About Ama Dablam Expedition

Ama Dablam Expedition follows a world-class route that leads to the finest summit of Mt. Ama Dablam. Summited first in 1961, Mt. Ama Dablam is a picturesque mountain with a pyramid shape. This mountain is situated south of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Its vertical wall in the north & south along with its sharp exposed ridges in all directions, which have attracted hundreds of travel enthusiasts over several years. The perfect combination of technically difficult trail and spectacular views make Ama Dablam Expedition a truly satisfying journey in the Himalayas.

We have designed our Ama Dablam Expedition itinerary including the best routes that lead to the base camp and ample rest days. Ama Dablam is not just a mountain in the Himalayas, it has a huge belief of the locals. The words Ama Dablam means Mother Necklace, whereas the long ridges on both sides of the mountain resemble the arms of a mother who is protecting her child, protecting the locals. Likewise, the hanging glacier is said to be Dablam, which is a traditional double-pendant worn by Sherpa women.

Ama Dablam Expedition is an adventurous and challenging journey in the Himalayas. The experience you will get during this expedition is nothing compared to any other mountains, even Everest. You will be part of a thriving community and observe their ancient traditions. Of course, you will be spending nights in the picturesque villages. The trail is very beautiful. Mountains like Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Thamserku (6,623 m), Kantega (6,782 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Cholastse (6,440 m), etc can be seen during the expedition.

Highlights of Ama Dablam Expedition

Thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla
Trek through Sagarmatha National Park
Explore Namche Bazar
Pass by picturesque villages and dense forests
Experience rich culture and unique lifestyle of Sherpas
Visit the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, Tengboche monastery
See the head of the Yeti in Pangboche monastery
Reach the top of Mt. Ama Dablam
Get to witness tempting landscape throughout the trail
See stunning views of Himalayan mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kantega, Thamserku, etc

Itinerary

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Day 1:Meet in Kathmandu, team briefing.

We hope it’s a fine day when you are flying into Kathmandu if it is your tour begins right from the clouds itself. One of our representatives and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rep will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms & refreshing yourselves, you will be briefed about your daily activities. Later, in the evening, you head downtown for a delicious welcome Nepalese dinner.

Hotel
Welcome dinner

Day 2:Gear checks, optional sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Today, you will go on a short guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Swwayambhunath. It is going to be a short tour. After that, you prepare for the trek and check all the gears & documents.

Hotel
Breakfast only

Day 3:Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft), 3hrs.

A thrilling scenic flight to Lukla and a landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.

Lodge
BLD

Day 4:Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft).

Crossing and recrossing the river on high airy suspension bridges, you begin trekking towards Namche Bazar. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. From here, you ascend steeply to Namche Bazar. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest.

Lodge
BLD

Day 5:Sightseeing in Namche Bazaar, possible day walk to Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft) and Khunde (3,840m/ 12,598ft).

Namche Bazar is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Syangboche. To acclimatize, you visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. You also have the option to hike to Khumjung where you visit a school established by Hillary.

Lodge
BLD

Day 6:Trek to Phortse (3,950m/12,959ft), 5-6hrs.

From Namche Bazar, you pass through Mong La and descend to Phortse Tenga. The trail then crosses Dudh Koshi River and ascends to Phortse village. It is a beautiful Sherpa village.

Lodge
BLD

Day 7:Trek to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft), acclimatization hike.

The trail gradually ascends to the ridge of Phortse Village from where you get to see tempting views. Further, you walk on a narrow cliff and descend for an hour. From here, with a few ascends & descends, you reach Pangboche. Today, you get to see stunning views throughout the trail.

Lodge
BLD

Day 8:Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,529m/14,859ft).

Crossing the Dudh Koshi River, you gradually ascend towards Ama Dablam Base Camp. From the base camp, you get to see breath-taking views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Kantega, Mt. Lhotse, etc.

Camp
BLD

Day 9:Set up Base Camp area – acclimatize/rest.

Today, you will rest at the base camp and prepare to move towards the summit. You will get short climbing training and learn how to properly use gears from your guide. You will also go on a short hike to nearby hills to acclimatize with the altitude.

Camp
BLD

Day 10-11:Day trek to Camp I (5,700m); 5hrs.

From Ama Dablam Base Camp to Camp I is a relatively easy trail and involves a small rocky section. The trail also includes a few boulder sections, you have to climb easy fourth class slab without using any rope. Upon reaching the Camp I, you will set the camp and rest for the day.

Camp
BLD

Day 12:Move to Camp II (5,950m); 3hrs.

To reach Camp II, you have to cross many technical parts. The route ascends along fourth class horizontal rock ridge. As the elevation will be increasing, exposure becomes a huge challenge. You will see a Yellow Tower at the end of the horizontal ridge, which is known as French 4th class, British Severe, North American YDS 5.5.

Camp
BLD

Day 13:Move to Camp III (6,200); 2hrs.

From Camp II, you begin walking on mixed terrain covered with ice and snow. You will use fixed rope throughout the route. The trail offers tempting views of Mt. Kusum Kanguru, Mt. Kantega, and other mountains. Further, you pass the Mushroom Ridge (6,150 m) and reach Camp III.

Camp
BLD

Day 14-20:Summit (6,812m).

For the main summit, it takes around 10 hours to reach. We have kept enough days to reach the summit while reading weather conditions. Upon reaching the summit, you get to see the wonderful landscapes and mountains view. Later, you descend back to the base camp or Camp II for a night stay.

Camp
BLD

Day 21:Move back down to Camp I.

Today, you will follow the same path and descend to Camp I. The trail will be difficult, but amazing views of snow-capped mountains will keep you going.

Camp
BLD

Day 22:Return to Base Camp.

The day begins early, and you descend to the base camp retracing the same path. Upon reaching the base camp, you will rest for the day.

Camp
BLD

Day 23:Contingency day.

It is an extra day to use in case of bad weather, flight delays, or to meet all the team members at the base camp.

Camp
BLD

Day 24:Depart Base Camp to Pangboche.

You will descend following the same path and pass through small villages. Soon, the trail will take you back to Pangboche. Here, you will visit an ancient monastery, where you will find the head of the Yeti.

Camp
BLD

Day 25:Trek to Namche Bazaar.

From Pangboche, the trail slowly descends through small villages and dense forests. You pass by villages like Debuche, Tengboche, etc before reaching Namche Bazar.

Lodge
BLD

Day 26:Trek to Lukla.

Today, you continue trek to Lukla along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail goes steeply downwards with rocky terrain. Even though you hike the same routes, it’s completely different from the walk you did on our way up. The trail passes through the rhododendron, pine, and oak forest before reaching Lukla.

Lodge
BLD

Day 27:Fly Lukla to Kathmandu.

Most flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are scheduled early in the morning to avoid the strong winds. It’s a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. You touch down at Kathmandu and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner.

Lodge
BLD

Day 28:Depart from Kathmandu.

Our representative and office vehicle will be on standby at your hotel to transfer us to the Airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was an honor and pleasure, we at Dream Peak Adventures will treasure the bonds of our friendship created over the time you spent with us.

Good to Know

Ama Dablam Southwest Route

Base Camp (4,600m)

Situated at this height, Ama Dablam Base Camp is the biggest grassy base camp in Nepal, where climbers usually play soccer or volleyball to spend the day and adjust with the altitude. You will be spending a long time here at the base camp. The base camp will be set with all the tents and requirements. We, Dream Peak Adventure offers separate sleeping tents to all the crew members with a common dining tent and washroom tents.

Camp I (5,700m); 5hrs

From the base camp, you will easily reach Camp I as the trail is not difficult. Still, you have to overcome a rocky section that is 100 meters long. Camp I is located at a slope of 60º. Before reaching Camp I, you will pass by a large boulder and ascend on a fourth class slab without using a fixed rope. As there are not many places to put on Camp I, you will share a sleeping tent with one of the fellow climbers.

Camp II (5,950m); 3hrs

Leaving Camp I behind, you gradually ascend on the technical section. The first part of the trail ascends along fourth class horizontal rock ridge, which is not difficult. As the exposure will increase with the increase of the altitude, the climb slowly becomes tough. Soon, you come across the Yellow Tower, which is 6 meters long. Climbing the Yellow Tower, you reach Camp II. You have to be extremely careful while moving around Camp II.

