Per adult (Price varies by group size)
- No. of PersonsPrice per Person
- 1-4US $ 7500
Book Now. No Booking or Credit Card Fee
- Schedule Your Own Dates
- Group Discounts
- Guaranteed Departures
- Easy Cancellation
- 60% Repeated Customers
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- Duration
- 26 Days
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- Transportation
- Private Vehicle & Flight
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- Trip Grade
- Difficult
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- Max-Altitude
- 6,812m/22,349ft
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- Accomodation
- Teahouse & Hotel
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- Primary Activity
- Trekking, Climbing
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- Meals
- All meals during trek
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- Best Season
- Mar-May|Sept-Nov
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- Distance
- 150 km
Ama Dablam lies in the eastern Himalayan range of Koshi Province in Khumbu Region. It is in the south part of the famous Mt. Everest. Ama Dablam Expedition is not as high as Everest, but it is one of the most spectacular mountains in the world. It is renowned for its unique pyramid-like shape. The name ties its cultural significance, where ‘Ama’ means ‘Mother’ and ‘Dablam’ means ‘an ornament’, popularly known as “Mother’s Necklace”. The name symbolizes the double-edged ridges of the mountain, resembling a mother’s arms cradling her child. The hanging glacier seen on the southwest face of Ama Dablam is also reminiscent of Dablam, a sacred traditional pendant with pictures of gods worn by Sherpa Women.
The Ama Dablam Expedition is popular among climbers, mountaineers, and trekkers around the world. It is better known for its aesthetics than for its height. Ama Dablam has a main peak of 6,812 meters and also a lower peak at the western part, which is 6,170 meters. Those who attempt the Ama Dablam expedition require technical expertise, which is why they should have prior high-altitude climbing experience, preferably including peaks above 6,000 meters.
Many climbers and mountaineers come to this region with a dream of completing this Ama Dablam Expedition. It has one of the most visually striking features against the region’s beautiful landscape. Ama Dablam is renowned for its beauty, technical challenges, and exhilarating climbing routes, which make it a must-climb among mountaineering enthusiasts. In contrast to some of the more accessible trekking peaks in the Everest region, the Ama Dablam expedition is considered one of the most challenging expeditions, demanding a higher level of expertise.
This Ama Dablam Expedition itinerary takes around 26 days taking us through a similar route to Everest Base Camp. The Ama Dablam expedition can be broken into two parts. The initial part is simply the trekking part and then, the climbing part reaching the summit of Ama Dablam. The journey to the expedition begins with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali. During the peak seasons, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is diverted from Manthali. Our journey then progresses on foot through the Sherpa villages, lush forests, and the rugged terrain of the Mahalangur range. The trek is easily accessible for many but the expedition part is a test of skills and endurance.
After landing at the Lukla airport, we will begin our few-hour trek along the Dudh Kosi River. The trail leads us to the small village of Phakding. The trail to Phakding goes through thick forests, passing several suspension bridges giving us a glimpse of the Himalayas. The magnificent atmosphere of Phakding gives travelers some sense of peace after the thrilling flight and our very first hike, with the view of surrounding hills and rivers.
From Phakding, we head towards Namche Bazaar, a small busy market town at 3,440 meters. Namche is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region, where traders from Tibet and Nepal connect. It is not just the starting point for trekkers and climbers but also a spiritual center for the local community. As we ascend higher, we will be greeted by the dramatic glimpse of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam peeking above the ridges, a sight that will only get more magnificent as our days progress.
Namche Bazaar is also an ideal spot for our acclimatization, allowing our body to adjust to the higher altitude ahead of us. We can spend the day relaxing or exploring the bustling town. We can also go on an acclimatization hike to the nearby popular points, like the Everest View Hotel. However you choose to spend your day, you sure will enjoy this small yet busy market town. It is also the best place to stock up on the supplies necessary for our journey ahead.
Continuing our journey, the trail takes us to Tengboche at 3,860 meters, renowned for the monastery. The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most important spiritual sites in the Khumbu region with an atmosphere for spiritual reflection. The ever-closer view of the majestic Ama Dablam fills up with inspiration and excitement. The monastery is surrounded by magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse, providing a perfect blend of spirituality and the beauty of nature. The journey to Tengboche is filled with dense forests of rhododendrons and pine, open meadows, and a heartwarming view of the surrounding mountains. The peacefulness of the village and the monastery, set against the backdrop of towering Himalayan peaks, is a highlight of the journey.
