Destination | Nepal |
---|---|
Activity | Expedition in Nepal |
Region | Everest Region |
Start / End point | Kathmandu/ Kathmandu |
Duration | 25 Days |
Max. Altitude | AmaDablam (6,856m/22,494ft) |
Meals Included | All meals during the trek/Expedition |
Group size | 2-12 |
Nature of Trek | Tea House/Camping Trekking/Climbing |
Best Season | Mar, Apri, May, Sep, Oct,& Nov |
Grade | Strenuous |
About the Trip
Mount Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,494ft) is a majestic mountain located south of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse in the Khumbu region. It is a steep ice pyramid with vertical walls and sharp exposed ridges that leaves a lasting impression on trekkers trekking to Everest Base Camp. The spectacular Ama Dablam is one of the world’s most impressive mountain peaks, standing at the center of the Khumbu valley. Due to its unique, sharply pointed soaring shape, ascending this sheer peak is the ultimate dream of many climbers worldwide. The lure of a close panoramic view of magnificent Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu from the Ama Dablam top is irresistible.
Highlights
- The exquisiteness of one of the world’s prominent peaks, Mt. AmaDablam (6,856m/22,494ft)
- A close view of magnificent mountains - Lhotse (27,883 ft/8,498 m), Everest (29,035 ft./8,848m), AmaDablam (22,487 ft./6,854 m), and Makalu (27,838 ft./8,485 m)
- Explore the culture and lifestyles of the local Sherpa people
- UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sagarmatha National Park
- Heartwarming Nepali hospitality
- Prayer wheels, colorful flags, mani stones, high suspension bridges
- Wide range of flora and fauna
- Ancient monastery in Tangboche (3,867m / 12,687ft)
Benefits of Ama Dablam Expedition with Discovery World Trekking
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system.
- Free airport arrival/departure transfer to/from the hotel on a private vehicle
- Oximeter for blood oxygen monitoring at high altitudes to detect altitude sickness early & other medical kits
- Sleeping bags and down jackets if you do not have your own.
- Duffle bag for porters
- Free excess luggage storage at the Discovery World Trekking store during the trek/expedition
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.
Comprehensive Overview
Ama Dablam Expedition has been gaining tremendous popularity among mountaineers. Climbing Mt. AmaDablam (6,856m/22,494ft) is the epitome of an adventurous mountaineering experience, and we assure you 25 days of a soulful journey.
Your journey begins with a 40-minute flight to Lukla (9,000ft / 2,740m). Lukla is the gateway to Ama Dablam and lies at the foot of Khumbu mountain. From Lukla, you will start a trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp. On the way, you will come across amazing high-altitude Sherpa settlements like Monjo, at an altitude of 8380 ft (2610 m).
You will also trek inside Sagarmatha National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Lukla, you will head northwards to Namche Bazaar (3440 m / 11,042) - a prosperous market town and a historic trading hub, from where you can see glorious mountain peaks. This Sherpa town, to this date, hasn’t forgotten its ancient culture and royal hospitality.
You will be acclimatizing for a day at Namche Bazaar, and the next day you will reach Tengboche. From Tengboche, you will head to Dingboche, acclimatize one more day at Dingboche, and finally head to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
In 1961, Ward (UK), Bishop (USA), and Gill (NZ) became the first persons to ascend Ama Dablam, and they used the South-Western Ridge route to accomplish this feat. It is still the route climbers use to summit Ama Dablam.
Mountaineers usually pitch 3 high camps as they make their way to the top of Ama Dablam. The climb is moderate up to Camp I, but it gradually gets challenging as you move along a narrow granite ridge. From the base camp, climbers have to walk across the toughest saddle ridges and climb north through the rocky ground to reach Camp I.
The most technical part of this expedition lies on the route from Camp I to Camp II, as you will have to cross some granite slabs and snowy patches. Camp II is a narrow exposed area supported by a rock pillar.
From Camp II, the climbing is steep with 70-degree couloir, testing your stamina. You need crampons and jumar for safe climbing. After climbing for three to four hours, you will reach Camp III, which is relatively flat.
You must brave the cold and exposed environment to reach the Ama Dablam summit from Camp III. The route is steep but less technical. The climb will take around four hours, and Sherpas have set up fixed ropes at critical climbing regions.
You will get stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from the top. After enjoying the views, to your satisfaction, you will return to Camp III for the night.
The next day you will return to Tengboche and then to Namche. Finally, you will head to Lukla, and the next morning, you will fly back to Kathmandu, content and possibly inspired.
