• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Activity: Expedition briefing, equipment check and final documentation
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Today brings the Kathmandu preparations together into one focused expedition day. Your personal climbing equipment, 8,000-meter clothing, boots, technical hardware and expedition luggage are checked before being organised for transportation into Tibet.

The expedition leader reviews the Tibet-side journey, acclimatization schedule, Advanced Base Camp setup, high camps, supplemental oxygen plan, communication procedures and the flexible nature of the summit schedule.

Final travel and expedition documentation is also checked so the team is ready to begin the overland journey the following morning.

• Maximum Altitude: Kyirong – approx. 2,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kyirong – approx. 2,800 m
• Drive Duration: Around 8–10 hours including border procedures
• Drive Distance: Approx. 200–230 km depending on the border approach used
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Kyirong

You leave Kathmandu and travel north through the Himalayan foothills toward the Nepal–China border.

After completing Nepalese and Chinese immigration and customs procedures, the expedition continues into Tibet and drives to Kyirong at approximately 2,800 meters.

The day can be long because border formalities and mountain roads affect travel time, so the evening is kept quiet after arrival.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 3,000–3,200 m during the acclimatization walk
• Overnight Altitude: Kyirong – approx. 2,800 m
• Activity: Acclimatization hike and recovery
• Activity Duration: Around 3–4 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Kyirong

The expedition spends a full day in Kyirong rather than moving immediately onto the much higher Tibetan Plateau.

A gentle acclimatization walk takes you above the town before returning to the lower sleeping altitude. The purpose is controlled altitude exposure rather than physical exertion.

The remainder of the day is reserved for hydration, rest and preparation for the large elevation gain to Tingri.

• Maximum Altitude: Tingri – approx. 4,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tingri – approx. 4,350 m
• Drive Duration: Around 5–6 hours
• Drive Distance: Approx. 205–230 km
• Altitude Gain: Around 1,550 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Tingri

You leave the greener Kyirong valley and climb onto the high Tibetan Plateau toward Tingri.

The scenery becomes increasingly dry and open as the road gains more than 1,500 meters of elevation. On clear days, the journey begins revealing the scale of the high Himalaya.

Because you are now sleeping above 4,000 meters, activity after arrival is deliberately limited.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 5,000 m during the acclimatization hike
• Overnight Altitude: Tingri – approx. 4,350 m
• Activity: Acclimatization hike and recovery
• Activity Duration: Around 4–5 hours
• Altitude Gain: Up to approx. 650 m before descending
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Tingri

A second dedicated acclimatization day prepares the team for the move toward Cho Oyu Base Camp.

You make a controlled hike toward higher ground, potentially reaching around 5,000 meters before returning to Tingri to sleep. The climb-high, sleep-low approach gives the body another useful altitude stimulus without moving camp.

The evening is spent resting and preparing for the road journey into the Cho Oyu mountain environment.

• Maximum Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Overnight Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Drive Duration: Around 2–4 hours
• Altitude Gain: Around 550 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Chinese Base Camp

You leave Tingri and drive across the Tibetan Plateau toward the road-accessed Cho Oyu Base Camp.

At approximately 4,900 meters, the expedition enters the immediate mountain environment. Vehicles make Cho Oyu unusually accessible for an 8,000-meter peak, but the high road access also makes disciplined acclimatization essential.

After camp is established, the remainder of the day is kept quiet.

• Maximum Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Overnight Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Activity: Rest and acclimatization
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Chinese Base Camp

Your first full day at Chinese Base Camp is dedicated to adapting to an overnight altitude close to 5,000 meters.

Short walks around camp are possible, but the main priorities are rest, hydration and observing how each climber is responding to the altitude.

The expedition staff also begins organising the equipment and supplies that will move toward Advanced Base Camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 5,050 m during a short acclimatization walk
• Overnight Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Activity: Acclimatization, equipment sorting and load preparation
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Chinese Base Camp

A second night at Chinese Base Camp gives the body valuable additional time to adjust before moving above 5,000 meters.

