Cho Oyu
(26,906FT / 8,201M) | TibetClimbing Cho Oyu
- Worldwide Expeditions
- Pack Weight: 25-30 Lbs
- 36 Days
- Gallery
- Dates & Pricing
At 8,201m / 26,906 ft, Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain on Earth,is widely regarded as one of the most logical first 8,000-meter objectives for skilled climbers. From the Tibetan side, the “normal route” combines a :big-mountain” expedition with moderate technical difficulty ( sustained snow climbing, short sections of ice and rock, and extensive use of fixed lines for speed and risk management).
Alpine Ascents has been guiding in the Himalaya since 1992 and brings a deep bench of operational experience to Cho Oyu, pairing senior guide leadership, a strong high-altitude staff, and a carefully paced expedition plan designed for safe acclimatization with well-timed summit opportunities. (Our current Cho Oyu program is led by Senior Guide Ben Jones, whose Himalayan resume includes multiple expeditions on Everest, Manaslu and Cho Oyu.)
We are currently not offering trips to Cho Oyu and recommend climbing Manaslu.
Key Components
Scheduled lead guide : Ben Jones
We operate a single, small-team, fully guided expedition built around thoughtful decision-making and exceptional client care.
We offer 1:1 Sherpa-to-climber ratio on summit day
Well-equipped Everest Base Camp with heated dining tents, personal sleeping tents, and clean bathrooms for comfort including Wifi.
Full oxygen package provided and included in cost
Cybercasts – Regular team reports posted on our website.
All meals on the mountain are included. Our thoughtfully curated menu supports healthy eating and can be adapted to dietary restrictions.
A long-term commitment to excellent working conditions for our local Sherpa support team
40+ years of experience guiding high altitude Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Shishapangma.
I had an excellent time during the entire expedition.
From the moment I met Jiban and our guides at the Yak & Yeti, and our Sherpas later on, I felt we had the best people for this adventure. Obviously, our guides had a thorough understanding and experience working together. They were a very effective and complementary team. Sherpas were amazing– great attitude, smiles, enthusiasm, very hard working yet fun crew, no matter the load or the circumstances. Overall outstanding performance and organization by AAI throughout! See you on Everest in spring.
Fantastic experience from beginning to end, I would recommend the company and the trip to anyone
Totally enjoyed the expedition.
The logistics and process were well thought out and easy to deal with. It was a pleasure to follow Ben , easy to be part of the team. Very patient and happy to help me. All the staff were fabulous. Pretty hard to think of a way to improve it – really happy with each aspect of the trip
Alpine Ascents History in the Himalaya
Alpine Ascents has been a leader in Himalayan mountaineering since 1992, earning a reputation for professional expedition planning, exceptional guide leadership, and consistent results on the world’s highest peaks. Over more than three decades operating in Nepal and Tibet, we have guided climbers to the summits of iconic mountains including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Shishapangma, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and Manaslu.
Our history on Cho Oyu began with our first expedition in 1995, and the mountain remains a core objective within our Himalayan program. Across multiple seasons, Alpine Ascents teams have built a strong and consistent record on Cho Oyu, with many expeditions achieving 100% summit success. What distinguishes Alpine Ascents in the Himalaya is not simply longevity, but the depth of experience gained across decades of operating on 8,000-meter peaks—experience that directly informs our approach to Manaslu today.
Recent 8,000-Meter Experience
- 2025: Team summit success on Everest, Lhotse, and Manaslu
- 2024: Team summit success on Everest and Manaslu
- 2023: Team summit success on Everest and Manaslu
- 2022: Team summit success on Everest, Lhotse, and Manaslu
Led by senior Himalayan guide Ben Jones and supported by an experienced Sherpa team, Alpine Ascents brings a deliberate, well-tested approach to climbing Cho Oyu. Our program emphasizes conservative acclimatization, disciplined summit decision-making, and low climber-to-guide ratios, including 1:1 support on summit day. Backed by a well-equipped Base Camp and strong logistics, this cohesive expedition style provides qualified climbers with a thoughtful, professional framework for success on this classic 8,000-meter peak.
The Alpine Ascents Way
Our approach to Cho Oyu is shaped by decades of experience on 8,000-meter peaks and a clear understanding of what leads to strong, well-timed summit bids. Rather than operating multiple parallel teams, we run one unified, fully guided expedition, allowing for consistent leadership, shared objectives, and thoughtful coordination from Base Camp to the upper mountain. This structure supports clear communication, efficient logistics, and a measured pace, key ingredients for success on Cho Oyu.
Our teams are intentionally built. Climbers are carefully screened, and our Sherpa staff represents some of the most experienced high-altitude professionals in Nepal, many of whom have long-standing relationships with Alpine Ascents. We believe that climbers, guides, and Sherpa working toward a common goal—rather than operating independently—make better decisions and move more effectively in the high-altitude environment. This shared philosophy extends to summit strategy, where patience and timing take precedence over rushing into marginal conditions or crowded windows.
On Cho, decisions made high on the mountain are rarely simple. Questions about weather trends, turnaround timing, oxygen usage, pacing, and individual strength require experienced judgment and real-time assessment. Having senior guides and a strong Sherpa team alongside you reduces uncertainty and helps prevent both premature retreats and unnecessary exposure to deteriorating conditions.
Our acclimatization strategy reflects this same philosophy. We build flexibility into the itinerary, move methodically through the camps, and emphasize rest, recovery, and efficiency rather than speed. Supplemental oxygen is used strategically for sleeping at High Camp and during the summit push, supporting clarity and performance at extreme altitude.
The result is an expedition that feels deliberate, well-supported, and cohesive. This is the Alpine Ascents way on Cho Oyu: a professional, team-oriented approach that prioritizes preparation, smart decision-making, and respect for the mountain—while giving qualified climbers the best possible framework for a successful ascent.
