Ama Dablam Climb and Trek Expedtion News October 2013

Ama Dablam Climb and Trek Expedtion News October 2013

 
 
Ama Dablam: news of our expedition
 
This year we had a succesful Ama Dablam expedition to Asia's most famous rock, ice, and snow peak, the "Matterhorn of the Himalaya". 5 members summited and it seems rather fitting that they were from Zermatt, home of the Mattrhorn. During mid October, a snowstorm came in and our team faced challenges with deep snow. The tried very hard. Finally, after a lot of patience, the ropes were fixed, and up they went. Congratulations!

Please enjoy the photos and stories and we welcome you to our next www.ExpeditionAmaDablam.com

 
Blog post: Please click one of the links below to go directly to that Blog post or just scroll down.
 
Fernando Joerger enjoying the summit of Amadablam. Photo by Andreas Schelling. Andreas on the summit. Photo Fernando Joerger.
 
Fernando Joerger enjoying the summit of Amadablam. Photo by Andreas Schelling. Andreas on the summit. Photo Fernando Joerger.
 
Andreas and Fernando Joerger on the summit of AmaDablam. Photo by Nils Camp 1. Photo by Andreas Schelling
 
Andreas and Fernando Joerger on the summit of AmaDablam. Photo by Nils.  Camp 1. Photo by Andreas Schelling.
 
Relaxing at Basecamp. Photo Daniel Biner.  Marc Biner and Daniel Biner on the Summit. Photo Daniel Biner.
 
Relaxing at Basecamp. Photo Daniel Biner. .Marc Biner and Daniel Biner on the Summit. Photo Daniel Biner.
 
Group photo at Pangboche. Photo Daniel Biner. View from Tangboche. Photo Daniel Biner.
 
Group photo at Pangboche. Photo Daniel Biner. View from Tangboche. Photo Daniel Biner.
 
Climbing in the infamous Mushroom Ridge. Photo Daniel Biner Final Pitch to the summit. Photo Daniel Biner
 
Climbing in the infamous Mushroom Ridge. Photo Daniel Biner. Final Pitch to the summit. Photo Daniel Biner. 
 
Resting in Tea house at Pangboche. Photo Daniel Biner Celebratory cake. Photo Fernando Joerger
 
Resting in Tea house at Pangboche. Photo Daniel Biner. Celebratory cake. Photo Fernando Joerger.
 
Dani Biner on the summit of Ama Dablam at dawn. Marc Biner Photo
 
Dani Biner on the summit of Ama Dablam at dawn. Marc Biner Photo.

18 November -

Marc and Danny Biner reached the summit of Ama Dablam today. At first they thought it was too windy and started heading down the mountain, then the wind reduced and they changed their minds and went up to the summit. Congratulations!!

17 November -

Today our Ama Dablam team members Fernando, Andreas, and Nils reached the summit. Congratulations!

16 November -

Big news. Today the ropes are fixed to the summit, and tomorrow, three members of our team will try for the summit. Then, the following day, two more members will try. We wish them all the best regards for a safe and succesful ascent. Back to top

31 October -

Hello SummitClimb AmaDablam Expedition Blog readers. Our team has reached camp two, has returned to base, and is now waiting for completion of the route. Our trusty climbing Sherpas are in a "holding pattern" awaiting the outcome of a high-wind alert. According to the 4 weather forecasts our office have been studiously checking each day, supposedly the winds should reduce on or prior to 3 November. After that our Sherpas plan to fix ropes to the summit and we hope to climb to the top of Ama Dablam, Asia's most famous snow-ice-and-rock climb, before the 6th of November. Please stay tuned for updates and please do wish us luck. Thank you very much! Back to top

29 October -

Namaste from a snowy basecamp!

This is SummitClimb's Ama Dablam team member Sarabjit "Saz" Bhooee writing to you from 4450 metre / 14,600 foot high Mingbo Lodge at Ama Dablam base camp.

