Ama Dablam is one of the most magnificent peaks in the Himalayas and a prominent feature of the Khumbu Valley. Standing at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), it towers above the trekking trails and Pangboche Village. Ama Dablam comes into view from Namche Bazaar and remains a constant companion throughout the trek. And the Mt Ama Dablam Expedition is one of the most popular mountain climbing in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
This stunning mountain is located in the Khumbu region of Everest, part of the Mid-East Himalayan ranges. The name “Ama Dablam” comes from the Sherpa language, of Tibetan origin, and translates to “Mother with a Jewel Box.” This name refers to the large ice formation suspended on the neck of Ama Dablam, near the summit.
The adventure begins in Lukla, following the main trail towards Namche Bazaar, a moderately sized town that serves as the hub for Khumbu villagers. Namche Bazaar offers various facilities for both locals and trekkers. Every Saturday, the town hosts a busy and colorful market, which is why it is called “Bazaar.”
Namche Bazaar is an ideal location to spend an extra day for acclimatization. Before heading towards Ama Dablam’s base camp and eventual climb, take the time to explore its scenic viewpoints.
The journey continues from Namche Bazaar to higher altitudes, reaching the picturesque location of Tengboche and its monastery. Tengboche is renowned for its panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including close-up views of the majestic Ama Dablam. The Tengboche monastery is of great cultural and religious significance.
From Tengboche, the trek leads past green forests towards Pangboche, the last village before the ascent to Ama Dablam’s summit. Leaving Pangboche, cross the Imja Tse River and head towards the high ridges and the wide valley where Ama Dablam’s base camp is situated. At the base camp, our camping crews will set up a tented camp, and you’ll have an extra day to relax and acclimate.
The first ascent of Mt. Ama Dablam was achieved by Mike Gill and Wally Romanes of New Zealand, along with Barry Bishop from the USA and Mike Ward from the UK in 1961 via the South-West Ridge. To reach the summit, our itinerary allows ten days, providing ample time for preparations, practice climbing, and ferrying gear to the respective high camps (Advance, Camp I, and Camp III). The success of the climb depends on favorable weather conditions.
Ama Dablam is considered one of the most technical peaks. The climb involves navigating a moraine of rocks, ice, and snow, requiring advanced technical skills in some sections of the route. After a strenuous but successful climb via the South-West route, the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, as well as Makalu and Baruntse to the east. The panoramic views also include Mt. Cho-Oyu and Pumori to the north, along with a vast array of other peaks. After the ascent, descend safely back to base camp.
After packing up and clearing the base camp, begin the return journey to Lukla. The following morning, a sweeping panoramic flight will bring you back to Kathmandu, concluding an unforgettable adventure on the Ama Dablam Expedition.
The optimal seasons for an Ama Dablam expedition are spring and autumn. Spring, from March to May, is renowned for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. During this period, most days are clear and sunny, with daylight lasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, afternoons can bring overcast skies and light snowfall. Temperatures can drop to freezing, but the extended daylight hours make for enjoyable walks and breathtaking views.
Spring is particularly appealing to nature enthusiasts due to the blooming of wildflowers, including various species of rhododendrons and azaleas. The flora ranges from tall trees to small bush-like plants, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time for expeditions. During this season, days are bright and sunny, offering clear views of the surrounding mountains. While the skies are usually crystal clear, daylight hours are shorter, and it gets dark earlier. Temperatures drop significantly in the morning and late afternoon, with a chance of light snowfall at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Autumn is considered a peak season for trekking due to the favorable weather conditions.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu climb briefing and preparation.
Day 04: Fly to Lukla 2,820 m and trek to Phakding 2,650 m – 04 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: At Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and short hikes.
Day 07: Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,867 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Pangboche 3,900 m – 04 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Ama Dablam base camp 4,580 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: At Ama Dablam base camp for acclimatization and preparation.
Day 11: Trek and Climb to High / Advance Camp 5,430 m- 4 hrs.
Day 12-21: Ascent of Ama Dablam (10 days).
Day 22: Trek to Tengboche -04 hrs.
Day 23: Trek to Monjo via Namche Bazaar-06 hrs.
