Ama Dablam Expedition (6,812m)
Trip Overview
Mt. Ama Dablam, known as the Matterhorn of the Himalaya, is one of the most recognized mountains in the world, a mountain that many aspiring mountaineers want to add to their logbook. Ama Dablam dominates the Imja valley and lies just a few kilometers south of Mt. Everest.
Your Ama Dablam Expedition kicks off with an ‘exciting’ flight to Lukla Airport. From there the trail heads north along the Dudh Koshi (milk river) to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town at 3,440m. At least two nights will be spent in Namche to allow for altitude acclimatisation. From Namche it is a two-day trek to Pangboche at 3,930m where you will spend at least one night before once again crossing the Dudh Koshi and climbing to Ama Dablam Base Camp which is set in meadow with a stream at just under 5000m. Accommodation at Base Camp will be individual spacious tents; there will be a comfortable dining /relaxing tent plus shower and toilets.
At Base Camp, under the watchful eyes of the climbing guides, you will settle into the expedition routine. There will be skills to revise, equipment to be checked and rotations on the mountain to aid acclimatization. When the weather is settled, and you are ready, you will begin your summit push which could take three or four days. The route normally incorporates 3 camps but sometimes, depending on the group and weather, the summit can be reached from Camp 2. The final push is likely to be a long day with the summit reached soon after dawn. Once the event has been duly recorded it will be time to carefully descend to a low camp for rest before continuing the descent to Base Camp. There you will have time to shower and relax a while before setting off on the walk-out to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu and a well-deserved cold beer!
Previous Experiences/Fitness
Members should be technically competent, with previous Alpine or Himalayan experience. Summit success will require a high level of mountaineering skill and fitness. Ama Dablam is a technical climb, graded Alpine TD; it is extremely demanding both physically and mentally.
Preparation and Equipment
Once your place on the expedition has been confirmed you will be sent a trip dossier which contains useful information on preparation, medical matters and an equipment list.
ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION
To get the most from your trek, and to stay safe, it is important to follow acclimatization guidelines. At Makalu Adventure, whenever possible, we follow the acclimatization formula set out by Drs Jim Duff and Peter Gormly; experts in Wilderness Medicine. "Above 2000m, altitude illness is a possibility and above 2500m it becomes common".
"As a rough guide, above 2500m the maximum daily height gain between sleeping altitudes should not exceed 400m, with a rest day every third day or after every 1000m of sleeping ascent".
"Avoid overexertion and breathlessness while acclimatizing, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol, excess caffeine, salt and protein, your diet should be 70% carbohydrate above 3500m".
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 18 - January 1 | 15 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Today you arrive in the famous Kathmandu city. After meeting with the team in the hotel, get ready for a briefing session by our trek leader about the upcoming Ama Dablam Expedition. Today will be the trek preparation day before we begin the journey to the Ama Dablam Expedition. You may also want to arrive a day early to enjoy the experiences this fascinating city has to offer. Do visit the famous nearby places of tourist attractions. Spend the day exploring the streets of Kathmandu, with tantalizing aromas, vivid colors, and the bustle of the local market, all placed against the backdrop of the hills. After a quick briefing session with the team, the day is yours. Our trek leader will ensure that your equipment is in place and might suggest any gear that requires to be purchased or hired for your Ama Dablam Expedition.
Expedition Preparation(Gear Check)
Official procedures and Expedition Arrangements in Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla ,Trek to Phakding
Today you will be making an early morning start from Kathmandu. The thrilling flight to Lukla is awaiting! (2,853m/ 9,360ft). The team will start from Kathmandu around 5 am and proceed to Kathmandu airport. Lukla is the gateway to the Khumbu Region & also the starting point of your Ama Dablam Expedition. Be ready to get the first glimpse of Mount Everest during this flight. The views are sure to blow your mind away. The experience of flying on this route will undoubtedly be one of your best in the Ama Dablam Expedition. The flight also passes through the gorgeous Kathmandu valley, giving some breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. From here, you will set off straight for the first stop at Phakding (2,600m/8,500ft) or even proceed further up to Monjo (2,850m/9,350ft). Both these villages are located on the banks of the Dudh Kosi, which flows the entire Khumbu Region. These small villages are present on the main trade route through the area, and there are several clean and well-built tea houses in the Everest base camp trek route.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar
Today's trek is a long route that begins along the Dudh Kosi river. En route, you will notice local villages with friendly children tagging along as you hike. As you continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, you will be crossing it twice by suspension bridges before entering the village of Monjo, where you enter the Sagarmatha National Park. You will later cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and hike steeply for nearly two hours up Namche Hill to reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft). Namche is a prosperous trading town and the main center of the Khumbu Region. Numerous Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares here, and the local market is an engaging and captivating view. This is an excellent point to buy genuine Tibetan artifacts. Just over the valley to the east stand the peaks of Kangtega and Thamserku - both awe-inspiring mountains.
