Video Recap: Melissa Arnot Summits Ama Dablam

First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returned to the Himalayan Mountains in October after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. During the trip Melissa, along with photographer Cory Richards and friend Chhewang Nima, successfully summited Ama Dablam at 22,348 feet.

First Ascent and Melissa Arnot Top Ama Dablam at 22,348 Feet

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Around 9 a.m., in the wind and freezing cold, Cory, Chhewang and I stood on top of Ama Dablam at 22,348 feet. The sun was just cresting the summit and the wind made it feel frigid and inhospitable. Around us, we could see amazing views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and many other beautiful Himalayan peaks Read More…

Excitement Builds as Arnot Prepares to Summit Ama Dablam

Route to summit from top of Ama Dablam

As we set up our base camp, I am filled with the excitement of what lies ahead. I know it will be hard. I have seen two teams leave from Ama Dablam, unable to summit because of adverse snow conditions and weather. Somehow, that excites me more. Cory and I ration out

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Lama Geshe Blesses Safety and Success for Arnot’s Journey

First Ascent Guide Melissa Arnot receives blessing from Lama Geshe

October 26, 2009
As we travel through the Khumbu Valley and over our first two mountain passes, each at 17,200 feet, the landscape gets more arid and we see fewer and fewer people. I enjoy this part of climbing trips, where you leave the common path and start to explore new territory. Cory and I are constantly amazed at how small we can feel while at such a high elevation. The Himalaya is one of the few places where mountains tower over you at almost all times. The two passes we crossed, Renjo La and Cho La, are roughly the height of high camp on Mount McKinley in Alaska Read More…

Sherpa Chhewang Nima Joins Arnot on Expedition

First Ascent Guide Melissa Arnot Shares Afternoon Tea at Chhewang Nima's Family Home

October 21, 2009
Cory and I were awakened this morning by the sound of a familiar and friendly voice, my friend Chhewang Nima. He walked from his village, about an hour away from the place we were staying, to tell us that he would be able to join us on our trip. I was very excited, as Chhewang is always a joy to work with, and he has a laugh that just makes me smile. I met him in 2008 on my first Everest expedition, working for Alpine Ascents. He is one of the most accomplished Sherpa guides on Everest, with an amazing 17 summits Read More…

Three Peaks in Two Weeks for Arnot

Stunning views from the Khumbu valley

First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returns to the Himalayan Mountains after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. During the next twenty-one days, Melissa and photographer Cory Richards will attempt to summit three mountains in the Khumbu region of Nepal, each rising above 20,000 feet. The expedition requires good weather, sound health and the motivation to cover an incredible distance over technical terrain. Follow Melissa’s Himalayan expedition here on the Born Out There blog.

October 14, 2009
After all the planning and packing in Katmandu, we ended up with a false start. Our flights were in fact delayed by one day, so we had a little more time to enjoy Katmandu Read More…

First Ascent Guide Melissa Arnot Returns to the Himalaya

First Ascent Guide Melissa Arnot Maps JourneyFirst Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returns to the Himalayan Mountains after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. Over the next twenty-one days, Melissa and photographer Cory Richards will attempt to summit three mountains in the Khumbu Region of Nepal, each rising above 20,000 feet. The expedition requires good weather, sound health and the motivation to cover an incredible distance over technical terrain. Follow Melissa’s Himalayan expedition here on the Born Out There Blog.

October 10, 2009
As the plane touches down on the runway, half a world and 20 hours away from the place I started, the excitement begins. I loved Nepal the first time I came here in 2008, and each time, it feels a little more like home. It does take a little time to acclimatize to the culture Read More…