For another year, mountaineers hoping to complete the 14×8,000’ers have seen their plans for the Tibetan peaks spoiled. Despite some previous optimistic reports, the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) will keep Cho Oyu and Shisha Pangma closed to climbers this fall season.
Attention now turns to Everest, expected to open to foreign teams in spring 2027. But at what price and under what conditions?
No Tibet 8,000’ers
Dawa Sherpa of Climbalaya Treks and Expeditions, a Nepalese outfitter specializing in Tibet’s peaks, confirmed to ExplorersWeb that both Cho Oyu and Shisha Pangma will remain closed for the fall 2026 season. While there was little hope of climbing Shisha Pangma this year, several companies had offered expeditions to the Tibetan side of Cho Oyu. Those expeditions were supposed to start at the beginning of September.
Shisha Pangma lies entirely within Tibetan territory, and Cho Oyu is right on the border with Nepal. However, the route from Tibet, on the north side of the mountain, is safer and more straightforward. In contrast, Cho Oyu’s Nepalese side is technical and not suitable for commercial expeditions, despite several attempts by Nepalese companies to open that side of the mountain for their thriving market.
Political reasons
The reason for the closure is the same reason that the Chinese government kept Everest’s north side closed to foreign teams this past spring season: a controversial fireworks display. The display near Shigatse (near where both 8,000’ers are located) in September 2025 triggered a major backlash on social media because of environmental concerns. Chinese authorities investigated and seized the opportunity to “clean house.” According to The Tourism Times, “Chinese authorities have jailed several officials from the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association and the Tibetan Sports Bureau over corruption allegations tied to expedition permits.”
In the meantime, the Tibetan 8,000’ers remain closed to foreigners. The news was a blow for companies and climbers who had planned to climb Everest from the north side in Spring 2026, and now for those aiming to climb Cho Oyu and Shisha Pangma.
Alternatives and prices
The climbing permit fees for the Tibetan peaks are rather pricey. Cho Oyu and Shishapangma are $9,300 each, and $4,000 for Nepalese staff, Climbalaya confirmed. That’s triple the price of Nepal’s 8,000’ers.
The obvious alternative is to switch to mountains in Nepal, where autumn expeditions start next week. Manaslu (8,163m) is the most popular option, and the climbing permit fee is “just” $3,000 in the fall season. However, it will be crowded.
Those pursuing the 14×8,000’ers who need to tick Cho Oyu and/or Shisha Pangma off their list will have no choice but to hope for better news next year.
Everest next spring?
As for Everest, there is no sign that any expedition has obtained a special permit for this fall season, or any suggestion that the CTMA will open the mountain. Outfitters are confident the mountain will reopen by spring 2027, but nothing can be taken for granted with Tibet. Those planning for a spring ascent best have a Plan B in mind, just in case.
In addition, there are no details on the number of expeditions that the CTMA might allow on their side of the mountain, and whether the climbing fees will increase. Currently, the fees are $15,800 for foreign clients and $4,500 each for Nepalese staff, regardless of whether they are guides or Base Camp crew members.
Base Camp on the north side of Everest. Photo: Climbalaya
