Sightseeing · Nepal
Ama Dablam
The iconic 6,812-metre Khumbu peak on the Everest Base Camp trail, often called the Matterhorn of the Himalaya.
Ama Dablam, at 6,812 metres, is the iconic peak of the Khumbu and one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Though not an eight-thousander, its soaring ridges and hanging glacier make it the visual centrepiece of the Everest Base Camp trail.
Overview
Ama Dablam is often called the Matterhorn of the Himalaya for its sharp, elegant profile, and it is one of the most admired and most photographed of the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. It stands south of Everest and Lhotse within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name means mother's necklace: its long ridges suggest a mother's arms held out to protect her children, while the hanging glacier below the summit resembles a dablam, the traditional double pendant in which Sherpa women keep sacred items. For many trekkers walking to Everest, Ama Dablam, rather than Everest itself, is the single most memorable mountain they see.
Height and location
At 6,812 metres (22,349 feet), Ama Dablam is far lower than its eight-thousand-metre neighbours, but its position right above the main trail and its bold, steep shape make it loom far larger than its height suggests. It sits at roughly 27.86° N, 86.86° E in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, dominating the view from villages such as Tengboche, Pangboche and Dingboche along the route to Everest Base Camp. Because the trail curves around it, the peak presents constantly changing and dramatic profiles as trekkers gain height.
First ascent and climbing
The first ascent was made on 13 March 1961 by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward and Wally Romanes, members of a New Zealand and British scientific expedition that overwintered in the Khumbu. Today the south-west ridge is a popular and serious technical climb, regarded as one of the finest mountaineering objectives of its size in the world. It draws experienced climbers who want a demanding rock and ice route without the extreme altitude and objective danger of an eight-thousander, and it has become a sought-after goal in its own right, especially in the autumn climbing season.
How to see it
You do not have to climb to enjoy Ama Dablam. It is the star of the Everest Base Camp trek, towering over the trail near Tengboche monastery and framing countless photographs alongside Everest and Lhotse. The views are superb from Namche Bazaar onward and grow ever more spectacular as the trail approaches the peak, with no mountaineering required. For the giants at the head of the same valley, see Everest, Lhotse and, to the west, Cho Oyu.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6,812 m (22,349 ft) |
| Nickname | Matterhorn of the Himalaya |
| Location | Khumbu, northeastern Nepal |
| First ascent | 13 March 1961, NZ–British expedition |
| Meaning | Mother's necklace |
| Best access | Everest Base Camp trek |
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is Ama Dablam?+
Ama Dablam stands 6,812 metres (22,349 feet) high. Although it is not an eight-thousander, its striking shape makes it one of the most famous peaks in the Everest region.
Where is Ama Dablam located?+
Ama Dablam rises in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, directly above the Everest Base Camp trail south of Everest itself. It dominates the view from villages such as Tengboche and Dingboche.
Who first climbed Ama Dablam?+
The first ascent was made on 13 March 1961 by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward and Wally Romanes, members of a New Zealand and British expedition that wintered in the Khumbu.
What does the name Ama Dablam mean?+
The name means mother's necklace. The long ridges on either side suggest a mother's protecting arms, while the hanging glacier below the summit resembles a dablam, a traditional double pendant worn by Sherpa women.
How can I see Ama Dablam?+
Ama Dablam is one of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek, towering over the trail near Tengboche monastery. No climbing is needed to enjoy some of the best mountain views in Nepal.