Ama Dablam Expedition - 25 Days Short Itinerary
- Day1Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Day2Pre-trip meeting at Kathmandu.
- Day3Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850m). Trek to Phakding (2,650m).
- Day4Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
- Day5Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.
- Day6Trek from Namche to Tengboche/ Deboche (3,855m).
- Day7Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m).
- Day8Rest day and acclimatization Dingboche.
- Day9Trek from Dingboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600m).
- Day10Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp and acclimatization.
- Day11Hike from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Camp I (5,700m) and back to Base Camp.
- Day12Rest day Ama Dablam Base Camp.
- Day13Base Camp to Camp I (5,700m) overnight.
- Day14Head to Camp II (6,000m) and back to Base Camp.
- Day15Rest day at Ama Dablam Base Camp.
- Day16From Base Camp ascend to Camp I (5,700m).
- Day17From Camp I, ascend to Camp II (6,000m).
- Day18Contingency day Camp II.
- Day19Summit Ama Dablam (6,812m) and back to Camp II.
- Day20Descend from Camp II to Base Camp (4600m).
- Day21Trek from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Tengboche (3,855m).
- Day22Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
- Day23Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850m).
- Day24Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m).
- Day25International flight back to your home country.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
- day1
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), in the capital – Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1,400m), Nepal.
You will land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, where our company representative will be waiting for you. They will be holding a pamphlet with your name and our company name. After greeting you, they will present you with a marigold garland and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You are free to spend your time as you want for this day.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel (room with attached bathroom)
- day2
Pre-trip meeting at Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1,400m)
On this day, we will organize a pre-trip meeting. In this meeting, we will brief you about the expedition and inspect your luggage to ensure you have the right gear, equipment, and other things you will require for this trip. You are free to spend your time exploring Kathmandu for the rest of your day.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
- day3
Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft). Trek to Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft)
We will drive to the airport early in the morning to take our flight to Lukla. The scenic 40 minutes flight to Lukla lets you enjoy fantastic views of high snow peaks like Langtang.
Lukla is the gateway to Ama Dablam and is based at the foot of Khumbu mountain, from where we will start on our trails to Mount Ama Dablam. From Lukla, we descend 200m to the Thado Koshi River and cross a suspension bridge. Mt. Kusum Kangru looks amazing from this part of the trail. Continuing forward, you will cross a small Buddhist village called Ghat before reaching Phakding (2,650m/8,690 ft).
Phakding is a small village in the Khumbu region inside Dudh Kosi river valley, just north of Lukla and south of Monjo, at an altitude of 8380 ft (2610 m). Phakding is often the main stopping point for trekkers on their way to Mount Ama Dablam and Mount Everest.
- Overnight stay at Khumbu Travel Lodge ( room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day4
Trek from Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft ) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 11,042 ft. (3440 m). Namche Bazaar is the staging point for expeditions to Mount Ama Dablam and other Himalayan peaks in the area. Your day begins by crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Then comes a forested trail leading you to a small Sherpa village of Monjo. As we continue trekking, we will reach Sagarmatha National Park Check Post, where we will register our permits. The trail then climbs through dense forests, making it challenging to trek. You will get the first sight of Mt. Everest from this forest. Trekking further, you will finally arrive at Namche Bazaar - the gateway to Everest.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day5
Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
You will stay one more day at Namche for acclimatization. Namche is a prosperous market town selling everything from Tibetan artifacts to trekking and climbing equipment. As a historic trading hub, famous for its homemade yak cheese and butter, Namche is situated on the slope of an arch-shaped mountain, overseeing the sights of glorious mountain peaks.
It once was the capital of Khumbu, where Sherpas from neighboring villages and Tibet would gather to trade commodities and display their traditional arts and crafts. Namche Bazaar, to this date, hasn’t forgotten its ancient culture and royal hospitality.
Trekkers are free to explore Namche Bazaar, famous for numerous cafes and restaurants with Wi-Fi, souvenir, and gear shops. Additionally, you can go on an optional hike to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and Khunde and Khumjung. The Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center provides detailed information on various climbs in the area, memorabilia from different mountaineering expeditions, and information on the lifestyle and culture of the Sherpa people.
You will also be hiking up to Everest View Hotel to get a spectacular view of Mt. Everest. You will head back to Namche Bazaar.
After relaxing and acclimatizing at Namche, we will brace ourselves for the trek the next day.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day6
Trek from Namche (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Tengboche/ Deboche (3,855m / 12,850ft) 5 hrs.
