Ama Dablam Expedition is one of the most famous ongoing Expedition. Situated in the Khumbu Himal en route to Everest Base Camp, Ama Dablam (6,812m) is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalaya.  In Sherpa dialect, the name ‘Ama Dablam’ means “Mother’s necklace”, reflecting the distinct shape of the mountain: the long, graceful sweep of the ridges on each side stretching out like the arms of a mother (ama) protecting her child. And the hanging glacier below the summit forming the Dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women.

First sumitted by an Anglo American/New Zealand team in 1961, an ascent of Ama Dablam represents a significant challenge requiring technical ability over ice & rock. We will be using the conventional SW ridge which involves pure rock climbing. The last section to the summit involves ice climbing followed by a long, steep snow slope. Because of the technical nature of the route, 3,500m of fixed rope are required as well as 3 camps above base camp.

The approach to Ama Dablam Expedition offers climbers fantastic views and a wonderful base camp in a meadow with a stream. From the Base Camp, you can clearly see Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Cho-Oyu & Everest . Close views of Nuptse, Baruntse & Pumori can be enjoyed from the summit.

Normally the climb is completed in less than 4 weeks but we do add an extra few days to allow for unexpected bad weather.

How can Expedition Himalaya help you achieve your dream of summiting Ama Dablam?

Expedition Himalaya has one of the most experienced teams of mountaineering guides in Nepal. We have both international and local Sherpa guides who have guided several climbers to the summit and back. We will handle all the logistics (permits, domestic flights. entrance fees, accommodation, etc.) while you are in the mountain. You can expect a safe and hassle-free adventure with Expedition Himalaya.

Are you suitable for Mount AmaDablam Expedition?

If you have climbed a mountain (above 6000 meters) or two and have done some rock climbing, you will have no problem getting on top of this beautiful mountain. AmaDablam is a technical mountain involving steep ascents on rock, snow, and ice. Although its elevation is just 6812 meters, the route to the summit is tough and challenging.  Low levels of oxygen make the climb more difficult.

How to prepare for this expedition?

Climb, hike or walk in a high-altitude environment carrying a heavy backpack. Include strength-building and endurance exercises in your daily fitness regimen. Practice rock or wall climbing. Take care of your diet and prepare yourself mentally.

Outline Itinerary:(option 1)

Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02 Trip Preparation

Day 03 Helicopter flight to Namche Bazar 

Day 04 Rest/acclimatize

Day 05 Trek Debuche 3820m

Day 06 Trek Pangboche 3860m

Day 07 Trek AmaDablam Base Camp 4580m

Day 08 - 18 Climbing period/climbing rotation

Day 19 Trek Pangboche

Day 20 Trek Namche

Day 21 Helicopter flight to Kathmandu

Day 22 Free Day in Kathmandu

Day 23 Depart Kathmandu

Outline Itinerary:(option 2)

Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02 Trip Preparation

Day 03 Fly Lukla 2800m; Trek Phakding 2610m

Day 04 Trek Namche Bazaar 3420m

Day 05 Rest/acclimatize

Day 06 Trek Debuche 3820m

Day 07 Trek Pangboche 3860m

Day 08 Trek AmaDablam Base Camp 4580m

Day 09 - 20 Climbing period

Day 21 Trek Pangboche

Day 22 Trek Namche

Day 23 Trek Lukla

Day 24 Fly Kathmandu

Day 25 Free Day in Kathmandu

Day 26 Depart Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary:(option 2)

Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

Flying in Kathmandu is a wonderful experience. If your arrival is during the daytime you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Himalayan range from the plane. After landing you can complete the immigration formalities and head over to the airport terminal. Expedition Himalaya's representative will be there to greet you and drive you to your hotel. Once you arrive at your hotel you can check in and enjoy a welcome drink. You can take a rest or explore a bit of Kathmandu on your own.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 Trip Preparation

Catch up on your sleep if you are jetlagged. There will be a trip briefing in the afternoon at Expedition Himalaya's office or your hotel. Your expedition leader or guide will brief you about your upcoming mountain adventure. You can put forward your queries if you have any and have them answered by the guides.

