Ama Dablam Expedition

The Ama Dablam Expedition is a technically challenging endeavor and every amount of preparation is valuable. Today, we will review all the preparation and our trip leader will be there to communicate with you about all the specificities of the trip. If you wish to sightsee we can arrange a vehicle and tour guide who will guide you to the most interesting places in the valley, which include several heritage sites such as Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or Swayambhunath.

The day begins with as you head to the Tribhuvan International Airport and get on a flight to Lukla. The plane soars amongst the mountains to the airport of Lukla. From Lukla, you trek through the Dudh Koshi River descending down to Phakding our first stay for the night. As the day is the first of the trekking days, you will walk for around two hours to reach Phakding.

From Phakding, you continue along the Dudh Koshi River until you arrive at Jorsalle. From here on, you will be also checking into the national park area. During the trek, you will be accommodated by wonderful views of Thamserku, Nup La, and Kongde Ri ranges. Namche is the largest settlement of the Khumbu region and houses a large number of shops.

Namche is a beautiful town sitting on the hill slopes facing the Kongde Ri range. The houses with colorful tin roofs are home to many reasonable shops, lodges, and eateries which are all part of the “Bazaar” of Namche. Your acclimatization can be done exploring Namche or hikes to Nearby Sherpa Villages of Khumjung or Kongde. However, a hike to a higher altitude then descending back down is the recommended option.

Today, you will make your way to Debuche to stay the night.  From Namche, you begin by heading through the high hills and along the way may even catch glimpses of the Mt. Everest (8848m) and Ama Dablam (6856m). Passing Sanasa along the Imja River, the trek leads to Tengboche. Debuche is just about half an hours away from the monastery of Tengboche. The view from Tengboche is stunning and includes Ama Dablam (6856m), Taboche (6367m), and the Mt. Everest (8848m).

On the way to Pheriche, you enter the Imja Valley, which is walled off by the Island peak in one side. Pangboche is a prominent settlement in this valley and also has a very significant monastery in the region. The views of the Mt. Everest (8848m), Thamserku (6608m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) will greet you with their beauty. Further upwards is the settlement of Pheriche beside the Imja River.

Since today is the highest permanent settlement before our ascent, it is imperative that the day is spent for acclimatization purpose. The beautiful settlement of Pheriche is surrounded by wonderful terrain, which can be used by us to train and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Atop the hills beside Pheriche provide for wonderful views of the surrounding locations.

From Pheriche, we make our way back down to Pangboche, from where a route leads to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The trek is through mostly level plains and the Ama Dablam Base Camp opens up to us on the form of a large grassland. The trail also offers a great display of Himalayas all the way to the base camp.

Since we are going to have a long trek from here onwards, an additional day of acclimatization is very helpful. Today will also double up as pre-climbing training. You will be told from our guides the specifications of the climb. They will also be reminding you of the many bits about using pickaxes, crampons, Ascender harnesses and the use of ropes to scale the mountain.

We begin the ascent from the Southwest ridge and our stays will be spread out through three high camps beginning with Camp 1. From Camp 1, you will travel through the rocky moraine and a steeper boulder section. Camp 2 lies at the end of this section. The trail leading to Camp three is very broad from where you trek to the top of the Ama Dablam (6856m). From the top of the Summit of Ama Dablam is a wonderful scenery of the Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Makalu (8463m), and Island peak (6189m). After the climb, you return to the base camp.

Over the next two days, we will be trekking back to Lukla via Tengboche, Namche, and Phakding. We head back down first to Pangboche village and then through the first sight of vegetation in a long while arriving at Tengboche. From Tengboche, we will be heading down to Namche Bazaar and then through Phakding and Ghat villages to Lukla.

You will say farewell to the Khumbu region and the Majestic mountain of Ama Dablam (6856m) from your plane seat. The flight back is scenic and relaxing and a great way to reminisce your memories. In Kathmandu, you can enjoy visiting the world heritage sites in the city.

Spend your day exploring the city, or searching and shopping for souvenirs. You can also use the day to visit the remainder of the attractions in the city. Alternatively, you can also choose t visit the wellness centers in the valley. In the evening, we will host you a farewell dinner to congratulate you on your summit and to thank you for our services.

You will be accompanied to the airport by a company representative. We wish you the best on your travels ahead and hope our paths cross again for bigger adventures.