You will leave Namche and head to Tengboche. On the way, you will cross the beautiful village of Khunde (12,400 ft/3,780 m), one of the largest villages in Khumbu and home to Khunde Hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. The day’s walk is moderate and pretty, winding through a thick cedar forest. On your way up, you will also come across the Sherpa village of Thame (12,464 ft/3,800 m), off the main trekking path. This village provides you with an intimate view of the Sherpa culture. Interestingly many world-famous Sherpa’s have come from this region.
Vistas from Tengboche are spectacular. The pointed peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to your south as Everest (29,035 ft/8,850 m), Lhotse (27,883 ft/8,498 m), Nuptse (25,843 ft/7,876 m), and Ama Dablam (22,487 ft/6,854 m) are visible to the north. In addition, you can see Kwangde (20,293 ft/6,185 m), Tawache (21,457 ft/6,540 m), and Kantega (22,235 ft/6,777 m).
- Overnight stay at Hotel Good Luck
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day7
Trek from Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft) to Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft) 5 hrs.
On the route to Dingboche, you will be able to get spectacular views of the farmlands, chortens, mani walls, and several small villages. From the trails, you can also enjoy the views of several Buddhist shrines and monuments, yaks, and their pastures. As you move closer to Dingboche, you will see agricultural fields surrounded by stone walls. These walls protect crops from wild animals as well as cold winds. The locals grow barley, buckwheat, and potatoes in these fields.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Good Luck
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day8
Rest day and acclimatization Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft)
Since you will have gained considerable height, you will acclimatize once more at Dingboche. This region has lush forests full of birch, conifers, and rhododendron forest. You will also hike to the top of the Nangkartshang peak to get spectacular views of - Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Everest, and Pumori. There is another option - to visit the Chhukung Ri summit.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Good Luck
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day9
Trek from Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft) to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) 5 hours.
This route provides scenic views of some of the world's tallest mountains. As you trek further, Ama Dablam appears closer and closer and becomes vividly stunning. Once you reach the Base Camp, you can see Ama Dablam's stunning peak along with its hanging glacier. The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains is mesmerizing. Our Sherpa guide will quickly set up a tent on the open grassy area.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day10
Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) and acclimatization
Before you start climbing Ama Dablam, you will spend one more day acclimatizing at the base camp. During this time, our guide will teach you climbing techniques and proper use of climbing equipment such as ice ax, crampons, climbing boots, harness, ascender, ropes, etc. We believe these instructions will increase your chances of a successful climb.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day11
Hike from Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) to Camp I (5,700m) and back to Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m)
To successfully climb Ama Dablam, you must take it easy, familiarizing the routes. We wake up at Ama Dablam Base Camp and head to Camp I, scrambling over stiff rocks. On the way, you will also pass a yellow tower on fixed ropes for safety. However, we will not stay at Camp I, but rather descend back to Base Camp.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day12
Rest day Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m)
You must be feeling tired after getting a taste of climbing. Hence we will use this day to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day13
Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) to Camp I (5,700m / 18,700ft) overnight.
We have acclimatized quite well, and are now ready to reach higher ground. We move to Camp I and camp there for the night.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day14
Head to Camp II (6,000m / 19,685ft) and back to Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m)
From Camp I, we start to ascend to Camp II. After reaching Camp II, we descend quickly back to the Base Camp.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day15
Rest day at Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m)
It is another rest day. After reaching Camp II, we have achieved quite a lot and are ready to ascend the peak. Now, it is time to plan for ascending to the top of Ama Dablam without returning back.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day16
From Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) ascend to Camp I (5,700m / 18,701ft)
With proper acclimatization, we are ready to reach the summit. On this day, we hike up to Camp I and spend the night there.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day17
From Camp I (5,700m / 18,701ft), ascend to Camp II (6,000m / 19,685ft)
We continue our ascend, from Camp I, we reach Camp II and spend the night in a tent at Camp II.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day18
Contingency day Camp II (6,000m / 19,685ft)
There are chances of bad weather, so we have allocated this day as a cushion for a successful Ama Dablam climb.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day19
Summit Ama Dablam (6,812m / 22,349ft) and back to Camp II (6,000m / 19,685ft)
Today we start early in the morning from Camp II and head for the summit. Once you reach the summit you can rejoice on your successful ascent, take some pictures, enjoy the view to your heart’s content and return to Camp II for the night.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day20
Descend from Camp II (6,000m / 19,685ft) to Base Camp (15,000ft / 4600m)
On this day, you will descend from Camp II to the Base Camp. The descent should be easy, and you reach the Base Camp for lunch. You have a chance to view Ama Dablam up close for the remaining part of the day.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day21
Trek from Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft / 4,600m) to Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft)
After summiting a high and beautiful Ama Dablam, it is time to head back. The descent should be easy as you retrace your steps back to Pheriche and then to Deboche. As you descend, you will notice that vegetations start growing lush and richer. At Pheriche, you will find rhododendron and birch tree forests. Trekking further, you will reach Tengboche, where you spend the night.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Good Luck
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day22
Trek from Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
The descent continues, first on a leveled path that descends to Phunki Tenga, and from Phunki Tenga, the trail ascends to reach Kyangjuma. After Kyangjuma, the path is easy downhill past several chortens and finally to Namche Bazaar.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day23
Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Finally, we are approaching the end of the expedition. From Namche Bazaar, we leave for Lukla. The path is fabulous as it passes through fantastic waterfalls, suspension bridges, and high-altitude settlements. You will spend the night in Lukla for your return to Kathmandu the next day.