Namche Bazaar -Rest & Acclimatization Day
Today will be utilized as an acclimatization day as your body needs to adjust to the low oxygen levels. Aim to climb high and sleep low; that way, you acclimatize faster. This allows your body to better adapt to the altitude before you continue the ascent. A slow and steady pace with adequate time for acclimatization is significant to an enjoyable hike. Today you will see magnificent views of Kwangde (20,930ft), Thamserku (21,680ft), and Kangtega (21,932ft). As you hike further, up to 12,500 ft, you get absolutely stunning views of Lhotse (27,605ft), Nuptse (25,790ft), Ama Dablam (22,493ft), and even Mount Everest (29,029ft).
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Crossing Namche, the Everest base camp trek route contours around the side of the valley above the Dudh Kosi. As you follow the path, you will get the first magnificent views of the high peaks of the Khumbu: Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You descend to our lunch stop crossing many small villages and many tea shops; you will pass the Dudh Kosi River. After a break, make the long ascent on a dusty zig-zag trail. This hike up to Tengboche will take about two hours. From the Lunch spot to Tengboche is a steep ascent. Tengboche is home to an impressive and rebuilt monastery. You have plenty of time to look around Tengboche. Staying for today will be in a new lodge right across the monastery.
Trek from Tengboche(3870m) To Ama Dablam Base Camp
Day 8-18:Mt Amadablam Climbing and Summit Period ,Establish 3 camps -Camp 1,Camp 2,Camp 3
Day 19 :Trek from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Namche Bazaar
Day 20;Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding to Lukla
After Namche, there is a big descent up to Phakding. If the weather is clear, get plenty of photos of your last views of the majestic peaks we've enjoyed so much along the way, including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. You will not be seeing these giants again after reaching the teahouse at Phakding. In Phakding, you will enjoy yet another spectacular Himalayan sunset with the mountain background before turning in. After the descent, it's time to enjoy the night in a tea house where you can shower. Post this, look forward to a memorable farewell party with all our excellent support staff.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu ,Overnight at Hotel
Time to say goodbye to the Himalayas! Today you will fly back to Kathmandu enjoying the same exotic views from the window. Gazing at the peaks one last time before reaching Kathmandu. It's time to take your Ama Dablam Expedition stories home and share it with dear ones! Preparation for your return flight to Kathmandu will begin very early this morning. Taking off from the Lukla airstrip is an exhilarating experience; also, the last look at the snowy Himalayas is bittersweet. On arriving at Kathmandu, you are met by our ground staff and transferred to you hotel booked for your stay. Finally, time for hot showers, clean clothes, and a relaxing day. Your trek leader will have double-checked the details of flights and will update your team on any critical changes.
Depart from Kathmandu
You can either enjoy shopping or relax before your flight back home. The expedition ends here, and it's time to think about your next adventure! To be safe in case of Lukla flight delays or expedition hold-ups due to bad weather, we recommend aiming for Day 24 as your return journey back home. This way, you're covered for any unexpected weather-related delays.
Includes/Excludes
- Roundtrip flights Kathmandu-Lukla and Lukla-Kathmandu
- International and Domestic airport transfers Pick up and Drop
- 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Accommodation while trekking in the best mountain lodges
- Tented accommodation in the base camp and all higher camps
- Full board meals (breakfast with tea/coffee, lunch, dinner) during the trek & 3X(Tea or Coffee)
- Freshly cook meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner): Continental, Nepali, Indian and Chinese with hot drinks, tea, coffee in well managed hygienic base camp
- EPI Gas and burner, cooking pots and high altitude food above base camp for members and climbing crew
- Energy food supplies, fresh fruits, juice, drinks and nutritional snack bars
- Ama Dablam Climbing Permit and necessary paperwork
- All trekking permits (National Park Permit, Entrance fee and TIMS)
- Carry bonus of Sherpas and route fixing charge
- Garbage Disposal Fee and required Garbage management
- Experienced and professional Climbing Sherpa
- Government Liaison officer with his flight, food, accommodation, equipment and wages
- Porter service for members personal baggage upto base camp and return
- Well-trained and friendly base camp staff, cook and support staff
- Insurance, wages, flight, equipment and allowances for climbing Sherpa and support staff
- Oxygen bottles, mask and regulator available at base camp in case of emergency
- Kitchen, Dining, Toilet, Store, Sleeping Tents for Base Camp and Higher Camps
- Transportation of food supplies and equipment from Kathmandu to Lukla (air cargo/vehicle) and Lukla to base camp (porter/yak) and return
- Technical skills climbing training at the base camp for ladder crossing, Ice wall climbing, ascending and descending techniques
- Central climbing equipment such as rope, shovel, ice screw, snow bar, etc
- Walkie talkies for communicating between base camp and higher camps
- Everest View Trek & Expedition Duffle bags for all expedition members
- Welcome dinner and Farewell dinner with Everest View Treks & Expedition team in Kathmandu
- Certificate of Achievement issued by NMA on successful completion of the expedition
- Weather forecast report after basecamp and during the climbing period
- Gammow Bag / Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) in case of emergency
- A comprehensive First Aid Medical Kit
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Personal travel, medical and rescue insurance
- Personal trekking and climbing equipment
- Drone and special filming permit
- Internet, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, hot shower in tea house
- Additional hotel stays in case of early arrival and late departure
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa
- Tips for base camp cook and support staff
- Any other services not mentioned in Cost Inclusions