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Cho Oyu Facts & Worksheets

Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, located on the border between China and Nepal. Its name translates to "Turquoise Goddess" in Tibetan.

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Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, located on the border between China and Nepal. Its name translates to “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan. Cho Oyu stands at an elevation of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) and is part of the Himalayas.

See the fact file below for more information on Cho Oyu, or you can download our 25-page Cho Oyu worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

  • The geological history of Cho Oyu is intertwined with the broader tectonic evolution of the Himalayan region. The formation of the Himalayas began around 50 million years ago as a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This ongoing collision continues to shape the region today.
  • Cho Oyu, like other Himalayan peaks, is primarily composed of rocks that were once part of the ancient Tethys Sea, an ocean that existed between the Indian and Eurasian plates before their collision. 
  • The oceanic crust of the Tethys Sea was subducted beneath the Eurasian plate, leading to the formation of large-scale mountain ranges.
  • The rocks that makeup Cho Oyu consist of various types, including sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. These rocks have undergone complex processes of folding, faulting, and metamorphism due to the immense pressure and heat generated during the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
  • The specific rock types found on Cho Oyu can vary depending on the location and geologic history. However, common rock types encountered in the Himalayas include granite, gneiss, schist, and sedimentary rocks such as limestone and sandstone.
  • Glacial activity has also played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Cho Oyu. As the Himalayas lifted, glaciers formed and eroded the mountain slopes, creating valleys, cirques, and other glacial landforms.
  • A fundamental factor is that the geological processes in the Himalayas are ongoing, with continuing tectonic activity and erosion continuing to shape the region. Earthquakes and landslides are common in this geologically active area.
  • Overall, the geological history of Cho Oyu reflects the complex and dynamic processes that have shaped the Himalayan mountain range over millions of years. The mountain is a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped our planet’s surface.

GEOGRAPHY

  • Cho Oyu is situated in the eastern section of the Himalayas, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Mount Everest. 
  • It lies in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal and the Tingri County of Tibet, China.
  • It is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level. It stands prominently among other notable peaks in the region.
  • Cho Oyu is part of the Mahalangur Himalayan range, a subrange of the Greater Himalayas. This range stretches across the border between Nepal and Tibet, encompassing some of the highest peaks on Earth.
  • Like many mountains in the Himalayas, Cho Oyu is covered by glaciers. The most prominent glacier is the Nangpa Glacier, which flows down the northwest face of the mountain.
  • The standard climbing route to the summit of Cho Oyu is via the northwest face from the Tibetan side. This route is typically less technically challenging than other 8,000-meter peaks, making it a popular choice for climbers. 
  • The Nepalese side also offers different routes, including the South Face and West Ridge.
  • Cho Oyu is surrounded by several notable peaks. To the east lies Mount Everest (8,848 meters/29,029 feet), while to the west is Gyachung Kang (7,952 meters/26,089 feet), the highest peak between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest.

CLIMBING HISTORY

  • The climbing history of Cho Oyu dates back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant milestones and notable expeditions in the climbing history of Cho Oyu:
  • First Attempts: The first documented attempts to climb Cho Oyu occurred in the early 1950s. In 1952, an expedition led by Eric Shipton reached an altitude of around 6,650 meters (21,818 feet) but did not make it to the summit. 
  • The following year, another British expedition led by Edmund Hillary (who later climbed Mount Everest) made an attempt but also fell short of reaching the summit.
  • First Ascent: The first successful ascent of Cho Oyu took place on October 19, 1954. An Austrian expedition led by Herbert Tichy, along with Sepp Jöchler and Pasang Dawa Lama reached the summit via the northwest face. This achievement marked the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak by a team without the help of supplemental oxygen.
  • Subsequent Ascents: After the first ascent, Cho Oyu gained popularity among mountaineers. Over the years, numerous successful ascents have been made via various routes on the mountain. Many climbers use Cho Oyu as a training peak or as part of their acclimatization process before attempting more challenging peaks like Mount Everest.
  • Solo Ascent: In 1983, the legendary Italian climber Reinhold Messner completed the first solo ascent of Cho Oyu. Messner is renowned for his numerous solo climbs and his contributions to mountaineering.
  • Women’s Achievements: Cho Oyu has witnessed several notable achievements by women climbers. In 1984, Lydia Bradey from New Zealand became the first woman to summit Cho Oyu. In 2007, Spanish mountaineer Edurne.
  • Pasaban completed her ascent of Cho Oyu, making her the first woman to climb all 14 eight-thousanders.
  • Speed Ascents: Cho Oyu has also seen speed records set. In 2004, Swiss climber Ueli Steck ascended and descended Cho Oyu in just under 12 hours, setting a speed record for the mountain. This feat demonstrated Steck’s remarkable mountaineering abilities.
  • Cho Oyu continues to attract climbers from around the world, and each year sees numerous expeditions attempting to reach its summit. 
  • While it is considered one of the more accessible 8,000-meter peaks, climbing Cho Oyu still presents significant challenges due to high altitude, harsh weather conditions, and technical sections on particular routes.

