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Stories: Cho Oyu

Mountain adventures create the best stories, and we want to share some of ours with you. Dive into Alpenglow Stories to stay up to date on expeditions in the field, read blogs, and get tips and tricks from guides.

A climber stands with his back facing to the camera with Cho Oyu, the sixth tallest mountain in the world, in the background.

The Practical Path: Cho Oyu Before Everest

For ambitious mountaineers eyeing the world’s tallest peaks, the decision to tackle Everest is a monumental one. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we require that our Everest team members have prior experience on at least one 8,000-meter peak before joining an Everest expedition, and we almost always recommend Cho Oyu as a stepping stone. Here’s why climbing Cho Oyu first makes practical sense.
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Prayer flags on a Cho Oyu Expedition with tents in the background during a guided expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

Setting the Stage for Everest: Cho Oyu, 1952

In the storied world of Himalayan mountaineering, the 1952 British Expedition on Cho Oyu stands as a testament to the grit, determination, and pioneering spirit of the climbers of that era. Led by renowned mountaineer Eric Shipton, the expedition aimed to reach the summit of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world, located on the Nepal-Tibet border.
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Five Expeditions Before Climbing Everest with Topo Mena

Now that Everest season is in full swing, this week we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena to talk about five expeditions that are perfect for building the experience necessary to climb the tallest mountain in the world.
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An overview of the Northwest Ridge on the Tibetan Side of Cho Oyu.

The Northwest Ridge on Cho Oyu

As the sixth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyu offers an array of climbing routes on the ‘easiest’ 8000er, each presenting distinct challenges and rewards. Among these, the Northwest Ridge route from Tibet stands out as the most straightforward and least hazardous route to the summit. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the route up Cho Oyu via the Northwest Ridge.
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Cho Oyu v. Manaslu

Deep in the Himalayas, Cho Oyu and Manaslu stand as two of the 14 tallest mountains in the world. As the sixth and eighth highest, respectively, these majestic peaks present formidable challenges to hopeful climbers. In this blog, we detail the unique characteristics, allure, and differences between Cho Oyu and Manaslu.
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Prayer flags on a Cho Oyu Expedition with tents in the background during a guided expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

A Brief History of Cho Oyu

The recorded history of Cho Oyu dates back to the early 20th century when British surveyors first began mapping the region. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the mountain truly captured the attention of the international climbing community.
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Adrian Ballinger climbing up Makalu during his ski descent of Makalu

Why Hire an IFMGA-Certified Guide for Climbing 8000-Meter Peaks?

In high altitude environments, having a skilled and experienced guide is not just beneficial: it’s crucial for ensuring safety and success. This is where the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) certification comes into play, providing assurance and expertise to stack every card in your favor while climbing at 8,000 meters.
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How to Climb Your First 8000er: Cho Oyu Rapid Ascent

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The ‘Easiest’ 8000er: Cho Oyu Rapid Ascent with Alpenglow Expeditions

Straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, Cho Oyu is often regarded as the “easiest” 8,000-meter peak. For those drawn to its high reaches, Alpenglow Expeditions offers a unique opportunity to attempt its summit through our Cho Oyu Rapid Ascent Expedition.
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Revolutionizing High-Altitude Mountaineering: Adrian Ballinger’s Lightning Ascents of Cho Oyu & Everest

This blog encapsulates the groundbreaking achievements and innovative approaches of Adrian Ballinger’s Lightning Ascents, highlighting the transformational impact of these expeditions on high-altitude mountaineering.
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