Food, fuel, personal climbing gear and technical equipment are divided into loads for transportation toward Advanced Base Camp. Yak support is normally used for much of the logistical movement between the roadhead and ABC.

A short walk above camp can provide additional altitude exposure without creating unnecessary fatigue.

• Maximum Altitude: Intermediate Camp – approx. 5,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Intermediate Camp – approx. 5,400 m
• Trek Duration: Around 4–6 hours
• Trek Distance: Approx. 8–12 km depending on camp placement
• Altitude Gain: Around 500 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Intermediate Camp

The expedition leaves the road-accessed Base Camp and begins the approach toward Advanced Base Camp.

You follow moraine and high-altitude terrain toward Intermediate Camp at approximately 5,400 meters, while expedition loads are moved with yak support.

Using an intermediate night keeps the altitude progression gradual before sleeping close to 5,700 meters.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Trek Duration: Around 4–6 hours
• Trek Distance: Approx. 7–10 km
• Altitude Gain: Around 300 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

You continue through the high moraine and glacier environment toward Cho Oyu Advanced Base Camp at approximately 5,700 meters.

ABC becomes the main operational home for the climbing phase, with member tents, dining and kitchen facilities, communications and expedition equipment established here.

After arrival, the priority is to settle into camp and recover rather than immediately climbing higher.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Rest, camp orientation and equipment organisation
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

Your first full day at ABC is devoted to recovery after the approach from Chinese Base Camp.

You become familiar with the camp layout and expedition routine while equipment for the first climbing rotation is organised.

Sleeping another night at approximately 5,700 meters before climbing toward Camp I provides valuable acclimatization.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp area – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Technical training and climbing-system review
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

The team reviews the technical systems that will be used on the Northwest Route before beginning the first rotation.

Training covers crampon movement, fixed-rope ascending, descender use, harness procedures and glacier-travel systems. Experienced climbers use the session to become comfortable with the exact equipment and procedures being used by the expedition.

The route toward Camp I and current glacier conditions are also discussed.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent and variable with glacier conditions
• Altitude Gain: Around 700 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

The first climbing rotation begins as you leave ABC and move onto the glaciated Northwest Route.

The route initially follows moraine and glacier terrain before climbing more steeply toward Camp I at approximately 6,400 meters.

The purpose of the day is controlled altitude exposure rather than speed, and you spend the night at Camp I.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 6,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 4–6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 300 m before returning to Camp I
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

You climb above Camp I toward approximately 6,700 meters, gaining experience on the terrain leading toward Camp II.

This section can introduce steeper snow and ice and the fixed-rope systems used higher on the mountain.

After reaching the planned acclimatization high point, you descend to Camp I for a second night.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 4–6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Loss: Around 700 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

You descend from Camp I and return to Advanced Base Camp after completing the first rotation.

The lower sleeping altitude provides better conditions for food, hydration and sleep while the body absorbs the altitude gained during the previous two days.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Full recovery day
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

A complete rest day follows the first rotation.

You recover while the climbing team monitors the weather, checks the route and prepares the equipment required for the first move toward 7,000 meters.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 700 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

You return to Camp I to begin the second acclimatization rotation.

With the lower route now familiar, the focus shifts toward efficient movement and conserving energy for the climb to Camp II the following day.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 600 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II

You leave Camp I and continue toward Camp II at approximately 7,000 meters.

The route crosses snow and ice terrain, including steeper fixed-rope sections where required by the seasonal line.

Sleeping at Camp II provides the expedition’s first major exposure around 7,000 meters.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 7,100–7,200 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 3–5 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 100–200 m before returning to Camp II
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II

You make a controlled climb above Camp II for additional extreme-altitude exposure.

Movement is intentionally limited because the objective is acclimatization rather than pushing aggressively toward Camp III during the second rotation.

You return to Camp II for another night before beginning the descent.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 6–8 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Loss: Around 1,300 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

You descend through Camp I and continue to Advanced Base Camp.

