Ama Dablam, aka Mother's Necklace, is a marvelous mountain resembling a mother's arms protecting her child.
The peak is sometimes called the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas" for its soaring ridges and steep faces. Furthermore, you can glimpse the picture of the mountain on one rupee Nepalese banknote.
Ama Dablam is the region's 2nd most popular Himalayan peak for permitted trekking after Sagarmatha. It is one of the finest mountains to climb. Many mountaineers and tourists are fascinated by its spectacular beauty.
Sherpa people and Tibetans live near the peak, and they came up with the lovely name. Ama means mother in Nepali, and Dablam is a sacred traditional double pendant/necklace with pictures of the gods worn by Sherpa women.
1. Location and Physical Features of Ama Dablam
The Mountain stands 6,812 m tall in the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal's Province No.1 Solukhumbu District.
It is 12 miles (20 km) away from Mount Everest. It also dominates the eastern sky while climbers are trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp for several days.
The peak was formed 70 million years ago due to the collision between Indo-Australian and Eurasian Plates, per a few sources on the internet. It also has a lower western peak at 6,170m, the Matterhorn of the Himalayas.
Although trekking Ama Dablam is easier than summiting Everest, the trekkers should consider the weather. If you embark on your journey in winter, you will experience cold blasts and severe wind. Thus, autumn (September to November) and April to May (before the monsoon) are more suitable for the trek since it's a mild weather season.
2. Trekking Route and Climbing Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam is reckoned as the most desired peak in the mountaineering community. It takes 25 to 30 days to climb the adventurously difficult mountain, starting at 1,400m and reaching 6,856m.
The trek begins from Lukla at 2,860m. The trekkers continue their journey to Namche at 3,440m to Dingboche (4,410m) and Pheriche(4,371m) to reach Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,800m. From there, the trekkers have to climb a few camps; Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III, to reach the peak's summit.
Although it is an easier and shorter journey, it requires experience, patience, and dedication to reach the top. Proper acclimatization and rest are a must to keep yourself moving.
The climbers must go through a 7 to 8 days long trek from Lukla, demanding around 6 to 8 hours of walking daily. The steep and iced track will make the journey difficult. In addition, the high altitude and extreme weather make it more troublesome. Thus, the climbers must remain calm.
Trekkers must be aware of the falls and avalanches as many people have lost their lives to such disasters. They must pack warm clothes, gloves, thermos bottles, sunscreen, and lip balms. Besides that, climbers also require a permit and a liaison officer.
3. Cultural Significance of Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam trek will take you deep into Sherpaland and give you a glimpse of Sherpa culture and lifestyle. Most of the trekking guides there are also Sherpas.
On your way to the mountain's peak, you will go through the trails of the Khumjung and Khunde villages. The Sherpa monastery of Khumjung and the Edmund Hillary School (supported by the Himalayan Trust of New Zealand) lie there.
The trekkers will also hike through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazar. They can also visit the visitor center of Sagarmatha National Park in Namche to witness the local flora and fauna.
Ama Dablam is also rich in monasteries. You can stop at the Buddhist monastery of Thyangboche while climbing to witness the impressive Khumbu Mountains. You will also reach the Pangboche monastery and other local monasteries. Thus, it holds a religious significance to Buddhists.
4. Safety Measures and Regulations for Climbing Ama Dablam
Climbing Ama Dablam is as challenging and risky as any other peak in the Himalayas. One must be physically and mentally fit to summit this mountain.
Packing high-quality gear, trekking boots, and clothes will ensure your safety. Layer up as many dresses as possible to stay warm. Also, carry some energy bars to fill yourself.
The climbers must also avoid smoking and drinking during the expedition. Furthermore, the diet and hydration of climbers will significantly affect their performance.
The climbers must bring 8 kg of garbage back if they ascend beyond the Everest base camp per The Nepal government's rule formulated in 2015. The regulation aimed to control garbage littering in Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest. The trekkers and guides must submit garbage to SPCC representatives at designated sites.
Thus, Ama Dablam is also a beautiful peak that mountaineers should climb once in their lifetime. Even the trekkers who have been to the mountain want to submit it again if they get another chance.
So, if you are an avid hill and mountain person, you must not miss Ama Dablam's beauty. The magical view of the peak will be worth the time and effort you have invested to reach the top and return to where you began your journey. You will also get to live a Sherpa lifestyle and learn about their culture.
