Expedition Overview
Imagine standing at 8,188 meters (26,906 ft)on the roof of Tibet. The view stretches endlessly in every direction through the Himalayas. To the east, the mighty Everest is only 30 kilometers away. To the north, the Tibetan plateau stretches as far as the eye can see. And above it all, the blue sky shines through the Karakorum range. That is Cho Oyu. The Turquoise Goddess. The sixth highest mountain on Earth. And the doorway to 8,000-meter(26,247 ft) climbing as nowhere else.
Cho Oyu is said to be the easiest of the fourteen eight-thousanders. But when it comes to climbs this high, there is nothing easy about it. But Cho Oyu does promise something unique: a real 8,000-meter (26,247 ft) climb experience on the mountain with the highest success rate and the lowest objective danger at this height. It requires good preparation, patience, and a serious approach to high-altitude climbs.
The Cho Oyu Expedition 2027 with AltiPro Adventures is your doorway to this journey. If your target is the summit of an 8,000er, then the journey starts here. And for many climbers, this is the mountain they talk about forever.
The Turquoise Goddess is calling. Are you ready to rise?
Overview of Cho-Oyu Expedition 2027
|
Peak Name |
Cho-Oyu — The Turquoise Goddess |
Service |
Full Board Service |
|
Country |
Nepal / Tibet (China) |
Duration |
49 Days |
|
Route |
Northwest Ridge (Standard Route) |
Grade |
PD+ — Moderate to Serious |
|
Range |
Mahalangur Himal / Khumbu-Tibet Border |
Best Season |
Autumn (Sep–Oct) |
|
Max Elevation |
8,188 m / 26,864 ft |
Walking / Day |
4–6 Hours |
|
Accommodation |
Hotel / Lodge / Tent |
Group Size |
2–12 Pax |
|
Arrival |
15 September 2027 |
Fixed Departure |
17 September 2027 |
|
Trip Ends |
2 November 2027 |
Cho Oyu (8,188m / 26,864ft) means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world and is located 20km to the west of Mount Everest on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Cho Oyu was climbed for the first time in 1954 by an Austrian expedition without supplemental oxygen. It is also famous in climbing history as it was the first 8,000m peak climbed in autumn. The route taken by climbers is via the Northwest Ridge and is famous for its accessibility and high success rate. The route culminates at a large summit plateau with arguably one of the finest views in the Himalayas, encompassing Everest, Lhotse, and all of the other giant peaks of the Mahalangur Himal.
Cho Oyu Expedition 2027 is an Autumn Climbing Package for 49 days with full board, starting from Kathmandu and traveling overland to Tibet via the beautiful Tibetan plateau. The maximum number of climbers in this group will be 12, and there will be a guaranteed 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio for every climber. AltiPro provides high-level support for climbing this famous 8,000m peak. It is considered to be the best 8,000m peak for experienced climbers, with three planned rotations for acclimatization, Advanced Base Camp facilities, and weather forecasting for maximum safety and success on the summit.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for Cho-Oyu 2027?
Autumn 2027 — The Definitive Cho-Oyu Season
The best season for the Northwest Ridge route is autumn. The weather is more consistent after the end of the monsoon season on the Tibetan Plateau. Our schedule has been designed to take advantage of the good weather and the fresh snow. AltiPro’s early arriving Sherpa team will take care of all the challenging sections, including the serac wall, before your first rotation begins. This way, you can reach the top safely and efficiently.
Sharper Weather Planning
Climbers receive accurate weather forecasts for the summit, updated every six hours by our weather team. No more relying on luck! A confirmed 48-hour window of good weather is required before beginning the push from Camp III. This detailed planning allows climbers to be on the summit plateau when the weather is at its best.
Advanced Oxygen Support
Each climber is provided with five 4-liter oxygen cylinders, a personally fitted summit mask, and a regulator. The usage of oxygen will commence at Camp III (7,550m or 24,770 ft) and continue through the descent process in accordance with the rules and regulations of the region. Each Climbing Sherpa will also be provided with two cylinders of oxygen.
Smaller, More Focused Climbing Teams
In order to provide the highest safety and a personal experience, AltiPro has decided to restrict the total number of Climbers for the Cho-Oyu expedition to a maximum of 12 Climbers only. Each Climber will have his or her own one-on-one Climbing Sherpa for the entire duration of the expedition. This will provide a small team experience, and with the close health checks and support, Climbers are more likely to attain success on the summit.
