Cho Oyu rises to 8,188 metres on the China-Nepal border, making it the sixth highest mountain in the world. It is also known as the Turquoise Goddess. In Nepal it lies in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu District, within Sagarmatha National Park, the protected area that surrounds Everest.
What kind of visit it makes
For most visitors, Cho Oyu is seen rather than climbed. Its summit is one of the more accessible of the 8,000-metre peaks, which draws mountaineers to the region, but reaching the top is a serious expedition undertaken by experienced climbers. Travellers who come to the area more often watch the peak from the trails and villages of the Khumbu, where its white flanks stand out against the surrounding ranges.
What the area offers around it
- Trekking routes through Sagarmatha National Park, with high mountain scenery throughout
- Sherpa villages of the Khumbu, where local culture and daily life are part of the visit
- Views of other high peaks in the same range, including Everest
Because the park is remote and the terrain demanding, plan ahead, check conditions before setting out, and consider a local guide. For enquiries, the listed contact number is +977-1-4700818.