NEPAL TREKKING AND TRAVEL BLOG

MOUNTAIN OVERVIEW

PEAK NAME: AMA DABLAM
SERVICE: FULL BOARD (1:1 SHERPA)
DURATION: 25-30 DAYS
ROUTE: SW-RIDGE
GRADE: DIFFICULT
RANGE: KHUMBU HIMAL
BEST SEASON: SPRING/AUTUMN
MAX ELEVATION: 6810M / 23389FT
WALKING PER DAY: 5 – 6 HOURS
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL + LODGE + TENT
GROUP SIZE: 2-15 PAX

Everything you need to know before ascending Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam is widely recognized as one of the Everest region’s most stunning and exposed Himalayan peaks. One of the world’s most beautiful mountains, Ama Dablam, often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalaya,” is situated in the Himalayan range in eastern Nepal. Ama Dablam’s distinctive pyramid form serves as a defining characteristic. The name “Ama Dablam” comes from the fact that the hanging glacier on the mountain’s southwest face resembles the holy adornment box used by Sherpa women, which is called Dablam. The elevation of this summit above sea level is 6,812 meters. This mountain is striking for its beauty rather than its height. Mt. Ama Dablam is south of Mt. Everest in Nepal’s Khumbu area. The climb to the summit should offer some breathtaking views. Climbers have a strong desire to scale this peak. Ama Dablam presents a climbing challenge on its own, regardless of whether you want to approach it before or following a more extensive trip like Everest. Climbing Ama Dablam is regarded by many mountaineers and alpinists as a “must-do” experience.

The southwestern ridge is the starting point for the usual climb to Ama Dablam. When the climbers initially arrived at the summit in 1961, they used the same path. Climbers often establish three camps immediately below and to the right of the “Dablam,” or hanging glacier. The trip is easy till Camp 1, but from Camp 1 to Camp 2, the difficulty increases due to the tight margins of granite ridges. From Camp 2 to Camp 3, this endeavor gets much more difficult. There are some risks associated with glacier falls that must be avoided. Before considering Ama Dablam, one needs to acclimate to high altitude and practice in rock and ice climbing techniques. The Ama Dablam Expedition is for you if you have prior climbing expertise and would want to go in a group to the most remarkable peak in the world.

PREREQUISITES (2 or more 6000M + multi-pitch climbing abilities):

Signing up for this excursion requires and recommends having climbing experience at elevations of 6000, 7000, or 8000 meters. Cholatse, Aconcagua, Mt. Blanc (similar 4000M to 6000M peaks or higher), Lobuche East & Island Peak, Chulu West, Khumbu 3 Peak excursions, and multi-pitch climb (rock or ice) with rock climbing grades up to 5-9+/- to 5.10 a, b, c

HIGHLIGHTS

South-west Ridge route, Camps 1–2 (maybe Camp 2.9 or 3) strategy, Ama Dablam 6812M summit
Ten days in Ama Dablam Base Camp, 4570 meters above sea level, with a guide-to-climber ratio of 1:1 for the whole expedition
Trekking in the scenic Khumbu Valley

EXPERIENCES, DEGREE OF FITNESS, AND SKILL REQUIRED TO ASCEND AMA DABLAM

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCES AND BACKGROUND IS NECESSARY AND WHAT LEVEL OF CLIMBING EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED TO ASCEND AMA DABLAM?

Individuals must have a solid foundation in alpine-style climbing tactics and high-altitude mountaineering to successfully climb Ama Dablam. This involves being able to use fixed-line ropes and climbing equipment safely, as well as being skilled at scrambling, traversing, and negotiating steep rocky or ice terrain. Furthermore, it’s essential to adjust to and feel at ease in cold atmospheres. To properly prepare for this adventure, it is highly advised that participants have previous experience climbing peaks of 6000 meters or higher. Additionally, it should be stated that Ama Dablam poses a distinct set of difficulties and possible risks; for this reason, people must be well-prepared and confident in their capacity to manage the previously mentioned skills and conditions.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ASCEND AMA DABLAM?

Those who are considering climbing Ama Dablam should have a solid foundation in high-altitude climbing, especially having ascended many peaks between 4000 and 6000 meters that demand semi-technical to technical climbing methods. After their successful trips on peaks like Mount Everest or K2, many climbers decide to go up Ama Dablam for those looking for further difficulties. Many people who thrive on the challenges of alpine mountaineering visit Ama Dablam. Alpamayo, Mount Kenya, Denali, Mount Everest, Baruntse, and Manaslu are a few prominent examples of these peaks. These peaks often call for a high level of technical skill, especially when it comes to climbing, scrambling, traversing, and descending. One would be eligible to attempt the challenging ascent of Ama Dablam if they had prior expertise climbing similar peaks.

