Ama Dablam towers over the Khumbu Photo: Alpine Ascents Collection

Join MountainZone.com and Alpine Ascents International for an attempt on Ama Dablam, the famous sacred mountain in the Khumbu district of Nepal, not far from Mount Everest. Expedition leader Jim Williams and Guide Dave Morton will provide daily updates, and the team has arrived at Namche Bazaar.

Ama Dablam is not one of the world's 8,000 meter peaks, but it is a desirable summit, and one of the most appealing of all Himalayan peaks. Wonderfully situated on a high ridge above the Dudh Kosi, Ama Dablam makes the smaller half of a nice pair when viewed with Everest from the Monastery at Thyangboche.

The mountain is probably the most photogenic in the Himalaya, and one of the most easily recognized of any mountains. It's safe to say that every Western climber on the trek to Everest has gazed covetously at this pretty mountain.

It has special significance for the Sherpa people of the Khumbu as well, its name meaning "mother's jewel box." Some say its subsidiary ridges represent maternal outstretched arms. But for climbers, there's nothing nurturing about it. Ama Dablam is a serious challenge; in the words of Scott Fischer: "Whoa, that thing gets steep!"