There are lots of rental places in Kathmandu from where you can hire trekking and mountaineering gear and equipment. If you want to use hired gear you can ask our Sherpa guides. They can suggest local outlets from where you can get good quality gear and a good bargain. 

Retire early as tomorrow is going to be a busy day. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03 Fly Lukla 2800m; Trek Phakding 2610m

You head to the domestic airport and board a tiny Twin Otter turboprop aircraft bound for Lukla. During the flight, you can enjoy fantastic views of snow-capped mountains and green hills. After a heart-racing landing at the narrow Tenzing Hillary airport, it's time to meet to rest of the crew – porters and assistant guides.

Your heavier luggage will be carried by the porters while you will have with you a light daypack with your personal items. Start your trek from Lukla and leave the busy bazaar behind. Head down to the DudhKoshiriver and cross one of the many swaying bridges you will cross en route.

Today's trek is short and pleasant and you soon arrive at Phakding, the first Sherpa village where you will be staying overnight. Hike to a local guesthouse and enjoy the rest of the day soaking in the peaceful ambiance.

Overnight in Phakding.

Day 04 Trek Namche Bazaar 3420m

After breakfast get ready and start your trek. Walk past some gigantic mani stones and prayer flags. There are chortens and prayer wheels en route which have been placed for protection and to help people gain good karma. Crossing Jorsale you enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a natural UNESCO world heritage site. Your luggage will be checked at the park's entrance by the army personnel.

It is an upward ascent to Namche. You pass through a beautiful forest of confers and rhododendron. Silvery waterfalls and glacial rivers cut through the verdant hills and forests. You get your first glimpse of Mount Everest as you approach Namche.

Shaped like a bowl on the side of a mountain, Namche is known as the capital of the Sherpas. The large settlement buzzes with activity. It is filled with lodges or teahouses, restaurants, shops, cafes, bakeries, etc. There is a bank and an ATM kiosk too.

Head to a local lodge and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Namche.

Day 05 Rest/acclimatize

Today you take an acclimatization hike to Hotel Everest View which lies on a hill above Namche. After an early breakfast, you leave Namche and head to the outskirts of the settlement. Climb a flight of steps to reach Shyangboche, a grassy meadow with an abandoned airstrip. After walking up a gentle incline you reach the hotel.

One of the highest hotels in the world, Hotel Everest View offers panoramic views of Mount Everest, AmaDablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbila, Kantega, Thamserku, and other Himalayan giants. You can enjoy the grand vista from the hotel's porch.

After soaking in the views you hike back to Namche. You can stroll around the village and observe the locals. There's a museum where you can learn more about Sherpa culture.

Overnight in Namche.

Day 06 Trek Debuche 3820m

The trail to Debuche leads you past one of the most scenic sections of the trek. Leaving Namche you walk on an undulating path enjoying the majestic views of AmaDablam and other peaks. You take a break at Sansa. It is an upward ascent to Tengboche, a small Sherpa village with one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu Region. You explore the village and the TengbocheGompa(monastery) before descending to Debuche. The tiny settlement is located close to the Imja River. You make your way to a teahouse and rest your weary legs.

Overnight in Debuche.

Day 07 Trek Pangboche 3860m

It's a short trek of about two hours to Pangboche. You can walk at a leisurely pace enjoying the mountain views. AmaDablam looms closer and you can't help feeling excited about the prospect of reaching the top of this beautiful mountain.

After reaching Pangboche you can explore the village and the Pangboche Monastery. Established by the Lama SangeyDorje more than six hundred ago, the monastery is the oldest in Khumbu.

Overnight in Pangboche.

Day 08 Trek AmaDablam Base Camp 4580m

Leaving Pangboche you take the path leading to AmaDablam Base Camp. The trail meanders close to the Imja River. You cross over to the other side of the river via a small suspension bridge. From here you take an upward trail to the Base Camp. As you gain elevation you are greeted with panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. The tree line disappears and a stark and bare landscape of frozen mountains and stubby grasses dominates the landscape.

