Mount Cho Oyu in Shigatse

Mount Cho Oyu, also known as the “Turquoise Goddess”, is a majestic peak located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Here are some fascinating details about this remarkable mountain:

  • Height: Cho Oyu stands at an impressive 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level, making it the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
  • Location: It is situated approximately 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest. Just a few kilometers west of Cho Oyu lies Nangpa La, a glaciated pass that serves as the main trading route between Tibetans and the Sherpas of the Khumbu region. This pass separates the Khumbu and Rolwaling Himalayas1.
  • Climbing Difficulty: Due to its proximity to Nangpa La and the generally moderate slopes of the standard northwest ridge route, Cho Oyu is considered the easiest 8,000-meter peak to climb. It is a popular objective for professionally guided expeditions.
  • First Ascent: Cho Oyu was first attempted in 1952 by an expedition led by Eric Shipton. The successful first ascent took place on October 19, 1954, achieved by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama. A notable winter ascent occurred on February 12, 1985, by Maciej Berbeka and Maciej Pawlikowski1.

Cho Oyu’s stunning beauty and accessible climbing routes attract mountaineers from around the world. Whether you’re an experienced climber or an adventure enthusiast, this “Turquoise Goddess” offers an unforgettable experience in the high Himalayas!

  1. Introduction:
    • Cho Oyu, also known as the “Turquoise Goddess”, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
    • It stands at an impressive 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level.
    • The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
  2. Features:
    • Height: Cho Oyu’s majestic peak offers breathtaking views from its lofty elevation.
    • Location: It lies approximately 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest.
    • Climbing Difficulty: Cho Oyu is considered the easiest 8,000-meter peak to climb due to its moderate slopes and accessible routes.
  3. History and Culture:
    • Cho Oyu has a rich mountaineering history. The first ascent took place on October 19, 1954, led by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama.
    • The mountain holds cultural significance, and its name, “Turquoise Goddess”, reflects its spiritual importance in Tibetan culture.
  4. Travel Tips:
    • Guided Expeditions: Many professionally guided expeditions attempt Cho Oyu.
    • Nangpa La: Just west of Cho Oyu lies Nangpa La, a glaciated pass serving as a trading route between Tibetans and Sherpas.
  5. Entrance Tickets and Location:
    • There are no specific entrance tickets for Cho Oyu, but permits are required for climbing.
    • The mountain is situated in the Mahalangur Himalaya, near the Khumbu sub-section.
    • It stands on the China–Nepal border.
  6. How to Get There:
    • To reach Cho Oyu, you can fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and then travel overland to Shigatse.
    • From Shigatse, continue towards the Tingri county, where Cho Oyu awaits your adventurous spirit.