| Duration: | 34 Day(s) - 33 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Expedition |
On this expedition, we will trek in the Khumbu region, climbing one or two acclimatisation summits before moving up to Ama Dablam Base Camp. From Base Camp, we will establish two or three camps above (depending on our condition) before attempting the summit.
There are many different strategies for climbing high mountains, and all of them require proper acclimatisation. Ama Dablam is quick to access—too quick for climbers to head straight to Base Camp and continue upward without acclimating. Several days are needed to adjust safely to the altitude.
Over the years, we have found that it is far more enjoyable to spend acclimatisation days on lesser peaks rather than attempting to acclimate directly on the final objective. Ama Dablam is a stunning mountain located almost due south of Everest and Lhotse in the Khumbu region.
The name Ama Dablam means “The Mother Mountain,” and it is often regarded as a symbol of motherhood and femininity. It rises elegantly among the 22,000–24,000-foot peaks that surround the high valleys of this region, yet stands out due to its classic beauty: a steep pyramid of ice with vertical walls and sharp, exposed ridges.
From the summit of Ama Dablam, climbers can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains across the Khumbu region and both sides of the valleys. The summit has space for only one tent, so staying for 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy the sunshine and the views is usually ideal.
A 15- to 25-day climbing period is generally suitable for this mountain, as weather windows sometimes require waiting, and extra time allows for a safe and enjoyable summit experience. Ama Dablam is located in the Solu-Khumbu District of Nepal. The best climbing seasons are April and May (pre-monsoon) and late September and October (post-monsoon).
Location: Latitude 27.51.42 — Longitude 86.51.50
TRIP FACTS
Country: Nepal
Duration: 34 days
Area: Everest Region
Activities: Expedition
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max Altitude: 6,812 m
Best Seasons: March, May–September, November
DETAIL ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU (1350m) & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to your hotel. Our airport representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel, where you will be briefed about the upcoming program. Overnight at the hotel. (B, D)
DAY 02: FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN KATHMANDU VALLEY
Your sightseeing tour begins at 9 AM after breakfast. A private vehicle and professional guide will accompany you. Sites visited include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, we will finalise preparations for the trek. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
DAY 03: FLY KATHMANDU TO LUKLA & TREK TO PHAKDING (2850m)
A 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. After landing, we trek to Phakding for about 4 hours, passing Sherpa villages and green landscapes. (B, L, D)
DAY 04: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3450m)
A 6-hour trek crossing several bridges over the Dudh Koshi River via Jorsalle, followed by a steep climb through pine forests before reaching Namche Bazaar. This bustling Sherpa town offers bakeries, internet services, shops, and a museum. (B, L, D)
DAY 05: ACCLIMATIZATION IN NAMCHE BAZAAR
Full day to acclimatise. You may rest or hike to Khumjung, Thame, or Khunde villages. Return to Namche for overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 06: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TENGBOCHE (3860m)
A 7-hour scenic trek. After an initial uphill climb to Syangboche, the trail continues gradually toward the Everest View Hotel—one of the region’s best viewpoints. Enjoy tea on the terrace before descending through pine forest toward Tengboche, home to the region’s largest monastery. Witness evening prayers and enjoy sunset views. (B, L, D)
DAY 07: TENGBOCHE TO AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP
A 5-hour trek descending through rhododendron and pine forests to Debuche, then to Pangboche. After visiting Pangboche Monastery and lunch, we cross the Dudh Koshi River and ascend to Ama Dablam Base Camp, surrounded by stunning peaks such as Tengboche Peak, Cholache, and Gokyo Ri. (B, L, D)
DAY 08: ACCLIMATIZATION AT BASE CAMP
Full day of rest and acclimatisation. (B, L, D)
DAY 09: REST & CLIMBING PREPARATION AT BASE CAMP
Climbing preparation day. Sherpas will set up the high camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: TREK TO HIGH CAMP (5250m)
A 4–5 hour careful ascent to High Camp. Overnight at camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: REST DAY AT HIGH CAMP
Rest and further acclimatisation. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: HIGH CAMP TO CAMP 1 (5700–5800m)
A slow 6-hour climb with full equipment. Your climbing guide will brief you on technical sections. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: REST DAY
Rest at Camp 1 or descend temporarily to Base Camp, depending on your condition. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: PREPARATION FOR CAMP 2
Prepare for the push to Camp 2. Sherpas will inspect route conditions. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: CAMP 1 TO CAMP 2 (6150m)
A 4–6 hour climb. Technical guidance will be provided by your Sherpa. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: REST AT CAMP 2
Rest day for acclimatisation or descent to Base Camp, depending on health. (B, L, D)
DAY 17: PREPARATION FOR SUMMIT (6812m)
Final preparations depending on the weather and health. (B, L, D)
DAY 18: ROUTE FIXING / SUMMIT PREPARATION
Sherpas clear and prepare the route. (B, L, D)
DAY 19: SUMMIT ATTEMPT & RETURN TO CAMP 2
Summit Ama Dablam and return to Camp 2. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: CAMP 2 TO BASE CAMP
Descend to Base Camp with all equipment. (B, L, D)
DAY 21: REST DAY
Rest at Base Camp while Sherpas collect gear from higher camps. (B, L, D)
DAY 22–29: SPARE DAYS
Seven extra days for weather delays, health issues, or route fixing, and for Base Camp cleanup. (B, L, D)
DAY 30: BASE CAMP TO PHORTSE (3810m)
A 6-hour trek passing Pangboche and following the river valley. Wildlife such as Himalayan thar, musk deer, and pheasants may be spotted. (B, L, D)
DAY 31: PORTSE TO MONJO (2840m)
A 6.5-hour trek. If it is Saturday, explore the weekly Namche Market before descending to Monjo. (B, L, D)
DAY 32: MONJO TO LUKLA
A 6-hour walk back to Lukla. Celebrate the final trekking night with your team. (B, L, D)
DAY 33: FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU
Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. (B)
DAY 34: FINAL DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
EXCLUSIONS:
International airfare
Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival)
Visa extension fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Hotel stay beyond the itinerary
Services above Base Camp
Personal climbing gear above Base Camp
Personal travel, medical, and evacuation insurance
Customs duty on imported goods
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, etc.)
Airport departure taxes
Tips and bonuses
Refundable garbage deposit
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST:
Down sleeping bag & down jacket
Gore-Tex jacket and trousers
Double climbing boots & trekking boots
Ice axe & hammer
Rucksack (2)
Crampons
Trekking poles
Harness
Camp boots
Snow goggles
Ropes (approx. 15m)
Ice screws
Mattress
Carabiners (2 locking, 2 non-locking)
Headlamps (2)
Windproof jackets & trousers
Down trousers
Water bottle
Wool gloves (3 pairs)
Balaclava or windproof mask
Climbing gloves (3 pairs)
Climbing socks (6 pairs)
Personal medications
Multi-tool/knife
