Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

An Alpinist Club representative welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Settle in and rest after your journey. Our team collects the documents needed for your Tibet visa and expedition formalities.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Lunch and dinner excluded

Day 2: Expedition briefing and equipment check in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Meet your expedition team for a briefing covering the route, acclimatization plan, climbing arrangements, and safety procedures. Your equipment is checked, with time to purchase any missing items in Thamel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner excluded

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Timure (1,800 m) via Syabrubesi

Leave Kathmandu early and drive through terraced hills, riverside valleys, and mountain villages. Pass through Syabrubesi before continuing to Timure, near the Nepal–Tibet border. A helicopter transfer to Syabrubesi may be arranged separately, subject to availability and weather, followed by a road transfer to Timure.

• Driving: Around 7–9 hours, depending on road conditions
• Accommodation: Local hotel or lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Cross the border and drive to Kyirong (2,700 m)

Complete immigration and customs procedures before entering Tibet. Meet the Tibetan support team and continue by vehicle to Kyirong. After checking into the hotel, spend the afternoon resting as you begin adjusting to the altitude.

• Travel: Around 2–3 hours after border formalities
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Drive from Kyirong (2,700 m) to Tingri (4,350 m)

Drive across the Tibetan Plateau through open valleys and high mountain passes. The route crosses a pass at approximately 5,100 m before descending to Tingri. The afternoon is reserved for rest following the significant increase in altitude.

Highest point en route: Approximately 5,100 m

• Driving: Around 6–8 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Acclimatization in Tingri (4,350 m)

Remain in Tingri for an acclimatization day. If you are adjusting well, the guide may arrange a gentle hike towards the monastery above town, reaching around 4,600 m before returning. The walk is optional and depends on your condition.

• Acclimatization hike: Up to around 4,600 m
• Overnight altitude: 4,350 m
• Walking: Up to 3 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Drive from Tingri (4,350 m) to Chinese Base Camp (4,900 m)

Leave Tingri and follow a rough track towards Cho Oyu’s Chinese Base Camp. Settle into your tent, have lunch, and rest. The team begins organizing equipment for the approach to Advanced Base Camp.

• Driving: Around 1–3 hours, depending on track conditions
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 8: Rest at Chinese Base Camp (4,900 m)

Take a relaxed day to adjust to the altitude. Short walks around camp may be arranged while the expedition team checks supplies and prepares loads for transport by yak.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 9: Acclimatization walk and trek preparation at Chinese Base Camp (4,900 m)

Join an acclimatization walk on the nearby slopes if your condition allows. The guide chooses a suitable height and pace before returning to camp. Prepare your personal trekking bag while the support team organizes equipment for the approach.

• Overnight altitude: 4,900 m
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 10: Trek from Chinese Base Camp (4,900 m) to Intermediate Camp (5,400 m)

Begin trekking towards Advanced Base Camp, following the valley and glacier moraine. Yaks carry the main expedition loads while you walk with your personal daypack. Stop at Intermediate Camp to divide the approach into two stages and allow more time to acclimatize.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner

Day 11: Trek from Intermediate Camp (5,400 m) to Advanced Base Camp (around 5,650 m)

Continue along the moraine to Advanced Base Camp, the main base for the climbing period. Settle into your tent and rest while the team establishes the kitchen, dining, and expedition facilities.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner

Day 12: Rest and acclimatization at Advanced Base Camp (around 5,650 m)

Spend the day resting and adjusting to the altitude. The team reviews your equipment and discusses the first climbing rotation. Gentle movement around camp may be included, depending on how you feel.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 13: Puja ceremony and climbing preparations at Advanced Base Camp (around 5,650 m)

Join the climbing team for a traditional Buddhist puja ceremony before the ascent. Complete final equipment checks and review fixed-rope techniques, communication procedures, and arrangements for the higher camps.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 14–24: Acclimatization rotations and Cho Oyu summit attempt (5,650–8,188 m)

These days are reserved for climbing rotations, recovery, weather delays, and the summit attempt. The expedition leader sets the schedule according to acclimatization, route conditions, and weather forecasts.

First climbing rotations

Begin with climbs towards Camp I, returning to Advanced Base Camp for recovery between rotations. Later movements may include overnight stays at Camp I and Camp II as the team prepares for the summit push.

Camp I — around 6,400 m

The approach crosses glacier terrain and moraine before reaching the snow slopes above. An intermediate glacier camp around 5,800 m may be used if needed.

Camp II — around 7,200 m

Climb above Camp I through steeper snow and ice, including the ice barrier. Fixed ropes assist movement through the more technical sections.

Camp III — around 7,600 m

Move to the final high camp when acclimatization and conditions allow. Keep activity limited, prepare equipment, and rest before the summit attempt.

Cho Oyu summit — 8,188 m

Leave during the night or early morning, following the guide’s plan. Climb the upper slopes and continue across the summit plateau towards the summit.

After the attempt, descend to the camp selected by the expedition leader. Turnaround decisions depend on weather, progress, oxygen supplies, and each climber’s condition.

Oxygen arrangements

Supplemental oxygen use is agreed upon before the summit push. Any attempt without oxygen requires prior discussion and approval from the expedition leader.

Weather reserve

There is no fixed summit date. The climbing period provides flexibility to wait for suitable conditions, but a summit attempt cannot be guaranteed.

• Accommodation: Tents at Advanced Base Camp and higher camps
• Meals: Full board, with high-altitude meals at climbing camps

Day 25: Descend from Advanced Base Camp (5,650 m) to Chinese Base Camp (4,900 m) and drive to Tingri (4,350 m)

Pack up Advanced Base Camp and begin the return trek. Yaks transport expedition equipment down the valley. At Chinese Base Camp, meet the vehicles and continue to Tingri for the night.

This is a long day, and the schedule depends on the team’s pace and transport arrangements.

• Overnight altitude: 4,350 m
• Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Tingri
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 26: Drive from Tingri (4,350 m) to Kyirong (2,700 m)

Drive back across the Tibetan Plateau towards Kyirong. Depending on the confirmed route, the journey passes near Paiku Co Lake and crosses high mountain terrain before descending to town.

• Driving: Around 7 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 27: Drive from Kyirong (2,700 m) to Kathmandu (1,350 m) via the border

Drive to the border and complete the exit and entry formalities. Continue through Timure and Syabrubesi to Kathmandu, where you transfer to your hotel.

• Travel: Around 9–11 hours, depending on border and road conditions
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner excluded

Day 28: Rest and contingency day in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Enjoy a free day to rest, shop, or explore Kathmandu. This day also provides a buffer for delays during the return journey.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner excluded

Day 29: Final departure from Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.

• Meals: Breakfast, depending on departure time

Airport transfers : Airport transfers :

Private vehicle transfers between Kathmandu Airport and your hotel on arrival and departure.

Hotel in Kathmandu : Hotel in Kathmandu :

Six nights in a 4-star hotel, with a single room and breakfast.

Welcome dinner : Welcome dinner :

One welcome dinner with our office team at a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu.

Expedition permits : Expedition permits :

Chinese government expedition royalty, Cho Oyu climbing permit issued through CMA/TMA, and restricted-area permit fees.

Liaison officer : Liaison officer : One government liaison officer in Tibet, including salary, equipment, and accommodation.

Garbage management : Garbage management :

Garbage deposit and the standard rubbish collection fee of USD 1,000 per climber.

Staff insurance : Staff insurance :

Medical and emergency rescue insurance for all Nepalese staff involved in the trek and expedition.

Map and duffel bag : Map and duffel bag :

A trekking and climbing map and one expedition duffel bag.

Tibet visa : Tibet visa :

Tibet visa arrangements and visa fees.

Member transportation : Member transportation :

Group transportation by jeep from Kathmandu to Chinese Base Camp via the Kerong border and back. Members returning early for personal reasons must cover their own return transportation.

Equipment transportation : Equipment transportation :

Transport of expedition equipment between Kathmandu and Chinese Base Camp by jeep or truck, and between Chinese Base Camp and Advanced Base Camp (ABC) by yak, both ways. Transport arrangements may change depending on conditions.

Personal luggage : Personal luggage :

Yak transport for up to 60 kg of personal luggage per member. Additional yaks cost USD 500 each and carry up to 40 kg.

Meals and accommodation during the trek : Meals and accommodation during the trek :

Three meals daily, with tea, coffee, and hot water, plus shared accommodation in available hotels, lodges, or teahouses. Rooms with attached bathrooms may be arranged at an additional cost when requested in advance.

Base camp and ABC meals : Base camp and ABC meals :

Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, juice, and soft drinks. Fresh vegetables and meat will be supplied regularly.

