Sunday, February 05, 2012

Posts Tagged ‘climbing’

Safety While Climbing

Post by Mitch Edwards

Mountain climbing, rappelling, rock climbing and other extreme jeu are becoming such a well-known pastime these days. This is why there are a great deal of indoor gyms which provide these activities. But there are some who truly locate the time to go on out-of-town trips just to appreciate a weekend full of these actions. No one can blame them since this is one thing that they love to do. Contrary to what a whole lot of men and women may be pondering, these routines are not limited for men. Ladies can also take pleasure in these jeu as long as they are willing to try them out.

It is critical that people who have interaction in these activities spend in the correct tree climbing tools. Security is without a doubt a single thing that folks must always retain in brain. Right here are some of the devices that people must use:

Basic safety GlassesWhenever climbing mountains, folks require to safeguard their eyes. Modest rocks, duct, debris, twigs and depart may fall directly into the eyes. When this takes place with no any safety, it can truly be dangerous. Especially when climbing, folks ought to have control about their senses particularly the eyes. These glasses are usually anti-scratch and anti-fog which provides a clear see of exactly where men and women are climbing.

Climbing RopeThis is really essential in excessive sporting activities especially people which climb higher altitudes. These stop individuals from falling down when their hands slip from the surface. Climbing ropes also make it simpler to climb as these are generally made to resist abrasion. However these are sooth, the hand can grip them effectively. Men and women can safely climb up mountains and bushes with these ropes.

Rope GlovesClimbing for a extended time could lead to the palms to swell. When this takes place, the arms cannot operate well. As a result, gripping is not that successful any longer. This is a harmful situation to be in. With the suitable rope gloves, folks are capable to climb up easily with out acquiring to experience from inflammation palms. There are no wounds and blisters when rope gloves are utilised.

What is much more crucial than getting the proper tools is the existence of head. Likely outdoors is genuinely a hazardous action. Folks with a distracted brain will only put their lives at danger. Climbing demands concentration to avert slipping or falling. Only then will a man or woman be safe when really going up high places. This can actually be an pleasant exercise especially when done in the right way.

Explore The Rating System About Climbing

Climbers trying to scale a mountain need to know what its characteristics are and the level of difficulty involved for a successful climb. This is why mountains have a rating system for climbing. For beginner climbers and climb leaders, this is one of the most important technical information about mountain climbing that they should learn.

The rating system is a widely accepted grading method that tells a climber the level of skill and stamina required to scale a particular mountain for free climbing. The system rating also varies from one country to another. There are several types of mountain climbing rating systems, including the Ewbank, UIAA, French and British and Irish.

Ewbank Developed by John Ewbank, the Ewbank system was originally intended to provide a rating for the difficulty level of individual moves required for a climb. These days, other considerations are included, such as technical difficulty, strenuousness, exposure and protection levels. This is a system that is used in countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

UIAA The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) is a rating system used for Austria and Western Germany. The French rating system is used in France, Italy and Spain. You probably might encounter this system for especially difficult climbs.

British and Irish The British rating system uses the technical grading and the adjectival grading. The technical grading establishes the level of movement difficulties required for the climb and the adjectival grading rates the general difficulty level. It uses the same system as the French rating and grades are often prefixed with ‘F’.

An adjectival rating system indicates the general difficulty assessment of a climb. Essentially, it consists of: M – Moderate D/Diff – Difficult VD/VDiff – Very Difficult HVD – Hard Very Difficult S – Severe HS – Hard Severe VS – Very Severe HVS – Hard Very Severe E1, E2, E3, E4, etc. – Extremely Very Severe. This is also an open-ended rating, although the latest climb with the hardest grade is at E11. A confirmed climb graded with the highest difficulty so far is E9.

In case you’re wondering, ‘E’ for Easy is hardly used as an adjectival rating for mountain climbing. Also, if you looked in some guidebooks, you might find more detailed descriptions to rate a climb, such as ‘Mild Severe’ or ‘Mild Difficult’. These are used to include several factors that could vary such as conditions from the ground and on different elevations.