From Tengboche, the trail goes through Pheriche, a quiet village at 4,240 meters in the Imja Valley. It is one of the common rest stops for the trekkers and climbers, who ascend further from this place. The village is simple, but the dramatic view of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and the other surrounding peaks adds to a tremendous experience. Pheriche is a high-altitude retreat which means our body will need acclimatization at this point of the trek. This place gives us an excellent opportunity to acclimatize with short hikes to higher altitudes, such as Nagakarsang Peak with even more elevation before starting our serious ascent. Many trekkers and climbers also visit the Pheriche Health Post seeking suggestions regarding health care tips and the possibility of high altitude sickness.
From Pheriche, our serious trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp starts which is at 4,570 meters. From Ama Dablam Base Camp, our technical climb towards the summit starts. This will take us to a remote and tranquil location beneath the towering west face of Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam Base Camp is the gateway to the summit for everyone who is attempting the striking peak. Ama Dablam Base Camp offers a spectacular view of Ama Dablam itself and its neighboring peaks. The grassy plateau beneath the west face of the Ama Dablam Base Camp makes it a perfect base for preparing for the climb ahead. We practice the necessary technical preparation for the upcoming climb. At this point, we check our gears and we perform our acclimatization hikes along with crucial rope climb training.
The next challenge of the Ama Dablam expedition starts with the final acclimatization at the higher camps and eventually ascending towards the summit of Ama Dablam. We will be moving through different camps, starting at Camp I which is located at 5,700 meters, continuing to Camp II at 6,400 meters, and then continuing to Camp III at 6,700 meters. Each camp poses its own set of challenges as the surroundings become rougher and the air gets thinner. The increasing height means we need to be cautious while navigating through the sharp rock faces, ice walls, and high snow.
The summit day is long and demanding, starting in the middle of the night. But reaching the top of Ama Dablam rewards climbers with a sense of achievement and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The climb to the summit is a serious technical challenge that demands more physical endurance and proper skill at ice and rock climbing. The sense of achievement after summiting this beautiful and challenging peak is indescribable, marking a major milestone for any summiters.
The summit leaves you with a view of thousands of peaks rising from the sea of clouds. On the Northwest part lies two of the eight-thousander, Cho Oyu (8,201 meters) and Shishapangma (8,027 meters), on the Eastern horizon the third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters) rose majestically. To the Northeast, Makalu (8,485 meters) stands tall, and to the North lies the Everest massives, the three main summits, Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,864 meters), and the highest in the world, Everest (8,848 meters). After gazing at the unforgettable impression, we will commence our descending journey. We will retrace back through Tengboche, Namche Bazaar, and finally, Lukla, where we will board a flight back to Kathmandu.
This Ama Dablam expedition, under the guidance of expert seasoned guides and climbers, is ideal for mountaineering enthusiasts. While the Ama Dablam expedition’s difficulty is often seen as a challenge, its geography is closely linked to the Everest expedition route. For the mountaineers who hope to summit Everest, the Ama Dablam expedition provides them with vital preparation before the climb. Everest expedition typically takes around 60 days, while the Ama Dablam summit is a shorter, more condensed adventure, often completed within a 3 to 4-week timeframe. Both Everest and Ama Dablam lie within the Khumbu region, and the experience gained from climbing Ama Dablam is invaluable for the more complex and higher-altitude summits in this region.
For those planning this trip, Access Nepal is open for booking the Ama Dablam Expedition 2025. You can also personalize the package that suits you the best with your time frame and pace. Our all-inclusive package covers everything you need for a safe and unique experience, including flights, permits, accommodation, expert guides, porters, high-altitude gear, logistics, and Sherpa support. If you have already completed the Ama Dablam Expedition and looking for a more exciting adventure, you can check out our other Climbing and Expedition packages.
Ama Dablam Expedition Highlights
- The distinctive pyramid shape of Ama Dablam is a spectacular sight rewarding the climbers from different perspectives.
- The technical climbing experience of the complex ridges and icy slopes with constant and proper assistance from professionals is another highlight of the expedition.
- The acclimatization hikes to Chhukung Ri and Everest View Hotel are another attraction of this expedition.
- While reaching the summit is a highlight on its own, the 360-degree view of Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu adds icing on the cake.