FITNESS LEVEL

Fitness level for the Ama Dablam mountain adventure is five. This denotes a remarkable degree of general fitness, which includes the capacity to tolerate and adapt to high-altitude conditions. It also calls for a great level of strength, mental toughness, and endurance, as well as the capacity to endure severe weather conditions for prolonged periods. Additionally, participants should be ready for the physical strain of lifting 8–12 kg of weights over several days. Due to the difficulty of this adventure, prior high-altitude climbing experience is strongly advised to psychologically and physically prepare for the demands of the terrain and altitude.

An expedition like Ama Dablam demands a great deal of commitment and work to prepare for its unique circumstances. In order to reach the necessary level of fitness, people should aim for high endurance and strength levels.

It is suggested that people be able to get on for five to six hours or run a half marathon to a marathon distance to give a broad idea of the degree of fitness needed. A decent standard for those who like hiking is being able to hike for at least six hours while carrying a weight of 25 to 30 kg. Additionally, one of the best markers of a person’s physical peak is their ability to finish a triathlon.

Additionally, a range of methods, like cross-fit sessions and kettlebell training, can be used to establish a healthy strength and muscular endurance training regimen. It is crucial to remember that in order to guarantee that this training is customized to each person’s unique requirements and objectives, it should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified trainer or coach.

SKILLS REQUIRED OR TO LEARN BEFORE THE EXPEDITION

• Guides in Nepal will advise you to keep it simple. So there are four basic things you must – must know.
• Figure 8 knot and how to tie a stopper knot at the end of the rope.
• Ascending/jumaring on fixed-line and abseiling with super 8 belay device or ATC descender in multi-pitch sections. You will have to be very very careful and well-rehearsed on abseiling since there is no room for errors when descending. You only get that one chance when coming down so you will have to be super careful. And for safety backup have a ‘prusik knot’ tied on the main rope.
• climbing, scrambling, and moving across ice, rock, and snow for extended periods while wearing crampons.
• Rock or ice multi-pitch climb with a rock climbing rating of 5-9+/- to 5.10 a, b, and c. either indoors or out.
• Executing snow arrest and securely regaining ascending if climbers slip and fall.
• WI-3 to WI-4 ice climbing (necessary for the Ama Dablam trek in the spring)

A firm foundation of prior high-altitude climbing experience and a thorough awareness of various climbing tactics are prerequisites for taking part in an Ama Dablam expedition. Your chances of success can also be significantly increased by possessing other crucial abilities including rock climbing, ice climbing, and rope methods. A more advanced level of indoor and outdoor rock climbing might help you keep up your abilities and fitness levels if there are no mountains in your region for you to climb.

Even if the majority of commercial expeditions handle the logistics, it is still crucial to be organized and have a solid grasp of the climb’s technical requirements. Summit attempts on Ama Dablam are now easier than ever before because of the skill and knowledge of the Sherpa guide leaders in Nepal. This summit may be an excellent training ground for higher and more difficult peaks, and several of our Nepalese guides even call it their favorite climb.

It is crucial to remember that every team member, from field guides to operational management, must be competent for an expedition to succeed. To be completely ready for the demands of the trip, it is essential to dedicate yourself to a physical training program after you have signed up and have the requisite knowledge and expertise.

WHEN SHOULD I OPT FOR CLIMBING AMA DABLAM (SPRING OR AUTUMN)?

The ideal time to climb Ama Dablam in Nepal may be a concern for anybody planning an expedition to reach the summit. Fortunately, climbing Ama Dablam is possible in both spring and fall. To help you select the season that best suits your tastes and style, we will describe the circumstances you may anticipate for each one in this post.

WHAT MAKES AN AUTUMN CLIMB DIFFERENT FROM A SPRING CLIMB?

• In comparison to the fall season, there are 70% fewer climbers out in the spring.
• The effect of the spring season is more snow or ice on the mountain.
• There is more daylight in the spring than there is in the fall.
• There will likely be more snow showers and cooler days for climbing in the spring.
• The weather is more consistent in the fall than it is in the spring.
• In the fall, Camp 3 is more vulnerable to avalanches.

There is significantly more snowfall in the spring (mid-March to end-May) than in the fall. Ama Dablam’s springtime is a real test of endurance and adventure. It’s the ideal chance for thrill-seekers to put their skills to the test because there are fewer people there and the extra difficulty of brand-new, thick snow. Staking a claim on the infamous Yellow Tower is a unique and sought-after opportunity, and it’s an experience not to be missed to take on the mountain’s exposed and steep parts with little traffic. Your patience is put to the test in the spring, particularly when things don’t go as planned and teams may have to make a lot of adjustments. Because of this, there are fewer climbers on other summits in the spring than in the fall (except from Everest and Lhotse). Nonetheless, spring is one of the greatest seasons for climbing in Nepal when it does provide bright skies.

WHAT IS INCLUDED AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CLIMB AMA DABLAM?