Safety-Forward Climbing Structure
For the entire season, an Expedition Doctor will be stationed at Advanced Base Camp (ABC), where he will perform health checks on Climbers daily and keep a close eye on the amount of oxygen available. These safety arrangements will be in place even before the first rotation of Climbers, and thus, it is safer for Climbers to take up the challenge of climbing the 8,000er – Cho-Oyu.
Northwest Ridge Route — Cho Oyu via the Tibetan Plateau
The Northwest Ridge route, which began in 1954, is the main route for commercial expeditions on Cho Oyu. The route starts at Chinese Base Camp (4,900m or 16,076 ft) and goes through three high camps to reach the summit at 8,188m (26,864 ft). The route is accessed via Tibet, and it is a favorite route because it is easily accessible. The route consists of 30-40° snow slopes. It is a top-level goal for climbers because it has a large summit platform and is considered the best first 8,000ers for climbers.
Northwest Ridge Navigation - From ABC to Camp I (5,650m or 18,536 ft - 6,400m or 20,997 ft)
The expedition starts by trekking from Chinese Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) at 5,650m (18,536 ft), which is the main center for the expedition. From ABC, the route follows the lower Northwest Ridge over glacier travel and steady snow slopes. This part is quite easy because a fixed rope has been set up by the AltiPro Sherpa team on this route. The climb from ABC to Camp I takes about five or six hours and is considered the main goal for this rotation. Camp I is at 6,400m (20,997 ft) on a safe ridge.
Acclimatization Rotations
1st Rotation: ABC (5,650m or 18,536 ft) – Camp I (6,400m or 20,997 ft) overnight – Return to ABC. First ascent of the Northwest Ridge. Initial high-altitude exposure above 6,000m (19,650 ft).
2nd Rotation: Camp I – Serac Barrier – Camp II (7,200m or 23,622 ft) overnight – Return to ABC. First crossing of the technical serac zone and overnight above 7,000m (22,965 ft). Full medical clearance assessment begins.
3rd Rotation (Optional): Camp II – Camp III (7,550m or 24,770 ft) overnight – Return to ABC. Recommended for first-time 8,000m (26,246 ft) climbers. Provides crucial exposure to supplemental oxygen and upper-mountain logistics.
Camp Breakdown
Camp I — Northwest Ridge (6,400m or 20,997 ft): This is the lower Northwest Ridge camp. It is a resting spot and a caching point before the difficult serac barrier.
Camp II — Above the Serac Barrier (7,200m or 23,622 ft):This is the main camp for the summit ascent. It is above the serac barrier and has excellent views of the Everest area.
Camp III — Upper Northwest Ridge (7,550m or 24,770 ft): This is the last camp before the summit ascent. Oxygen is required from here according to local regulations. This is the start point.
Final Summit Attempt (8,188m or 26,863 ft): Leave before midnight. The route is up a short rock step and then across the flat summit plateau. However, to reach the true summit, a difficult 1 km traverse is required at 8,100m(26,574 ft)or above. The lakes will be visible below at Gokyo. It takes 12–16 hours to complete the round trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m or 4,593 ft) & Transfer to hotel, | B/L/D | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel for check-in and rest.
2
|
Rest Day in Kathmandu & Tibet visa preparation |
B/L/D |
Hotel |
|
| Rest in Kathmandu and complete necessary Tibet visa preparation formalities.
3
|
Tibet Visa Application & Expedition Briefing – Briefing by expedition leader |
B/L/D |
Hotel |
|
| Submit Tibet visa application and attend expedition briefing by leader.
4
|
Rest in Kathmandu – Optional sightseeing or equipment check |
B/D |
Hotel |
|
| Rest in Kathmandu with optional sightseeing or final equipment checks.
5
|
Drive from Kathmandu to Timure |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive from Kathmandu to Timure, approaching the Nepal–Tibet border region.
6
|
Cross the Nepal-Tibet border and drive to Kerung (1,962m or 6,437 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Cross Nepal–Tibet border, then drive to Kerung at 1,962 meters (6,437 ft) elevation.
7
|
Drive from Kerung to Tingri (4,300m or 14,107 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive from Kerung to Tingri, ascending to 4,300 meters (14,107 ft) on plateau.
8
|
Acclimatization and Preparation in Tingri – Light trek, equipment check, and rest |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Acclimatize in Tingri with light trek, equipment check, and proper rest.
9
|
Drive from Tingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp (5,100m) via Rombuk Monastery |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Drive from Tingri to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp via Rongbuk Monastery.
10
|
Rest Day at Cho Oyu Chinese Basecamp – Acclimatization and preparation |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Rest at Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp for acclimatization and preparation.