AmaDablam Base Camp lies in a grassy valley below the majestic AmaDablam. The tented camp will be your refuge for the next couple of days.

Overnight in Base Camp.

Day 09 - 20 Climbing period

For the Mount AmaDablam Expedition three camps – Advance Base Camp, Camp 1 and Camp 2 - will be set up on the mountain. There will be fixed ropes which you will use to ascend the peak.

AmaDablam is a technical mountain and its steep walls and narrow exposed ridges offers the right kind of challenge for those looking for a challenging Himalayan climb. Grandiose views of Mount Everest, Shisapangma, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Pumori and other giants will keep you inspired throughout the climbing period.

Day 21 Trek Pangboche

Retrace your steps to Pangboche. It's a short walk and once you reach the village, you can enjoy a hot bath and a warm bed.

Overnight in Pangboche.

Day 22 Trek Namche

It is a long walk to Namche, The trail goes up and down and once you reach Namche you can pamper yourself with a nice warm shower and your favorite meal and drinks.

Overnight in Namche,

Day 23 Trek Lukla

It's a long descent to Lukla filled with amazing views of the Khumbu landscape. Cross the swaying metal bridges and share the trail with fellow trekkers and mule trains. Once you arrive in Lukla you can enjoy a hot shower and a warm meal. In the evening you celebrate your achievement with the guides and porters. You spend the last evening together singing, dancing, and drinking local wine (chyang). It's customary to end the evening by giving the local crew a tip for their efforts.

Overnight in Lukla.

Day 24 Fly Kathmandu

Board a flight from Lukla and return to Kathmandu. Savor a bird's eye view of the mountains and Kathmandu Valley during the flight. From the airport, you will be driven back to your hotel.  You can spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 25 Free Day in Kathmandu

No activities have been planned for this day and you can spend this day as you wish. Chill at a local spa, shop for souvenirs, explore the city's landmarks on your own or book a guided tour.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 26 Depart Kathmandu

Bid adieu to Kathmandu and head home. Expedition Himalaya's representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport on time to catch your flight. If you feel the itch to explore more of Nepal please feel free to reach out to us. Together we can plan another epic adventure.

INCLUDED

• 4 night’s accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis;4* hotel-twin sharing
• Tea house accommodation on full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek
• Base Camp accommodation with individual sleeping tent with mattress
• Base Camp service (shared with group)-kitchen tent with cook, kitchen boy, dining tent with tables and chairs, shower tent, toilet tent, storage tent, gas heater etc.
• High camps during the climb with high food
• Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
• Surface transportation as per itinerary on private vehicles
• 1 climbing Sherpa for 1 climbing member during the expedition
• Cost of Liaison officer
• Permits and other local taxes
• Required number of porters
• Climbing equipment, transportation, accommodation, food, salary and insurance for Sherpa and other staffs

EXCLUDES

• International airfare to and from Kathmandu & Nepal visa fee
• Travel & medical insurance including insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation
• Lunches & dinners in Kathmandu
• Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, bottled water, bar bills, etc.
• Trekking/climbing gear (also available on hire)
• Tips for local staffs
• Summit Bonus
• Rope fixing charge
• Any extra cost arising out of natural calamities or cancellation of the program
• All other items not mentioned in the list of ‘Price Includes’

Note: Please note that the Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be a big obstruction, even during the best trekking seasons. Bad weather or unsuitable weather conditions will directly affect the flight schedule, resulting in flight delays for a few hours to even a few following days. It is really challenging to travel to Lukla by 3 hours of driving, waking up at 2 am to drive to Ramechap Airport, then taking a 15-minute flight. To be safe, we therefore suggest that you extend your itinerary by a few days or opt for a helicopter rather than a fixed-wing flight to reach Lukla. If a flight is canceled, we'll do our best to reschedule it for the next day the following day (Subject to availability).