We have returned from the infamous camp 2 (ca. 6050m / 19,800 ft) in perfect conditions - using safety lines and jumarring up fixed ropes at the 'crux' yellow tower - about 15m / 50 ft of vertical granite.  Being at 6000m / 19,700 ft makes it a little strenuous! The camp 2 is as 'airy' as can be imagined, perched on a ledge with huge exposure in either direction, with only space for a handful of tents.  It's unreal!

The team has slept 2 nights at camp 1 (ca.5800m / 19,000 ft) to help acclimatise to the forever thinning air. Purbha (our cook at camp 1) has been keeping us well fed and watered away from basecamp, supported by Tenji and Jangbu.  These guys never stop working - they carry heavy loads of tents and cooking equipment around the mountain, and are always smiling and ready to help us when needed.

The route to the summit is not fully fixed at the moment - camp 3 upwards is currently unclimbed this season. Our climbing sherpa Tenji has made arrangements with different teams on the mountain to combine equipment, rope and manpower and will hopefully be making a bid to fix the lines to the summit in a few days - they are waiting for the weather to improve for safety.

So we are currently having a few days of rest before our summit push...exciting times. We are hanging out, reading, resting, playing cards, drinking copious amounts of tea and eating some of the tastiest food in the valley prepared by Nima, the lady who runs the basecamp lodge. It's hard to leave this place for the higher camps.

Hope the next update wont be from email but rather will be from the summit via Nepal Mobile Telephone!
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Tenji Sherpa setting up a tent in Camp 1. Photo James Barritt. Top to bottom - Tenji, Maggie, Saz, and Mark climbing up to the white tower. James Barritt Photo.
 
Tenji Sherpa setting up a tent in Camp 1. Photo James Barritt. Top to bottom - Tenji, Maggie, Saz, and Mark climbing up to the white tower. James Barritt Photo. Back to top
 
Team medical kit. Photo Mark van 't Hof. Tawoche seen from Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo James Barritt.
 
Team medical kit. Photo Mark van 't Hof. Tawoche seen from Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo James Barritt.
 
Saz, Tim, and Maggie in ABC. Mingo mountain range lies in the background. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Team milling about in the aftermath of the prayer ceremony in basecamp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
Saz, Tim, and Maggie in ABC. Mingo mountain range lies in the background. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Team milling about in the aftermath of the prayer ceremony in basecamp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. Back to top
 
Saz, Maggie, and Tenji going up, and an unknown climber going down. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie suns and reads in basecamp. James Barritt Photo.
 
Saz, Maggie, and Tenji going up, and an unknown climber going down. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie suns and reads in basecamp. James Barritt Photo. 
 
 Saz and Maggie awaiting their turn in the Yellow Tower. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. Maggie, Mark, and Tim reading in the Mingbo Lodge Dining Room, also known as 'our home'. James Barritt Photo.
 
Saz and Maggie awaiting their turn in the Yellow Tower. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. Maggie, Mark, and Tim reading in the Mingbo Lodge Dining Room, also known as 'our home'. James Barritt Photo. Back to top
 
Phurba Sherpa holds a sacred butter and apple offering at the basecamp prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Saz on the crux pitch in the infamous Yellow Tower. James Barritt.
 
Phurba Sherpa holds a sacred butter and apple offering at the basecamp prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Saz on the crux pitch in the infamous Yellow Tower. James Barritt.
 
Maggie traverses granite in the white tower, while Mark climbs snow above. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee. Mark traverses solid granite on the ridge below camp 2. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
Maggie traverses granite in the white tower, while Mark climbs snow above. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee. Mark traverses solid granite on the ridge below camp 2. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
 Mingbo lodge, at the base of Ama Dablam. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Saz and Tenji in Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee.
 
Mingbo lodge, at the base of Ama Dablam. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Saz and Tenji in Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee. Back to top
 
 Mark has a Dream Catcher hanging in his tent. Mark van 't Hof Photo Saz, Maggie, and Tenji climbing the granite slabs below the white tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
  Mark has a Dream Catcher hanging in his tent. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Saz, Maggie, and Tenji climbing the granite slabs below the white tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Maggie leads the way to camp 1. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie on the path to ABC. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Maggie leads the way to camp 1. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie on the path to ABC. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Back to top
 
Tenji Sherpa, with bare foot, makes a radio call from camp 1. Photo James Barritt. Tim Richards in Camp 1. Photo Mark van 't Hof
 
Tenji Sherpa, with bare foot, makes a radio call from camp 1. Photo James Barritt. Tim Richards in Camp 1. Photo Mark van 't Hof.
 
 Tenji Sherpa thrutching in the Yellow Tower. Photo Mark van 't Hof. Tenji brings a delicious bowl of noodle soup to the tent in Camp 1. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo
 
Tenji Sherpa thrutching in the Yellow Tower. Photo Mark van 't Hof. Tenji brings a delicious bowl of noodle soup to the tent in Camp 1. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.  Back to top
 
Maggie climbs above the White Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie and Tenji climbing the White Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Maggie climbs above the White Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.  Maggie and Tenji climbing the White Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Lama Tashi conducts the basecamp prayer ceremony. Mark van’t Hof Photo. Maggie atop the Yellow Tower. Photo taken from Camp 2 by Sarabjit Bhooee.
 
Lama Tashi conducts the basecamp prayer ceremony. Mark van’t Hof Photo.  Maggie atop the Yellow Tower. Photo taken from Camp 2 by Sarabjit Bhooee.
 
Lama Tashi and all of the gear one needs for a prayer ceremony in basecamp. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Lama Tashi and all of the gear one needs for a prayer ceremony in basecamp. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Jangbu Sherpa climbing a snowy ridge on the way to camp 2. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee. Jim, Tim, Nathan, Sangeeta, and Maggie walking to base camp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
Jangbu Sherpa climbing a snowy ridge on the way to camp 2. Photo Sarabjit Bhooee. Jim, Tim, Nathan, Sangeeta, and Maggie walking to base camp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.  Back to top
 
Jangbu Sherpa at the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Jangbu Sherpa carrying a load in camp 1. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Jangbu Sherpa at the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Jangbu Sherpa carrying a load in camp 1. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Jangbu Sherpa beneath the Yellow Tower. James Barritt Photo Jangbu in our ABC kitchen. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Jangbu Sherpa beneath the Yellow Tower. James Barritt Photo.  Jangbu in our ABC kitchen. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Back to top
 
Essential text book for expedition medical kits. Photo James Barritt. James Barritt attending the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Essential text book for expedition medical kits. Photo James Barritt. James Barritt attending the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo.
 
Dan, Jim and Tim at the prayer ceremony in basecamp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. In camp 1, Tim abseils over a massive cliff while Jim watches in trepidation. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
Dan, Jim and Tim at the prayer ceremony in basecamp. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. In camp 1, Tim abseils over a massive cliff while Jim watches in trepidation. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.
 
Climber going up to Camp 1.Camp 2, the Grey Tower, the Mushroom ridge, and Camp 3 are visible on the left skyline. Mark van 't Hof Photo Maggie abseils the Yellow Tower. James Barritt Photo.
 
Climber going up to Camp 1.Camp 2, the Grey Tower, the Mushroom ridge, and Camp 3 are visible on the left skyline. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Maggie abseils the Yellow Tower. James Barritt Photo. Back to top
 
James Barritt on the walk to ABC. Photo Sarabjit Bhoee. It is possible for yaks to reach ABC. Photo Mark van 't Hof.
 
James Barritt on the walk to ABC. Photo Sarabjit Bhoee.  It is possible for yaks to reach ABC. Photo Mark van 't Hof.
 
Climbers in the Yellow Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo. An essential text book for climbing expeditions. Photo James Barritt
 
Climbers in the Yellow Tower. Mark van 't Hof Photo.   An essential text book for climbing expeditions. Photo James Barritt .
 
