Cho Oyu
Turquoise Goddess • 8,188m
Overview & Geography
The sixth-highest mountain in the world at 8,188m, Cho Oyu is renowned for its sweeping western glaciated slopes and is the most climbed 8,000-meter peak after Everest.
Cho Oyu ('Turquoise Goddess' in Tibetan) stands 20km west of Mount Everest along the Nepal-Tibet border. Just west of Cho Oyu lies the historic Nangpa La (5,716m), a glaciated pass used for centuries by Tibetan traders driving yak caravans into the Khumbu. Its Northwest Face offers a moderate non-technical gradient compared to other 8,000ers, making it the premier entry point for mountaineers aiming to break into extreme high altitude.
Ascent History & Heritage
First summitted in autumn 1954 by an Austrian team, Cho Oyu made history as the first 8,000er climbed by a small, lightweight post-monsoon expedition.
Expedition Highlights
Sixth highest peak on Earth with the highest historical summit success rate of any 8,000er
Nangpa La pass - Historic glaciated trade link between Nepal and Tibet
Gokyo Lakes trek - Provides breathtaking views of Cho Oyu across turquoise glacial waters
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) - Superb viewpoint overlooking Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier
Standard Route
Northwest Face / Ridge
Expansive snow plateaus, sweeping high-altitude panoramas across Tibet and Nepal, and stable glacial routes.
Climber Advisories & Tips
- •While technically less demanding, the 8,188m elevation still places climbers deep in the Death Zone; oxygen strategy is critical.
- •The Gokyo valley trek to Cho Oyu Base Camp is one of the best non-technical treks in all of Nepal.