The YDS The YDS or the Yosemite Decimal System was developed particularly for mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada. It consists of the climbing grade, class and protection, although usage for the latter two varies. This is the rating system that is used in North America and often consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the class while the second indicates the level of difficulty.

The grade indicates the approximate number of hours that a normal climb requires and is often used for mountaineering. This isn’t used for shorter rock climbs. Grade I – requires 1-2 hours Grade II – less than 1/2 day Grade III – one-half day Grade IV – one day climb Grade V – two days Grade VI – more than two days Grade VII – one week or more

The YDS Class indicates the technical difficulty of a climb. Class 1 – indicates a mountain climb that is good for trail walking, with a small chance of sustaining a fall or injury that is fatal.

Class 2 – indicates a mountain that is possibly steep and requires some scrambling, especially off-trail. A Class 2 climb can mean that a climber will need to use his hands or a tool like an ice axe for balance or to pull himself up. This class also indicates a greater chance of sustaining a severe injury, although it’s still not considered fatal.

Class 3 – means that the mountain climb will require hand and foot holds and tools such as crampons and ice axes. The use of ropes may also be indicated.

Class 4 – requires ropes and anchored belays. Otherwise, falls could prove fatal to the climber.

Class 5 – not only requires ropes and anchored belays but also protection points, spread intermittently throughout the climb. This can also indicate increasing difficulty as the climb progresses. Class 5 also indicates rock climbing on a nearly vertical or vertical rock.

The protection rating used by the YDS is often optional, but it is quite useful when trying to determine the requirement for protection quality and spacing during a climb. G – stands for Good, indicating solid protection. PG – is Pretty Good, with a few sections where placements are either non-existent or poor at best. R – is Runout, meaning some placements are spaced far apart X -means no protection and that the climb is very dangerous

Some guidebooks list a rating system for a climb in extremely detailed figures, such as 4.5, 5.2 or 5.6 that’s why climbers need to study the rating systems used in a particular area to familiarize themselves. It is also important to note that improvements in climbing gear and equipment and increase in climbing standards also meant that a climb rated with a high level of difficulty may currently be recognized as a moderate climb. These are some slight changes that mountain climbers should be aware of.

For successful and safe mountain climbing, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with the rating system used. Wherever you are in the world, you will know what to expect and be prepared for your climb.

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Mountain Climbing

Mountain Climbing is a challenging sport that requires mental commitment , fitness, strength in your arm and legs that will allow you to handle the degree of difficulty that the climb demands. Mental commitment is crucial otherwise your strength is unchanneled. When you are faced with difficult obstacles you have two choices: give up or do it. Climbing enthusiast claim that the sense of achievement and satisfaction in reaching the top of a climb is terrific. You have challenged yourself and won and this is why these daredevils love it.

Rock Climbing began as a man’s sport. This has changed in recent years as ever increasing numbers of women have become involved. The first women climbers were involved in mountain climbing and rock climbing was a part of that. The major difference in mountain climbing and rock climbing is that the mountain climber is seeking the easy way to ascend to the top of the mountain while the rock climber is looking for the hardest way. However, sometimes rock climbing is the only way on certain sections of the climb. So, when women began to climb mountains, they naturally began to climb rocks as well.

Mountain Climbing Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent mountain climbing experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went mountain climbing. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular mountain climbing routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a mountain climbing journal, this won’t be the case.

History of Rock Climbing

Rock climbing was earlier seen as a part of mountaineering; mountaineers indulged in rock climbing in preparation for a climbing expedition. Early climbers in Germany and Great Britain were passionate about this sport and set remarkable standards of rock climbing. By the 1920′s, rock climbing started gaining a foothold in the United States. Aid climbing and free climbing are two traditional climbing methods. Aid climbing involves the use of climbing equipment whereas free climbing depends only on the ability, skill, and physical strength of the climber.

