About Ama Dablam Expedition:
Ama Dablam Expedition is popularly known as the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalaya’, the overwhelming, ice-coated granite pyramid of Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,494ft) dominates the sky above the trekker’s trail to the Everest Base Camp. The 30-day Ama Dablam Expedition begins in Kathmandu with sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next, we fly to Lukla and begin trekking. We start Ama Dablam Expedition on the beautiful Everest trail before beginning our summit of Ama Dablam.
The standard ascent to Ama Dablam Expedition 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 a varied and sustained climb with a 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 the snow arete (a sharp ridge) and bergschrund (a gap or crevasse at the edge) between ice cliffs and scale the summit. After scaling the summit, we return back to base camp.
Itinerary
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 Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals: Dinner
Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trip preparation :
Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also 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 Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals: Breakfast
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 drive to the airport for our flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking lush hills and snowcapped 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. At Lukla, we meet the rest of our staff members and begin our trek to Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. Overnight in Phakding. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours :
We begin trekking after breakfast. Our trail passes through pine forests and we also walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River. After walking for around an hour, we begin to see Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right. We continue our trek through lush pine, fir and juniper forests, cross a few suspension bridges and reach Namche Bazaar. The small town is the main trading center of the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): acclimatization :
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: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Raft from the junction of Dudh Koshi to Rasuwa Khola :
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 like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam along the way. 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:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Debuche to Pheriche (4,300m/14,107ft): 5-6 hours :
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 Imja Tse River flowing through the wide fertile valley. From here, we continue further up towards Pheriche, another beautiful village for an overnight stay.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Acclimatization :
This day is set aside just for acclimatization. This will help 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 good hiking experience in a cold condition. After an uphill climb to the top of the hill, we are rewarded with great views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pheriche. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Pheriche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4570m/15000ft): 5-6 hours :
We begin today’s trek by walking 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 large and open grassland at the foot of Mt. Ama Dablam. Overnight at Ama Dablam Base Camp. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Acclimatization and Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the best ways of using climbing gear such as the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes for climbing both up and down. The training will boost our confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing our chance of a successful summit of the mountain. Overnight in Ama Dablam Base Camp. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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 Camp 1 for 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 Camp 1 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: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Trek to Lukla :
We trek back to Lukla via Tengboche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding. Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Fly back to Kathmandu :
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take the much needed rest in our hotel room. In the evening, we participate on a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier to celebrate our successful summit of Ama Dablam. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast Dinner
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: Breakfast
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 Himalayan Glacier 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: Breakfast
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