Day 24: Trek back to Lukla – 04 hrs.
Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 26-27: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu.
Day 28: International departure homeward bound.
| Dates | Availability |
| 13 April, 2025 | Available |
| 15 October, 2025 | Available |
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. Check into lovely room, and after good rest join with other members of Ama Dablam Expeditions. The guide or group leader brief you about the treks and climbs, with do’s and don’ts, local culture. As well camping, foods and of lodges en route trek. A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.
Morning after breakfast enjoy a leisure free day with options for interesting sightseeing around the world heritage sites of Kathmandu.
After an exciting day tour back to hotel for Ama Dablam Expedition preparation with last minute shopping and checking the trekking and climbing gear.
Morning as time for short flight to Lukla, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport, after checking in. Board in a small aircraft for swift scenic flight to land at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. During 35 minute’s flight enjoy the unparalleled views of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. As the plane slowly lands on unique mountain airport, greeted by our trekking and expedition staff.
From the airport after a refreshing break, and follow the guide through Lukla town lined with shops, stores, and restaurants. The heading downhill to follow the Dudh Koshi River crossing serval bridges to Phakding Village for overnight. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge, located within Dudh Koshi River gorge enclosed by high cliffs and mountains.
Today an interesting walks to famous Namche Bazaar, the walk follows above the river through nice villages. Then across the bridge to Monjo Village, then enter Sagarmatha National Park (Sagarmatha is a Nepali name for Everest, local native call Chomolungma similar to Tibetan language). From the park entrance a short descent and cross the bridge to Jorsalle, the last village before Namche Bazaar. Enjoy lunch stop, afternoon walk around the river bed amidst dense forest of pines, firs and rhododendrons trees. As walk progress with steep up to cross the last bridge of the day, and then on winding ups to Namche Bazaar for overnight stops.
A perfect spot Namche Bazaar for rest day, as well as to explore around scenic viewpoints. As well as observing the local immense cultures of Sherpa native of Everest. The rest day allows members to get acclimatized before heading higher towards our destination. Namche Bazaar the hub of Khumbu Sherpa and for trekkers, provides nearly all types of facilities. From good lodge, restaurants, bakeries, banks and ATM as well as grand views of snow-capped peaks.
After a good relaxing day in Namche Bazaar spending two overnights, walk heads above Namche Bazaar. Following a scenic wide trail overlooking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam with an array of peaks. The walk follows down to Imjatse River at Phunki Tenga, a small place but popular lunch stop. Located on a river gorge within dense forest of pines, oaks, rhododendrons and fir trees. Afternoon few hours climb through lovely woods to reach a picturesque location at Tengboche for overnight halt. Enjoy the stunning panorama of snow-mountain ranges with Mt. Everest and close views of Ama Dablam. Tengboche is famous for its colorful monastery, enjoy a tour of the monastery interior of great cultural and religious interest.
Morning enjoy the super panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam with series of snow peaks. A short walk to Pangboche the last village en route Ama Dablam base camp. The trail follows to a long descent through lovely cool woods to reach a bridge. After the bridge a slow climb with stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam above a Buddhist Stupa. The walk heads to enter a small gate entrance to Pangboche village, as the trail follows on winding short up. Then reaching Pangboche Village, and transfer to a nice lodge, after lunch enjoy hike to Upper Pangboche with an old monastery.
Morning another short day hike to Ama Dablam base camp, the route leads downhill to cross a small wooden bridge. Then climb to a steep uphill to reach a wide exposed scenic valley where Ama Dablam base located. A wide large grassy meadow with spectacular views of surrounding beautiful landscapes and snow peaks. Stand beneath the towering Ama Dablam South-West Face, where camp is set for the climb. The camp is equipped with all best camping equipment, includes two men spacious tents. As well as separate kitchen unit of cook, kitchen staff, and other crews with expert guide and strong porters. Enjoy the lunch with the dramatic backdrop of staggering mountains.
Another day at base camp to study the route of the climb as well for preparations. As well as sorting the climbing gear and packing high altitude instant food, rest of the day at leisure. To save the energy for the big climb within ten days, from the Advance or High Camp.