- The hospitality of the Sherpa people, their way of living, their culture, and making friends with the mountain are the major highlights that sum up the overall experience.
Day 01Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Day 02Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Day 03Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 04Namche and acclimatization hike
Day 05Trek to Tengboche
Day 06Trek to Pheriche
Day 07Acclimatization in Pheriche
Day 08Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Day 09 - 21Summiting Ama Dablam
Day 22Trek from Base Camp to Tengboche
Day 23Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
Day 24Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 25Fly to Kathmandu
Day 26Departure from Kathmandu
- Airport pick-up and drop
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Apsara Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu, or similar (Breakfast Included)
- Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight tickets with airport transfers
- 23 nights of accommodation at the mountain lodges during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
- Accompany of Licensed, English-speaking, well-experienced climbing guide with salary, insurance, and personal expenses covered
- One porter for every two clients (13 Kg luggage per person) – salary, insurance, and personal expenses covered
- Attached bathrooms and hot showers on trek (5 nights)
- A cup of tea/coffee (three times a day) and seasonal fruits after dinner on the trek
- Everest National Park entry permit, TIMS, trekking permit, and relevant paperwork
- All applicable government charges
- Farewell dinner at a fine restaurant in Kathmandu
- Certificate of Adventure after the completion of the trek
- Chlorine solution/tablets for water purification on the trek
- Complimentary Duffel bag, Access T-shirt, and Map of Trekking area as souvenirs
- Free service of borrowing Down Jacket and Sleeping bags, (rated up to – 20 degrees Celsius)
- Arrangements for Emergency Helicopter evacuation services (paid by your Travel insurance company)
- Nepal Visa and International airfare
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory) – must cover helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and Trip Cancellation charges
- Meals in Kathmandu except for breakfast and farewell dinner
- Personal equipment and other personal expenses such as beverages, confectionaries, laundries, etc.
- Extra meals, extra porterage service, Wi-Fi, charging of your electronic devices, etc.
- Tips to your guide, porters, driver, and other field staff as a token of appreciation
- Any other expenses or charges not mentioned in the ‘Trip Includes’ list
Our groups are small with maximum 14 people. We create groups of independent travelers, friends and families which maintains close interpersonal connection, engage more and get into depth of the journey. Choose a date from the calendar to reserve your spot.
Welcome and Briefing about the Expedition
Shortly after landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by one of the representatives. They will assist you through the airport, and transfer you to your hotel. Our professionals will also brief you about the journey and the summit. You will be provided with the information which is crucial to prepare you mentally and with the necessary gear and equipment for the adventure ahead.
Stay during the Ama Dablam Expedition
The accommodations during the Ama Dablam Expedition are varied. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a super comfortable luxurious city hotel. Here you will be provided with all the modern amenities for your comfort.
Once you start the trekking part the option for accommodation will be the teahouses. The tea houses are family-run small establishments throughout the trail. On the first couple of days of the trek, most of them will have all the necessary facilities making it more comfortable and nicer. As we get higher up, the villages become more remote with limited facilities and shared bathrooms which will still be well-kept.
After the trekking part, begins the climbing part and at this point, you will be staying in tents with basic facilities. The tents that are available at the Base Camp are still more comfortable with high ceilings and more spacious. You can find a separate tent with all the kitchen set up. You can also get some basic amenities, like a heater, at this point of the expedition. Once you get to the higher camps, the tents are small and you have to share one tent with another traveler, basically for your safety and to keep the tent insulated also there are simply not enough tents for every traveler to have their own.
Food and Drinks during the Expedition
Food
On an Ama Dablam expedition, food and drink are crucial for maintaining energy and hydration, especially as you’re trekking at high altitudes where your body requires more fuel and fluids. Most of the trekking route to Ama Dablam passes through villages with teahouses. The teahouses offer a variety of local and international meals, which are generally simple but nutritious. Meals will often consist of typical Nepali Dal Bhat (lentils and rice), Roti with vegetables, Momos (dumplings), and vegetable stews. You’ll also find Western options like pasta, noodles, pancakes, and soups.
You will get a diet rich in carbohydrates (to keep your energy levels up) like rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, along with vegetables and proteins from eggs, lentils, or meat (though meat may not be widely available at higher elevations).
As you ascend, food options may become more limited, and meals may be basic due to logistical challenges in transporting supplies to higher altitudes. However, you’ll still be able to find a variety of meals at most teahouses up to around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
Drinking Water
It is essential to stay hydrated while on the trail. You can refill your water bottles from natural sources recommended by your guide or the taps available at the teahouse, but make sure to purify using purifying tablets, filters, or a UV purifier, whichever option is available to you. You can also carry electrolyte powders or tablets to mix with water, which helps with hydration while on the trail.
You can also carry electrolyte powders or tablets to mix with water, which helps with hydration while on the trail. You’ll get hot drinks like tea or coffee three times a day. Tea, Coffee, and Hot lemon are easily accessible at most tea houses. While alcohol is also available in some areas (like Rakshi, a locally made spirit), it’s best to avoid drinking at higher altitudes as it can dehydrate you and negatively impact your acclimatization.
Best Season for the Expedition
Ama Dablam expedition is best undertaken during stable Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November). Spring offers favorable weather, a stable climbing environment, and excellent visibility, making it the most popular and safest climbing season for the Ama Dablam Expedition. But it is also this season that attracts a significant number of climbers and hikers leaving the trail crowded. Those seeking a quieter experience can try around Autumn (October-November). Autumn tends to attract slightly fewer climbers than Spring.
While Spring and Autumn are ideal, other seasons are less suitable for climbing Ama Dablam, like Winter (December-February) and Monsoon (June-September). The temperature during winter is extremely cold with heavy snowfall making climbing highly challenging and risky. However, this expedition is still doable in the early winter days. In Monsoon, the trials are slippery with frequent rainfall and risk of landslides and avalanches making it the season to avoid the expedition.
- Spring (April-May): Ideal due to stable weather, better visibility, and clearer skies. However, it’s the peak season, so trails can be crowded.
- Autumn (October-November): Quieter trails with fewer climbers but still offers good weather conditions.
- Seasons to Avoid:
Winter (December-February): Extremely cold, heavy snowfall, making conditions hazardous.
Monsoon (June-September): Risk of heavy rain, slippery trails, landslides, and avalanches.
What to Expect during the Ama Dablam Expedition
The expedition starts with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. This flight depends on the weather conditions and the air traffic. During bad weather conditions, it is common for the flight to get canceled. This Ama Dablam Expedition is known for its high-altitude challenges, demanding terrain, steep climbs, icy walls, and technical sections. The overall journey can be divided into two different portions, the trekking and the summit part. The trekking part is simple with the well-managed trail, anyone with a moderate level of fitness can manage to do it. You should still be cautious about altitude. It is not a race to reach the summit so, take proper acclimatization and rest as altitude sickness can impact anyone. Then comes the tough part, the summit push, with exposure to high winds, freezing temperatures, and thin air. Once you reach the Ama Dablam Base Camp, there will be three more camps before reaching the top. As you ascend to high camps, certain sections, like the yellow tower which is a technical crux on the southwest ridge, require technical climbing skills, making this expedition suitable for experienced trekkers.
Preparing for the Ama Dablam Expedition
The Ama Dablam Expedition is not the highest of the expedition, but it is one of the most demanding expeditions. You should be physically as well as mentally fit for this. The initial, trekking part of the expedition is fairly straightforward, following a similar route to the Everest base camp trail. This part is easily accessible with a moderate level of fitness and proper acclimatization stops. The summit push is the tough part demanding technical expertise and climatizations.
So, proper acclimatization is essential for this trek. The itinerary includes a gradual ascent with designated rest days in key areas to prevent altitude sickness. Both physical and mental preparation are equally important, with training focused on endurance, strength, and technical climbing skills to tackle the demanding conditions effectively.
If you are new to trekking or climbing at high altitudes, it is smart to start with easier peaks. You can check our climbing packages like Yala Peak (5,732m), Mera Peak (6,470m), or Island Peak (6,173m). These treks don’t need as much technical expertise and will help you gain experience and learn basic mountaineering skills for other technical climbing.
Gear and Packing Essentials
Packing the right gear and essentials is vital for the trek. We recommend two duffel bags for this expedition, one with your technical equipment and one for everything else. This is because you would not need your technical gear before the Base Camp.
While packing your clothing, follow a layered system, including a base layer, insulation, waterproof outerwear, a down jacket, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses.
You will be trekking to remote areas so do not forget to pack your toiletries and other essentials that you will be needing on the trail. Also, bring your snacks, especially high-calorie options like energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate, which are great for quick energy.
