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Upon arriving in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, you'll be greeted by the bustling energy of the city. After a warm welcome at airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax. Take the afternoon to explore the nearby Thamel, famous for its narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Enjoy the flavors of local cuisine, perhaps trying a traditional Nepali dal bhat or momo. In the evening, attend a pre-trek briefing where your guide will share essential information about the journey ahead.
Today is a free day for us. While our climbing leaders will attend a formal briefing in the Ministry of Tourism, we will have time to rest as well as get familiarized with the local surroundings. Today, we will also be briefed on the nature of the expedition, equipment and team composition. We can also make our last minute shopping of personal items as we will be leaving for the mountains the following day.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, a small town in the Ramechhap district. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, winding through the lush hills, terraced farmlands, and rural villages of Nepal. Manthali serves as the gateway for flights to Lukla, offering an alternative to the busy Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After reaching Manthali, you will check into a local lodge and rest for the night, preparing for your early morning flight to Lukla.
An early morning flight from Manthali to Lukla marks the start of the trekking journey. The 15 minute flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas before landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll meet the trekking crew, finalize gear, and begin the trek to Phakding. The trail descends gradually through rhododendron and pine forests, passing through villages like Chheplung and Ghat before reaching Phakding, a charming settlement along the Dudh Koshi River.
Today’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. You will pass through Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked before continuing toward Namche Bazaar. The final stretch involves a steep uphill climb, but the reward is spectacular your first glimpse of Everest in the distance. Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa town, serves as the main trading hub of the Khumbu region and offers a range of accommodations, bakeries, and trekking gear shops.
To help with acclimatization, you will spend a day in Namche with a short yet rewarding hike to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world. From here, you can admire panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The hike continues to Khumjung and Khunde, traditional Sherpa villages where you can visit the Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, which houses a supposed Yeti scalp. You will then return to Namche for an evening of rest and exploration.
At Namche Bazaar we separate from the traditional Everest Base Camp route and walk 3 to 4 hours to Thame village. Situated along the route which historically led to the Tibetan border, Thame is the oldest village of the Sherpa people. About 150m above the town is the Thame Gompa, a charming Buddhist monastery. Overnight at Thame.
After a quiet and wonderful stop, our adventure carries on heading higher with panorama of peaks and landscapes as the route gets close to Tibet border, where Tibetans often visits Khumbu area to trade with Nepali goods, after hours of tough walk on dry areas then reaching our overnight stop at Lungdeng a small place with few tea houses or lodge offering super views.
Crossing Renjo La is a difficult day due to the altitude. Normally the weather is clear from March to May and from September to November when the prospects for favorable conditions are excellent. Enjoy outstanding views from the top of Renjo La including breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Everest 8848m, Makalu 8463m, Lhotse 8516m, and Cho Oyo 8201m. Careful walking is required as the trail sharply descends to Gokyo. Overnight at Gokyo.
Today, we have acclimatization day. We will go on a hike to the Gokyo Ri (5,360m). It is worth to view the panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt.Everest, Mt. Lhotse, etc. We'll descend to Gokyo Valley after a wonderful time at Gokyo Ri. Since we will be traversing the Ngozumpa glacier, we must get out early for our relatively short trek today. Snowmelt during the day causes the trail to become slippery. Therefore, it makes sense to traverse the glacier as soon as possible. We will trek in the direction of Thagnag, also known as Dragnag, after exploring the glacier.
Another long day of trekking to cross the Cho La passes. Many trekkers cross Cho La; the pass is not difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier crossing on the eastern side. After completing the pass, we descend to Dzonglha with outstanding views of Cholatse Peak (6,335m). Overnight in Dzonglha.
From Dzongla we will trek to Lobuche High Camp. After arrived at High camp, we take a good rest after lunch and prepare for the next day’s climb.
We wake at around 1 am and prepare for the climb after breakfast. Strong winds make it risky to stay on the summit after the afternoon, so we start early. From the summit of Lobuche East, panoramic mountain views are more outstanding than other peaks. After viewing the chain of mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse et cetera, we get back to the High Camp. Overnight stay in a Lobuche.
