Additional Information

Ama Dablam (6,812 m) is the most popular and perhaps the most beautiful mountain in Nepal. It rises impressively a few miles due south of Mt. Everest and Lhotse and overlooks the famed Tengboche monastery, which stands sentinel over the Khumbu region. It is a steep pyramid of ice with vertical walls and sharp, exposed ridges. It is often compared to the Matterhorn, in the Alps and it is about 3,000 m taller. Because of its stunning beauty, Amadablam leaves an indelible impression on the mind of any travellers who trek to Everest Base Camp. The name Amadablam refers to an amulet box (dablam) worn by a mother (ama) in the Sherpa/Tibetan language. The ascent route of this mountain traverses the classic Southwest Ridge route, which is now the established normal route used by most expedition groups. To begin the climb, we first fly to Lukla for a pre-climb acclimatization trek before arriving at the Amadablam Base Camp.

The Base Camp is located on a grassy field at an altitude of 4,500m. This place is traditionally used as a pasture for grazing yaks by the yak herders of Khumjung village. The Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is located higher up at 5,200 m. Two higher camps above the ABC have to be set up before we make our final push to the summit. From camp I (5,815 m) onwards, precaution is required to overcome some exposed rock sections including 'Yellow Tower' to reach camp II at about 6,000 m. This is a very small camp located on a very exposed section of a ridge, and is barely sufficient enough to accommodate 2-3 tents. The climb from camp II to camp III (6400 m) involves expert alpine rock climbing skill as we encounter ice gullies, corniced ridge and an ice wall. After camp III, a perfect 50 degree snow and ice slope leads to the summit of Amadablam. The climb requires members to be competent in alpine ice-climbing technique and have experience climbing on mixed terrain carrying a pack.