You can bring your climbing gear or rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You will need gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, locking carabiners, ropes, and climbing boots, along with a sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -20°C. Additional personal equipment includes trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, hygiene items, and a personal first-aid kit.
Travel Insurance for Ama Dablam Expedition
Travel insurance is essential for any high-altitude trek, including Ama Dablam. Your Travel Insurance covers unexpected events like injury, illness, trip cancellations, or travel disruptions, ensuring you’re protected throughout your adventure.
Travel Insurance Coverage
- Medical Coverage covers medical treatment and evacuation in case of illness or injury, including helicopter evacuation if needed.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption, protecting you financially against non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, or other emergencies.
- Baggage Loss or Delay will reimburse costs for essentials if your baggage is lost or delayed.
- High Altitude Coverage, ensures you’re covered for high-altitude mountaineering, which is crucial for Ama Dablam.
Things to Consider While Getting Travel Insurance
- Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, and evacuation with appropriate limits.
- Disclose any pre-existing conditions to your insurer to avoid exclusions.
- Make sure your insurance covers the entire duration of your trip, including travel to and from Nepal.
- If you need assistance, we are here to help you with your travel insurance. Access Nepal can recommend trusted insurers that specialize in high-altitude expeditions. We advise securing insurance 2-3 months before your departure.
Pre-Expedition Medical Checkup
Before your Ama Dablam expedition, a pre-expedition medical screening helps you to ensure you’re physically prepared for the challenges of high-altitude trekking. This check-up typically includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and any necessary tests to identify potential health risks while you are on an expedition.
The screening helps reduce the chance of acute altitude sickness and other complications during the expedition. It’s recommended to do the screening at least 4-6 weeks before departure. If you have any existing health concerns, consult with your doctor ahead of time.
Permit and Passes required for Ama Dablam Expedition
For the Ama Dablam expedition, you will need three different permits:
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System Card):
The TIMS card is a mandatory document for all trekkers in Nepal, and it serves as a safety and tracking measure. It is issued by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and is designed to help authorities track and monitor trekkers in remote areas. The card contains basic details such as the trekker’s name, nationality, and contact information, which ensures proper safety and communication in case of emergencies. The TIMS card is available in two categories: Individual Trekkers’ Permit (for independent trekkers) and Group Trekkers’ Permit (for trekkers accompanied by a guide or porters). This card is essential for trekking in most regions of Nepal and is often required by local authorities at the entry points to trekking areas. - National Park Permit (Sagarmatha National Park):
This permit grants access to the park’s trekking routes, which include some of the most iconic treks in the world, like the Everest Base Camp trek. You will be partly trekking through a similar route to the Everest Base Camp. It helps ensure that trekkers are contributing to the conservation efforts of the park and helps maintain the park’s biodiversity. The permit fee also supports the local community, as much of it is reinvested in park maintenance, conservation, and local development. - Climbing Permit:
There are several categories of climbing permits depending on the peak’s difficulty and altitude. The climbing permit ensures that climbers have the necessary resources, safety protocols, and permits in place to undertake such challenging ventures. It also helps maintain safety standards and supports the development of the mountaineering industry in Nepal.
For anyone planning to attempt climbing peaks in Nepal (particularly those below 6,500 meters, which are classified as trekking peaks), a climbing permit is required. These permits are issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and they regulate and manage the activities of climbers. For higher peaks (above 6,500 meters), permits are typically issued by the Department of Tourism or the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, which depends on the peak.
Costing and Booking for the Package
For those planning this trip, Access Nepal is open for booking the Ama Dablam Expedition 2025. The Ama Dablam Expedition cost starts from USD $7500, with options for personalized packages that suit you the best. Our all-inclusive package covers everything you need for a safe and unique experience, including flights, permits, accommodation, expert guides, porters, high-altitude gear, logistics, and Sherpa support.
To secure your spot you can directly book the package or you can contact us via WhatsApp or email us providing us the detailed information regarding the trip. We advice early booking due to high demand, especially during peak trekking seasons. A deposit of 10% is required to confirm your reservation.
Awards and Achievements
Access Nepal Tour and Treks has been recognized with TripAdvisor’s prestigious Travelers’ Choice Award for multiple consecutive years, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality and clients’ satisfaction.