Mountain Climbing Gear

Mountain climbing is a very popular sport. It is very exciting, adventurous and fun, provided you do it the right way. Mountaineering depends on your route, your partner and your level of expertise. Mountain climbing can also be very risky, as much depends on the weather, the mountain, and other conditions. Being equipped with the right kind of gear is very important for mountain climbing. These days, there is very good equipment for climbing available. The gear is being made to be very durable, strong and light weight.

There are quite a few different rock climbing gear package available. You can browse the rock climbing gear package and decide which one is the right one for you and the type of climbing you do best. You can purchase a Big Air Package from Black Diamond. This features a belay device that is easy to use. It is reliable for the beginner as well as the veteran. It has Airlock2 biners that are easily manipulated with just one hand and the square hinge end will hold your belay loop in place. This rock climbing gear package is not expensive.

Mountain climbing experiences are unpredictable. Because of this, it not only physically stimulates you, but mentally as well. Environment can range from freezing to sweltering hot (even in the same day!) as altitude, weather and sub angles change. These changes challenge your mental ability to plan in advance, improve, problem solve, and navigate, while physically challenging your physical conditioning and climbing skills.

Hazards of Mountain Climbing

While mountain climbing can be one of the most exciting and challenging sports, there are also many dangers involved in mountain climbing which one should consider. To decrease the odds of falling victim to a damaging or fatal injury on the mountain, make sure that you are aware of all of the hazards and take appropriate safety precautions. In this article we will look at some of the common dangers that one faces when climbing.

Ama Dablam Expedition – Ama Dablam Mountaineering – Climbing Ama Dablam

AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION
(30 days)

An expedition to Ama Dablam is technically demanding and has it all ice, rock, scrambling, killer views, great approach and the great base camp in a meadow with a stream. The expedition offers a superb, technical climbing experience in the heart of Khumbu region just above Thayanboche monastery on the way to Everest Base Camp. From the summit, out of six highest peaks in the world are clearly visible of five highest peaks Mt Lhotse, Mt. Lhotse Shar, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho – Oyu, and Mt. Everest, and also close view of Nuptse, Baruntse and Pumari. Since its ascent in 1961 by an Anglo American / New Zealand team, it has been frequently climbed and by many different routes.

Our ascent will be made via the conventional SW ridge route, which involves pure rock climbing. The last section to the summit involves ice climbing followed by a long steep snow slope. Due to the technical nature of the route, that requires 3500 meters of fixed rope and three camps above the base camp. Normally the climb is completed in less than four weeks. However, we do build in an extra few days in case of unexpected bad weather.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 30 Days
Grade: Extremely Strenuous
Mode of Trek: Camping
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel and camping
Transportation: Flights
Altitude maximum: 6856m
Best Time: Spring April – May / Autumn Oct – Nov

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1520m) – Check-in to your Hotel.
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu
Day 04: Fly to Lukla (2842mm). Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 05: Trek to Namche (3444m)
Day 06: In Namche
Day 07: Trek to Pangcoche (3989m)
Day 08: In Pangboche
Day 09-12: Trek to Base Camp (4600m)
Day 13: Base Camp – Advance Base Camp (5400m) – Base Camp
Day 14: Advance Base Camp (5400m)
Day 15: Advance Base Camp – Camp 1 (5800m) – Advance Base Camp
Day 16: Advance Base Camp to Camp 1 (5800m)
Day 17: Camp 1 – Camp 2 (6000m) – Camp 1
Day 18: Camp 2 (6000m)
Day 19: Return to Base Camp
Day 20: Camp 2
Day 21: Camp 3 (6300m)
Day 22:Summit Ammadablam (6856m) & back to Camp 3
Day 23: Camp 1
Day 24: Base Camp
Day 25: Pangboche
Day 26: Namche
Day 27: Lukla
Day 28: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 29: In Kathmandu
Dau 30: Depart Kathmandu

PRICE

PRICE ON GROUP JOINING BASIS
PER PERSON USD 4400
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 150

We utilize local teahouses for lodging along the trek in to base camp.

