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  • Ama Dablam Expedition - 31 Days

"The Matterhorn of the Himalaya, once of the most aesthetic mountains in the world"
Contact us for Upcoming Departures
Location: Khumbu Region, Nepal
Activity: Mountaineering,
Duration: 31 Days
Difficulty Rating: Grade 5 - Alpine +
Comfort Level: Expedition Camping
Season: Nov, Dec,

Overview

So you think you're a mountaineer? You've done your TMC in New Zealand, dabbled on a few guided peaks, and maybe taken on a trekking peak or 2 in the Himalayas. So what is next? What is your next objective? If you're looking for an expedition climb, at high altitude with sections of technical rock, what better peak is there than Ama Dablam!

At 6,812m above sea level, Ama Dablam will test your nerve, your technical skill, and your physical endurance. One of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama (mother) Dablam (amulet or jewellery box) towers over the Khumbu Valley and dominates the trek to Everest Basecamp even more than Everest itself. The Peak looms and beckons climbers like no other.

Can I come?

Ama Dablam is a multi day/camp expedition peak with a lot of exposure, and sections of technical, near vertical rock. To participate in this expedition you will need to have some mountaineering experience and a solid foundation of technical rope skills. You will need to be proficient in ascending and descending ropes, and able to independently move along fixed ropes.

You will be joining this expedition as a member of a team and at times may be required to take on tasks such as boiling your own water and preparing meals at high camps. You will also be required to carry light loads of your personal equipment between camps. There will be a minimum of 1 climbing guide for every 2 expedition members, plus an expedition leader. 

Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345meters)

Your expedition leader will greet you on arrival at KTM international airport and welcome you to Nepal. You'll transfer to our chosen hotel and settle in. The afternoon and evening is yours to relax and explore. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 02 – Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley 

Today we will go on a guided tour to some of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu including the UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (The monkey temple) and Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. After a whole day of touring, we will get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, meet with other participants and discuss the expedition. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Day 03 – Official formalities and Preparation day in Kathmandu. 

Today we will receive formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. The expedition leader will check that everyone’s equipment is suitable. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel. 

 

Day 04 – Fly to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,850m/9,350 ft) from Kathmandu, trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,690 ft) - 3 hours. 

After breakfast, we will be heading to the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla. After our exciting and scenic 40 minute flight, we will land at the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. We will meet with our porter team and begin our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. The trek today will be short and enjoyable as we’ll also be acclimatising to the environment. With spare time on our hands, we may visit the local monasteries around and prepare ourselves for the long trek the next day. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

Day 05 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285 ft) 6 hrs. 

We begin the 6 hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and bakeries. Namche (3441m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Overnight at guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day 06 – Namche Bazaar Acclimatisation day.

A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) 

Day 07 – Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3860 meters/12850ft) 5 hours. 

After our early morning breakfast, we will begin our trek to Tengboche. On the way, we will enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The trail leads us up and down as it becomes challenging but we’ll be getting a great view of the Himalaya. We can also spot wildlife on the way such as musk deer, pheasant, Himalayan Thar. We will further trek down to cross the Dudh Koshi river. Continuing ahead, we will eventually reach Tengboche after a steep climb through a pine forest to see the famous Tengboche Monastery. This monastery was founded in 1923, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1934, and again by a fire in the early 1990’s. It has been rebuilt with help from proceeds of the Sir Edmund Hillary fund. With spare time, we can visit the monastery and observe their prayers in the afternoon. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

Day 08 – Trek to Deboche (4350 m/1490ft) 6 hours. 

From Tengboche the trail drops to Debuche, We will be heading towards the upper trail on the way to Pangboche village. We will pass many Chortens, mani walls and small villages. We will be getting great views of our objective, Ama Dablam. The trek becomes easier as we enter the Imja Valley following the Lobuche river. We will descend into the river and trek the steepest climb to Dingboche. As we reach Dingboche, we will see beautiful arrangement of fields surrounded by stone walls protecting crops like barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The trek today becomes a little more challenging as we gain altitude. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

Day 09 – Acclimatisation day. 

Another scheduled acclimatisation day in Dingboche. We will not be staying idle however, we will head out for our acclimatisation walk up the ridge above Dingboche and we will slowly enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak Lhotse, Lobuche, and Island peak. Cho Oyu, and Makalu (8000'ers) are also worth admiring, but our mind will be dominated by the spectacular views back to Ama Dablam. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10 – Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600 meters/15,000ft), 5 hours. 

