Mount Shishapangma in Shigatse
Mt. Shishapangma is world’s 14th highest mountain at 8,207 meters. It is located in south-central Tibet, only 5km from the border with Nepal. Mountain Shishapangma has less dramatic vertical relief than most of the Himalaya peaks because it is on the dry side of the Himalayan crest. It is considered to be the most approachable 8,000m peaks for mountaineers because of its direct route and relatively short approach to Base Camp. This mountain was firstly conquered by Hsu Ching and his ten-man Chinese climbing team in 1964. Till 1983, Mt. Shishapangma was fully opened to foreign climbers that a U.S. ascent climbed the mountain’s Northeast Face.
- Introduction:
- Cho Oyu, also known as the “Turquoise Goddess”, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
- It stands at an impressive 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level.
- The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
- Features:
- Height: Cho Oyu’s majestic peak offers breathtaking views from its lofty elevation.
- Location: It lies approximately 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest.
- Climbing Difficulty: Cho Oyu is considered the easiest 8,000-meter peak to climb due to its moderate slopes and accessible routes.
- History and Culture:
- Cho Oyu has a rich mountaineering history. The first ascent took place on October 19, 1954, led by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama.
- The mountain holds cultural significance, and its name, “Turquoise Goddess”, reflects its spiritual importance in Tibetan culture.
- Travel Tips:
- Guided Expeditions: Many professionally guided expeditions attempt Cho Oyu.
- Nangpa La: Just west of Cho Oyu lies Nangpa La, a glaciated pass serving as a trading route between Tibetans and Sherpas.
- Entrance Tickets and Location:
- There are no specific entrance tickets for Cho Oyu, but permits are required for climbing.
- The mountain is situated in the Mahalangur Himalaya, near the Khumbu sub-section.
- It stands on the China–Nepal border.
- How to Get There:
- To reach Cho Oyu, you can fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and then travel overland to Shigatse.
- From Shigatse, continue towards the Tingri county, where Cho Oyu awaits your adventurous spirit.
