Sightseeing · Nepal
Cho Oyu
The sixth-highest peak at 8,188 metres, on the Tibet border west of Everest and the most accessible eight-thousander.
Cho Oyu, at 8,188 metres, is the world's sixth-highest mountain and one of the most approachable of the eight-thousanders. Its name means turquoise goddess in Tibetan, and it stands on the Nepal–Tibet frontier a short distance west of Everest.
Overview
Cho Oyu is one of the eight Nepali eight-thousanders, although its standard climbing route lies on the Tibetan side of the border. It rises near the Nangpa La, an ancient glaciated pass at over 5,700 metres that for centuries served as a trading route between the Sherpa homeland of the Khumbu and Tibet. The peak forms part of the high wall of mountains west of Everest and Lhotse and is the northern guardian of the Gokyo valley, with its chain of turquoise glacial lakes. Its broad bulk is less famous than Everest, but it is a coveted summit in the mountaineering world.
Height and location
At 8,188 metres (26,864 feet), Cho Oyu ranks sixth in the world. It sits at roughly 28.09° N, 86.66° E, straddling the Nepal–Tibet border about 20 kilometres west of Everest. The broad, dome-like summit is far less jagged than the sharp pyramids of its neighbours, which is one reason its standard route is comparatively straightforward. From the Nepali side the mountain rises beyond the head of the Gokyo valley, while the climbing approach is made from the high Tibetan plateau to the north.
First ascent and climbing
The first ascent came on 19 October 1954, when Herbert Tichy, Sepp Joechler and the Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of a small Austrian team reached the top in an unusually lightweight, alpine-style push without the large support of most early Himalayan expeditions. It was a landmark in mountaineering for its bold, economical approach. Cho Oyu is widely considered the most accessible of the fourteen eight-thousanders because its standard north-west route, climbed from Tibet, is relatively gentle and free of major objective hazards. This makes it a common choice for climbers attempting their first 8,000-metre peak, though it remains a serious high-altitude undertaking.
How to see it
From within Nepal, the best views of Cho Oyu come from the Gokyo valley in the Everest region. Trekkers crossing the high Renjo La pass or climbing the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri see its great snowy mass anchoring the border skyline above the lakes. Walkers extending the Everest Base Camp trek into the Gokyo lakes, or following the demanding Three Passes route, get the finest vantage points. For the higher peaks just to the east, see Everest and Lhotse.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 8,188 m (26,864 ft) |
| Rank | 6th highest in the world |
| Location | Nepal–Tibet border, west of Everest |
| First ascent | 19 October 1954, Austrian expedition |
| Meaning | Turquoise goddess |
| Best Nepal viewpoint | Gokyo valley and Renjo La |
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cho Oyu?+
Cho Oyu stands 8,188 metres (26,864 feet) high, making it the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
Where is Cho Oyu located?+
Cho Oyu sits on the Nepal–Tibet border roughly 20 kilometres west of Everest, near the Nangpa La pass, a historic trading route between the two regions.
Who first climbed Cho Oyu?+
An Austrian expedition made the first ascent on 19 October 1954, with Herbert Tichy, Sepp Joechler and the Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama reaching the top in lightweight style.
Why is Cho Oyu called the easiest eight-thousander?+
Its standard route from the Tibetan side has relatively gentle slopes and fewer technical hazards than other 8,000-metre peaks, so it is often chosen as a first attempt at extreme altitude. It remains a serious high-altitude climb all the same.
How can I see Cho Oyu?+
From Nepal, Cho Oyu can be glimpsed from the upper Gokyo valley and the Renjo La pass on the Everest region trails, where it forms part of the high border skyline.