PRICE INLUDES:
* 5nights Kathmandu 3star accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
* Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla return and airport taxes.
* Cargo of gear to Lukla, porters and yaks to base camp and return to Kathmandu.
* Comfortable sherpa lodges on the trek in to base camp plus 2 days on the way out.
* Base camp facility, bright spacious group tent, heat, solar power, toilet.
* Sherpa Cook and staff with all meals while at base camp.
* Basic All high altitude mountain food
* All climbing Sherpa staff on mountain and base camp staff.
* Climbing permit
* Satellite phone to keep in touch with home.
* Peak Fee and all Nepalese Govt. Fees.
* Environment fees, permits, mandatory Liaison officers and their fees/expenses.
* All group on mountain equipment such as tents, stoves, fuel, ropes, party first aid.
* High Altitude recover chamber

PRICE EXCLUDES
* Airfare to and from Kathmandu to your home and airport taxes.
* Drinks, mineral water, laundry, postage, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature.
* Meals in Kathmandu.
* Entry Visa fee & International departure tax
* Emergency Evacuation- Personal accident insurance
* Personal climbing equipment.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU ( 1,520m.)
After arrival we will be met and taken to our Hotel. Kathmandu is a strange mixture of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Western influence. There are many great attractions and sightseeing tours can be arranged with a guide accompanying you (optional ) or perhaps you can explore around on your own.

DAY 02 KATHMANDU
At leisure in Kathmandu. While the guides sort out the expedition paper work, you will be able to explore this fascinating medieval city, crowded bazaars, Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines. It is a wonderful mixture of an ancient, colonial and modern architecture.

DAY 03 KATHMANDU
Free day in Kathmandu.. This day in Kathmandu is an opportunity to hire any pieces of mountaineering equipment you do not already have.

DAY 04 FLIGHT TO LUKLA 2800m & TREK TO PHAKDING
The 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. The sixteen seated TWIN OTTER, takes us towards East into the heart of the Sherpa country, giving us breathtaking views of the mountain peaks of the Khumbu region, including Mt. Everest and the alluring Ama Dablam. The aircraft landing on this tiny air-strip at Lukla to put in simple words is – it is going to be madly exciting – getting chills up your spine!

No-sooner after the landing, we will be setting off along the famous trail walking towards North-west and descending to the river side at Phakding 2,652m. Continuing further through attractive fir forests to Chumda and set up our camps for the night (walking approximately 5 hours).

DAY 05 TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR.
After early breakfast, we begin climbing up the steep hill towards Namche Bazaar. If the sky is clear we can see the glorious Mt. Everest the tallest mountain of the world and next the Lhotse. We will reach to Namche after approximately six hours. It’s a prosperous and largest town in the Khumbu region populated by the Sherpas who all resembles with the Tibetan people in looks and cultures also the same. The town is vibrant with many well stocked shops, typical restaurants and hotels, as a whole it all looks marvelous with the breathtaking close views of the snow-capped mountains all around. Some of us may likely face little problem in breathing as Namche is 3,445 meters above the sea level., therefore, we will spend two nights here for acclimatization.

DAY 06 REST DAY in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 07 TREK TO THYANGBOCHE 3,863m.
No sooner it is morning we have the fantastic views of Mt. Ama Dablam and other mountain ranges all around us. We continue trekking heading North-East along the side of Dudh Koshi river. The trail descends going through moss and rhododendron forests to the river bank leading further along the river side to Phungithanga. After crossing the river Dudh Koshi over a bridge at this point, the trail lead climbing up a hill to the saddle top to Thyangboche. Thyangboche is the main important monastery in Khumbu region. Old (the first original one) Thyangboche monastery was destroyed by accidental fire in the year 1989. The main village is situated at the base of Mt. Kangtaiga and from the spur of this ridge top we can have the excellent panoramic views of the main mountain peaks including – Mt. Everest, Lhotse and the Ama Dablam. We settle down for the night camping near by the monastery. (walking involves 6 hours).