- Overnight stay at Khumbu Travel Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day24
Fly from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Your expedition is nearing its end. We leave the Khumbu region early in the morning for Kathmandu. This flight will be quite relaxing, and you will perhaps be relieving the moments you made during the expedition. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can get back to your hotel. You are free to spend your time as you wish.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
- day25
International flight back to your home country
Early morning after breakfast, we will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure back home. We hope you enjoyed the trip to the fullest and will be back in Nepal for some more trips.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
What is included?
- Flight tickets Kathmandu– Lukla – Kathmandu (domestic) with airport departure taxes
- Amadablam summiteers climbing Sherpa/guides (1 Sherpa: 2 climbers ratio)
- EPI Gas burner for the high climb, Gamow Bag (life-saving device in case of altitude sickness) on a sharing basis with expedition members. Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC). Group gears and supplies like ropes, ice screws, and snow bars.
- Ama Dablam expedition peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park entry permits, garbage deposit, and all government and local taxes
- All meals during the trek and climb- nutritious 21 breakfasts, 21 lunches, and 21 dinners. Experienced and qualified cook and kitchen helper at Base Camp and other Camps. Kitchen and dining equipment for all camps. From catering to extra dietary requirements. Food, fuel, fresh vegetables, and fruits during the expedition.
- Total 21 days of accommodations in trek regions. 5 nights in rooms with attached bathrooms at Phakding, Namche (3N), and Lukla. 4 nights at Tangboche (2N) and Dingboche (2N), and 12 nights at tent camps.
- Cost of government-licensed Discovery World Trekking experienced and qualified Sherpa climbing leaders, expedition manager, liaison officer, porters, daily Nepali staff wages, equipment, and other costs and allowance. Costs related to tents, lodging, meals, salary, transportation, flights, and their insurance, including helicopter rescue provision and other necessary equipment.
- Mountaineering hardware and high-altitude tents while climbing the Ama Dablam. Emergency oxygen with regulator, masks, and other necessary medical equipment. All necessary climbing hardware and group equipment.
- Rescue operation arrangements in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Farewell dinner at Kathmandu after the successful expedition
What is excluded?
- International airfare and airport tax
- Medical and personal high-risk insurance - must include heli-rescue up to the highest trek altitude
- Nepal entry visa fees. The current rate is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.
- Personal clothing, equipment, and climbing gear
- Applicable permit fees and customs charges for Satellite phone, communication equipment, and commercial filming while on Ama Dablam expedition.
- Excess luggage charges. The luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg.
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from trekking.
- Personal expenses - shopping, snacks for the trek, hot (tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone call charges, extra porters, etc.
- Travel insurance that must include high-altitude helicopter rescue and treatment costs
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays beyond our control, such as landslides, bad weather, itinerary modification for safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled/bottled water, hot (tea, coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, hot shower, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery recharge fee, extra porters, etc.)
- All the costs and expenses not listed in "What is included?" will be counted as excludes
Equipment Checklist
Please bring only the must-have items to the trek. We will assign porters to carry your luggage, but your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. One porter will carry the luggage of two expedition members. However, if 9 kg is not enough, we can a porter for you for an extra cost. It is not necessary to bring all gear and equipment from your home country. You can buy them here in Kathmandu at modest prices. Though your tastes may differ, here is a list to help you pack for the Ama Dablam expedition.
