Details:

Type: Expedition

Cost: $9,950

Group Size: 4 to 10 people

Dates: November-December, 2016 (30 days)

Difficulty: ♦♦♦♦ (very difficult)

Highest Elevation: 22,349 ft./6,812 m

Partner: Kaf Adventures

Description:

Often called the most beautiful mountain in the world, AmaDablam’s spire-like summit has been tempting alpinists since it was first seen by climbers in the 1950s.  Indeed, any visitor to the Khumbu region begins their trek with names like Mt. Everest in their vocabulary, but upon first glimpse of this peak their vernacular quickly expands.  Participants on this expedition first climb Island Peak (20,305 ft./6,189 m) as part of the acclimatization process, before heading to the main objective.  Island Peak poses no great technical challenges, since the steep portions of the route are equipped with fixed-lines, but the altitude will still make Island Peak a substantial effort.  After climbing Island Peak we continue to AmaDablam Base Camp, equipped with a dining tent, sleeping tents, and a cook.  Once at base camp, it will take us between six and twelve days to ascend the classic Southwest Ridge, depending upon the health of our team, route conditions, and weather. We will carry equipment up the mountain in stages, which allows us to carry light loads and acclimatize by climbing high and sleeping low to recover.  The entire route above Camp I has fixed-lines, which makes the climbing and descent go quickly.  On the way to Camp II we will encounter rock climbing in the 5.8 range, while above camp II we will encounter steep snow climbing mixed with rock, and sustained 60 degree ice climbing.  The view from the summit includes Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and dozens of six and seven-thousand-meter peaks.