Ama Dablam Expedition: - A mountain that teaches you a patience, persistence, and gratitude.
Ama Dablam Peak Expedition is not for the faint-hearted: it is very technical and challenging. At the same time, its pyramid shape makes it special and magical to conquer. The climbing route of Ama Dablam comprises many steep sections of ice, snow, and rocks with exposed ridges. However, the presence of fixed lines along with the majority of trail routes somewhat eases the challenge. This Peak stands majestically to the eastern sky for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Soaring above Sacred Tengboche Monastery and the ancient Pangboche village, Ama Dablam is one of the most iconic mountains in Nepal. Also known as the “Matterhorn of the Himalaya”, Ama Dablam is popular for its unique pyramid shape. True to its name; the hanging glacier on the southwest face of Ama Dablam resembles the holy ornament box of Sherpa Women, which is known as Dablam – giving its name Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam also means the “Mother’s necklace”, the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child.
Ama Dablam Peak was first climbed by Mike Gill (NZ), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (NZ) on 13 March 1961 via the southwest ridge. Many seasoned climbers including our Sherpa guides consider Ama Dablam Expedition harder than Everest – so climbers must follow the strict guidelines of professional guides.
Though there are many routes to the summit of Ama Dablam, you will ascend the original first route along the southwest ridge. There are 3 high camps before the final summit and camp 3 is nestled just right to the hanging glacier (The Dablam). At Camp 3, you will feel like sleeping in heaven.
Ama Dablam Base Camp is one of the largest grass base camps located in Nepal. Base Camp is a great place to acclimate your body and practice an ice climb before tackling a final climb. Your Sherpa leader will set camp up a base camp for almost 45 days in both the spring and autumn seasons. The Base Camp offers the dramatic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, and Kongde. This is the main station to start our bid to reach the summit. Every season 8-15 climbing teams set-ups their camps at Amadablam Base Camp with the dream to Summit Amadablam-the most technical mountain in the Himalayas.
The climb from Base Camp to Camp 1 would be easy for seasoned climbers. Once you leave the base camp follow the grassy ridge path until you reach the rarely used advance base camp, aka Yak Kharka, elevated at around 5,100m. After that, you have to scramble on a short 60 degree inclined rock that is 100m in length. Then you will negotiate a large boulder and ascend on an easy fourth class slab – without no fixed ropes. Eventually, you will get to the narrow Camp 1 with a space of 6 – 7 two men tents.
The climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is the most technical and challenging part of the Ama Dablam Peak Expedition route. You will start your day climbing a fourth-class horizontal rock ridge gaining about 300m altitudes. Then you will climb for a Yellow Tower (6 m) which is graded as French 4th class level. Just above the Yellow Tower is Camp 2 on small ledges. To reach camp 2, at 5,950m, you have to cross the sharp 15-meter pitch with the help of fixed ropes, this is the toughest pitch of the climb. After reaching Camp 2, here you will feel like staying on a big mountain with exposure on either side.
The climb from Camp 2 to 3 is about 55 degrees inclined and includes walking on mixed terrain of ice, snow, and rocks. The climbing trail is quite easy due to the presence of fixed ropes up to camp3. In course of ascending; you will get dramatic views of Ama Dablam Base Camp, Kusum Kanguru, and Kantega. Then you will cross Mushroom Ridge (6,150m) before pushing up to Camp Three which is nestled just below the summit of Ama Dablam. However many seasoned climbers push summit from camp two, but Mystic Mountain Treks care for their teams and set-up camp three and push summit from camp three for Successful scale of the summit.
This is the day you have been desperately waiting for. You have 10 – 11 hours to climb the summit and retrace back to the base camp. First, you will negotiate 40 degrees plus fixed snow-ice and then climb through 30 – 50 degree fluted snowfields to reach the top of Ama Dablam. From the peak, you will get a jaw-dropping view of Khumbu valley and magical Lhotse, Nuptse, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Makalu, and many other peaks. The biggest challenges of the summit day are snowy conditions and elevation. There is no false summit of Mount. Amadablam.