Gear for Ama Dablam Climbing
- Tape slings- an essential part of a climbers' kit to wrap around the section of rock and hitch to other
- Figure 8 Descender - to use it as a zip flier either on friction mode or smoothie mode.
- Ice ax
- Crampons - a traction device that will be attached to your footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice
- Climbing Harnesses - It will secure you to a rope or an anchor point during peak climbing
- Snow bar
- Ice hammer
- Ice screw
- Helmets
- Ascender/Jhumar
- Screwgate Karabiners
- Plastic mountaineering boots
- Rope
Head
- Winter hat or insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
- A warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic to keep you warm)
- Headscarf (can be used in dusty conditions)
- Sun hat or scarf
- Headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if you have medical prescriptions)
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- A pair of lightweight poly-liner trek gloves
- A pair of lightweight fleece gloves (or wool)
- A pair of mittens containing a Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
Sleeping
- One sleeping bag 30 degrees DC
- Fleece sleeping bag liner
- Rucksack and Travel Bags
- One medium rucksack or One large duffel bag
- Daypack/backpack of 50 liters maximum for carrying your valuables - should have good shoulder padding.
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- Two large waterproof rucksack covers (if you need them)
Body (Upper-Lower)
- T-Shirt (bring Lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- Expedition grade down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Thick thermal Merino bottoms (Icebreaker 200, Odlo Revolution Thick)
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Polar fleece trousers or similar mid-layer trousers
- Gore-Tex (over)trousers or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips
- A pair of hiking shorts, trousers, lightweight thermal bottoms
- A pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- A pair of breathable fabric, waterproof shell pants
- Goose-down trousers or bibs. Or a down suit
- Liner gloves for tying knots
- mitten
- Waterproof sacks to keep your clothing dry
- Non-cotton undergarments
Footwear
- Two pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- Two pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- A pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, broken-in)
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
- Goretex hiking boots with ankle support
- A pair of trainers or running shoes or sandals
- Gaiters
- Cotton socks
Essential gears
- Trekking pole
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not).
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification tablets/drops
- Trekking pole
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Small mirror
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Nail clippers
- Multi-purpose soap (must be biodegradable)
- Tissue /toilet paper roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products for females
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
Medical Needs
- First-aid tapes and plasters
- One skin-blister repair kit
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.
- One set of earplugs
- Personal simple and light first-aid kit
- Anti-diarrhea, headache pills
- Cough and cold medicine for sure
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens supplies
Extra Items
- Trail map/guidebook
- Please have a notepad and pen handy to note information.
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Book if you love reading
- Binoculars
- Notebook and pen (if you want to write your moments)
- A modest swimsuit
- A voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
- Lightweight pillowcase (optional)
Essential Documents
Please send us the following documents to arrange permits.
- A copy of your passport, three passport-size photos, and travel/health insurance documents with contact details
- Additionally, we advise you to maintain a separate photocopy of all important documents, including insurance policy, travelers' cheques, bank/ATM card contact numbers, international flight tickets, emergency contact numbers, etc.
Trip Information
Free Airport Transfers
As soon as you book your flight, please send the flight details to us so that we can arrange a free airport pickup service in a private vehicle for you. We provide you this service because we do not want you to face difficulties navigating in a foreign country. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name and our company name on it. After greeting you, our representative will welcome you with a garland and then take you to your hotel. Similarly, when you depart, our company representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport in a private vehicle.
Getting to the Ama Dablam Peak region
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,593 ft./1400 m), and we will take you to your hotel. The next day, you will attend a pre-trip meeting at your hotel or the Discovery World Trek office. During the pre-trip meeting, we will provide important information about the trek. We will also check your luggage to ensure that you have packed all required gear, equipment, and appropriate clothing. On the third day, we will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for a 40-minute flight to Lukla (9,000 ft./2.740m). Lukla is the gateway to Ama Dablam and lies at the foot of Khumbu mountain. From Lukla, you will start your Ama Dablam expedition.
Accommodation
The Ama Dablam Expedition is a 25-day of soulful journey. This expedition package covers three days hotel stay at a selected hotel in Kathmandu along with breakfast. However, meals in Kathmandu are not covered.
You will be spending 21 nights at trek regions. We will provide you with 5 nights' accommodations in rooms with attached bathrooms at Phakding, Namche (3N), and Lukla. Similarly, you will stay in standard rooms at Tengboche (2N) and Dingboche (2N) for a total of 4 nights. We will arrange 12 days at tented camps. All rooms will be on twin sharing basis.
