Stories: International
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.
Cho Oyu or Manaslu For Your First 8000er?: Why Cho Oyu is the Safer Bet
When considering safety margins on the largest high-altitude climbs in the world, many climbers look towards Cho Oyu and Manaslu as two relatively “safe” 8000-meter peaks. However, Alpenglow Expeditions chooses only to guide Cho Oyu, because we view it as an objectively much safer option compared to Manaslu. Here’s why:
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Is Ama Dablam Your Next Step?
In the heart of the Everest region of Nepal is Ama Dablam, one of the Khumbu’s most iconic peaks. Its name translates to “Mother’s Necklace,” named after the large hanging serac adjacent to the Southwest Ridge. But beyond its aesthetic allure, to climb Ama Dablam is a challenging undertaking. For those who are looking for a more technical challenge and an all-encompassing Himalayan experience, it presents an enticing question: Is Ama Dablam the next step for you?
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How Technical is Cho Oyu?
Climbing Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world at 26,906′/8,201m, presents a unique blend of adventure and technical skill, making it a perfect first 8000m peak experience. Aspiring mountaineers often wonder about the difficulty level and technical requirements of Cho Oyu. Let’s delve into the intricacies of tackling Cho Oyu’s formidable terrain.
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The Practical Path: Climb 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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Learn Foundational Skills in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
Situated amidst the rugged grandeur of the Peruvian Andes, the Cordillera Blanca is affectionately referred to in the climbing community as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. With a rich history dating back decades, the Blanca has been a focal point for climbers seeking to test themselves and grow as much as it has been a training ground for burgeoning mountaineers.
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Climbing Ama Dablam: Alpenglow’s Old Reliable
As one of the most distinct and recognizable peaks of the Khumbu region, Ama Dablam has time and again proved to be our favorite and most consistent climb in Nepal. At Alpenglow Expeditions, our Ama Dablam Rapid Ascent expedition is where every piece of our mission and vision comes together: consistency, efficiency, and unparalleled adventure.
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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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Age Is Just A Number: Training for Everest Base Camp at 68
In February 2023, Robert Kyte of Alpenglow asked his dad, who turned 68 in 2023, to trek to Everest Base Camp in March 2024. With the help of Lynette Talbott of Billy Goat Swift, Alpenglow’s in-house expedition trainer, and many months of hard work and dedication, John Kyte trekked to Everest Base Camp in March 2024.
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Route Overview: Climbing Peak Lenin
Peak Lenin, standing at 23,406’/7,134m, offers climbers the chance to test their skills on a truly big mountain landscape in a unique and remote range of the world. Along the climbing route, strategically positioned camps offer essential rest and acclimatization points for those venturing to the summit.
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“Give Yourself the Time”: Graduating from Trekking to Climbing with Topo Mena
While ‘walking’ may sound trivial, a number of big mountains involve a lot of walking, albeit in extreme places. To talk about the journey, we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena about graduating from trekking to climbing. For beginners, he had this advice to offer: “At first, it’s important to give yourself the time to walk in the mountains and appreciate the land and the opportunity to just be there.”
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