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Ama Dablam
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Mountain
Ama Dablam, rising to 6,812 meters, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic peaks in Nepal's Khumbu region. Its name translates to "Mother's Necklace": the long ridges on each side are seen as the protective arms of a mother (Ama), while the hanging glacier below the summit is the "Dablam," a traditional ornamental pendant worn by Sherpa women. Located south of Mount Everest, the mountain's pyramid-like profile dominates the skyline along the trekking route to Everest Base Camp. The first successful ascent was made on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward, and Wally Romanes via the Southwest Ridge. Despite being lower than the neighboring 8,000-meter peaks, Ama Dablam requires high technical skill, involving steep climbing on rock, ice, and snow. It is one of the most popular technical climbing objectives in the Himalayas, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas" due to its striking symmetry and prominence.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Malāṅphulāṅ · Ama Dablam · Ombigaichen
- Nearby: Lukla (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -12 | -11 | -8 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | -2 | -6 | -10 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 7 | 11 | 19 | 47 | 70 | 164 | 145 | 76 | 19 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The starting point for ascents is classically reached via a multi-day trek from the nearest major mountain airstrip all the way up to the base camp.
Best season
The weather windows either before or after the monsoon, notably in spring and autumn, generally provide the most stable conditions for high-alpine activities.
Terrain & paths
The routes feature extremely steep ice and rock faces, rendering outstanding technical climbing skills and extensive alpine experience absolutely indispensable.
What to bring
Highly professional expedition gear, complete with ice axes, crampons, and specialized insulating clothing for extreme sub-zero temperatures, is strictly required.
Parking
Since no roads reach these altitudes, parking is completely a non-issue; all material transportation is handled logistically via local porters or pack animals.
Safety
Beyond obvious fall hazards, the enormous altitude demands a highly disciplined acclimatization schedule to avert potentially fatal altitude-related illnesses.
Time needed
Summit expeditions are comprehensive projects that, including the approach trek, altitude acclimatization, and climbing phases, often take four to six weeks to complete.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 6,812 meters (22,349 feet) above sea level
- Location: Khumbu region of eastern Nepal
- First Ascent: March 13, 1961, via the Southwest Ridge
- Name meaning: "Mother's Necklace" in the Sherpa language
- Climbing style: Technical expedition involving rock and ice climbing
- Visual: Known for its soaring ridges and hanging glacier
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ama Dablam (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Ama Dablam difficult?
Technically demanding.
When is it best?
Autumn.
Equipment needed?
Complete climbing gear.
Dangers?
Rockfall and altitude.
View?
Wide-open onto Everest.
Ama Dablam: where is it located?
Ama Dablam is located in Nepal.
Ama Dablam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Malāṅphulāṅ, Ama Dablam, Ombigaichen.
Ama Dablam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Ama Dablam: why is it worth visiting?
Ama Dablam, rising to 6,812 meters, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic peaks in Nepal's Khumbu region.
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