The substantial loss of altitude provides much better conditions for recovery after two nights around 7,000 meters.

Back at ABC, the focus returns to proper food, hydration and sleep.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Recovery and upper-route assessment
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

The team takes another full recovery day after the Camp II rotation.

Weather forecasts and upper-route conditions are reviewed while equipment and supplies are prepared for the highest acclimatization rotation toward Camp III.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 700 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

The third rotation begins with another climb to Camp I.

By now the lower route should feel considerably more familiar, allowing you to move efficiently while conserving strength for the highest point of the acclimatization program.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 600 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II

You return to Camp II for another night around 7,000 meters.

The purpose of this rotation is now to move beyond the altitude already reached and gain controlled exposure to the Camp III zone.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 400 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp III

You climb from Camp II toward Camp III at approximately 7,400 meters.

The vertical gain is smaller than on some earlier stages, but movement becomes increasingly slow as the expedition enters the extreme-altitude environment.

This high exposure gives the team valuable information about individual readiness before returning to ABC for the main recovery period.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 7–9 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Loss: Around 1,700 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

You descend from Camp III through Camp II and Camp I before continuing toward Advanced Base Camp.

Dropping approximately 1,700 meters provides a major recovery benefit after exposure around 7,400 meters.

The primary acclimatization phase is now complete, and attention begins shifting toward the summit window.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Full recovery
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

Today is devoted entirely to physical recovery after the highest acclimatization rotation.

You eat, sleep and hydrate while avoiding unnecessary exertion. The climbing and support teams continue monitoring conditions on the upper mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Summit forecast, oxygen preparation and final equipment checks
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

The expedition leader reviews the summit forecast and upper-route conditions before committing the team to the final rotation.

Oxygen cylinders, masks, regulators, summit clothing, gloves, goggles, headlamps, food and technical equipment are checked carefully.

The summit rotation begins only when the weather window and condition of the team justify moving higher.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 700 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

The final summit rotation begins with the familiar climb from ABC to Camp I.

From this point onward, conserving energy becomes especially important. The aim is to reach the final summit camp with enough physical reserve for the climb above 8,000 meters.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 600 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II

You climb from Camp I toward Camp II and return to the extreme-altitude environment around 7,000 meters.

Supplemental oxygen may be introduced during this stage according to the confirmed expedition strategy and individual requirements.

After reaching camp, the focus is on hydration, food and rest before moving to the final summit staging camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 5–7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 400 m
• Meal: High-Altitude Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp III

You leave Camp II and climb toward Camp III at approximately 7,400 meters, the planned final staging point for the summit attempt.

The team moves conservatively because even relatively modest vertical gains require considerable effort at this altitude.

After reaching camp, oxygen systems and summit equipment are checked once more before resting for the night departure.

• Maximum Altitude: Cho Oyu Summit – 8,188 m
• Planned Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 7,000 m
• Alternative Overnight Altitude: Camp III – approx. 7,400 m if descent is delayed
• Climbing Duration: Around 10–14 hours depending on conditions and descent progress
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Gain: Around 788 m from Camp III to the summit
• Meal: High-Altitude Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent

The summit attempt normally begins during the night or very early morning from Camp III. Wearing full 8,000-meter clothing and using supplemental oxygen according to the climbing plan, you begin the final ascent toward the upper mountain.

The route includes fixed ropes, steep snow and ice and a short rocky section before opening onto Cho Oyu’s broad summit plateau.

Reaching the plateau itself does not automatically mean the true summit has been reached. The route continues across the high plateau toward the actual 8,188-meter summit point.

After reaching the summit, the team begins descending immediately. The planned objective is Camp II around 7,000 meters, although Camp III may be used if weather, daylight, fatigue or other conditions slow the descent.

The summit is never guaranteed. Turnaround decisions are based on weather, oxygen supply, climbing speed and the ability to descend safely.

• Maximum Altitude: Up to Cho Oyu Summit – 8,188 m if the summit attempt is delayed
• Planned Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m after an on-schedule summit
• Activity: Summit contingency or descent through the upper camps
• Meal: High-Altitude Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent

This day provides essential flexibility around the summit window.

If weather delayed the planned attempt on Day 32, today can become the summit day while the same safety and turnaround principles apply.

If the summit was completed on schedule, you continue descending from Camp II through the upper route toward Camp I, reducing exposure to extreme altitude as quickly and safely as conditions allow.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 6,400 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Climbing Duration: Around 4–6 hours from Camp I
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Altitude Loss: Around 700 m from Camp I
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

You continue downward through the familiar glacier terrain and return to Advanced Base Camp.

Reaching ABC marks the end of the main high-altitude climbing phase and provides considerably better conditions for recovery after the summit rotation.

The expedition team begins assessing equipment and organising the eventual move back toward the road-accessed Base Camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Activity: Recovery, equipment consolidation and camp cleanup
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at ABC

A final full day at Advanced Base Camp allows the team to recover before beginning the journey out of the mountains.

Climbing equipment is consolidated, loads are prepared for yak transport and expedition waste-management procedures are completed.

Road and border arrangements are also reconfirmed before leaving the mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Advanced Base Camp – approx. 5,700 m
• Overnight Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Trek Duration: Around 6–8 hours
• Trek Distance: Approx. 15–20 km depending on seasonal camp placement
• Altitude Loss: Around 800 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Chinese Base Camp

You leave Advanced Base Camp and descend through the moraine toward the road-accessed Chinese Base Camp.

Expedition loads travel with the organised yak team while climbers make the final walk out from the main mountain environment.

Arrival at Chinese Base Camp marks the end of the walking and climbing section of the expedition.

• Maximum Altitude: Chinese Base Camp – approx. 4,900 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tingri – approx. 4,350 m
• Drive Duration: Around 2–4 hours
• Altitude Loss: Around 550 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Tingri

The expedition leaves Cho Oyu behind and returns by road across the Tibetan Plateau toward Tingri.

Even the modest drop to approximately 4,350 meters feels noticeably different after several weeks spent around ABC and the high camps.

The evening is kept relaxed before the longer journey toward Kyirong.

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 5,050 m on the Tibetan Plateau road
• Overnight Altitude: Kyirong – approx. 2,800 m
• Drive Duration: Around 5–6 hours
• Drive Distance: Approx. 205 km
• Altitude Loss: Around 1,550 m from Tingri to Kyirong
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Kyirong

You continue across the Tibetan Plateau before beginning the substantial descent toward Kyirong.

The road passes through high terrain before dropping into the much greener border region.

By the time you reach Kyirong at approximately 2,800 meters, the thicker air provides considerable physical relief after the prolonged high-altitude expedition.

• Maximum Altitude: Kyirong – approx. 2,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Drive Duration: Around 7–9 hours including border procedures
• Drive Distance: Approx. 200–240 km depending on the operating road route
• Altitude Loss: Around 1,450 m
• Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu

You travel from Kyirong toward the international border and complete the Chinese and Nepalese immigration procedures.

After crossing back into Nepal, the journey continues south through the mountain valleys toward Kathmandu.

Border processing, traffic and road conditions can influence the final arrival time. After reaching Kathmandu, you transfer to your hotel and return to normal accommodation.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Activity: Recovery, contingency and free time
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu

The final full day is kept as an important buffer after an international 8,000-meter expedition.

If the summit schedule, Tibetan road journey or border crossing caused delays, this day helps protect your international departure arrangements.

If the expedition has remained on schedule, you can use the day to recover, reorganise equipment, shop or spend some free time in Kathmandu.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: None
• Activity: Airport transfer and international departure
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: None

Your 41-day Cho Oyu Expedition comes to an end today.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have some free time before a Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

The expedition concludes after travelling from Kathmandu into Tibet, gradually acclimatizing across Kyirong and Tingri, establishing the climbing program from Advanced Base Camp and completing progressive rotations toward the planned 8,188-meter summit attempt.