Ama Dablam (6812m)- 29 days
Ama Dablam is more than just a climb as it’s a journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Located in the Khumbu valley ofNepal, only 12 km from the summit of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam demands the attention of every passer-by. High on her Southwest face hangs a glacier resembling a 'Dablam' - the sacred ornament box worn by ladies in the Sherpa community. It was this spectacular feature that got her the name "Ama Dablam". Soaring ridge lines and super-steep faces guard the summit from all but the experienced climber. From the summit you are surrounded by a vista of peaks like no other, five of the highest six peaks in the world are clearly visible.In recent years many parties have successfully climbed the mountain, with nearly all ascents via the original south west ridge route. Our ascent will be made via the conventional south west ridge route, a technical route that requires 3500m of fixed ropes and three camps above base camp.The climbing on the route involves pure rock climbing on exquisite granite followed by mixed snow and rock climbing. 
I had the pleasure last January of having the most wonderful trekking guide around Kathmandu and then the Annapurna circuit. Rajandra Khandal was not only knowledgeable about Nepalese history and trails, he was also patient, efficient, very smart and witty, spoke excellent English and always seemed to have a good rapport with whoever we encountered, both local Nepalese and tourists. He was an extremely strong guide who carried some of my belongings along with his own, and never appeared tired, always as energetic and agile as a mountain goat. I remember one instance where we did a steep climb, and I as usual was moving very slowly. When we reacched the top of the mountain I realized I did not have my money pouch, and had probably dropped it way back on the trail where we had stopped. As soon as I told him he was off, running down the mountain at top speed. I watched him reach the bottom and take off like lightning down the trail. We had passed a group of boys walking in the direction of where I had dropped my pouch, and of course, if they found it that would be the end of that. But he reached the pouch before the boys, and came running back down the trail and up the mountain in 15 minutes, the same steep climb that had taken me much longer!! He arrived smiling and happy that he had suceeded. I was very, very grateful, and impressed!!! He was always good natured and hapy!! After that I let him carry my money. At the end of the trek I found out how frugal he had been, and that he had negotiated lodgings so skillfully that he had save me quite a lot of money. We remain good friends and I look forward to the time when I can return to Nepal and trek again with this wonderful young man. If you are planning to visit Nepal, don't miss the chance to trek with Raj, it will be nothing short of a great experience!!Peggy Cabbab.
I would highly recommend Raj as a guide of Nepal. He is truly an amazing young man, with exceptional customer service skills. I met Raj on my very first day in Nepal, and he took such good care of me. He guided me around the most common sites of Kathmandu. He not only physically showed me these places, he had so much knowledge about each and every place we visited, which was really informative. Raj and I had a lot of great conversations during the few days he was guiding me, and introduced me to the beautiful Nepal. Nepal is a place I will forever hold in my heart, and Raj has become a dear friend, whose kindness and friendship will remain with me always. Raj will show you beautiful sights of his home country, and will do so with such a passion for life! He is an amazing person, and does a fantastic job with guiding people. Rebecca NZ.
