Ama Dablam Expedition - 26 Days

Welcome to the land of the Himalayas! On your arrival, you are received by a representative from Access Nepal and taken to your hotel in Kathmandu. A representative meets you at your hotel the following evening (or the next day, depending on your arrival time). We brief you on the climbing, introduce you to your climbing leader, and have further discussions regarding the summit. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Included: Airport pick-up, Accommodation in Kathmandu hotel

Early the next morning, we fly to Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary (Lukla) airport is perched atop a hill with the Dudhkoshi River flowing beneath. The flight duration is around 30 minutes and allows us to witness the Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Rolwaling ranges, and a peek of the Everest range, given the weather is favorable. On your arrival at Lukla, you are served breakfast and briefed regarding the day. Your porter welcomes you at the airport and after your baggage is packed and loaded, we can instantly begin our adventure to the Everest Base Camp!

The trek begins on the trail along the Dudhkoshi River. Peaks such as Kongde Ri, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku grace you intermittently all along the trail onward to Namche. We make our way through Pine and Rhododendron forests, greeted by the Sherpas as we traverse the vivid Sherpa hamlets en route. The Mani walls (rocks inscribed with Tibetan prayers) and the wavering prayer flags are sure to be etched into your vision for quite some time. Three to four hours later, we arrived at Phakding. We have the soothing option of a much-deserved hot shower. Dinner and overnight at Phakding.

Included: Breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, Lunch and Dinner with Mountain lodge Accommodation

An eventful trek day is in store for us. The trail marked by some high suspension bridges and worthy viewpoints adds excitement to the trek. Brace yourself if you are phobic about heights! After about an hour and a half’s walk along the Dudhkoshi River, we arrive at the beautiful village of Monjo, near the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Following the trail ahead that goes up and down, we approach an interesting standpoint, which is a confluence of the Bhotekoshi and Dushkoshi Rivers, locally, Larja Dobhan, above which floats the Hillary suspension bridge. Bear in mind- the bridge isn’t as scary as it appears! You couldn’t miss the fluttering prayer flags along the railing. The trail across the bridge is an uphill, along which we can get our first peek of Everest before we reach Namche. Refreshments, hot shower, dinner and rest at Namche.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Today is the first acclimatization day of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Mind you, it’s not a complete day-off! The air gets thinner as we ascend to high altitude, meaning the air has far less oxygen than we are accustomed to. What makes us vulnerable to altitude sickness is climbing too high, too fast. The acclimatization day is a mix of mild action and required rest involving a hike of three to four hours and a free half-day to allow the body to brace itself to take on the ascents in the following days. We begin our hike to the Everest Viewpoint (3880m/12730ft) in the morning after breakfast. The viewpoint offers a scintillating outlook of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche, Kusum Kanguru, Amadablam and Thamserku among others. We return to Namche, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the stores, cafés, bakeries and restaurants, a museum, a monastery and more! Overnight at Namche.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Next stop- Tengboche. A pleasant serpentine trail unfolds a vista of mountains including Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Amadablam, and others, with Amadablam standing out. An hour and a half later, we may find ourselves sipping some refreshments while soaking in the scintillating view at Kenjoma. Moving further through a junction at Sanasa, we take the trail that slopes slightly downwards until one and a half hours. Up ahead is another confluence where the Dudhkoshi meets the Imja River. The trail drops further to Phunke Tenga. Tengboche is a two-hour uphill climb from here. The Tengboche monastery with Amadablam as the dramatic backdrop is the largest in the Khumbu region and a must-visit. Overnight at Tengboche.

Today, you’ll journey to Pheriche, a small village located at 4300 meters. The trek offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.

Passing through alpine landscapes and fields filled with yaks, you’ll descend gradually as you approach Pheriche. The village’s stone houses and tranquil atmosphere provide a welcoming environment for your overnight stay.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Acclimatization is crucial at this altitude. Today, you’ll take a well-deserved rest day in Pheriche. It’s essential to allow your body to adapt to the high size and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

You can explore nearby hills, such as Nagakarsang Hill or the Dingboche Viewpoint, which offer breathtaking mountain views. Proper acclimatization ensures you’re physically and mentally prepared for the ascent.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

As you set off from Pheriche, you’ll be one step closer to your Ama Dablam Summit. The trek leads you to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4800 meters, marking a significant milestone in your expedition.

The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the mountains and alpine vegetation. Your arrival at Base Camp signifies the halfway point of your Ama Dablam Expedition, and anticipation for the climb begins to build. You’ll spend the night in tented camps at the Base Camp.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Your summit journey spans 13 intense days, during which you’ll conquer Ama Dablam’s challenging technical ascent. Climbing to an altitude of 6812 meters is physically and mentally demanding, and proper acclimatization is critical.

Your expedition includes acclimatization stops at Camp I, Camp II, and the summit, ensuring your safety and success. These days will test your skills, endurance, and determination as you navigate the mountain’s steep terrain.

Our expert guides will lead the way at each camp, providing support, guidance, and nutritional meals to fuel your climb. The technical challenges of Ama Dablam demand your full attention, from navigating rock faces to overcoming icy sections.

Camp I (Altitude: Approximately 5700 meters)

After reaching Camp I, you’ll acclimatize and prepare for the higher altitudes. Your guides will lead you through the intricacies of the climb, ensuring your safety as you adapt to the terrain and altitude.

Camp II (Altitude: Approximately 5900 meters)

Moving forward, you’ll ascend to Camp II, where you’ll further acclimatize and fine-tune your climbing techniques. The terrain becomes less technical here, allowing for a smoother ascent.

The Summit (Altitude: 6812 meters)

Finally, the day of reckoning arrives as you make your summit push. Reaching the pinnacle of Ama Dablam is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring moment. The breathtaking views from the summit are a reward for your dedication and perseverance.

Descending to Base Camp

After savoring your summit achievement and capturing memories, you’ll gradually descend, retracing your steps to Base Camp. The descent is as important as the ascent, ensuring your safety and well-being.

Throughout this demanding journey, you’ll stay in tented camps equipped with kitchen facilities and a dedicated staff to provide nourishing meals. Your safety and success are our top priorities as you conquer the mighty Ama Dablam.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

With your triumphant ascent of Ama Dablam behind you, it’s time to descend. You’ll trek from Base Camp to Tengboche, descending through familiar trails. As you pass through Pheriche, you’ll reflect on your accomplishments and the incredible journey you’ve undertaken.

The route takes you through dense Rhododendron and Birch forests, starkly contrasting the higher altitudes. You’ll spend the night at a lodge in Tengboche, revisiting this culturally rich village.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Retracing your steps, you’ll descend from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. The vibrant marketplace, the laughter of fellow trekkers, and the unique atmosphere welcome you back to Namche.

After walking for 5-6 hours, you’ll arrive in Namche Bazaar and spend the night in a lodge. It’s a chance to make more memories and share your incredible stories with fellow trekkers.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Your trek leads you from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, marking the final leg of your adventure. The trek takes you through picturesque landscapes, including waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the Bhote Koshi River.

You’ll cross the Bhote Koshi River three times before finally reaching Lukla. Here, you’ll spend your last night in the Khumbu Region, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Our flight to Kathmandu is in the morning. After breakfast, we check in to the Lukla airport and board the plane to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening, we meet up before your farewell dinner. At this point, we would love to hear your experience and appreciate any feedback regarding the trek. You are then escorted to the restaurant for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Included: Farewell Dinner and accommodation in Kathmandu

After breakfast at your hotel, you may have some spare time. You are dropped off at the airport on time for your flight unless you wish to extend your stay and get more of Nepal.

Included: Breakfast and airport drop-off