Crossing from the yellow tower to camp 2. Right to left - Jim, Maggie, and Jangbu. Photo Mark van 't Hof. Basecamp on a pleasant morning. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo
 
Crossing from the yellow tower to camp 2. Right to left - Jim, Maggie, and Jangbu. Photo Mark van 't Hof.Basecamp on a pleasant morning. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo Back to top

An Himalayan Chuff bird attends the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Camp 2, looking up to grey tower, and upper mountain. James Barritt Photo

An Himalayan Chuff bird attends the prayer ceremony. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Camp 2, looking up to grey tower, and upper mountain. James Barritt Photo. 

Ama Dablam expedition team member Saz supports Hope Centre, in aid of Nepalese children with disabilities. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo.JPG Ama Dablam on a starry night. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo

Ama Dablam expedition team member Saz supports Hope Centre, in aid of Nepalese children with disabilities. Sarabjit Bhooee Photo. 

Dani Biner on the summit of Ama Dablam at dawn. Marc Biner Photo.

Dani Biner on the summit of Ama Dablam at dawn. Marc Biner Photo. 

24 October -

Th.24.10 - 10:00 @Base Camp (4550m.) place Mingbo.

Namaste! to all followers of team Ama Dablam 2013 from Jim, Tim, Maggie, Saz and Mark.

Today is our second day of rest after two nights of sleep @AdvancedBaceCamp 5430m. and visiting our Camp 1, 5790m., to acclimatize and to bring our equipment.

The weather is perfect since last Monday: clear blue sky with full sun during the day and a lot of twinkling stars at night. That gives us warm days with just a shirt walking on the snow, requiring strong protection from the sun, and with a bright Ama Dablam, 'lady with necklace', in front of us. And it means fresh nights with -15 Celsius in our tent @ABC 5430m.

Here @BC we enjoy the hospitality of lady Nima who runs the lodge next to our tents: warm shower, good meals, a lot of tea and the hot stove (burns on yak poo) in the dining room. It's there where we also meet people from other teams, play cards, chat and read books.

We are looking forward to the coming days when we will sleep two nights @Camp 1 and will explore the route to Camp 2 6050m. We are all in good shape and thankful for the essential help of the team Sherpa's Tenzing, Jambu and Purba, and of course expedition leader Dan Mazur.  Mark Van't Hof Back to top

22 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Ama Dablam team went to ABC.

21 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Ama Dablam team rested in bc surrounded by towering peaks. A lama from Pangboche came up to Ama Dablam basecamp to bless the team. Corey & Andrea from the Deboche Project came along as well. Back to top

20 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Island Peak team took a rest day. Ama Dablam team walked to a.b.c. @ 5430 m / 17,800 ft. Another gorgeous sunny day.

View of Ama Dablam basecamp from 100 metres - 328 feet above. Photo by Mark van 't Hof Peaks in the Mingo Range of mountains. Maggie Noodle Photo

 View of Ama Dablam basecamp from 100 metres - 328 feet above. Photo by Mark van 't Hof. Peaks in the Mingo Range of mountains. Maggie Noodle Photo. Back to top

Maggie and Sangeeta in Ama Dablam basecamp. Saz Photo Prayer flags and walkers in Ama Dablam basecamp. Maggie Noodle photo Unloading yaks in the snow in Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Mark van 't Hof.

Maggie and Sangeeta in Ama Dablam basecamp. Saz Photo.  Prayer flags and walkers in Ama Dablam basecamp. Maggie Noodle photo. Unloading yaks in the snow in Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Mark van 't Hof.

Jim Barritt climbs the hill on the trail to Ama Dablam. Dudh Khosi river and Pangboche in the background. Photo Mark van 'T Hof. Tim Richards abseils during rock climbing practice above Ama Dablam basecamp. Mark van 't Hof Photo.

Jim Barritt climbs the hill on the trail to Ama Dablam. Dudh Khosi river and Pangboche in the background. Photo Mark van 'T Hof. Tim Richards abseils during rock climbing practice above Ama Dablam basecamp. Mark van 't Hof Photo. Back to top

19 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Ama Dablam & Island Peak team went for rock climbing today @ 4720 m / 15,500 ft. Warm sun, good rock, perfect day!

