About Mount Ama Dablam Expedition

Popularly known as the 'Matterhorn of the Himalaya', the overwhelming, ice-coated granite pyramid of Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,494ft) dominates the sky above the trekker's trail to the Everest Base Camp. The 30-day Ama Dablam Expedition begins in Kathmandu with sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next, we fly to Lukla and begin trekking. You trek in the beautiful Everest trail before beginning the summit of Ama Dablam.

The standard ascent to Ama Dablam is made via the South-Western Ridge, the same route followed by Ward (UK), Bishop (USA) and Gill (NZ) in the first ascent of the mountain in 1961. The route offers a varied and sustained climb with a reasonable level of difficulty. Three high camps are set up at strategic points. The climb is moderate up to Camp 1, then it gets challenging up along the narrow granite ridge. Negotiating pitches of steep ice and snow slopes, the route gets more technical from Camp 2. From Camp 3, skirt around the hanging glacier or the Dablam, cross snow arête(a sharp ridge) and bergschrund (a gap or crevasse at the edge) between ice cliffs, and scale the summit. After scaling the summit, you return to base camp.

Trip Highlights

  • A magnificent mountain in the middle of the Khumbu.
  • A magnificent summit view including Nuptse, Baruntse and Pumari, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest
  • Climbing with our Local Sherpa Guides who have summited Ama Dablam numerous times.
  • Technically an interesting route to the summit.
  • Experience Sherpa culture as a people. 
  • Well set up camps and logistics during the Expedition.
  • Climb one of the most stunning mountains in the Himalayas of Nepal. 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and formal completion of your custom and immigration processes, one of our representatives from TOP OF THE WORLD ADVENTURE will be there to greet you at the arrival exit and escort you to your pre-determined hotel. You may relax in your hotel room for the rest of the time or you may stroll around the streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted at an excellent Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic Nepalese cuisine along with a cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350

After breakfast in your hotel, you may wander around nearby areas and do some shopping for your adventurous trip the following day. In the afternoon, we will visit TOP OF THE WORLD ADVENTURE office for a pre-trip discussion and meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. You will also be briefed on the nature of expedition, equipment and team composition. Later, you will go back to our hotel and have a peaceful sleep. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking lush hills and snowcapped mountains, you reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. At Lukla, you meet the rest of our staff members and begin our trek to Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, you only have a short hike today. Overnight in Phakding.

  • Place: Phakding
  • Altitude: 2652

You begin trekking after breakfast. Your trail passes through pine forests and you also walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River. After walking for around an hour, you begin to see Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right. You continue your trek through lush pine, fir and juniper forests, cross a few suspension bridges and reach Namche Bazaar. The small town is the main trading center of the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

  • Place: Namche Bazar
  • Altitude: 3440

From Kaliban you trek to This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that you stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. You can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or you can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village you can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

  • Place: Namche Bazar
  • Altitude: 3440

You trek further along the Everest route and pass through beautiful villages and cross the Dudh Koshi River while also enjoying magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam along the way. After ascending on a steep trail, you reach the Tengboche Monastery and spend some time there. Later, you descend to Debuche to spend the night.

  • Place: Debuche

You hike to another village called Pangboche on our way to Pheriche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse River flowing through the wide fertile valley. From here, you continue further up towards Pheriche, another beautiful village for an overnight stay.

  • Place: Pheriche
  • Altitude: 4300

This day is set aside just for acclimatization. This will help minimize the chances of anyone being affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Today you climb a terrain above the Pheriche village as it is youll suited to give us a good hiking experience in a cold condition. After an uphill climb to the top of the hill, you are rewarded with great views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pheriche.

  • Place: Pheriche
  • Altitude: 4300

You begin today’s trek by walking back to Pangboche and crossing the Dudh Koshi River. Next, you ascend on a trail which will take you to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The Base Camp is large and open grassland at the foot of Mt. Ama Dablam. Overnight at Ama Dablam Base Camp.

  • Place: Amadablam Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4570

Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the best ways of using climbing gear such as the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes for climbing both up and down. The training will boost your confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing your chance of a successful summit of the mountain. Overnight in Ama Dablam Base Camp.

  • Place: Amadablam Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4570

From the Ama Dablam Base Camp you move further up to Camp 1 at 5,700m (17,400 ft) along the standard route. Generally, one night is spent at Camp 1 for acclimatization and before returning to the Base Camp for the final preparation to scale the summit. There are three camps above the base camp before reaching the summit. The ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 is technically challenging. From Camp 1, you follow existing fixed lines and then establish new ropes wherever necessary both for ascent and descent. The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is comprised of mixed rock, snow and ice, which is loose in certain places. The climb from Camp 3 to the summit is relatively less technical. After summiting the peak, you return back to the base camp.

  • Place: Amadablam Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4570

You trek back to Lukla via Tengboche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding.

  • Place: Lukla
  • Altitude: 2850

You catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, you can take the much needed rest in your hotel room. In the evening, you participate on a farewell dinner hosted by TOP OF THE WORLD ADVENTURE to celebrate our successful summit of Ama Dablam. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350

This is a reserve day to accommodate any possible delay in the Lukla to Kathmandu flight. If the flight is as scheduled, you spend the day enjoying Kathmandu's delights. If there is someplace you wish to visit during our stay in Kathmandu, you may do that today or you can do some souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from TOP OF THE WORLD ADVENTURE will take you to the airport, approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • All arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
  • 3-Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Flight & transfers Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
  • Mt. Ama Dablam expedition permit (Royalty; US$ 400 for member).
  • Government official Liaison Officer for Ama Dablam Expedition. 
  • Khumbu village & Sagarmatha National Park entry permit & TIMS card.
  • All camping equipment in Advance Base Camp and other camps.
  • Food, accommodation and guide during trekking in teahouse/lodge.
  • Food during expedition period cooked by our experienced cook.
  • 1:1 experienced private climbing Sherpa guide for climbing support.
  • Baggage allowance carrying by mules/porters up and down to BC: 40 kg.
  • Required high altitude food for climbing member and Sherpa.
  • Required fixing and dynamic ropes for climbing by Sherpa Guide.
  • Insurance, wages, meal and allowances for climbing Sherpa and BC staffs.
  • Solar panels for light and battery charging in base camp.
  • Icefall and rope fixing charges, tents at high camps C1, C2 and C3.
  • First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
  • Walkie-talkies & satellite phone for communication (uses charge $ 5 per unit for Sat).
  • Office service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal.
  • Farewell Dinner & Success Celebration with Top of the World Adventure Family.

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
  • Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit and personal trekking gears.
  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes and changes in Government regulations.
  • Any additional staff (s) other than specified.
  • Summit bonus to your personal climbing Sherpa(Required begins from minimum US$ 700 per summit per Sherpa)
  • Tips to base camp staffs (Per member beginning from minimum US$ 100.00 in total)
  • Repatriation, medicines, medical tests and hospitalization expenses for member.
  • Travel insurance and helicopter rescue evacuation for member.
  • Any other item not included in “The Service Includes” section.