From the Base Camp the real adventure begins heading towards South-East ridge of Ama Dablam. Following over the moraine of rocks and glaciers roughly towards eastwards, and then reach a broad saddle. Where High Camp or Advance Camp is set with views of Mingbo-La. Rest of the day relax and study the route of the technical climb.
During the Ten Days get busy shifting gear for the final ascent, from here on the saddle heads north. Then climb to a rocky area, and through boulders to reach a ridge below Pt.5, 705 which is the site of camp I. There are four or five tents platforms. Setting two more Camp-I and II. Before the summit bid, from the last camp II, waiting for good weather predications. On reaching the last Camp II, start the climb push tackling the technical sections. Using fixed ropes, the climb leads further up towards a broad gully between a gray tower and lower rock buttress. Then the climb leads to a snow slope to ' Santa's Grotto' at the start of Mushroom ridge, and Climb snow with Ice slope to the top of hanging glacier.
An ice crest that leads to a magnificent position and finally on top of the summit, enjoy the jaw-dropping panorama. Overlooking all the towering peaks of Khumbu Himal range with Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu the main highest peaks. After a successful and tough climb, descend safely back to base camp by Day 19-21. At this point the porters and pack animals will arrive for packing the gear to reach Lukla.
This day all climbers should be in base camp to clean up the camp and packing. Load on Yaks, Zhopkyo with porters to ferry the gear to Lukla, from base camp leaving nothing only your footsteps. Short day walk to Tengboche, after a tough climb to Ama Dablam summit, return journey will be lively. After completing the major goal and highlights of the adventure. The walk leads down and up to Pangboche for possible lunch stop, then head further down to the river. As climb leads back into dense trees then reaching Tengboche for overnight halt.
Retrace the journey back to Namche Bazaar for lunch, afternoon down to Dudh Koshi River. Walk through Jorsalle and cross a bridge with short climb to Monjo for overnight stop.
Return walk to Lukla, enjoy the last day trek of the adventure on the same scenic trail. The walk leads through nice villages then uphill to reach the entrance gate of Lukla. Enjoy lunch and for last overnight in Lukla, after a great mesmerizing adventure on Ama Dablam Expedition.
Early breakfast and then short walk to Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport, as the plane reach Lukla from Kathmandu. Get board on the small aircraft for short flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels. Rest of the day at leisure after an exciting adventure around Everest and Khumbu Valley with climb of Ama Dablam.
Reserved two days in Kathmandu after a tough adventure, and in case of flight delays, due to unfavorable weather. Enjoy the free days for individual activities, as the guide hands the expedition report to concern Government Department.
Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound. After a great time and adventure on Ama Dablam Expedition and trekking around scenic Khumbu.
Mt. Ama Dablam although it is only 6,812 m, it is a full scale small mountaineering expeditions. It is one of the most technical and challenging peak of below 8,000 m and 7,000 meter’s peaks. Requires technical skill and knowledge to encounter narrow edges and slopes, climb on ice, rocks with deep snow. The descent is equally tough needs enough precaution, but an exciting experience to gain before planning other major mountains.
Normally an average person in good physical shape and in sound health can join in for the climb. Climbers of previous experience will be an advantage, for beginners we will have extra days for practice climb. Where our expert guide will support you all the way to the summit and back safely.
Medical and Travel Insurance, should cover any means of fastest transportation like using Helicopter service. Travel insurance should cover in case of flight delay and cancellation due to bad weather condition.
Certainly yes, as mentioned above for immediate evacuation in case of emergency situation if arise. The evacuation insurance usually applies for using helicopter service and medical treatments in Kathmandu or near about.
Facilities for charging batteries and electronic gadgets, available throughout the trek staying in a lodge. Either run by main hydroelectricity or solar power, where you need to pay as per hour and per gadgets. The last place on this trip is at Ama Dablam Base Camp. The company will carry small generator to light the dining and for charging electronic items. Climbers can also carry a portable solar panel as the sun is bright around highest altitude for you to charge your gadgets.
Depending upon size of a group, for less than 4 people one climbing guide as well with second guide to take care of the client requirement. For more than 6 to 10 people, will have 2-3 guides including the main lead and climbing guide.
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