Mark , Saz and Tim climbing the rocks above basecamp. Thile Nuru Sherpa stands above. Maggie Noodle photo. Saz and Maggie put on their climbing boots in the Mingbo Lodge. Photo by Mark van 't Hof

Mark , Saz and Tim climbing the rocks above basecamp. Thile Nuru Sherpa stands above. Maggie Noodle photo. Saz and Maggie put on their climbing boots in the Mingbo Lodge. Photo by Mark van 't Hof.

Yaks in deep snow at Ama Dablam basecamp. Mark van 't Hof photo Team practicing abseiling fixed lines above basecamp, seen in left side of photo. James Barritt Photo

 Yaks in deep snow at Ama Dablam basecamp. Mark van 't Hof photo. Team practicing abseiling fixed lines above basecamp, seen in left side of photo. James Barritt Photo

Maggie, Saz, Nathan, Tim, and Mark at the top of the practice rocks above basecamp.Summit of Ama Dablam in background. Photo by James Barritt

Maggie, Saz, Nathan, Tim, and Mark at the top of the practice rocks above basecamp.Summit of Ama Dablam in background. Photo by James Barritt.

18 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Team reviewed climbing gear today and acclimated. Getting excited for the climb. Superb weather today!

Jim's climbing kit spread out on his bed at Shakti Hotel. Photo by James Barritt  Mark van 't Hof prepares his climbing gear in Mingbo Lodge. Saz photo

Jim's climbing kit spread out on his bed at Shakti Hotel. Photo by James Barritt. Mark van 't Hof prepares his climbing gear in Mingbo Lodge. Saz photo.  Back to top

17 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Pangboche Lama blessed us. Everest BC team went to Dingboche. Ama Dblm & Island Pk team in Mingbo @ 4550 m / 15000 f. Good weather!

Mark van 't Hof receives his blessing from Lama Geshe in Pangboche. Note the prayer books and summit photos in the background. Photo by Maggie Noodle. Sunny Ama Dablam summit. Camp 3 is the shoulder on the right. Photo by Mark van 't Hof
 
Mark van 't Hof receives his blessing from Lama Geshe in Pangboche. Note the prayer books and summit photos in the background. Photo by Maggie Noodle. Sunny Ama Dablam summit. Camp 3 is the shoulder on the right. Photo by Mark van 't Hof.

Bridge to Ama Dablam crosses the Dudh Khosi river, with Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in the background. Mark van 't Hof Photo Dan climbing practice rock above Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Mark van 't Hof

Bridge to Ama Dablam crosses the Dudh Khosi river, with Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in the background. Mark van 't Hof Photo.  Dan climbing practice rock above Ama Dablam basecamp. Photo Mark van 't Hof.

16 October -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: We reached Pangboche @ 3900 metres / 12,000 feet. Gorgeous views of Ama Dablam & Everest! Back to top

14 October -

Rest day at Namche (3740m.), Mt. Kailash Lodge 14 October, 2013 Namche, centre of Sherpa land for traders (also from Tibet), sellers, trekkers and climbers. We arrived yesterday with rain and mist. It’s still raining now on Monday afternoon.

But that brings you to new adventures. I found myself back last night at a snooker table in Café Danphe Bar – Rock, Blues & Beer. Dan and other fellows of the trek invited me to play and with the push of music of Rolling Stones and a can of Tuborg, whilst I had my first attempt of playing snooker. My name is Mark from Holland (NL, together with my brother Leonard who brings me to base camp) and I’m here for that free standing mountain Ama Dablam, the Matterhorn of Nepal (famous Swiss Mountain, Google on both and see the similarities). With me for this summit are also Saz (UK), Tim (Aus), Jim (UK), Maggie (Aus, UK). With different backgrounds we’re already sharing our adventures of climbing and what we expect of Ama Dablam, ’Lady with Necklace’.

Together with members that have an eye on Island Peak or on Everest Base camp we are 16 in total, from a variety of countries including the above as well as India, Thailand and United States. That gives us stories to tell in the sitting end dining room of our Lodge overlooked by a poster of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, like in most Tibetan houses in and outside Tibet.