11
|
Trek from Basecamp to Intermediate Camp (5,400m or 17,716 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Base Camp to Intermediate Camp, ascending to 5,400 meters(17,716 ft) elevation.
12
|
Ascent from Intermediate Camp to Advanced Basecamp (5,700m or 18,700 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Climb from Intermediate Camp to Advanced Base Camp at 5,700 meters (18,700 ft) elevation.
13 - 25
|
Complete acclimatization rotations through Camp I and Camp II |
B/L/D |
High Camp |
|
| First and Second Rotation – Basecamp → Camp I → Touch Camp II → Sleep at Camp I → Return to Basecamp; Basecamp → Camp I → Camp II → Sleep at Camp II → Return to Basecamp
25 - 32
|
Summit Push: Climb from Advanced Base Camp to the Summit (8,188 m) and descend back to Base Camp |
B/L/D |
High Camp |
|
| Climbing Period (Summit Push) – Advanced Basecamp → Camp I → Camp II → Summit (8,188m or 26,863 ft) → Return to Camp II or Advanced Basecamp
33
|
Trek from Advanced Basecamp back to Chinese Basecamp |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Descend from Advanced Base Camp back to Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp safely.
34
|
Drive from Chinese Basecamp to Tingri |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive from Cho Oyu Chinese Base Camp back to Tingri, descending to 4,300 meters (14,107 ft).
35
|
Drive from Tingri to Kerung Border |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive from Tingri back to Kerung Border, descending toward the Nepal–Tibet crossing.
36
|
Cross the border and drive back to Kathmandu |
B/L |
Hotel |
|
| Cross the Nepal–Tibet border and drive back to Kathmandu for rest and stay. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
- ✅ Cho-Oyu expedition royalty fee — climbing permit issued by China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA)
- ✅ Tibet Entry Visa fee and Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) travel permit
- ✅ Tibet Road Permit (Alien's Travel Permit for restricted areas)
- ✅ CTMA official Government Liaison Officer for the full expedition duration
- ✅ Garbage management and environmental deposit fee
- ✅ Nepal government taxes and company service charges
- ✅ Full expedition planning, coordination, and on-ground management in Nepal and Tibet
- ✅ Experienced Base Camp Sirdar (Head Sherpa) on-site for the full season
- ✅ Pre-expedition briefing pack in Kathmandu
- ✅ Daily professional weather forecast service — 6-hourly Cho-Oyu summit-specific updates throughout
- ✅ One walkie-talkie per Climbing Sherpa and Expedition Leader during all climbing phases
- ✅ All expedition staff transport: Kathmandu – Cho-Oyu ABC – Kathmandu
- ✅ Personal climbing equipment transfer: Kathmandu – Cho-Oyu ABC – Kathmandu (60 kg per member)
- ✅ Summit route fixing by AltiPro Sherpa team — no additional charge applied to members
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop for all international and domestic flights
- ✅ 4 nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (BB) — 2 nights pre-expedition, 2 nights post-expedition
- ✅ Welcome dinner and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✅ Return flights: Kathmandu ↔ Lhasa (Tibet) for all team members and expedition staff
- ✅ All land transportation in Tibet: Lhasa → Shigatse → Tingri → Chinese BC → ABC and return (4WD vehicles)
- ✅ 1 night hotel in Lhasa and 1 night hotel in Shigatse on the approach and return
- ✅ Tibetan yak team: Chinese Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) and back — all expedition equipment
- ✅ Full board accommodation at all hotels and camp sites during the Tibet approach and return
- ✅ Three freshly cooked meals per day (BLD) at Chinese BC and Cho-Oyu ABC with hot drinks
- ✅ Fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, and juice restocked throughout the season
- ✅ Heated dining tent with tables and chairs at ABC
- ✅ AltiPro Café at ABC — coffee and bakery items served daily
- ✅ Private sleeping tent with mattress and pillow for every climber and staff member at ABC
- ✅ Generator for charging electronic devices at ABC
- ✅ Internet service at ABC (minimal charge)
- ✅ Sleeping tents at all high camps — Camps I, II, III (2 members per tent)
- ✅ High-altitude food at all camps: muesli, porridge, noodles, rice, soups, dry fruits, chocolate, and snacks
- ✅ MSR stoves, cooking sets, EPI gas, shovels, and extra ropes at all high camps
- ✅ Common climbing equipment: fixed ropes, ice screws, ice bars, snow pickets, and anchoring hardware
- ✅ One dedicated Climbing Sherpa per climber — 1:1 ratio, guaranteed throughout
- ✅ All Climbing Sherpa, cook, kitchen helper, and Liaison Officer wages and allowances
- ✅ 5 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per climber with summit mask and regulator set
- ✅ 2 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per Climbing Sherpa
- ✅ Puja ceremony at ABC before climbing begins
- ✅ AltiPro expedition T-shirt and Cho-Oyu summit certificate issued by CTMA
