Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world, at 8,188 m, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, about 30 km west of Everest. Most climbers use the Tibet side. Trekkers see it from Gokyo and the Gokyo Ri viewpoint in Nepal.
Where it is
Cho Oyu stands in the Mahalangur Himal, west of Everest. It is separated from the Khumbu by the Nangpa La, a high pass that has long been a trade route between Sherpa villages and Tibet.
History
The first ascent was in 1954 by an Austrian expedition, which included the Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama.
Why climbers choose it
It is regarded as one of the more approachable 8,000 m peaks, because the standard route has fewer technical sections than most. It is still a serious high-altitude climb, with thin air, cold and a long summit day.
For trekkers
You do not need to climb it to enjoy it. From Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo valley, Cho Oyu fills the northern sky, and the Ngozumpa Glacier runs below it.
A word on the border
The peak is on an international border, and the Nangpa La crossing is closed to trekkers. Always follow your guide on routes close to it.
The name
The name is often translated as turquoise goddess. Tibetan and Sherpa names differ in different sources, so you may see other spellings and meanings.
Questions people ask first
Can I trek to Cho Oyu base camp from Nepal? Not as a standard trek. Can I see the peak without climbing? Yes, from Gokyo Ri. Is Cho Oyu easier than Everest? It is technically simpler in places, but the altitude is the same kind of challenge.
Plan it