The weather forecast has our special attention of course. It tells us (like
www.mountain-forecast.compeaksAma-Dablam ) that there will be rain tomorrow, but not so much as today. On Wednesday, when we all walk together from Pangboche to base camp Ama Dablam the rain should be finished. But as it is said, expectations of weather are right or wrong 50 percent of the time. So you can choose what you want to believe.
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 Rosemary and David typing the blog. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo Dee Haberern enjoying a good book and a warm sleeping bag. Photo by Ron Haberern

Rosemary and David typing the blog. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo.  Dee Haberern enjoying a good book and a warm sleeping bag. Photo by Ron Haberern.

Mark Mossholder and Sangeeta Sindhi walking on the Everest Trail. Keith Bailey Photo Sangeeta meets a family along the path to Everest basecamp. Photo by Tile Nuru Sherpa

Mark Mossholder and Sangeeta Sindhi walking on the Everest Trail. Keith Bailey Photo.  Sangeeta meets a family along the path to Everest basecamp. Photo by Tile Nuru Sherpa.

 Team on the path in Jorsalle. Photo by Ron Haberern Zopkioks being loaded. Keith Bailey Photo

 Team on the path in Jorsalle. Photo by Ron Haberern. Zopkioks being loaded. Keith Bailey Photo.

Lisa and Dee on the suspension bridge. Keith Bailey Photo Waterfall on the Everest Trail. Photo by Keith Bailey Mark and Maggie having a natter in a teahouse in Lukla. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo

Lisa and Dee on the suspension bridge. Keith Bailey Photo. Waterfall on the Everest Trail. Photo by Keith Bailey. Mark and Maggie having a natter in a teahouse in Lukla. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo.

Dee Haberern treats her water with a Steripen. Ron Haberern Photo Hillary and Tenzing summit Everest. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo Trekkers on a suspension bridge on the trail to Everest. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern

Dee Haberern treats her water with a Steripen. Ron Haberern Photo. Hillary and Tenzing summit Everest. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo. Trekkers on a suspension bridge on the trail to Everest. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern.

Carved prayer stone beside a table and chair along the Everest Basecamp Trek. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo Waterfalls and grist mills along the trail to Everest. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern

 Carved prayer stone beside a table and chair along the Everest Basecamp Trek. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo. Waterfalls and grist mills along the trail to Everest. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern. 

13 October -

Phakding to Namche Bazaar - 13 October, 2013 Early breakfast and 8 am start under overcast skies.  What began as a warm but cloudy day turned into a light rain by late morning increasing to steady downpour by noon.  Some were better prepared for the unrelenting rain which made rocks slippery  and sent rivulets of muddy water down the trail.  We didn’t understand why Dan showed us his umbrella when talking about the equipment to take with us. But after this day we all know why and will look for our own one in Namche.

12 October - 
 
Leaving Kathmandu, 12 October, 2013 Everyone up for a 6:30 am breakfast, and 7a.m. departure for the airport.
Traffic very light – it’s the Nepalese holiday, called Dashain, where everyone goes home for many days ,perhaps months of  celebration; so the airport was a picture of chaos. According to Island Peak team member Sangeeta Sindhi, in Nepal it is called Dashain, but In India it is termed as Dusserah where Good overcomes the evil . The story goes back to the King of Ayodhya, Dasarath who had 3 wives and four sons, namely Ram, Bharat , Shatrughan and Laxman. Kaushalaya was the first wife of the king whose son Ram was the heir to the throne. His favorite queen Kakeyi wanted her son Bharat to ascend the  throne.   One day , to please his queen the king promised that her son Bharat would ascend the throne. He banished his eldest son Ram to the jungle for 14 years. His wife Sita and younger brother Laxman accompanied him. During Ram’s stay in the jungles, the king of Ceylon Raavan abducted his wife Sita and kept her confined to his palace in Srilanka. His two brothers  helped the king to keep Sita in the palace .To win back his queen, Ram  fought many battles and killed the ten headed king Raavan,  by piercing a poised arrow into his navel. Dusserah is celebrated by burning an effigy of Raavan and his two brothers all over India. It is to celebrate the good that has overcome the evil each year.

