Ama Dablam: This name evokes a sense of wonder. Considered as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” (but at 6819m!), this mountain has been on my radar for many years.

Although not as high as many other peaks in the region, it remains a technically challenging summit, both in terms of rock and ice climbing.

Why climb it in April? Because most climbers head off to climb Everest or other 8000m peaks, and those who wish to climb Ama Dablam usually come in October or November. So, I’ll have some peace and quiet!

I won’t be part of an expedition but will be climbing with a sherpa and a guide who has already climbed this peak seven times. However, I’ll still be the first woman he takes to the summit, adding a bit more pressure on my shoulders!

The journey to reach the base camp is long: San Francisco -> New York -> Doha (Qatar) -> Kathmandu -> Lukla (an airport at 4000m altitude that I’ve been told will scare me!) -> then several days of trekking to reach the base camp. Then the real challenge will begin.

You can follow my progress in real-time on my new GPS tracker (the old one gave up) on this map: https://share.garmin.com/ValerieOrsoni.

If you want to send me a message, it’s very simple: [email protected] (don’t forget to sign your name because even if you’re in my address book, names don’t appear on my GPS tracker).

I can’t promise to reply to all messages as my fingers will most likely be very cold. But reading them will warm my heart as it does on every expedition.

Thank you for your messages of support during my training!

Let’s go (or almost)!

Valérie Orsoni
Your Weight Loss & Wellness Coach at LeBootCamp
Founder of the eco-friendly brand LiliWarrior
Follow me on Instagram @valerieorsoni