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Ama Dablam
Altitude 6856m, Duration 30 days, Grade 5C (grades)
A beautiful and challenging mountain in the heart of the Himalaya.
Background
The stunning pyramid of Ama Dablam is regarded as one of the world’s most exquisite and sought after peaks, alongside the infamous Matterhorn and Khan Tengri. The ambitious and experienced mountaineer will find the South West Ridge an acceptable challenge. We take the standard route up Ama Dablam which offers steep snow, ice and rock climbing in exhilarating and exposed situations. Fixed lines will be used in our ascent, to aid speed and efficient movement on this impressive mountain.
Base Camp - Camp 1. This is quite a long walk and may take five to six hours on the first journey. This is likely to reduce considerably with improved acclimatisation. Unusually there is no glacier approach and you can walk in trainers along pleasant grassy ridges that curve around behind the SW ridge. As you gain height superb views open up to the whole of the Western Himalaya, most notably Cho Oyu (8201m), Numbur (6859m) and Taweche (6367m). Just before reaching camp 1 we cross a granite boulder field and scramble easily up some huge boiler plate granite slabs.
Camp 1 - Camp 2. Camp 1 is situated at the foot of the SW ridge and so you embark on the climb as soon as you leave camp and clip into the fixed ropes. Initially there is some quite easy traversing of rocky terraces and snowy ledges. Then there are some superb compact granite slabs to cross and these lead into equally enjoyable slabby buttresses to ascend. Just before Camp 2 is reached The Yellow Tower must be climbed/jumared and this provides the technical crux of the whole route. The climbing is extremely enjoyable but it is hard work at this altitude. Three to five hours.
Camp 2 - Camp 3. As soon as you leave Camp 2 you start gaining height. It’s hard work but the climbing is good and the ascent of The Grey Tower provides the next obstacle. Easy snow and ice then leads to the ‘Mushroom Ridge’, the corniced snow crest that links the mixed SW ridge below with the summit snow fields above. Your ‘composure with exposure’ will be tested here! However the ground is not technically difficult, Scottish II, and you will soon reach the narrow snow shelves that provide the site of Camp 2.9.
Camp 2.9 - Summit. The site of Camp 2.9 is quite cold, high and exposed and you are unlikely to have a great night’s sleep! As we are now essentially on the West Face the sun does not arrive until around 9.30am. We will probably set off from the high camp at around 7.30am and be aiming to reach the summit after about 3-4 hours of ascending the fixed ropes up the grade I summit snow fields. There is one short steep section over an icy bulge that provides a welcome contrast in climbing style! The summit of Ama Dablam is a truly outstanding viewpoint.
We have had excellent summit success on all previous expeditions and those wishing to join should be technically proficient and confident to Alpine AD, Scottish grade III and be able to second VS/5.7 on rock.
Early booking discount: Book before 14th March on the year of the expedition, and deduct £250.
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Dates and Cost
| Start date | End Date | Days | Price* | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th Oct 2012 | 18th Nov 2012 | 30 | £ 4495.00 | Places available Guaranteed to run | Book Now |
| 10th Nov 2012 | 9th Dec 2012 | 30 | £ 4495.00 | Places available | Book Now |
| 19th Oct 2013 | 17th Nov 2013 | 30 | £ 4595.00 | Places available | Book Now |
| 9th Nov 2013 | 8th Dec 2013 | 30 | £ 4595.00 | Places available | Book Now |
*Prices are inclusive of International flights where applicable
- A British expedition team leader. Small groups may use a local leader.
- Air travel (unless otherwise specified).
- Permits, charges, importation taxes and levies payable to the Local Authorities in connection with the expedition.
- Food, fuel and cooking equipment whilst on the mountain.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
- All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb.
- Medical safety equipment and supplies.
- Communication equipment (each member on a Grade 3B or above are normally provided with a radio whilst on the mountain and the team is often supported with a Satellite Telephone and e-mail facilities on extended expeditions at Base Camp).
- 90 - 120 litre kit bag for expedition members for UK based clients. A logoed top will be substituted for all clients residing outside of the UK
- 15% off the RRP on clothing and equipment purchases from Adventure Peaks shop
Outline Itinerary
| Day 1 - 2 | International flight to Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Final preparations |
| Day 4 | Fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding |
| Day 5 | Trek to Namche Bazaar |
| Day 6 | Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar |
| Day 7 | Trek to Pangboche |
| Day 8 | Acclimatisation trek to Pheriche |
| Day 9 | Trek to Base Camp |
| Day 10 - 25 | Ascent of Ama Dablam |
| Day 26 | Descend to Thyangboche |
| Day 27 | Descend to Monjo |
| Day 28 | Descend to Lukla |
| Day 29 | Fly to Kathmandu |
| Day 30 | Return international flight |
Adjustments/Extras
| +£550.00 | |
|
Plus 5 days - You can round off your trip with a five day wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park. This includes an unforgettable jeep safari, river canoe trip, a full day walking safari, elephant ride and a trip to the elephant stables. The price is inclusive of Park Permits and lodge accommodation with all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your day of departure. (Travel by vehicle from Kathmandu (Everest Treks) or Pokhara (Annapurna Treks) and return flight to Kathmandu). |
|
| +£145.00 | |
|
An early morning spectacular flight over Everest. The flight is from Kathmandu and lasts around one hour, taking you close to Everest and its surrounding peaks. Window seats are guaranteed. |
|
| £725.00 |
Deduct this much if flights booked separately |
