Tibet (Everest North side) · climb
Cho Oyu guides
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Also serving Cho Oyu
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Climbing The Seven Summits
ERTI 4.90 overall
Based in United States
Price: From $47,995 USD · guide-listed price for this location · last updated Mar 2026
Adventure Consultants
ERTI 4.82 overall
Based in New Zealand
Price: From $48,500 USD · guide-listed price for this location · last updated Jan 2026
Summitclimb
ERTI 4.61 overall
Based in United States
About Cho Oyu
- Elevation
- 8,201 m (26,906 ft)
- Country
- China / Tibet
Climbing history
First ascent on October 19, 1954 by Austrian expedition. At 8,188m, the sixth highest peak. Considered the "easiest" 8,000m peak due to non-technical nature and good weather. Popular training ground before Everest attempts.
Notable itineraries
Northwest Ridge/Normal Route (5-6 weeks): Standard route from Tibet side. West Ridge: Alternative from Nepal but rarely used. Fixed camps at 6,400m, 7,100m, and 7,500m. Good success rates around 50-60%.
Weather and best time to go
Weather: During the climbing season, temperatures at the base of Cho Oyu tend to be quite cool. The end of the spring climbing season is generally the warmest time of year on the mountain. The climbing seasons come at drier times of year on the mountain, but storms are not uncommon and can form rapidly. Temperatures at the top of the mountain are always below freezing., Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October, Average Expedition Length 6 weeks
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY) for Tibet approach. Peak permit approximately $8,000-10,000 (Tibet). Nepal approach more expensive. Budget $20,000-35,000 for guided expedition.
Languages
Official: Mandarin Chinese (Tibet), Nepali (Nepal). Tibetan spoken locally. English with expedition operators. Chinese liaison officer required on Tibet side.
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Recommended gear for Cho Oyu
High-altitude essentials picked for 8,000m expeditions. Recommended by our expert team.
- Rab Expedition 8000 Suit (Men's) (8000m suit): View at CampSaver
- La Sportiva Olympus Mons S Boots (8000m boot): View at CampSaver
- Black Diamond Absolute Mitts (expedition mitts): View at CampSaver
- Rab Expedition 1200 Sleeping Bag (down sleeping bag): View at CampSaver
- Petzl Ascension Ascender (ascender): View at CampSaver
- Global Rescue membership (rescue and evacuation): View at Global Rescue
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