Cho Oyu 30-Day Northwest Ridge Expedition¶

Full 30-day commercial expedition to Cho Oyu via the standard Northwest Ridge from Tibet, including acclimatization rotations and a summit-window push to 8,188m.

Overview¶

Cho Oyu (8,188m) is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and is widely regarded as the most accessible 8,000m peak, making it a popular training objective for Everest aspirants. The Northwest Ridge from the Tibetan plateau is the standard commercial route, approached via Chinese Base Camp at 5,700m. The 30-day plan includes drive-in, multiple acclimatization rotations through three high camps, a summit push window, and drive-out. A Chinese climbing permit, Tibet Travel Permit, and Alien Travel Permit are all required.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Chinese Base Camp via Drive¶

Multi-day drive from Kathmandu through the Tibetan plateau to the Chinese Base Camp at 5,700m, with overnight stops at Nyalam and Tingri for acclimatization. Rest at Base Camp and meet the expedition support team.

Day 2: Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp¶

Trek across the moraine and glacier to establish Advanced Base Camp at 5,900m below the Northwest Face. This camp serves as the staging point for all high-camp rotations.

Day 3: ABC to Camp 1 — First Rotation¶

First acclimatization carry to Camp 1 at 6,400m, ascending the lower Northwest Ridge over mixed snow and rock. Carry supplies and return to ABC or sleep one night for adaptation.

Day 4: Camp 1 to Camp 2 — Second Rotation¶

Push to Camp 2 at 7,100m on the upper Northwest Ridge after adequate acclimatization. The terrain becomes more exposed above 7,000m with fixed ropes on the steeper sections.

Day 5: Camp 2 to Camp 3 — Final High Camp¶

Establish Camp 3 at 7,500m — the highest camp and launch point for the summit push. Rest and hydrate carefully in the thin air before the final overnight wait for summit conditions.

Day 6: Summit Day — Camp 3 to Cho Oyu and Return to Camp 2¶

Pre-dawn start from Camp 3 on supplemental oxygen, ascending the final ridge to the broad 8,188m summit plateau. Return to Camp 2 the same day to exit the death zone as quickly as possible.

Day 7: Camp 2 to Base Camp — Full Descent¶

Continuous descent from Camp 2 through Camp 1, ABC, and back to Chinese Base Camp in a single push. Strike the high camps and begin the drive-out preparation.