UKC

Ama Dablam in Spring

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 adamsky 14 Nov 2011
Hi

I'm after some information regarding climbing Ama Dablam in Spring. I know the more popular time and more reliable conditions are Autumn.

Has anyone on here experience of conditions in general in spring in the himalaya? In particular ama and also island peak/lobuche east as acclimatisation peaks?

We are looking to go independent although would need to join a permit for a commercial organiser. Any ideas which operators/guides would allow us to do this?

In terms of equipment, would double layer synthetic boots be ok, such as scarpa 6000 or spantik?

Any advice/information greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Adam
Rolfe Oostra - 360 Expeditions 15 Nov 2011
In reply to adamsky:
Hello,
Having just come back from the Khumbu and seeing the enormous amount of people heading for AD I would seriously warn anybody from attempting it this time. From last count there were 35 teams (4 to 18 members in each) at basecamp. I bumped into Kenton Cool and he had just come down the beast and his experience was also quite negative , primarily due to the huge amount of people. I experienced similar crowds on Island peak (120+ on summit day) and will change my plans for springtime when doing future trips to the Khumbu!
I did a Mera peak last April and enjoyed nothing but solitude.
Expect a lot more snow and adjust your kit accordingly but at least you will be getting the experience one can expect from climbing a mountain of this magnitiude!

Rolfe Oostra - 360 Expeditions 15 Nov 2011
In reply to adamsky:
ps. We use Himalayan Guides for all our logistics. In the past we have discussed AD in spring with them and they were good to get permits etc for us.
Spantics would be my boot of choice for AD in spring.
 GavinC 15 Nov 2011
In reply to adamsky:
Hi

I can't comment on Ama Dablam, but I climbed Island Peak and Lobuche East in Spring last year (mid-may). On Island Peak I think there was one party of 3 plus Sherpas ahead of us, and one of similar size behind. On Lobuche there was only one other small group (2 clients) on the mountain that day. We also did Pokalde - nobody else on that at all.

Very thin snow in general, with the headwall on Island Peak being rotten old ice & rock / choss - not nice. No snow on the slabs below the glacier on Lobuche, which itself is apparently retreating. Having said that quite a some snow fell before our Island Peak attempt, which nearly scuppered us, but in the fairly hot day time temps of May the fresh stuff melted quickly.

Best
Gavin

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