Our staff offers first-rate, comprehensive services, such as one-on-one climbing assistance, local guides who impart their cultural and traditional knowledge, a focus on safety, effective summit planning, and first-rate base camp assistance. To ensure that climbers have the best possible climbing experience, our staff is committed to operating as a sustainable, moral, and responsible mountain adventure company. It would cost USD 5500 to USD 6500 depending on the itinerary and services.

SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Experienced, Trained, Government Licensed, and Climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa)( 1 client:1 climbing sherpa)
• All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurance for all involved staff in the expedition.
• Experience and professional expert Nepalese expedition crews; 1 Base Camp guide, 1 Cook, necessary Kitchen boys, Each person 1 Tent for sleeping, Dining Tent, Tables, Chairs, Mattress, Toilet Tent, Mess Tent, Shower Tent, Kitchen tent staff and Liaison officer tent and Kitchen utensil as well as provide hot hygienic continental 3 hot meals
• B/L/D at base camp & food at camp1 & camp 2.
• Equipment allowance, daily allowance for Liaison officer, his 3 meals, and air ticket.
• All land transportation by private vehicle, (Airport /Hotel/Airport, trekking, expedition pick up & drop).
• Welcome dinner with Nepali culture programs.
• Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast basis at 3 Star Hotel.
• Permit fee of Ama Dablam 6812m. Expedition, trekking permit, and National Park fees.
• Airfare: Kathmandu/Lukla/ Kathmandu flight, domestic airport tax with Cargo fees.
• Satellite Phone (Thuraiya – Pay call service till BC per minute US $ 5 & Euro 4).
• Medical Kit Box for Nepalese crew and simple medical service for members till BC.
• Agency Service Charge and taxes etc.

CHOOSING THE MOST SUITABLE ACCLIMATIZATION FOR CLIMBING MT AMA ADLAM?

For any high-altitude climbing adventure to be successful, proper acclimatization is essential. As part of our acclimatization approach, our crew will rotate between Camps 1 and 2, according to the maxim “climb high, sleep low.” We have meticulously planned the route based on our years of expertise to provide your excursion with the best possibility of success.

OUTLINE ITINERARY:

DAY O1: Fly from Kathmandu – Lukla, and trek to Phakding (2,800m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O3: Acclimatization at Namche Bazar (Rest Day): Hike to Everest View Hotel (Optional) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O4: Trek from Namche Bazar to Dibuche (3,760m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O5: Trek from Dibuche to Pangboche (3,985m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O6: Trek from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base camp (4,450m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY O7: Basecamp Preparation; Rest Day B/L/D Tent
DAY 08 – 18: Rotation: [Basecamp – Rotation (Camp I and Camp II) – Basecamp] Full Board Tent
DAY 19-23: Summit Push: [Basecamp – Ama Dablam Summit (6,812m) – Basecamp] Full Board Tent
DAY 24: Trek from Base Camp to Namche Bazar (3440m) B/L/D Lodge
DAY 25: Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla B/L/D Lodge
DAY 26: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu & transfer to the Hotel B/L Hotel

HELICOPTER EVACUATION AND INSURANCE FOR AMA ADLAM EXPEDITION

Regardless of your level of preparation, you can never predict when or how anything will go wrong. You may become ill unexpectedly or not, but a mishap may cause you to get altitude sickness or experience other unimaginable symptoms. Therefore, having insurance coverage is usually a smart idea for these reasons.

Since helicopter evacuation is the only mode of transportation available in the Everest zone, it is our only option and we do advise that you have one covered by your insurance. Our experts will evaluate your condition and determine whether it is a serious problem. If not, they will encourage and push you through your journey by drawing on their experience. However, helicopter evacuation will be used in the event of an emergency.

When requesting an emergency evacuation, there is a protocol that must be followed. Before helicopters are dispatched to the distress call site, we shall contact the insurance company’s hotline and obtain your insurer’s clearance. You can get your money returned once you return home, but you will have to pay for the evacuation in Nepal out of pocket. Be sure to get receipts for helicopter evacuations and a letter of consent from a trained physician. This proof will be requested by the insurance company to support your claim.

CONCLUSION:

You can’t help but feel both anxious and excited as you stand at the foot of Ama Dablam, the ice peak rising above you. With its high elevations and challenging, steep climbs, this mountain is one that requires respect.

There is no doubt that this will be an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you decide to endure the icy spring weather or the clear, steady autumnal circumstances. In the spring, when there are fewer climbers on the mountain, you might even be able to get a little privacy atop the famous Yellow Tower.

There will be many obstacles in your path as you climb the mountain. Ama Dablam will put every ounce of your ability and resolve to the test with its exposed traverses and vertical ice walls. But you’ll know the prize was worthwhile when you stand triumphantly atop the mountain.

What’re you waiting for, then? Prepare yourself and come along on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the summit of Ama Dablam. Even though it could be difficult, the memories you create will last a lifetime.