After breakfast at Lobuche we will continue our trek towards the Everest Base Camp with views of the famous Khumbu Icefall. The hike is fairly strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air. The walk passes over rocky dunes and streams until you reach Base Camp where outstanding photo opportunities are plentiful. Return to Gorak Shep, then continue trekking to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.
After breakfast in Lobuche, we begin the trek by crossing the Khumbu Glacier (2 hours) and then climb the canyon to ascend to Kongma La (5,535m). The glacier crosses and ascent up Kongma La is a difficult trek, but well worth the views of the surrounding peaks once reaching the summit. Descend into the Imja Khola valley hiking from Chhukung to Dingboche with views of Ama Dablam (6,856 m). Overnight at Chhukung (4,730m).
It’s a rest day to recover our energy and if you want you can explore surroundings.
Today, you will head toward the base of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful and technically demanding mountains in the Himalayas. You will have fantastic views of Ama Dablam’s towering spires as you approach the camp. Upon arrival at Base Camp, you will settle into your accommodations and prepare for the next phase of the expedition.
You’ll have a rest day at Ama Dablam Base Camp, and it will be an important opportunity for pre-climb training. Your guides will go over technical skills, including climbing techniques, ice and rock climbing practices, and safety protocols. This training will help ensure that you are ready for the challenges ahead and familiarize you with the gear and climbing systems used on the mountain.
The rotation is not necessary after acclimatization. Due to the strenuous trails between base camp and camp II, it's best to climb directly after three high passes of Khumbu, Lobuche peak climbing, and EBC.
SUMMIT PUSH
Ascent to camp 2 (6100 m) then camp 3 (6400 m), overnight at camp 3
After some days rest at base camp, we set off again for the summit. Camp 2 is reached within two days, and on the third day we climb to Camp 3 (6400 m). The climb from Camp 1 to Camp 3 is considered the most difficult of the entire route. A traverse first descending, then ascending takes us over a ridge to a rocky projection. We continue in very steep mixed terrain to the Tour Grise. A steep 80-meter climb (risk of rock fall) on the east-facing slope takes us to the Mushroom ridge (in snow or ice), where we pass over jumps on 60° to 70° slopes and exit the glacier. We arrive at a narrow platform where camp 3 is located.
Sometimes, depending on weather conditions, it may be preferable to attempt the summit from camp 2.
Progress up the 45° slopes of snow and ice leading to the summit proves easier than the rocky lower sections. But the altitude and the night at Camp 3 are taking their toll. We make our way up ice slopes, overcoming a large serac on rock to finally reach the Ice flutes (50° to 60°). At the summit, breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Return by abseiling along the fixed ropes to camp 3 and if possible directly to camp 2, then base camp.
We have scheduled four safety days to cover all the contingencies that such an expedition can face.
The descend to Imja River and ascend to Pangboche and Tengboche, reaching the Dudh Koshi River and passing through the forest trails lead us to the Namche Bazaar.
The final day of trekking retraces your steps through the familiar trails of the Sagarmatha National Park, passing by Monjo, Phakding, and several scenic suspension bridges. As you descend, you’ll feel the increasing oxygen levels, making the walk easier compared to the high-altitude sections.
Upon reaching Lukla, you can celebrate with your trekking team, enjoy a relaxing evening, and reflect on the incredible journey you have just completed.
Early in the morning, you will take a short yet thrilling flight from Lukla to Manthali, where the vast Himalayan landscapes slowly transition into rolling hills and river valleys. After landing in Manthali, you will embark on a 6 to 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the lush scenery of rural Nepal along the way.
This free day in Kathmandu allows you to rest, explore, and reflect on your journey. You can visit local markets, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your Ama Dablam Expedition with Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition concludes here, and we hope you’ll carry unforgettable memories of your Himalayan adventure. Safe travels!
The Ama Dablam Expedition is a thrilling mountaineering journey to summit one of the most iconic mountains in the world: Ama Dablam. Standing at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), this majestic peak is located in the Everest region of Nepal and is known for its stunning beauty and technical challenges. The mountain is often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” due to its distinct, pyramid-like shape. This expedition combines high-altitude climbing with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Ama Dablam is considered a challenging climb, requiring advanced mountaineering skills, but it is a rewarding experience for those with the right preparation.
Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition is known for providing expert guidance and ensuring the safety and success of climbers attempting Ama Dablam. Our team of experienced guides and Sherpas are highly familiar with the mountain and its various challenges. We provide thorough training, support, and acclimatization plans, making sure that climbers are well-prepared for both the physical and technical demands of the expedition. Our local expertise and commitment to excellence in mountaineering ensure that you will have an unforgettable experience, whether you're summiting Ama Dablam for the first time or looking to add another major peak to your climbing portfolio.
The Ama Dablam Expedition is a challenging climb that requires a high level of fitness, both physically and mentally. Climbers should have previous experience in high-altitude mountaineering (preferably on peaks over 6,000 meters/19,685 feet) and should be accustomed to technical climbing techniques, including using ice axes, crampons, and ropes. Physical conditioning should focus on endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Mental toughness and the ability to handle altitude-related challenges are crucial, as the climb requires focus, persistence, and the ability to manage fatigue over several weeks of climbing. Prior training on similar peaks and in harsh environments is recommended.
To climb Ama Dablam, climbers need specialized mountaineering equipment. Essential gear includes:
Mountaineering boots, crampons, and ice axes
Climbing harnesses, ropes, and carabiners
High-altitude sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures
Down suits, jackets, and gloves suitable for freezing temperatures
Climbing helmet, headlamp, and goggles for safety
Oxygen masks and tanks (for higher camps if necessary)
Avalanche transceivers, first-aid kits, and other personal safety items
Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition provides a detailed gear list and can assist with renting equipment for the climb. We ensure that climbers are fully equipped for all conditions, from trekking to Base Camp to summiting the peak.
Ama Dablam is known for its technical climbing sections, which include steep rock faces, ice sections, and exposed ridges. The climb requires solid technical skills, including ice climbing and rock climbing techniques. Climbers must be prepared to navigate mixed terrain, where the ability to use ropes, harnesses, and other climbing gear is crucial. The ascent includes several high-altitude camps, and the final push to the summit involves challenging terrain, requiring climbers to have strong stamina and technical proficiency. However, compared to other high-altitude peaks, Ama Dablam is generally considered a challenging yet accessible peak for climbers with previous experience.
The cost of the Ama Dablam Expedition typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 USD, depending on the level of service you require. This includes all necessary permits, base camp facilities, guide and Sherpa fees, meals, accommodation, and transportation (including the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla). The cost also covers high-altitude climbing gear, oxygen supply (if needed), and all logistical arrangements for the climb. Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition offers flexible packages, including full-service expeditions and more tailored options, ensuring you receive the right support for your goals and budget.
As with any high-altitude expedition, climbing Ama Dablam carries inherent risks. These risks include altitude sickness, extreme weather, avalanches, rockfalls, and crevasses. Technical climbing also adds additional risk factors, such as falls, equipment failure, or injury. However, the experienced guides and Sherpas from Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition are well-prepared to manage these risks through careful planning, acclimatization, and safety protocols. We ensure climbers are well-equipped with the necessary safety gear and monitor health conditions closely to minimize risks and handle any emergencies effectively.
Preparing for the Ama Dablam Expedition requires both physical and mental training. Key components of preparation include:
Physical fitness: Focus on cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. Training in high-altitude conditions (if possible) and using mountaineering equipment will help prepare you for the technical aspects of the climb.
Climbing experience: If you haven’t already, gaining experience in ice and rock climbing is important. Training on smaller peaks or through mountaineering courses can help develop essential technical skills.
Mental resilience: Preparing mentally for the demands of the climb is equally important. Being prepared to face altitude challenges, cold weather, and physical exhaustion is essential for success. Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition provides personalized advice on how to structure your training, and we also offer pre-expedition consultations to ensure that you are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Booking the Ama Dablam Expedition is simple—just contact us via our website or email. After an initial consultation to discuss your experience, goals, and physical condition, we’ll create a personalized itinerary and begin the booking process. We’ll take care of all the logistics, from obtaining permits to arranging flights and accommodations. Once you're ready to go, our team will ensure that you’re fully prepared with the proper gear, training, and support, so you can focus on reaching the summit of Ama Dablam with confidence.