Fixed Departure

Nepal Expedition

Ama Dablam Expedition

Popularly known as the 'Matterhorn of the Himalaya', the overwhelming ice-coated granite pyramid of Ama Dablam dominates the sky above the trekker's trail to the Everest Base Camp. The mountain derives its name from the glacier lying on its Southwest face. The glacier looks like a jewel box hanging on the neck of the mountain, hence the name Ama Dablam, literally meaning 'The Mother's Jewel Box'.

The standard ascent to Ama Dablam is made via the South-Western Ridge, the same route followed by Ward (UK), Bishop (USA) and Gill (NZ) in the first ascent of the mountain in 1961. The route offers varied and sustained climb with reasonable level of difficulty. Three high camps are set up at strategic points. The climb is moderate up to Camp 1, then it gets challenging up along the narrow granite ridge. Negotiating pitches of steep ice and snow slopes, the route gets more technical from Camp 2. From Camp 3, skirt around the hanging glacier or the Dablam, cross snow arete (A sharp ridge) and bergschrund(A gap or crevasse at the edge) between ice cliffs, and scale the summit.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Dream Guides Nepal who will take us to Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Dream Guides Nepal’s office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:D

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Preparation
Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. After the tour, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Dream Guides Nepal’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:B

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek
After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our crew members and after some packing and preparation, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding. Included meals:BLD

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours
After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals:BLD

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day
This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals:BLD

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Debuche
We trek further along the Everest route and pass through beautiful villages and cross the Dudh Koshi River while also enjoying magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks along the way like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. After ascending on a steep trail we reach the Tengboche Monastery and spend some time there. Later we descend to Debuche to spend the night. Included meals:BLD

Day 07: Trek to Pheriche (4,300m)
We hike to another village called Pangboche on our way to Pheriche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the ImjaTse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.From here, we continue further up towards Pheriche, another beautiful village for an overnight stay. Included meals:BLD

Day 08: Acclimatization above Pheriche
We have optimum number of acclimatization days to minimize the chances of anyone being affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Today we climb a terrain above the Pheriche village as it is well suited to give us a hiking experience in a cold condition. We walk up a slope overlooking the high Himalayan valleys. Overnight in Pheriche. Included meals:BLD

Day 09: Pheriche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4570m/15000ft)
We begin by trekking back to Pangboche and crossing the Dudh Koshi River. Next, we ascend on a trail which will take us to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The Base Camp is a large open grassy area where we will be spending the rest of the day for acclimatization. Overnight at Ama Dablam Base Camp. Included meals:BLD

Day 10: Acclimatization and Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gear such as the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. Included meals:BLD

Day 11-25: Ascending and Descending of Ama Dablam (6856m/22488ft)
From the Ama Dablam Base Camp we move further up to Camp 1 at 5,700m (17,400 ft) along the standard route. Generally, one night is spent at Camp1for acclimatization and before returning to the Base Camp for the final preparation to scale the summit. There are three camps above the base camp before reaching the summit. The ascent from Base Camp to Camp1 is technically challenging. From Camp 1, we follow existing fixed lines and then establish new ropes wherever necessary both for ascent and descent. The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is comprised of mixed rock, snow and ice, which is loose in certain places. The climb from Camp 3 to the summit is relatively less technical. After summiting the peak, we return back to the base camp. Included meals:BLD

Day 26-27: Trek to Lukla
On this day, our group treks back to Tengboche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding and then finally arriving at Lukla. Included meals:BLD

Day 28: Fly to Kathmandu
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:BD

Day 29: Leisure day in Kathmandu
This is a reserve day to accommodate any possible delay in the Lukla to Kathmandu flight. If the flight is as scheduled, we spend the day enjoying Kathmandu's delights. If there is someplace we wish to visit during our stay in Kathmandu, we may do that today or we can do some souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:B

Day 30: Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Dream Guides Nepal will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Included meals:B

Cost Includes

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Four nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast
  • Round trip flight Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu with 30KG cargo per climber
  • All trekking and Ama Dablam climbing permit fees
  • Liaison officer and all his expenses
  • Experienced climbing Sherpa (s) for the group
  • Trekking and teahouse arrangements to/from Ama Dablam Base Camp and full board basis at Base Camp
  • Food and fuel above Ama Dablam Base Camp
  • All group camping equipment, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chair and kitchen utensils etc
  • Single tent for use at the Base Camp (with foam mattress provided)
  • Base Camp Sherpa (s) and Cook crew
  • Insurance for all Nepalese staffs
  • Use of group gear and supplies: rope, ice screws, rock, and snow anchor protection etc
  • Walkie-talkie radios, satellite telephone, etc.
  • Solar charging at Base Camp
  • Necessary Porter or Yaks support from Lukla to and from Base Camp
  • Emergency equipment like medical oxygen, Gamow bag, base camp medical kit, high-altitude medical kits etc
  • High-altitude camp equipment and supplies, and Sherpa support on summit day
  • Climbing Sherpa will establish camps, carry group equipment (including sleeping bags and pads), establish the route, etc
  • Porterage of group equipment to Advance Base Camp and Camp 1
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All government taxes and agency service charge

Cost does not Include

  • Personal climbing clothes and equipment
  • International roundtrip airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Excess baggage charges if you have more than 30KG luggage
  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and passport photographs)
  • Tips for Climbing Guides and other staffs
  • Climbing Sherpa summit bonus
  • Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle water, shower, heater, etc.)
  • Personal Climbing Sherpa (must be arranged before the expedition)
  • Porterage of personal equipment to beyond Base Camp
  • Nepal Custom Duties
  • Personal travel /medical/cancellation/rescue insurance
  • Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
  • Helicopter or charter flight