| Day | Day Acitivity |
|---|---|
| Day 01: | Arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport |
| Day 02: | Sightseeing and expedition preparation day |
| Day 03: | Flight to lukla (2,850m/9,350 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,650m/ 8694 ft) |
| Day 04: | Phakding to Namche |
| Day 05: | Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization and Exploration Day |
| Day 06: | Namche Bazaar to Deboche |
| Day 07: | Deboche to Pheriche |
| Day 08: | Acclimatization and Rest day at Pheriche – (4,300m/14,107 ft) 5 – 6 hours |
| Day 09: | Pheriche to Ama Dablam Base Camp |
| Day 10-22: | Summit Period to Ama Dablam and back to the Base Camp |
| Day 23: | Trek from Base Camp to Tengboche |
| Day 24: | Tengboche to Namche Bazaar |
| Day 25: | From Namche Bazaar to Lukla |
| Day 26: | Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla |
| Day 27: | Final Departure |
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, first, complete your airport and visa formalities. Then get to the terminal hall where our airport representative from Mystic Mountain Treks will meet you and help you with your luggage and transportation. They will be with you until your check-in procedure ends at the hotel. In the evening, you will join the welcome dinner offered by the company at a typical Nepali Restaurant.
| Accomodation | Over night at Star Hotel |
| Meals | Dinner |
The trip to this beautiful Himalayan country would be incomplete without a visit to the religious and cultural aroma of the medieval city Kathmandu. This ancient city is a great symbol of Hinduism and Buddhism and there are plethoras of sacred heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. A personal driver with a private car will be at your disposal. Today you will visit 4 UNESCO world heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square (ancient royal seat), Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temple), Boudhanath (Largest Stupa), and Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple). Exploring these sites will offer you a deep understanding of Nepalese culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
In the afternoon, we will introduce you to your climbing guide who will thoroughly check your equipment and provide a brief explanation about the trip. And he will take you to a rental shop in case you need additional trekking/climbing equipment. Till then, all your paperwork will be done and you must clear the dues before the trip starts.
| Accomodation | Over night at Star Hotel |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
The Mystic Mountain Treks airport representative will drive your entire crew to the Tribhuvan Domestic Airport for the Kathmandu – Lukla flight. It takes about 35 min of scenic flight to reach the highest airport in Nepal – Lukla airport. After landing at Lukla, you can take a rest for a while at the Lodge and arrange the bag packs while our climbing guides will introduce your porters. Our all luggage will be distributed to porters which they will carry to the base camp of Amadablam.
The actual trek begins from Lukla – the gateway to the sacred Everest region. After getting your permits checked at Lukla check post, you will descend to Cheplung and then climb to Ghat, alongside the Dudh Koshi Valley with a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (5,761m/18,901ft). The trail beyond Ghat follows slightly inclined terrain for about an hour to reach our first stoppage point – Phakding.
Flight Duration: 40-45 minutes
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 4-5 hours |
After breakfast, you will walk through the dense forest alongside the Dudh Koshi River and then climb over a scenic ridge to Benkar. Then you will drop down to Chhumuwa and then to Monjo through dense rhododendron, pine, and several suspension bridges. Monjo is the border point of Sagarmatha National Park where trekkers must submit the permit card to enjoy the National Park. After getting a permit checked, you will continue through the dense forest and cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. As you reach Jorsale, you will climb steeply and cross the high suspension Hillary Bridge over the juncture of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River. Then a 2 hrs steep climb through the zigzag route will finally take you to the final destination of today’s trek – Namche.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 6-7 hours |
Today is scheduled for acclimatization: as you need to climb to a higher altitude, it’s very important to adjust your body to a thin atmospheric level. Namche is probably the best spot for acclimatization and exploration. This prosperous town offers lots to explore: from colorful markets to beautiful mountain ranges and authentic museums. From Namche, you will get to enjoy the unobstructed view of Everest, Thamserku, the sprawling massif of Kongde Ri, and the distinctive summit of Ama Dablam. Today you will visit Sherpa Cultural Museum to explore the vibrant tradition and high altitude floral and faunal species. After unveiling the Museum, you will take a short hike to Syangboche Airport, located just above the town. From here, you can witness the majestic scene of Namche Bazaar town and not mention the huge wall of the Himalayan summit. Also you will walk further to Hotel Everest View – the highest located hotel in the world. Retrace back to Namche for Overnight Stay
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
After breakfast, you will walk beyond Namche and follow the uphill trail through fragrant rhododendron woodlands and several small hamlets. Our trekking guide believes this section is the most scenic part of the classic EBC route. Now you are really in the high mountains: Peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse start becoming bigger and closer. First, you will walk down to the water driven prayer wheels at Phunki Thenga and then cross the Dudh Koshi near its juncture with the Imja River before climbing steeply for 2 hours through rhododendron forest and dwarf conifer to reach the hilltop village of Tengboche. Here you will pay homage to the sacred monastery and ask for well-being during the expedition period. From Tengboche, you will drop down through the mixed forest of rhododendron, pine, and birch at a leisurely pace to reach Deboche. Overnight in Deboche.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 5-6 hours |
The trail from Deboche to Pheriche goes through small Himalayan settlements and lush rhododendron and birch forest. As you approach Pheriche, the forest line starts giving way to sparse vegetation. On the way, you will get to capture the astounding views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. First, you will cross the Imja River and continue towards Dingboche. A short and easy walk from Dingboche will take you to the beautiful settlement of Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 5-6 hours |
Conquering an altitude above 4,000m, you are prone to get attacked by altitude sickness. So you shall take a day off for acclimatization purposes. Acclimatization is very significant for the safe accomplishment of giant peaks like Ama Dablam.
Though it is a rest period, you will stay active throughout the day. You can either hike to the nearby Nagakarsang hill or Dingboche viewpoint: both offer remarkable views of insane peaks looking down on you. After hiking, retrace back to Pheriche and spend the night here. Overnight in Pheriche.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 5-6 hours |
Today you will hike up to the base camp of the peak you are willing to conquer. As you leave the Pheriche village, you will climb gradually with the sight of mountains covered with alpine vegetation. Getting to the base camp safely means you are just a step behind conquering the mighty Ama Dablam. Take a well-deserved rest for a big day tomorrow.
| Accomodation | Tented Camps |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 3-4 hours |
You will spend the entire 13 days to conquer Ama Dablam and get back to the base camp. The climbing journey to the Ama Dablam is quite technical and challenging and at the same time, you have to use climbing equipment frequently. You will need proper acclimatization to summit Amadablam safely. So, you will acclimatize each time you reach the higher camps. Following the strict guideline of your Sherpa leader, your first climb to Camp 1 and stay there acclimatizing your body. Then you will rise to Camp II and III acclimatizing your body accordingly. Finally, you will conquer the summit peak of Ama Dablam and head back to the camp below. Slowly and steadily following the guideline of your Sherpa leader, you will descend back to the base camp on the 22nd day. You will overnight at tented camp throughout the summit process and the food is prepared by our expert high altitude cook – who knows what to serve.
| Accomodation | Tented Camps |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
After the accomplishment of your summit dream, you will retrace back your step to Tengboche. Since the descending trail is quite easy, you will overtake Pheriche and Deboche and settle your night at Tengboche.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 4-5 hours |
Retrace back to Namche Bazaar via the same route you’ve used previously. On the way, look out for exotic wildlife – Himalayan Thar, shy spotted deer, and birds – including the colorful national bird: the Danphe Pheasant. 5-6 hours journey will take you to Namche from Tengboche. On the way, you will overcrossing the small village - settlement of the Sherpa community.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 5-6 hours |
Today is a long and tiring day. You will walk down to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. The trail takes a steep downhill route crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and through dense rhododendron and pine forest. The trail retraces the route of National Park up to Monjo and then takes a steep descent to Benkar, Ghat, and Cheplung with a beautiful view of sparkling peaks. From Cheplung, you will make a final 1 hr climb to get back to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
| Accomodation | Tea House Lodge |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 5-6 hours |
Today is our last day in the Khumbu region. You will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla which takes about 35 minutes. Enjoy the last view of Everest from the window of the plane. You will take an early morning flight after having the last stomach full of breakfast in the Khumbu region. After reaching Kathmandu you will be transferred to a hotel with the help of our airport representatives. Overnight in Kathmandu.
| Accomodation | Star Hotel in Kathmandu |
| Meals | Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
| Activity Duration | 35-45 Mins |
Your extraordinary trip to the summit of Amadablam comes to an end today. The Mystic Mountain Trek’s airport representative will drive you back to the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before the flight for your final departure as per the itinerary of flight tickets.
Farewell!!!!!
Have a safe journey. Our best wishes are always with you. Hoping we will catch up soon for another Adventurous and Thrilling Journey to the Himalayas. NAMASTE!!!
| Meals | Breakfast |
