Ama Dablam Expedition

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Embarking on the Ama Dablam Expedition isn't just about climbing a mountain; it's a profound journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where every step brings you closer to the region's breathtaking beauty and rich Sherpa culture. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned climber, Ama Dablam offers an experience like no other, showcasing the majestic allure of Himalayan peaks. Ama Dablam, standing at 6,856 meters, earns its Sherpa name, meaning 'Mother's Necklace,' with its striking presence resembling a pearl against the sky. Situated in the Sagarmatha region of Nepal, it's renowned for its captivating beauty and technical challenges, making it a top choice for mountaineers worldwide. Geographically, Ama Dablam is nestled within the Mahalangur Himal section and the Barun Himal subsection, among 22 peaks that shape the region's unique landscape. Its main summit, towering at 6,856 meters, beckons adventurers with its formidable yet alluring ascent, characterized by technical obstacles that test climbers' skills and resolve. In 1961, Ama Dablam made history when mountaineers conquered its southwest ridge for the first time. Since then, it has become renowned for its technical marvels, with climbers establishing three camps en route to the summit. Negotiating blizzards, hanging glaciers, avalanches, and steep faces, climbers face an array of challenges that define Ama Dablam as one of the Himalayas' most captivating climbs. Preparing for the Ama Dablam Expedition demands meticulous planning, from acclimatization strategies to equipment considerations. Physical strength and mental fortitude are essential for conquering the mountain's mystique and embracing the journey towards its summit.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. — Food Dinner Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our airport representative. You will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel where you will be served welcome drinks. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops, restaurants and bars.Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 2: Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur. — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can also choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel.Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 3: Final preparation day in Kathmandu for expedition. — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) that takes about 35 minutes — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2886 After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive to the domestic airport terminal. Receive your boarding pass and fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) that takes about 35 minutes. The flight offers you up close views of the Himalayas and romantic landscapes of hills, farms and rivers.On arrival to Lukla, you will begin 3 hours trek to Phakding (2640 m.). You start your trek from Lukla with a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Mt. Nupla (5885m) which can be seen in the distance is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a wonderful valley to your right; and Mt. Kusum Kang (6367m.) to the far end.Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 5: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) takes about 5 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3440 This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the views of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Kongde-Ri and Tawoche peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries trekking along the way to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.).Stay overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar. Day Day 6: Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3440 It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town.Stay overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar. Day Day 7: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.) which takes almost 5 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3850 From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3250m.).The village has an excellent place for lunch and you can take a short rest before making the steep climb to Tyangboche.Stay overnight at lodge in Tyangboche. Day Day 8: Trek from Tyangboche to Pangboche (3920 m.) takes about 3 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3920 It is a short hike to get your body used to with the height.Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 9: Rest day at Pangboche for acclimatization. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3920 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 10: Trek from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600 m.) takes about 3 and half hours. — Food BLD Accomodation camp Elevation 4600 Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 11-25: These days are Ama Dablam Mountain climbing period (summit Ama Dablam 6812 m). — Food BLD Accomodation camp Elevation 6812 Stay all nights at camp. Base Camp (4600 m): Situated on a large grassy meadow with a wonderful views.Advance Base Camp (5400 m): There is a rough track over very rocky terrain, which we use from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp.Camp I (5800 m): Your first real climb is begins from Advance Base Camp and it takes about 3 hours. This section is marked by rock cairns and involves boulder hopping and some easy scrambling. You sometimes fix a couple of sections with rope to be used as a handrail. Camp I to Camp II (6000 m): This route mostly involves rock climbing. You follow a narrow ridge, switching back and forth on each side of the ridge. This is the hardest rock climbing of the entire route. In places the exposure is extreme and you will be grateful for the fixed ropes in place. You can also use your Jumar to help you over the odd spots of difficulties. Most of the climbing on this section is traversing on rock, so good rock climbing skills will help you move efficiently and quickly over this terrain.Camp II: Situated on top of the Yellow Tower on a narrow platform, this camp site is rather exposed and has fantastic views. If you dropped your cup from here, it would probably land in base camp! Camp II to Camp III (6300m): Now, for the hardest snow and ice pitches of the route we follow a system of steep snow and ice gullies up to join a feature called the Mushroom Ridge. Whilst the ridge itself is not as technical as the gullies leading up to it, the exposure here is palpable. It is a narrow, windy, snow mushroom-like ridge with giant Himalayan peaks in the background. This feature leads us up onto a small plateau at 6300 m, which serves the purpose of camp three. Camp III: A cold and exposed position is the start of your summit push. The Sherpas will often use a full climbing rope to tie our tents down as the natural shape of the mountain can at times unfortunately funnel the wind to this location. It is, however, the only safe flat piece of real estate within range of the summit. Summit day: The initial route is to the right of the huge “Dablam” (ice cliff), up a moderately steep slope. Once past this feature we move toward the centre of the face. The angle eases slightly and a couple of tough hours later we emerge on the summit (6812 m). The summit is the size of a tennis court and allows us to move around and take pictures. Five of the world’s six highest peaks are clearly visible, with many other 7000m and lesser peaks rewarding your great efforts. Day Day 26: Clean Base Camp and return to Pangboche takes about 3 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3920 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 27: Trek from Pangboche to Namche takes about 5 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3440 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 28: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886m) which takes about 6 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2886 Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla.Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 29: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 30: Rest day in Kathmandu for shopping and recreation. — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Rest day in Kathmandu for shopping and recreation.Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 31: Departure — Food Breakfast As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE