Cho Oyu, Mountain peak in Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal and Tibet.
Cho Oyu rises to 8,188 meters (26,864 feet), making it the sixth highest summit on the planet, located on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Its broad flanks spread across several glaciers and icefields accessible from both sides.
The first successful climb took place on October 19, 1954, when Austrians Herbert Tichy and Joseph Jöchler reached the top with Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama. Since then, the route has become one of the more frequented ascents in the Himalayas.
The name means Turquoise Goddess in Tibetan, reflecting how local communities view high peaks as sacred places. The mountain takes on different hues depending on the light, reinforcing its spiritual role in the landscape.
Expeditions usually start from the Tibetan side, where a base camp sits at around 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) and logistical support is available. The climbing route requires proper acclimatization and gear suited for high-altitude conditions.
The broad slopes require less technical climbing skill than other peaks above 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), making it a common preparation climb for higher summits. Many mountaineers use this ascent to gain experience at extreme altitude.
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