Ama Dablam opens; a member of rope fixing team dies on descent  

The rope fixing team has opened the route to the summit of Ama Dablam (6,812m) for autumn season, but loses one of its members on descent

Oct 19, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

A rope fixing team of climbing guides from Seven Summit Treks on Monday completed fixing the line to the summit of Ama Dablam, opening the mountain for aspiring climbers. On the descent, however, one of the team members died at Camp III.

Mingma Wangdi Sherpa, 35, from Makalu, Sankhuwasabha district, died at Camp III, officials at the Department of Tourism confirmed. 

Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director of Seven Summit Treks, confirmed his death, but did not explain the cause of the death. 

“We have been briefed by the outfitter that the name of the deceased is Mingma Wangdi Sherpa, a five time Everest summiteer. As the team descended from Camp III to Camp II, Mingma fell behind. So, they thought he spent the night at Camp III. Some team members headed up to look for him in the morning and found him lying dead at Camp III,” said Bigyan Koirala, officer at the Department of Tourism (DoT). 

An estimated 800 climbers are to climb Ama Dablam in this autumn season. The government has already issued 200 climbing permits till date. DoT officials say the number of total climbing permits could go upto 450. 

“Mingma was a strong professional climber. The news about his death at 6,300m, who has climbed eight-thousanders including Everest, came as a surprise to me. But anything can happen on the mountains,” Ngaa Tenji Sherpa, Mingma’s villager, who runs Pioneer Adventures told Everest Chronicle.

Ama Dablam is an iconic mountain, often recognizable from afar. It is also known for technical and challenging climbs for an under 7,000 m peak. Ama Dablam is popular among climbers to build skills and strength for 8,000m peak expedition. 

Related Articles

For Sherpas, by Sherpas

A pair of Sherpa entrepreneurs have introduced affordable high-quality technical gear into the Nepali market.

Dec 07, 2021 | Everest Chronicle

Thanks to COVID, Confusion Reigns around Extension of Everest Permits

Last spring, many expedition organizers and climbers cancelled their expeditions due to rampant COVID-19 infections at Everest Base Camp, nearly all of whom want to climb again. But Nepal’s Department of Tourism is giving mixed messages around the possibility of extending unused climbing permits.

Jan 22, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Kami Rita Eyes 26th Ascent of Mount Everest

Kami Rita Sherpa, the legendary guide who has summited Mount Everest more than any other human in recorded history, is planning to climb the world’s highest peak one more time. Sherpa, who first climbed Everest in 1994, was planning to summit the peak twice last year. He later aborted his second attempt after reaching Camp III due to bad dreams. This year, he will be guiding a team of American climbers.

Feb 02, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Jost Kobusch just doesn’t care 

The ambitious German mountaineer speaks to Everest Chronicle about his second attempt to climb Everest solo, in winter, and without supplemental oxygen.

Feb 07, 2022 | Dewan Rai

When a summit isn’t actually a summit, but still somehow is

Mingma G’s bold and public ascent to the true summit of Manaslu should have ended the debate over the mountain’s highest point entirely. But instead, it seems to have brought up more questions than answers.

Feb 11, 2022 | Dewan Rai

Bad weather delays Cho Oyu winter ascent 

Gelje Sherpa’s team is now considering a second push to the summit of Cho Oyu after strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions ended their summit bid. Another team led by Mingma Dorchi and Pioneer Adventure is at their base camp waiting for a weather window.

Feb 21, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Everest expedition operators fear another chaotic year

With the ongoing covid pandemic, travel restrictions to China, and continued global uncertainty, Nepal’s expedition operators are facing another difficult year.

Feb 24, 2022 | Dewan Rai