RISKS IN CLIMBING CHO OYU

  • Climbing Cho Oyu, like any high-altitude mountaineering endeavor, carries inherent risks and dangers. Here are some of the potential hazards and the history of deaths associated with climbing Cho Oyu:
  • Altitude-related Illnesses: The primary risk when climbing Cho Oyu is altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). 
  • These conditions can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Acclimatization and a slow ascent rate are crucial to mitigate the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
  • Avalanches and Falling Ice: The steep slopes of Cho Oyu are prone to avalanches and the release of falling ice, especially during the climbing season. Climbers need to assess and mitigate the risk of avalanches and falling ice by choosing safe routes and timing their ascent appropriately.
  • Extreme Weather: The weather conditions on Cho Oyu can be severe, with high winds, low temperatures, and sudden storms. 
  • Climbers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions and make informed decisions based on weather forecasts. Sudden changes in weather can increase the risks and make the climbing conditions more challenging.
  • Technical Difficulties: While Cho Oyu is considered less technically challenging than some other 8,000-meter peaks, there are still technical sections on certain routes that require climbing skills and experience. 
  • Inexperienced climbers or those lacking proper training and preparation may face difficulties and increased risks.
  • Fatigue and Exhaustion: Climbing at a high altitude is physically demanding and can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Prolonged physical exertion combined with the effects of high altitude can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
  • Unfortunately, climbing Cho Oyu has also resulted in a number of fatalities over the years. 
  • The specific number of deaths may vary from year to year, and it’s important to note that the risks can be reduced with proper planning, experienced guides, and adequate acclimatization. 
  • It’s essential for climbers to prioritize safety, make informed decisions, and be aware of the risks involved in high-altitude mountaineering.

Cho Oyu Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Cho Oyu across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Cho Oyu. Cho Oyu stands at an elevation of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) and is part of the Himalayas.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Cho Oyu Facts
  2. Cho Oyu Data
  3. Cho Oyu Achievers
  4. Be Prepared to Summit!
  5. Do’s and Don’ts
  6. Keeping it Tidy
  7. Other 8,000-Meter Peaks
  8. Dangers of Cho Oyu
  9. Promoting Cho Oyu
  10. Six Reasons to Climb
  11. The Sixth-Highest Peak

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cho Oyu located?

Cho Oyu is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) in the Himalayas. It lies approximately 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest.

What is the elevation of Cho Oyu?

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of about 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level.

Is Cho Oyu a technically challenging mountain to climb?

Among the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, Cho Oyu is considered one of the more accessible and less technically demanding mountains to climb. However, it is still a serious undertaking and requires climbers to be well-prepared and experienced in high-altitude mountaineering.

What is the best time to climb Cho Oyu?

The best time to climb Cho Oyu is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) climbing seasons. These periods offer the most stable weather and less risk of avalanches. The weather during these seasons tends to be more predictable and allows for better climbing conditions.

Are there different routes to climb Cho Oyu?

Yes, there are multiple routes to climb Cho Oyu, but the most commonly used and standard route is the Northwest Ridge. The route starts from the Tibetan side and follows a gradual slope with some technical sections. Experienced climbers typically choose this route due to its relative safety and straightforwardness. However, there are other routes, such as the West Ridge and the Northeast Face, which are more challenging and less frequented.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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