DAY 08 TREK TO BASE CAMP.
Trekking for about 2-3 hours up the valley heading towards the Everest Base Camp, our trail lead turning right then climbing up further to next valley and to our Base Camp at an elevation of 4,570 meters. We camp along the excellent spot from where majority of the climbing routes are visible. The atmosphere naturally will be pleasant; in cool serenity. The porters will be busy then, with loads for next couple of week time. Remaining staff at the Base Camp include – a Cook, Sirdar, other staff, and the Liaison Officer.

DAY 09 TO 24 ASCENT OF MT. AMA DABLAM.
We have to understand and be flexible with the time, as it would not be possible to stick to our day to day itinerary exactly during ascent period, due to unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains. As a whole the group will be working out on the mountains. The MAIN TEAM will SPLIT into groups – the climbing group and task group. The groups – while group ‘A’ is studying the route and fixing ropes the other group ‘B’ will be carrying necessary loads to higher camps. The route description is as such, of the expedition team (led by Ray Delaney) that have scaled Mt. Ama Dablam during the year 1990…

From the Base Camp — Route leads through grassy ridges heading eastward to a broad saddle. From this point we can see the Mingbo La (high pass). We now head to North direction climbing up the rocky grounds then across the boulders to a ridge, a site for Camp I at an elevation of 5,705 meters. Here, there are 5-6 natural platforms suitable for pitching up tents.

From Camp I — Cross a rocky bowl (tricky if snow covered) until, below two rock fingers, then move on to the ridge proper. Climbing the ridge involves rock climbing of severe standard with steps of VS (USA 5.6) Camp II is at the top of a yellow tower, which gives one of the hardest pitches on the climb at VS/Hard VS (5.8).

From Camp II — Skirt a red rock bluff on the East and follow a ramp line to a gray tower. Move into the ramp (some stone fall danger) and climb to an amphitheater. Continue up a broad gully formed between the gray tower and the lower rock buttress and climb a snow slope to ‘Santa’s Grotto’ at the start of the mushroom ridge. Follow the mushroom ridge to a crevasse in the upper face, which offers fantastic site. Climb the snow / ice slope to the right of the face, then follow mixed ground to the top of the highest hanging glacier. An ice crest now leads in a magnificent position to the summit. We have the glorious – grand views!

DAY 25 TO 27 RETREAT TREK TO LUKLA.
Overnight Camp.

DAY 28 RETURN FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU.
Transfer to the hotel. Time for relaxation.

DAY 29 Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu

DAY 30 Departure
Transfer to Airport to Depart Kathmandu for onward journey.

 

For more information please go to our official website: www.explorehimalaya.com

AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION
(30 days)

An expedition to Ama Dablam is technically demanding and has it all ice, rock, scrambling, killer views, great approach and the great base camp in a meadow with a stream. The expedition offers a superb, technical climbing experience in the heart of Khumbu region just above Thayanboche monastery on the way to Everest Base Camp. From the summit, out of six highest peaks in the world are clearly visible of five highest peaks Mt Lhotse, Mt. Lhotse Shar, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho – Oyu, and Mt. Everest, and also close view of Nuptse, Baruntse and Pumari. Since its ascent in 1961 by an Anglo American / New Zealand team, it has been frequently climbed and by many different routes.