Base camp and ABC accommodation : Base camp and ABC accommodation : An individual tent for each member at Chinese Base Camp and ABC, with a foam mattress and pillow.

Camp facilities : Camp facilities :

Dining, kitchen, communication, toilet, shower, staff, and storage tents, along with tables, chairs, and cooking equipment.

Kitchen staff : Kitchen staff :

Experienced cooks and kitchen helpers at Base Camp and ABC.

Staff wages and equipment : Staff wages and equipment : Salaries, allowances, equipment, food, and clothing for Nepalese staff and porters.

Power supply : Power supply :

Solar panels and a generator for camp lighting and charging electronic devices.

Heating : Heating :

Heaters in dining tents and other camp areas where required.

Base camp training : Base camp training :

Training in oxygen systems, masks, regulators, ice climbing, and ladder use with a professional guide.

Climbing Sherpa : Climbing Sherpa :

One experienced, government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member throughout the climb, including acclimatization rotations and the summit attempt.

Gear-carrying assistance : Gear-carrying assistance : Support from your climbing Sherpa to carry equipment to the high camps.

Climbing Sherpa expenses : Climbing Sherpa expenses :

Salary, equipment, food, and clothing.

Supplementary oxygen : Supplementary oxygen :

Three 4-litre oxygen cylinders per member and one cylinder per high-altitude Sherpa.

Oxygen mask and regulator : Oxygen mask and regulator :

One set per member and high-altitude Sherpa.

Emergency oxygen availability : Emergency oxygen availability :

Backup oxygen, a mask, and a regulator will be available at Base Camp. Use is charged separately.

High camp services : High camp services :

Tents, cooking gas, cooking equipment, and food for members and staff at Camps 1, 2, and 3.

High camp accommodation : High camp accommodation :

Shared tents with two members per tent.

Group climbing equipment : Group climbing equipment :

Fixed ropes, dynamic ropes, and other necessary shared climbing equipment.

Route fixing : Route fixing :

Route fixing by experienced Sherpas, including personal climbing Sherpas, at no additional charge.

Satellite phone availability : Satellite phone availability :

A satellite phone for emergency communication, carried by a Sherpa and available to members at ABC. Member use is charged separately.

Radio communication : Radio communication :

Walkie-talkies for communication between camps and the mountain, including permit fees for members and staff.

Internet availability : Internet availability :

Thuraya satellite internet at Base Camp and ABC, arranged in advance and charged separately.

Weather forecasts : Weather forecasts :

Regular weather reports from Meteotest in Bern, Switzerland, throughout the expedition.

Medical kit : Medical kit :

A comprehensive medical kit for members and staff.

Climbing certificate : Climbing certificate :

A Cho Oyu climbing certificate issued by CMA following a successful ascent.

International airfare :

Flights to and from Kathmandu.

Nepal visa : Nepal entry visa fees. A 90-day multiple-entry visa is listed at USD 125.

Meals in Kathmandu :

Lunch and dinner, except the included welcome dinner. This also applies to additional days following an early return.

Extra hotel nights :

Accommodation beyond the six included nights, including early arrival, late departure, early return, or travel delays.

Additional trips :

Activities, excursions, or trip extensions outside the agreed itinerary.

Personal insurance :

Mandatory insurance covering mountaineering at the expedition’s altitude, medical treatment, rescue, evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, and trip interruption. Please send a copy of your policy before arrival.

Personal equipment :

Clothing, bags, packing items, personal medical supplies, and trekking and climbing equipment.

Toiletries :

Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissues, and other personal hygiene items.

Filming permits :

Special filming, camera, and drone permit fees.

Internet charges :

Internet use during the trek and expedition.

Satellite phone charges :

Member use of the satellite phone.

Backup oxygen charges : Use of emergency oxygen, masks, or regulators.

Sherpa summit bonus :

A minimum of USD 1,800 for each climbing Sherpa.

Staff tips :

A minimum contribution per member of USD 100 for porters/yak handlers, USD 100 for the guide, and USD 400 for base camp, high camp, and other support staff.

Additional yaks :

USD 500 per additional yak for luggage exceeding the included allowance. Each yak carries up to 40 kg.

Early return transportation :

Private return transport to Kathmandu when leaving before the group for personal reasons.

Accommodation upgrades :

Additional charges for rooms with attached bathrooms during the trek.

Other expenses :

Any service or activity not listed under “Cost includes.”