We provide you with all camping equipment, like tents (dining, toilet, sleeping), tables and chairs, mattresses, and sleeping bags.
Meals
You will need plenty of nutritious, tasty, and hygienic food while on a high-altitude expedition like Ama Dablam climbing, and we will provide enough nutrient-rich food. You will have three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. We will choose the best available lodges/teahouses/hotels that provide fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious local or international meals.
You will have 21 breakfasts, 21 lunches, and 21 dinners in the expedition region.
You will have several food choices among the traditional, local, Asian, and Western cuisine. However, as you ascend your food choices start getting limited and food becomes expensive too.
We highly recommend garlic soup (must) and other liquids like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, and ginger tea.
Please avoid dairy, alcoholic, and caffeinated items during the expedition since experts recommend avoiding them for high trek adventures.
Our expedition team also has experienced and highly qualified cooks and kitchen helpers at Base Camp and other Camps. We provide kitchen and dining equipment for all camps.
Meals (except breakfast) in Kathmandu are not included in the expedition package. In Kathmandu, you can get a wide variety of Nepalese and international cuisine – fine dining/meals/snacks/bars, and pubs available, and we want you to choose your own food.
Best Season
The weather is one of the most important factors to consider while planning your expedition. The best time for trekking to and climbing Ama Dablam is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The summer in Nepal coincides with monsoon making the trails wet and slippery. Similarly, during winter the temperature at high altitudes is too low, and it snows heavily, making trekking difficult. Here is a brief description of the weather at high altitudes throughout the year.
January – February
This time is the coldest, especially from early January to late February. During these months, heavy snow falls in the mountain region, resulting in frigid temperatures. The daytime might get warm with clear blue skies and glistening Himalayas. However, at night time it gets extremely cold. It is not advisable to plan an expedition during these months because the Mount Ama Dablam climbing and the trek get very challenging. The cold temperatures and snowfalls make it even tougher!
March – April
March and April are the best months for the expedition with highly favorable. You will get stunning views of the Himalayas ranges and glaciers. The temperature starts to increase from the mid of March, and due to the clear blue sky, glistening snow mountains look at their best. The expedition success rate is very high during these months.
May – June
May and June form the second-best season for the expedition, right before the rainfall. Monsoon in this region starts from the end of June until the mid of August. This season of spring and summer makes the expedition very enjoyable.
July – August
Monsoon catches up, bringing in a lot of rain in lower trek regions. It is not advisable to trek/climb during this season as the trails get slippery and the expedition difficulty level rises substantially. The chances of flights to Lukla getting canceled or postponed due to bad weather and less visibility.
September – October
It is also one of the perfect seasons for the expedition, and in fact, it forms the peak season for tourists flocking to Nepal. This season boasts pleasant weather and a favorable expedition climate. At high trek altitudes, the temperature goes up to 20 °C/68.0 °F in the daytime and falls to 5 °C/41.0 °F at night. You can get stunning views of the Himalayas ranges and glaciers due to clear blue skies. Other main attractions of this season are the Hindu festivals of Dashain and Tihar, making the whole atmosphere festive.
November – December
As winter slowly begins, snowfall gradually covers the Himalayas region, making it harsh to trek. Late October and early November form a busy season for expeditions. Daytime temperature is stable and constant, but it gets frigid at night. However, the picturesque view of the clear blue sky and the snow-clad mountains are phenomenal. As December sets in, days start getting cold, and there is heavy snowfall on the trek routes.
Please Note: The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and the temperature changes quickly.
Acclimatization
You will be acclimatizing in at least four places during the expedition. First in Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft), and then at Dingboche village (14, 468ft./ 4,410m). You will also rest and acclimatize during the Ama Dablam peak climbing.
Namche is a prosperous town full of Wi-Fi-linked cafes, restaurants, and shops selling clothing to climbing equipment. While acclimatizing, you can go for a side trek to Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and visit Khunde and Khumjung villages. You can also hike to Everest View Hotel to get views of Mt.Everest (8,848m).
One more acclimatization day waits at Dingboche. You get time to hike to the top of the Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) and see views of Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Everest, and Pumori. In addition, you can reach Chhukung Ri (5546m) - a famous trekking peak.
You will also be acclimatizing at camps during the climb.