Our ascent will be made via the conventional SW ridge route, which involves pure rock climbing. The last section to the summit involves ice climbing followed by a long steep snow slope. Due to the technical nature of the route, that requires 3500 meters of fixed rope and three camps above the base camp. Normally the climb is completed in less than four weeks. However, we do build in an extra few days in case of unexpected bad weather.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 30 Days
Grade: Extremely Strenuous
Mode of Trek: Camping
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel and camping
Transportation: Flights
Altitude maximum: 6856m
Best Time: Spring April – May / Autumn Oct – Nov

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1520m) – Check-in to your Hotel.
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu
Day 04: Fly to Lukla (2842mm). Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 05: Trek to Namche (3444m)
Day 06: In Namche
Day 07: Trek to Pangcoche (3989m)
Day 08: In Pangboche
Day 09-12: Trek to Base Camp (4600m)
Day 13: Base Camp – Advance Base Camp (5400m) – Base Camp
Day 14: Advance Base Camp (5400m)
Day 15: Advance Base Camp – Camp 1 (5800m) – Advance Base Camp
Day 16: Advance Base Camp to Camp 1 (5800m)
Day 17: Camp 1 – Camp 2 (6000m) – Camp 1
Day 18: Camp 2 (6000m)
Day 19: Return to Base Camp
Day 20: Camp 2
Day 21: Camp 3 (6300m)
Day 22:Summit Ammadablam (6856m) & back to Camp 3
Day 23: Camp 1
Day 24: Base Camp
Day 25: Pangboche
Day 26: Namche
Day 27: Lukla
Day 28: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 29: In Kathmandu
Dau 30: Depart Kathmandu

PRICE

PRICE ON GROUP JOINING BASIS
PER PERSON USD 4400
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 150

We utilize local teahouses for lodging along the trek in to base camp.

PRICE INLUDES:
* 5nights Kathmandu 3star accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
* Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla return and airport taxes.
* Cargo of gear to Lukla, porters and yaks to base camp and return to Kathmandu.
* Comfortable sherpa lodges on the trek in to base camp plus 2 days on the way out.
* Base camp facility, bright spacious group tent, heat, solar power, toilet.
* Sherpa Cook and staff with all meals while at base camp.
* Basic All high altitude mountain food
* All climbing Sherpa staff on mountain and base camp staff.
* Climbing permit
* Satellite phone to keep in touch with home.
* Peak Fee and all Nepalese Govt. Fees.
* Environment fees, permits, mandatory Liaison officers and their fees/expenses.
* All group on mountain equipment such as tents, stoves, fuel, ropes, party first aid.
* High Altitude recover chamber

PRICE EXCLUDES
* Airfare to and from Kathmandu to your home and airport taxes.
* Drinks, mineral water, laundry, postage, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature.
* Meals in Kathmandu.
* Entry Visa fee & International departure tax
* Emergency Evacuation- Personal accident insurance
* Personal climbing equipment.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU ( 1,520m.)
After arrival we will be met and taken to our Hotel. Kathmandu is a strange mixture of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Western influence. There are many great attractions and sightseeing tours can be arranged with a guide accompanying you (optional ) or perhaps you can explore around on your own.

DAY 02 KATHMANDU
At leisure in Kathmandu. While the guides sort out the expedition paper work, you will be able to explore this fascinating medieval city, crowded bazaars, Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines. It is a wonderful mixture of an ancient, colonial and modern architecture.

DAY 03 KATHMANDU
Free day in Kathmandu.. This day in Kathmandu is an opportunity to hire any pieces of mountaineering equipment you do not already have.

DAY 04 FLIGHT TO LUKLA 2800m & TREK TO PHAKDING
The 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. The sixteen seated TWIN OTTER, takes us towards East into the heart of the Sherpa country, giving us breathtaking views of the mountain peaks of the Khumbu region, including Mt. Everest and the alluring Ama Dablam. The aircraft landing on this tiny air-strip at Lukla to put in simple words is – it is going to be madly exciting – getting chills up your spine!

No-sooner after the landing, we will be setting off along the famous trail walking towards North-west and descending to the river side at Phakding 2,652m. Continuing further through attractive fir forests to Chumda and set up our camps for the night (walking approximately 5 hours).