Camp III (6,200m); 2hrs

The trail ascends along the mixed terrain of ice and snow. To reach Camp III, you have to use fixed rope throughout the route for safety. Enjoying stunning views of the nearby Himalayan mountain, you reach Camp III. We will only set Camp III if you couldn't push towards the summit from Camp II. Camp III is an avalanche-prone area, therefore we will try to reduce our time here as much as possible here.

Summit (6,812m); 10hrs

From Camp III, it is 10 hours to walk to and from the summit. You will cross two dramatic but very solid snow-ice 40º+. As you will be approaching Dablam, you come across a fluted ice field (30-50º) that leads to the summit of Mt. Ama Dablam. From the stop of this finest summit, you get to see panoramic views of several Himalayan mountains including Everest.

Why go on Ama Dablam Expedition with us?

Our years of expertise along with field experience makes us the best travel partner for Ama Dablam Expedition. We provide high-quality service. Our itinerary is designed professionally and is well-planned to face any obstacles. While climbing with us, you will be assisted by experienced Sherpa guides who will help you to reach the summit smoothly. Our guides are well-trained and certified in various courses from first-aid to rescue.

Up in the Himalayas, only one thing matters that is your knowledge about the region. We give a team that is well known with the Himalayas and its behavior. Nothing can be said guaranteed up there, however, with us, you will be getting the best people who are raised in this environment, who knows what they are doing, and what is good for the entire team & you. Therefore, you will be safe with us.

Talking about other things, we offer branded gears, tents, and delicious meals during the climbing period. Along with that we also provide climbing training to our team to boost their confidence. Along with all these services, we offer genuine costs as well.

Best time to go on Ama Dablam Expedition

Autumn is the best time to go on the Ama Dablam Expedition because of the stable weather and clear views. The trail also becomes firm and walkable due to the snowfall in winter. Likewise, the trail in the lower elevation gets bloomed up with numerous wildflowers and vegetation. the vies are exceptionally gorgeous with a moderate climate.

Altitude Sickness Symptoms & Prevention

High altitude journey carries Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness with itself. You have to be very careful while gaining elevation because this is the main factor that triggers altitude sickness. And, especially on a journey like this do not hurry. Give your body enough time to adjust with the altitude and then only push towards the summit.

Below you can read about symptoms and preventive measures of altitude sickness:

Symptoms of altitude sickness:-

headache
nausea and vomiting
dizziness
tiredness
loss of appetite
shortness of breath

Preventive measures of altitude sickness:-

Include an adequate number of rest days during the trek/climbing
Avoid climbing more than 300-500 meters a day
Make sure you're drinking enough water
Eat a light but high-calorie diet
Avoid alcohol
Avoid smoking
Inform your guide immediately so that he can take proper action on time
Drop down to lower altitude and rest for a few days until symptoms getaway

Food & Water during Ama Dablam Expedition

While you spend the night in the villages, you will get meals as per the menu of the lodge. This region has particularly got a wide range of menu that ranges from Nepali, Continental, Tibetan, to Indian. Dishes like rice, bread, chapati, curries, veggies, egg, meat, pasta, sandwich, momo thukpa, pudding, porridge, bakery items, etc can be found.

Similarly, all the villages offer boiled drinking water. You can refill your bottle every time it gets empty. Do know that you might have to a few extra bucks to fill the water bottle. For extra safety, we recommend you to carry water purification tablets.

From base camp onwards, all the meals will be prepared and cooked by our trained team members. We offer delicious meals during the climbing period, which are high in nutrients. We will give you enough options to choose from. Along with that, we will also take care of your calories and will make sure your body is getting all the nutrients.

Accommodation during Ama Dablam Expedition

The lodge will be your accommodation in the villages. These lodges are run by the locals. The lodge here is pretty basic with a few pieces of furniture. The rooms come on a twin-sharing basis. If you are thinking to get a single room then it will be costly. As the rooms are not insulated properly, make sure to carry a nice sleeping bag with yourself to keep yourself warm in the night. Likewise, washrooms can be either private or common depending upon the place.

While climbing, you stay overnight in tents. All the tents are provided by us. We offer high-quality branded tents that will keep you warm on the high elevation. All the team members get separate sleeping tents and common dining and washroom tents.