Altitude Sickness
You must have heard about mountaineers suffering from altitude sickness. At high altitudes, there is simply less oxygen in the air. As you move higher, the oxygen gets rarer, increasing the risk of mountain sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Altitude sickness is common at high altitudes and can strike anyone during the expedition. Hence our team of Sherpas is well-equipped, experienced, and prepared to prevent, deal with and treat altitude sickness.
However, you need to be aware of altitude sickness symptoms to get help from our Sherpas. The common (mild) symptoms of altitude sickness are:
- Slight headache
- Tiredness and dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Swelling
- Fatigue
These symptoms indicate that you are at risk of developing altitude sickness. Once you inform our Sherpas about these symptoms, our Sherpas will assist you to adapt to high altitudes in several ways, such as allowing you to rest, letting you walk at your own pace, and ascending, only after you feel well.
Symptoms of severe altitude sickness are:
- Severe headache
- Frequent vomiting
- Rapid Increase in heartbeat rate
- Problem in vision
- Irritable cough or persistent cough
- Difficulty in walking
- Irrational behavior
- Confusion or lack of coordination with group members
- Breathlessness even after enough resting
- Difficulty in sleeping
Severe altitude sickness symptoms develop soon if you ignore and do not treat mild altitude sickness. Hence, we request you inform your expedition leader the moment you feel uncomfortable.
In case of severe altitude sickness, if required, our Sherpa will support you and accompany you to lower elevations to avoid potentially life-threatening conditions like HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema). In HACE, fluid starts to collect in the brain, while in HAPE, body fluids enter the lungs.
You can resume your expedition with the Sherpa’s accompanying you once you feel better. Discovery World Trekking has policies to protect expedition members from getting mountain sickness. We have designed our packages to avoid altitude sickness, allocating days for acclimatization.
Our professional guides/Sherpas are specialized in handling altitude-related situations and can provide you with proper care. We follow the golden rule during the expedition - “climb high and sleep low.”
Some people are more vulnerable than others. Adequate travel insurance is a must, and along with treatment costs, it must cover helicopter rescue and evacuation up to the highest climb altitudes.
A typical day during the expedition
There are two distinct parts of this expedition. The first part includes trekking to the Ama Dablam mountain and returning from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Lukla after summiting Ama Dablam. The more intense part includes climbing Ama Dablam and staying in several camps at Ama Dablam mountain.
During the trekking days, you will get a unique trekking experience that includes enjoying sceneries, capturing pictures, enjoying Nepali hospitality, and exploring local villages. As you trek, our experienced guide will brief you about the places you are trekking, including place history, myths, and importance.
Porters will carry your main luggage, but the luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg. We also expect you to bring a small backpack with your valuables and important documents for safety and ease.
The easier part includes trekking to the Ama Dablam mountain and returning from Ama Dablam. The trekking day starts with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After enjoying a wholesome breakfast, you will set off on the day’s walk from around 7 to 8 AM, depending on the duration and nature of the day’s walk.
After trekking for three to four hours, we will serve you lunch around midday on the route to the next destination. You will take an hour of rest before continuing the trek.
The afternoon walk is generally shorter, lasting about two to three hours. Once you reach the overnight lodge/tea house/tent, you can snack on the extra dietary food. You will also have free time to explore nearby places.
We serve dinner from around 6 to 7 PM. After dinner and before going to bed, you can indulge in friendly conversations. The expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you are free to enjoy games like Monopoly, cards, or read books. You can also watch mountaineering documentaries, if available. Most foreigners indulge in light and fun learning of the Nepali language from our crew before heading off to bed.
During the climbing days, you will climb to higher altitudes (camps) early in the morning to avoid wind and sun rays heating the glaciers. You will ascend higher during the day and descend to spend the night, providing enough time for acclimatization and familiarizing yourself with the route. Climbing hours will be short, and you will often be living at the camps.
Electricity and battery recharge
Almost all lodges/tea houses on the route to Ama Dablam Base Camp have electricity/power, where you can recharge your camera, cell, or power bank by paying a small fee. Most tea houses/lodges have hydroelectricity, and some have solar panels. When you reach Ama Dablam Base Camp, there is limited solar electricity, so we advise you to bring a power bank for your personal use.
Communication
Mobile phone coverage is available on most parts of the routes but may not always be reliable, depending on which network you use. If you want, you can buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu. However, at high altitudes, the signals may not be strong enough, depending on the network you use. Discovery World Trekking's head office will remain in contact with all of its expedition (trek) teams at least once a day via the trip lead to ensure that the expedition is progressing as planned.
