Venturing to make escapades with Mt. Cho Oyu

• HB Thapa

Venturing to make adventurous escapades with Cho Oyu the sixth highest mountain in the world, elevated at 8,201 meters above sea level will be a remarkable experience for nature and adventure lovers.

Cho Oyu is said to refer to “Goddess of Turquoise” as its shadows appear this color in the light of the setting sun when viewed from Tibet as it straddles between Tibet and Nepal.

Two routes are followed to climb this peak-one from the south of the Nepali side and another from the north-the west ridge referred to as the normal route.  Several crevasses and short ice cliffs render the climbing a semi-technical one.

Three to four  camps are set up on the mountain to reach atop the summit and most of the climbers attempt this peak from camp II. Acclimatization is done at camps 1, 2 and 3 before attempting the peak.

Cho Oyu offers moderately easy access and this peak has the highest attempt rates in the world.  The ascent to the peak is direct and short with a less technical climb by using the fixed lines.

You can also make a four-wheel-drive up and hike up to Camp I. The peak lies about 20km west of Mt Everest.

Therefore, preparing to attempt Cho Oyu is technically easier than attempting other 8000 meter high mountains in Nepal. The expedition starts and ends in Kathmandu.

Your trip to Cho Oyu base camp is possible by taking a flight to Lhasa or through the Rasuwagadhi border as well.

Best time to climb

The months of August, September, and October are the best months for the climb to Mt. Cho Oyu.