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Stories: Rapid Ascent

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.

Episode 22 with Dr. Monica Piris: Mount Everest’s Best Known Doctor

Monica Piris is an expedition doctor who has been working in the Himalaya since before Adrian started climbing there, by one expedition! Together, Monica and Adrian have completed dozens of expeditions, and Monica has established herself as one of the best known high altitude doctor’s on the planet.
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Climbing Aconcagua the Smart Way

Learn how pre-acclimatization, expert guides, and smart logistics makes South America’s highest peak more accessible—without cutting corners.
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Transitioning to 8,000 Meters on Cho Oyu

For climbers who have cut their teeth on peaks like Cotopaxi, Aconcagua, or Peak Lenin, the idea of stepping up to an 8,000-meter giant like Cho Oyu is both exciting and daunting. It’s the next logical step—but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one. The jump from 6,000 or 7,000 meters to 8,000 meters isn’t just about altitude; it’s about a shift in mindset, preparation, and strategy.
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Comparing Acclimatization Approaches in the Andes, Himalaya, and Pamirs: How Alpenglow Expeditions Tailors Its Programs for Success

When it comes to climbing high-altitude peaks around the world, how you acclimatize can make or break an expedition. The Andes, Himalaya, and Pamir ranges each present unique challenges based on altitude, terrain, and logistics — and acclimatizing properly to these environments requires an approach that fits the mountain, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
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the sun sets on the summit of Cho Oyu

Reaching New Heights: How You Can Climb Cho Oyu with the Right Preparation

On Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak, climbers must battle frigid temperatures, unpredictable weather, and the physiological effects of high-altitude living. Success in this environment requires not just physical preparedness but also mental resilience, specialized gear, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
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Climbing Peak Lenin: Navigating the Challenges of the Pamirs with Alpenglow’s Rapid Ascent™

The Pamir Mountains—often called the “Roof of the World”—are one of the most remote and extreme mountain ranges on the planet. Their unpredictable weather, high altitude, and isolation make them a serious test for any climber. Our Peak Lenin Rapid Ascent™ is designed to overcome these challenges, using a combination of pre-acclimatization, expert logistics, and a highly efficient approach to maximize safety and success.
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Love in the Mountains: The Connections We Find at Altitude

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic candlelit dinners or bouquets of roses. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we’ve seen firsthand how the mountains have a unique way of connecting people—romantically, platonically, and everything in between. There’s something about stepping into the high alpine, with thin air and endless horizons, that brings people together in ways everyday life rarely does.
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Prepare for 8,000m with Alpenglow Expeditions' Peak Lenin Expedition. This climb serves as the perfect 7,000m preparation, an essential milestone for reaching higher altitudes. Experience multiple camps, glacial climbing, and an acclimatization rotation, all while enjoying exhilarating climbing at high altitude. As you ascend Peak Lenin, a majestic peak towering above the valley, you'll not only soak in stunning vistas but also acquire the expertise to advance towards 8,000m peaks. Embark on a transformative journey to elevate your climbing career.

Why Peak Lenin is the Perfect 7,000-Meter Peak for Aspiring High-Altitude Climbers

Climb Peak Lenin for the perfect introduction to 7,000-meter peaks. Peak Lenin is an ideal training ground for climbers aiming for 8,000-meter summits.
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A climber stands on a mountain path with Cho Oyu in the background.

Explorers Web: Rope Fixers Summit Cho Oyu

Rope-fixing teams have successfully reached the summit of Cho Oyu, opening the route for upcoming climbers. This achievement marks a key milestone for expeditions on the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
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Podcast Series: 7 Summits Episode 10–Everest with Adrian Ballinger & Mike Hamill Interview

Discover key facts about Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 29,031 feet. Learn about its growth due to tectonic activity, extreme jetstream winds, and the evolving history of summits and fatalities through January 2024.
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