We trek back down the trail to the bridge at Pangboche and cross the Dudh Kosi before climbing up the far side of the river and following the trail and ridge line up to the base camp (three and a half hours from Pangboche). We can see majority of the climbing route from the Base camp. Our porters leave our loads here and leave us for the next 17 days. Overnight at tented camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) 

Day 11 – Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp and acclimatisation. 

Today is another day for acclimatisation but also for skills workshops. We'll make sure everyone knows how to use the equipment they have, and the whole team is on the same page regarding safety and moving on fixed lines. Overnight at tented camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) 

Days 12 to 26 – Climbing period of Ama Dablam. 

From Ama Dablam Base Camp we move further up to Camp 1 at 5,700m (17,400 ft) along the standard route. The standard climbing route is via the Southwest ridge with typical arrangement of 3 high camps: Camp 1 (5600m), Camp 2 (5900m) and Camp 3 (6200m).

Day 27 – Trek back to Namche Bazar (3441 meters/11285ft), 6 hours. 

The trail to Namche Bazaar takes us through forests where we may see wild life like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats or even snow leopard. We will pass prayer flags hung along the way and chortens. As we are heading back, we can take pictures and enjoy the view of the tip of Everest and the looming Ama Dablam from where we've just come. After finally arriving to Namche Bazaar, we will head to our lodge and rest. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

Day 28 – Trek to Lukla (2804 meters), 6 hours. 

We descend the valley, and continue through a number of small villages eventually, we reach the large town of Lukla with airport where tomorrow we will fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the lodge with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

Day 29 – Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning. 

If everything goes according to the schedule, we will be flying back to Kathmandu early morning after breakfast. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will head to our hotel and have the day to relax, unwind, and meet up with the team as you wish.

Day 30 – Leisure day in Kathmandu. We will arrange farewell dinner for the team. 

Day 31 – Transfer to international airport for your final departure flight.

Cost

This expedition costs $9600AUD* twin share, ex Kathmandu.

*minimum number of bookings required, see ts & c's for full details

COST INCLUDES 

  • Airport and hotel transfer with private transportation 
  • 5 nights in Kathmandu as outlined in itinerary 
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight and airport departure taxes 
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation and tents during climbing in twin sharing basis. Including meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 
  • Group gear and climbing supplies (ropes, ice screws, snow bars) 
  • All Camping Equipment (kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent, table, chair and kitchen utensils) 
  • High altitude tents while climbing. 
  • Emergency Oxygen with regulator and mask and other necessary medical equipment 
  • Stoves and fuel for high camps
  • Experienced and qualified trekking/Climbing leader, expedition manager, cook, and porters.
  • 1 Porter per climber while trekking 
  • Ama Dablam climbing Sherpa/guides (1:1 Sherpa:climber ratio) 
  • Liaison officer with all his expenses while on Amadablam climbing expedition. 
  • Coverage of guides, Expedition manager, cook, support crew and porter’s meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight and other necessary equipment. 
  • Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)
  • Ama Dablam expedition peak climbing permit and all government taxes. 
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permits fee & TIMS Card. 
  • Garbage Deposit 
  • Medical kit 
  • Catering extra dietary requirements 
  • All government and Local taxes 
  • Satellite Phone and radio in case of emergency 
  • Use of Pulse Oximeter throughout expedition
  • Evacuation coordination if required
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes

  •  International airfare and airport tax. 
  •  Nepal entry visa fees 
  •  Personal equipment and climbing gears. 
  •  Satelite phone usage 
  •  Lunch and diner in Kathmandu 
  •  Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking. 
  •  Personal expense such as shopping, snacks for trek, beverages, laundry, telephone call, extra porters etc. 
  •  Personal clothing and equipment
  •  Travel Insurance and evacuation cover for climbing - mandatory
  •  Tips for guides and porters 
  •  Additional costs or delays cause by events our of our control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.

Extras

Note the below items can be added at the time of booking.

Dates

Join us for Impulse Adventures first expedition climb and get an experienced Australian expedition leader for the price of a locally led expedition. Our local team are highly experienced with all climbing guides having summited Ama Dablam previously. 

Get in touch if you have any questions at all!

Contact us for Upcoming Departures
Contact us for Upcoming Departures
Location: Khumbu Region, Nepal
Activity:. Mountaineering
Duration: 31 Days
Difficulty Rating: Grade 5 - Alpine +
Comfort Level: Expedition Camping
Season: Nov, Dec,