DAY 05 TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR.
After early breakfast, we begin climbing up the steep hill towards Namche Bazaar. If the sky is clear we can see the glorious Mt. Everest the tallest mountain of the world and next the Lhotse. We will reach to Namche after approximately six hours. It’s a prosperous and largest town in the Khumbu region populated by the Sherpas who all resembles with the Tibetan people in looks and cultures also the same. The town is vibrant with many well stocked shops, typical restaurants and hotels, as a whole it all looks marvelous with the breathtaking close views of the snow-capped mountains all around. Some of us may likely face little problem in breathing as Namche is 3,445 meters above the sea level., therefore, we will spend two nights here for acclimatization.

DAY 06 REST DAY in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 07 TREK TO THYANGBOCHE 3,863m.
No sooner it is morning we have the fantastic views of Mt. Ama Dablam and other mountain ranges all around us. We continue trekking heading North-East along the side of Dudh Koshi river. The trail descends going through moss and rhododendron forests to the river bank leading further along the river side to Phungithanga. After crossing the river Dudh Koshi over a bridge at this point, the trail lead climbing up a hill to the saddle top to Thyangboche. Thyangboche is the main important monastery in Khumbu region. Old (the first original one) Thyangboche monastery was destroyed by accidental fire in the year 1989. The main village is situated at the base of Mt. Kangtaiga and from the spur of this ridge top we can have the excellent panoramic views of the main mountain peaks including – Mt. Everest, Lhotse and the Ama Dablam. We settle down for the night camping near by the monastery. (walking involves 6 hours).

DAY 08 TREK TO BASE CAMP.
Trekking for about 2-3 hours up the valley heading towards the Everest Base Camp, our trail lead turning right then climbing up further to next valley and to our Base Camp at an elevation of 4,570 meters. We camp along the excellent spot from where majority of the climbing routes are visible. The atmosphere naturally will be pleasant; in cool serenity. The porters will be busy then, with loads for next couple of week time. Remaining staff at the Base Camp include – a Cook, Sirdar, other staff, and the Liaison Officer.

DAY 09 TO 24 ASCENT OF MT. AMA DABLAM.
We have to understand and be flexible with the time, as it would not be possible to stick to our day to day itinerary exactly during ascent period, due to unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains. As a whole the group will be working out on the mountains. The MAIN TEAM will SPLIT into groups – the climbing group and task group. The groups – while group ‘A’ is studying the route and fixing ropes the other group ‘B’ will be carrying necessary loads to higher camps. The route description is as such, of the expedition team (led by Ray Delaney) that have scaled Mt. Ama Dablam during the year 1990…

From the Base Camp — Route leads through grassy ridges heading eastward to a broad saddle. From this point we can see the Mingbo La (high pass). We now head to North direction climbing up the rocky grounds then across the boulders to a ridge, a site for Camp I at an elevation of 5,705 meters. Here, there are 5-6 natural platforms suitable for pitching up tents.

From Camp I — Cross a rocky bowl (tricky if snow covered) until, below two rock fingers, then move on to the ridge proper. Climbing the ridge involves rock climbing of severe standard with steps of VS (USA 5.6) Camp II is at the top of a yellow tower, which gives one of the hardest pitches on the climb at VS/Hard VS (5.8).

From Camp II — Skirt a red rock bluff on the East and follow a ramp line to a gray tower. Move into the ramp (some stone fall danger) and climb to an amphitheater. Continue up a broad gully formed between the gray tower and the lower rock buttress and climb a snow slope to ‘Santa’s Grotto’ at the start of the mushroom ridge. Follow the mushroom ridge to a crevasse in the upper face, which offers fantastic site. Climb the snow / ice slope to the right of the face, then follow mixed ground to the top of the highest hanging glacier. An ice crest now leads in a magnificent position to the summit. We have the glorious – grand views!

DAY 25 TO 27 RETREAT TREK TO LUKLA.
Overnight Camp.

DAY 28 RETURN FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU.
Transfer to the hotel. Time for relaxation.

DAY 29 Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu

DAY 30 Departure
Transfer to Airport to Depart Kathmandu for onward journey.

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