Extra personal expenses during the expedition
Though this package covers most costs, it does not cover all expenses. So expedition members must bring spending money for meals in Kathmandu, visa process, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks for the trek, tips to the trekking crew members, souvenirs, etc. We recommend you bring cash (USD), which you can easily exchange for Nepali Rupees. We estimate that you might require 10 - 20 USD per day during the trip.
Travel Insurance Policy
Ama Dablam Expedition trip grade is strenuous as it entails the risks of high altitude climbing, potential altitude sickness, and other unforeseen events due to sudden climate changes.
So, travel insurance is compulsory for the Ama Dablam expedition. All expedition members must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking before starting the trek.
The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses up to the highest expedition altitude.
We can recommend insurance companies to help you, but we do not sell insurance policies. Our recommendation is based on our previous clients’ experience.
We can refuse expedition members from taking part in the expedition due to insufficient, improper, or absence of travel insurance policy.
We request our expedition members to send their detailed insurance information after completing their expedition booking. In emergencies, we will use your insurance policy and the informational documents you sent us for a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc.
Please ensure that your insurance company covers the cost incurred for mountain rescue service up to the highest elevation of the expedition.
Before buying your insurance policy, please call the insurer and ask specifically if they provide helicopter rescue up to the highest expedition altitude (6,000m). Do not just rely on what insurers say on their website.
Passport and Visa
All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Fortunately, citizens from most nations can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or immigration checkpoints along Nepal-India or Nepal-China border.
For a visa application, you need a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa application fees. Visa application varies based on your length of stay. The current cost is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.
China and SAARC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Srilanka, and the Maldives) country citizens are eligible for free visas. There are certain countries - Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan - whose citizens may not receive an on-arrival visa.
So, if you are a national from any of these countries, you need to contact your local Nepalese embassy. The Nepal government can change visa information without prior notice. Hence, for the latest information, visit https://www.immigration.gov.np.
Money Exchange
Nepali Rupee (NPR/Rs) is the local currency.
(1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR).
You can exchange most (major) foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Some hotels also exchange small amounts of foreign currency.
Legal money exchanges display their ongoing rates visibly to the public. If you have Indian Rupees, note that only Indian Rupee notes of 100 and 2,000 are legal in Nepal.
Despite the security advantage of a traveler's cheque, we recommend cash exchange to avoid hassles like lengthy bank processes and commissions. You can also withdraw cash (in Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel. Several of these ATMs are open around the clock. The maximum withdrawal amount is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee if using a foreign card.
If you use the money exchange facility at banks and financial institutions, they will charge a service fee of four percent or more, depending on the institutions.
Please note that most of the established banks in Asia do not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn, or faded. Please bring only new and clean notes.
Luggage
Our package includes porter costs to carry your luggage. However, your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. So, please bring only your essentials. You can store your excess luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free and collect it after the expedition.
You will be sharing your porter with another trekking member. We only allow our porters to carry a maximum of 18 kg of combined weight.
We also expect expedition members to bring a light backpack for easy access to water, a camera, toilet paper, warm layers of clothes, and other personal items.
Safety
Discovery World Trekking guarantees client safety and security. The health and safety of our clients are our utmost concern. Our guides are experienced in extensive first aid.
Altitude sickness is common at high altitudes and can strike anyone, anywhere. Hence our Sherpas are well equipped, experienced, and prepared to prevent, deal with and treat altitude sickness.
Our expert team of Sherpas will provide you required support to prevent altitude sickness, including your acclimatization needs. We conduct extensive research on weather forecasts and use the latest gadgets and technologies for climbing and communication.
We request our expedition members to send their detailed insurance information once they book the expedition. In emergency situations, we will use your insurance policy and informational documents you sent us for a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for medical help, etc.
Water during expedition
You can buy packed mineral water from local lodges or en-route shops. However, some trek/expedition regions may not allow plastic bottles. So, we advise you to buy boiled water from tea houses/lodges and carry it in a water bottle. We also advise you to use water purification pills before drinking water. If you do not have water purification pills, we can provide them for you.
We advise you against drinking water from taps, wells, and rivers in the trek regions for hygiene reasons.
Trekking (climbing) group/single
We conduct both private and group expeditions. If you have an expedition group, you will be eligible for discounts based on the group size. However, you are ineligible for discounts for the groups Discovery World Trekking assembles. This expedition requires a minimum of two persons, but there is no upper limit. For a group of 12 or more, we add an assistant guide. Each group will have Sherpa guides and porters.
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