In a landmark achievement, Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), one of the most formidable peaks in the world, has been successfully summited from the Nepalese side for the first time. This remarkable ascent, accomplished by a team of six Sherpas and one foreign climber, signifies a monumental milestone in the history of Nepalese mountaineering. According to the Department of Tourism, this unprecedented feat heralds new possibilities for climbing Cho Oyu from Nepal.
Last Friday, a team comprising six Sherpas and French national Alasdair MacKenzie triumphantly reached the summit. Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks Private Limited, reported that this historic climb followed a newly established route from the Nepal side (SSW Ridge, SST Nepal Route). Previous attempts to conquer Cho Oyu from Nepal had failed.
This arduous ascent is anticipated to significantly enhance Nepal’s adventure tourism profile. Traditionally, climbers have accessed Cho Oyu solely from the Chinese side. The successful expedition team included French climber Alasdair MacKenzie and Nepali climbers Gelje Sherpa, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Tenzing Gyalsen Sherpa, Lakpa Temba Sherpa, Lakpa Tenji Sherpa, and Nigma Ongda Sherpa.
Upon their return to Kathmandu, the climbers were celebrated at a grand ceremony held at the airport and by the Nepal Tourism Board. The event was jointly organized by the Tourism Board, the Department of Tourism, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Rudra Prasad Pandit, Director General of the Department of Tourism, praised the team’s achievement, stating that their success sends a powerful message to the world about Nepal’s mountaineering capabilities.
Ram Prasad Sapkota, Vice Chairman of the Tourism Board, expressed his elation over the successful ascent, emphasizing that climbers can now embark on Cho Oyu expeditions from Nepal. Thakur Raj Pandey, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, also expressed confidence that this accomplishment would significantly boost the global profile of Nepal’s tourism sector.