Back to the trek: airplanes are so small (only 8 seat each) that the team had to take 2 planes.  The first took off about noon with an American pilot who assured us the weather in Lukla was perfect for flying and landing.
(often it’s not)  Beautiful views of Everest from the left side of the plane.  Landing in Lukla 35 minutes later felt a bit like threading the eye of a needle.  It’s built on the side of the mountain so the hillside seemed alarmingly close when landing - quite exciting.  After a 90 minute wait for the rest of the team – and the luggage - to arrive we had a leisurely lunch.

After sorting thru the luggage before it got loaded on the yaks - everyone took off only to be stopped ½ hour later at a checkpoint.  Another wait (these checkposts occur at regular intervals we found) everyone took off once again along a beautiful rocky and rugged trail interspersed with tiny villages which took us down from Lukla, dropping 200 metres / 600 feet. By now it was mid-afternoon and the completion times due to the differet pace levels varied by a few hours. Couldn’t be done without the wonderful help and support of the Sherpas.  Wonderful hot dinner and an early night for all.
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Zopkioks on the trail in Lukla. Ron and Dee Haberern Photo porter carrying a load of kitchen equipment. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern
 
Zopkioks on the trail in Lukla. Ron and Dee Haberern Photo. Porter carrying a load of kitchen equipment. Photo by Ron and Dee Haberern.
 
Plane takes off from Lukla. Control tower on right. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo Shopping on the streets of Lukla. Keith Bailey Photo
 
Plane takes off from Lukla. Control tower on right. Sangeeta Sindhi Photo. Shopping on the streets of Lukla. Keith Bailey Photo
 
Team in the plane - Sangeeta, Rosemary, Saz, Jim, Tim, Maggie, David. Photo by Sangeeta Sindhi Leonard and Dan disembark from the plane in Lukla. Keith Bailey Photo
 
Team in the plane - Sangeeta, Rosemary, Saz, Jim, Tim, Maggie, David. Photo by Sangeeta Sindhi. Leonard and Dan disembark from the plane in Lukla. Keith Bailey Photo.
 
Team at the ktm airport- Jim, Saz, Mark, Maggie, Tim, Sangeeta, Rosemary, David. Airport attendant photo Team boarding the aircraft in KTM airport for the flight to Lukla. Ron and Dee Haberern Photo
 
Team at the ktm airport- Jim, Saz, Mark, Maggie, Tim, Sangeeta, Rosemary, David. Airport attendant photo. Team boarding the aircraft in KTM airport for the flight to Lukla. Ron and Dee Haberern Photo. 
 
Jim, Mark, Sangeeta, and Maggie considering our luggage at the airport. Photo by Keith Bailey Plane takes off from the Kathmandu airport in front of Mount Ganesh. Keith Bailey Photo
 
Jim, Mark, Sangeeta, and Maggie considering our luggage at the airport. Photo by Keith Bailey. Plane takes off from the Kathmandu airport in front of Mount Ganesh. Keith Bailey Photo.
 
Garden in the Shakti Hotel, Kathmandu. Photo by Keith Bailey A large Stupa in Thahity square, Kathmandu. Photo by Keith Bailey
 
Garden in the Shakti Hotel, Kathmandu. Photo by Keith Bailey. A large Stupa in Thahity square, Kathmandu. Photo by Keith Bailey. 
 
AmaDablam Autumn 2013 Team Roster: 
 
  • Dan Mazur (Leader), USA/UK
  • James B., UK
  • Mark V. H., Nederland
  • Tim R., Australian
  • Sarabjit B., UK
  • Maggie O., New Zealand
  • Marc B., Swiss
  • Dany B., Swiss
  • Fernando J., Swiss
  • Andreas S., Swiss
  • Nils R., Swiss
  • Janik J., Swiss

Ama Dablam BC Trek    

  • Leonard V.

Staff:

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