- ✅ Emergency backup oxygen pre-positioned at Camp II and Camp III before the summit push
- ✅ Insurance for all Climbing Sherpas, cooks, CTMA Liaison Officer, and Tibetan yak team
- ✅ Backup Sherpas on standby for substitution if required (extra charge if deployed)
- ✅ Helicopter rescue arrangement on standby for the full expedition duration
- ✅ Expedition Doctor stationed at ABC for the full climbing season
- ✅ Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) on standby at ABC
- ✅ Satellite phone at ABC for emergency use (minimal per-call charge applies)
Excludes
- ❌ International flight tickets to and from your home country
- ❌ Nepal entry visa fee — obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport
- ❌ Travel, medical, and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance (Min. USD 100,000) — mandatory for all participants
- ❌ Personal climbing gear, clothing, and footwear
- ❌ Personal satellite messenger device (Garmin inReach or similar)
- ❌ Summit bonus: USD 1,200 per Climbing Sherpa and USD 300 for kitchen helpers — to be paid in cash at ABC after a successful ascent
- ❌ Tips for expedition staff and Tibetan yak drivers
- ❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except the included welcome and farewell dinners
- ❌ Extra costs due to personal baggage exceeding 60 kg
- ❌ Drone and special filming permit fees
- ❌ Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, telephone, and internet usage beyond the included base service
- ❌ Costs incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, political disruptions, or border closures affecting Tibet access
Gear Lists & Useful Information
Expedition Details
Peak Name
Cho-oyu Expedition
Duration
36 - 40 Days
Max Elevation
8,188 m /26,863.52 ft
Best Seasons
Autumn
Region
Mahalangur Range
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this expedition
Yes, Sherpas are provided with the package and the ratio is 1:1. However, additional Sherpas can be provided as well based on the request.
The Cho-Oyu Expedition is a demanding 8,000m expedition. While the technical level is relatively lower, the extreme altitude, technical serac barrier, and harsh weather conditions make the climb difficult. However, at AltiPro Adventures, we ensure the best possible experience by ensuring safety, acclimatization, and expert Sherpa assistance.
The Cho-Oyu Expedition takes around 49 days in total, starting from the arrival in Kathmandu and ending with the return.
Cho-Oyu is considered the premier first 8,000m peak. It is suitable for prepared climbers who are technically proficient and possess prior experience on high-altitude mountains above 6,500m.
Yes, there is a requirement of prior climbing experience above an altitude of 6,500 meters. Skill in technical climbing, such as using crampons and ice axes on fixed ropes, is of extreme importance.
The major risks include altitude sickness, objective hazards at the serac barrier, extreme cold, snowstorms, exhaustion on the long summit plateau, and the challenges of the Death Zone.
The best time for a Cho-Oyu expedition is in the autumn season, around September and October. The route is typically fixed by late September, with the main summit windows generally appearing around mid-October.
Here are the main permit fees and required government permits if you want to climb Cho-Oyu from the Tibet (China) side:
1. Climbing Permit for Cho-Oyu (CTMA) This is the official license issued by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association.
- Autumn Season: ~$9,300 USD/person
- Note: The full Cho-Oyu Expedition 2027 is $28,500 USD, which includes this fee.
2. Tibet Entry Visa & Travel Permit Mandatory documentation for foreign nationals to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.
- For Foreigners: ~$200 USD
3. Alien’s Travel & Road Permits Required for travel through restricted border zones and across the Tibetan Plateau.
- Cost: ~$100 USD
4. Environmental & Garbage Management Fee Mandatory fee for environmental protection and waste removal.
- Cost: ~$1,000 USD
The safety of our climbers and staff remains our top priority. We implement internationally recognized safety standards, including:
- 1:1 Sherpa Support: Every climber is paired with an experienced high-altitude Sherpa.
- Medical Support: An on-site Expedition Doctor at ABC for health monitoring and oxygen saturation tests.
- Careful Acclimatization: A structured rotation program and a gradual overland approach through Tibet.
- Fixed Ropes: Ropes are pre-installed in key sections, including the technical serac barrier.
- Supplemental Oxygen: 5 cylinders per climber with backup systems at high camps.
- Weather Monitoring: Professional summit-specific forecasts used to time summit attempts during 48-hour windows.
- Emergency Gear: Gamow Bag, medical kits, and satellite communications are operational at all times.
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