, climbers should have experience with high-altitude trekking or previous climbs of 6,000m–7,000m peaks to take on Cho Oyu.
The best times to attempt Cho Oyu are during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) seasons for optimal weather and climbing conditions.
The key challenges include the altitude, cold temperatures, and managing acclimatization. While it is less technical than some other 8,000m peaks, it still requires strong mountaineering skills.
Yes, climbers are responsible for bringing personal climbing gear such as boots, clothing, ice axes, crampons, and sleeping bags. However, rental options are available for some equipment.
The expedition includes a structured acclimatization process with several days of rest and rotation to higher camps before the summit attempt to help climbers adjust to the altitude.
The expedition will use well-established base and high-altitude camps, with all necessary supplies, including tents, food, and medical equipment.
Yes, the expedition includes satellite communication, medical support, and emergency evacuation planning. Helicopter evacuation is available if necessary, at an additional cost.
Yes, climbers will need a Nepal visa to enter Kathmandu and a Tibet visa to cross into China. The Dream Himalayas Trek and Expedition team will assist with the visa process.
The cost includes permits, accommodation, meals, domestic flights, Sherpa support, high-altitude camp setup, and more. Personal gear, international flights, and insurance are not included.
While summit success is the goal, safety is the priority. If conditions or health issues prevent a summit attempt, the team will return to base camp, and alternate plans can be made for a safe descent.
