Cho Oyu — Expedition Guides & Reviews

Find trusted expedition guides for Cho Oyu, China / Tibet. Read verified reviews, compare companies, and book with confidence.

Quick Facts: Cho Oyu

Elevation: 8,201m
Country: China / Tibet
Region: Asia
Guide Companies: 9 verified operators
Price Range: $18,000 – $55,000 USD
Season: Weather: During the climbing season, temperatures at the base of Cho Oyu tend to be quite cool. The
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.

Region: Asia, China / Tibet

Expedition Guide Companies for Cho Oyu

Adventure Consultants — ERTI: 4.4/5 · Rating: 4.9/5 (12 reviews) · From $48,500 USD
Pioneer Adventure — ERTI: 3.6/5 · Rating: 4.9/5 (7 reviews) · $35,000 – $55,000 USD
Asiana Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. · $18,990 – $22,990 USD
Summitclimb — ERTI: 4.1/5 · Rating: 4.8/5 (32 reviews) · From $31,850 USD
Climbing The Seven Summits — ERTI: 4.6/5 · Rating: 5.0/5 (64 reviews) · From $47,995 USD
Friendship World Trek Pvt. Ltd. · From $18,000 USD
Alpine Sherpa Guide Treks & Expedition · From $30,000 USD
Mountain Madness — ERTI: 3.2/5 · Rating: 2.5/5 (2 reviews) · From $27,500 USD
Elite Exped — ERTI: 3.5/5 · Rating: 4.5/5 (6 reviews) · From $43,800 USD

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 Routes

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 Information

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cho Oyu

Which guide companies operate on Cho Oyu?

There are 9 verified guide companies for Cho Oyu on ExpedReview, including Adventure Consultants, Pioneer Adventure, Asiana Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. and more.

How much does it cost to climb Cho Oyu?

Guided expedition prices for Cho Oyu range from $18,000 – $55,000 USD depending on the operator, route, and service level.

What is the best time to climb Cho Oyu?

How do I choose a guide for Cho Oyu?

Compare guide companies on ExpedReview using our ERTI Trust Index, verified reviews, pricing, and certifications. Look for guides with high trust scores and recent positive reviews.