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Southwest Ridge

4A | D | IV Edit route
The Southwest Ridge is the classic and most established climbing line on Ama Dablam. It is a sustained alpine route combining steep snow, rock, and mixed climbing on a very exposed ridge. The route is famous for its technical sections, especially the Grey Tower and the upper rock-and-ice steps. Objective hazards include rockfall, avalanche danger on the lower slopes, and severe exposure to wind and weather. It is generally climbed from a high camp on the ridge, with a long summit day from that camp. This is the standard route described in major Himalayan climbing references for the peak.

Route Outline

Base camp / high camp in the Imja Khola valley
Climb the southwest ridge via snow slopes, rock bands, and mixed sections
Pass the Grey Tower and upper ridge terrain
Continue on the exposed summit ridge to the summit
Descend by the same route

More routes on Ama Dablan

Northwest Ridge

5A | TD | V
The Northwest Ridge is a documented alternative alpine route on Ama Dablam, but it is less commonly climbed than the Southwest Ridge. It is a serious high-altitude line with sustained steepness and complex mixed terrain. Conditions can vary greatly with snow and ice cover, making the route highly committing. Exposure is significant throughout, and protection can be difficult in places. The route is generally considered more difficult and less straightforward than the standard southwest line. It is known from established climbing accounts of the mountain.
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