Mount Ama Dablam.

Ama Dablam is a beautiful mountain peak located in the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal. It stands at an elevation of 6,812 meters and is known for its stunning views of other nearby mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, and Kangtega. Trekking to the base camp of Ama Dablam allows you to learn about Sherpa culture and experience the unique lifestyle of the Himalayan region. The trek is relatively short but offers a memorable experience of remote valleys and impressive mountain views. Ama Dablam is also referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” due to its distinctive ridges and steep faces, and its name translates to “Mother’s necklace” in reference to its appearance and the hanging glacier that resembles a traditional double-pendent necklace worn by Sherpa women. The trek to Ama Dablam follows the same route as the trek to Everest base camp but branches off at Pangboche for a one-day journey to the base camp of Ama Dablam.

Ascent and Accidents in Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam was first successfully climbed via the Southwest Ridge on March 13, 1961. It is one of the most popular Himalayan peaks for expeditions, and the Southwest Ridge is the most popular route to the summit. Climbers typically set up three camps along the route, with the third camp located below and to the right of the hanging glacier. While ascending Ama Dablam, there have been several accidents that have resulted in casualties and serious damage in the past. In November 2006, a large serac collapsed and destroyed several tents at camp three, killing six climbers (three Sherpas and three Europeans). In November 2017, a Russian climber died while attempting to jump from a mountain in a wingsuit.

Interesting facts about Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam consists of two peaks: the main peak at 3,812 meters and a lower western peak at 6,170 meters. -The image of the Ama Dablam peak appears on the label of Aqua Minerale bottled tap water in Russia, produced by PepsiCo. It is also included in the image of the trademark. -Bear Grylls, a famous British adventurer and television presenter, is the youngest Briton to have climbed Ama Dablam, at the age of 23. -Nick Harper, an English singer-songwriter and guitarist, included a song called “Ama Dablam” on his 2010 album The Last Guitar. -Apple also included an image of Ama Dablam in a set of new wallpapers that were released with the mobile operating system iOS 7 on September 18, 2013.

Information on Ama Dablam Trek

Permits

While trekking in Nepal, it is necessary to obtain a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit, which costs USD 20 per person. The TIMS permit can be obtained within 30 minutes at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, located about 2 kilometers from Thamel. No online registration is required, and you just need to fill out a form and provide two passport-sized photos. You will also need to obtain a Sagarmatha National Park permit, as some of the trek takes place within the park. The park permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park’s entry point in Monjo. It costs USD 30 plus a 13% tax. No photos are required for the park permit.

Altitude sickness and acclimatization

Even though the base camp of Ama Dablam is only at an elevation of 4,600 meters, it is important to acclimatize in lower regions to prevent altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar is a popular place for trekkers to acclimatize. Altitude sickness becomes more likely at elevations above 3,000 meters, so it is important to be cautious while ascending to high elevations. To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and avoid rushing during the trek.

Best time for trek

The best time to trek to the base camp of Ama Dablam is typically from April to May and September to October. Winter and monsoon seasons are not ideal for trekking, as the weather can be more dangerous in winter and the trails can be slippery and wet due to constant rain during the monsoon season. In addition, there may be fewer opportunities to see the mountain views due to the weather conditions and the presence of leeches.

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

To begin the trek, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,827 meters), where you will have the opportunity to see stunning views of mountains and hills with lush green forests. From there, you will hike along the Dudh Koshi valley towards Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), a popular Sherpa settlement known for its rich culture and tradition as well as its offerings of trekking and mountaineering gear and beautiful artifacts. After spending a day in Namche for acclimatization and exploration, you will continue on to Tengboche (3,867 meters), home to the largest and holiest monastery in Khumbu, Tengboche Monastery. From there, you will have breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Tawache, Amadablam, Kangtega, and Lhotse. From Tengboche, you will hike to Pangboche. From Pangboche, the route to the base camp branches off to the east from the main trail. You will finally arrive at the Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 meters), where you can rest and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the glacier. After exploring the base camp, you will descend towards the river and, after crossing it and completing a short climb, reach Pangboche once again. Descending further from Pangboche, you will walk through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and pine trees, as well as a waterfall, and eventually arrive back in Namche Bazaar. From there, you will cross the Dudh Koshi river on a suspension bridge and pass through several settlements before reaching Lukla. Finally, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla.