**Ama Dablam: The Dream Ascent of the Himalayas**
Ama Dablam, often called the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas," is one of the most breathtaking mountains in the world, nestled in the Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal. Standing at 6,812 meters, its striking pyramid shape and towering spires make it an iconic symbol of Himalayan beauty. But what truly sets Ama Dablam apart is the sacred hanging glacier on its southwest face, which resembles the traditional Sherpa ornament box, known as "Dablam"—the source of the mountain's poetic name.
Though not the highest peak in the region, Ama Dablam captures the imagination with its sheer aesthetic magnificence. Located just south of Mount Everest, the views from the ascent are nothing short of spectacular, offering glimpses of the world’s tallest mountains and the rugged beauty of the Himalayas.
The typical route up the mountain follows the Southwestern ridge, the same path taken by the first successful climbers in 1961. Climbers usually set up three camps below and to the right of the hanging glacier, known as "Dablam." The initial ascent to Camp 1 is relatively straightforward, but the real challenge begins from Camp 1 to Camp 2, where the terrain becomes steeper and more technical, with narrow ridgelines and exposed granite faces. The difficulty increases again from Camp 2 to Camp 3, as climbers navigate rocky ledges and icy sections, with the risk of glacier falls always present.
Ama Dablam isn’t just a climb; it’s an adventure that demands rock and ice climbing skills, as well as a readiness for high-altitude challenges. If you're an experienced mountaineer with the heart of an adventurer, an Ama Dablam expedition offers a chance to ascend one of the most awe-inspiring peaks on Earth—a true climber’s dream.
TRIP ACTIVITY
Expedition
ACTIVITY RATING
Extreme
SKILL RATING
Technical
DURATION
22 Days
DESTINATION
Nepal
GROUP SIZE
5
Tour Highlights
Iconic pyramid-shaped Himalayan peak
Thrilling high-altitude technical ascent
Breathtaking views of Everest region
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) & Transfer to the Hotel
Arrive in vibrant Kathmandu (1,400m), where Himalayan adventure begins. Meet your team, soak in local culture, and settle into your hotel for rest.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Monjo
Day 2: Take a scenic, adrenaline-filled flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. Begin your trek through picturesque Sherpa villages and lush forests. Cross thrilling suspension bridges and follow the Dudh Koshi River before reaching the peaceful village of Monjo, your entry point to Sagarmatha National Park.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaa (3,440m)
Day 3: Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region. Ascend through pine forests and cross the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. As altitude increases, catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Everest. Reach Namche, a bustling Sherpa town nestled in the mountains, perfect for rest and acclimatization.
Day 4: Rest in Namche, acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel for tea
Day 4: Spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Enjoy a scenic hike to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels on Earth. Sip tea while soaking in jaw-dropping panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Return to Namche to relax and explore the vibrant local markets and culture.
Day 5: Trek to Debuche
Day 5: Depart Namche and follow the trail along ridgelines with stunning views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Descend through forests to the Dudh Koshi River before climbing to Tengboche Monastery. After a peaceful visit, continue down to the quiet village of Debuche, surrounded by rhododendron forests and soaring Himalayan peaks.
Day 6: Trek to Pangboche, visit the High Lama for blessing
Day 6: Trek from Debuche to the traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche, with Ama Dablam looming overhead. Visit the ancient monastery and receive a special blessing from the High Lama, a cherished ritual for climbers. The serene spiritual atmosphere offers inspiration and protection before the challenges of the mountain ahead.
Day 7: Trek to Ama Dablam base camp
Day 7: Leave Pangboche and ascend gradually towards Ama Dablam Base Camp, leaving behind the main Everest trail. The route offers stunning views and a growing sense of anticipation. Arrive at base camp (4,570m), a breathtaking alpine meadow beneath the towering peak—your home and launch point for the upcoming expedition.
Day 8: Climb to Yak Camp (17,000), return to base camp
Day 8: Begin your first acclimatization climb to Yak Camp at 17,000 feet, navigating rocky terrain with Ama Dablam towering above. Take in incredible views and get a feel for the mountain’s demands. After a short rest at Yak Camp, descend back to Base Camp to recover and prepare for the ascent.
Day 9: Rest in base camp and technical training
Day 9: Rest and recharge at Base Camp while honing essential fixed-line climbing skills. Practice rope techniques, safety drills, and equipment handling under expert guidance. This crucial day builds confidence and prepares you mentally and physically for the challenging technical climbs ahead on Ama Dablam’s stunning ridges.
Day 10: Move to Camp 1
Day 10: Begin your thrilling climb to Camp 1 on Ama Dablam’s Southwest Ridge. Navigate steep rock and ice sections, testing your skills and endurance. Camp 1 offers stunning panoramic views and a vital acclimatization stop, bringing you one step closer to conquering this majestic Himalayan peak.
Day 11: Push higher toward Camp 2
Day 11: Push higher toward Camp 2, tackling challenging granite ridges and icy slopes. After reaching the camp, descend carefully back to Camp 1 for the night. This strategic climb helps your body adjust to the altitude while building strength and confidence for the summit push ahead.
Day 12: Descend to Ama Dablam Base camp
Day 12: Carefully descend from Camp 1 back to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and take time to rest and recover. Reflect on the day’s challenges while soaking in the stunning mountain scenery, preparing your body and mind for the next phase of the expedition.
Day 13: Rest in Base camp
Day 14: Move to Camp 1
Begin your thrilling climb to Camp 1 on Ama Dablam’s Southwest Ridge. Navigate steep rock and ice sections, testing your skills and endurance. Camp 1 offers stunning panoramic views and a vital acclimatization stop, bringing you one step closer to conquering this majestic Himalayan peak.
Day 15: Move to Camp 2
Push higher toward Camp 2, tackling challenging granite ridges and icy slopes. After reaching the camp, descend carefully back to Camp 1 for the night. This strategic climb helps your body adjust to the altitude while building strength and confidence for the summit push ahead.
Day 16: Move to Camp 3
Day 16: Ascend to Camp 3 on Ama Dablam, navigating steep, technical ice and rock faces. Feel the adrenaline as you conquer narrow ridges and fixed ropes at high altitude. Camp 3, perched on the mountain’s upper slopes, offers breathtaking views and is a crucial stop before the final summit push.
Day 17: Summit day
Day 17: The epic summit day! Begin your final, grueling climb to Ama Dablam’s peak, conquering exposed ridges and icy challenges. Stand triumphantly at 6,812 meters, soaking in unmatched Himalayan vistas. After the exhilaration, carefully descend to Camp 1 or Base Camp to rest and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Day 18: Rest in Base Camp
Day 18: Rest and recover at Base Camp, letting your body heal after the intense summit push. Enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings, share stories with fellow climbers, and soak in the stunning views—rejuvenating your spirit for the journey ahead or the trek back to civilization.
Day 19: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 19: Begin your descent from Base Camp to Namche Bazaar, retracing the scenic trail through forests and mountain villages. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and stunning views as you reconnect with Sherpa culture. Celebrate reaching the bustling town, a perfect place to rest and savor your incredible adventure.
Day 20: Trek Namche to Lukla
Day 20: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, descending through lush forests, suspension bridges, and vibrant Sherpa villages. Reflect on your unforgettable Ama Dablam journey with every step. Arrive in Lukla, where your Himalayan adventure began, ready to relax and prepare for your return flight to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 21: Take a scenic morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, leaving the majestic Himalayas behind. Enjoy aerial views of the mountains one last time. Upon arrival, return to your hotel, unwind, and celebrate the completion of your incredible Ama Dablam expedition in Nepal’s vibrant capital city.
Day 22: Depart Kathmandu for home
Day 22: Bid farewell to Kathmandu as your unforgettable Ama Dablam adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your international flight, carrying home incredible memories, new friendships, and the pride of conquering one of the world’s most iconic Himalayan peaks. Safe travels and see you in the mountains again!
Day 22 -28 Contingency day in case of bad weather
Day 22–28: Contingency Days for Weather Delays
These extra days are built into the itinerary to account for potential delays due to unpredictable mountain weather. Whether it’s high winds, snowfall, or other conditions, safety comes first. These buffer days ensure you have the best possible chance to summit and return safely.
Tour Package Details
What’s Included?
Not Included
- All land transportation by private vehicle (airport /hotel/airport, expedition pick up & drop off).
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Experienced expedition crew; climbing Sherpa’s (1 to 1), trek and Base Camp Sridhar, porters as required and Government Liaison officer.
- Individual tented accommodation at the Base Camp, comfortable mess tent, toilet tent and shower.
- Local and continental breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek and at Base Camp.
- Freeze-dried High-Altitude meals and energy bars, stoves, utensils and gas on the mountain.
- Climbing permit for Mt. Ama Dablam, trekking permit and National Park fees.7. Per Person 30 kg baggage allowance.
- Air fare; Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu, domestic airport tax and cargo fees.
- All Liaison Officer expenses.
- Emergency oxygen cylinders in Base Camp and High Camps.
- Comprehensive first aid pack for treating clients and crew members.
- Agency service charge and taxes.
- Ama Dablam Summit Certificate issued by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
- AIR FARE: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE: Nepalese Visa fee is $ 125 USD for 90 Days.
- LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE POLICY: Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
- PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
- PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
- TOILETRIES: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.10. INTERNET SERVICE: Not included during the trek and the expedition.
- SUMMIT BONUS: Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 500-700 USD.
- TIPS: Calculate some tips for Basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum 200 USD.
- EXTRA: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Upcoming Group Departures
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Upcoming Group Departures
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18-Oct-2025
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08-Nov-2025
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