Ama Dablam Expedition

A full day set aside for expedition preparation - completing the permits and official documentation required for the climb, a final equipment check, and a briefing with your expedition team. Any last-minute gear can be arranged or rented in Kathmandu on this day.

A short mountain flight brings you to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu region. From here the trek begins with a gentle walk down the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding, an easy first day meant to ease the transition from Kathmandu to the trail.

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river, crossing several suspension bridges before climbing steadily through pine forest to Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Khumbu and the trading hub of the region.

A rest day built around gaining altitude gradually rather than sitting still - a short hike up toward Khumjung or the Everest View Hotel viewpoint helps the body adjust before continuing higher. Namche's shops, bakeries, and Saturday market are worth exploring.

The trail climbs out of Namche with views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Thamserku along the way, before descending to the Dudh Koshi and climbing again to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu.

A shorter day descending through rhododendron forest before crossing the Imja Khola and climbing to Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the valley and a good vantage point for Ama Dablam.

The trail leaves the forest behind as the valley opens up, following the Imja Khola upstream to Dingboche, a farming settlement of stone-walled fields set beneath Ama Dablam's southern face.

A second scheduled rest day, with an optional hike up Nangkartshang Hill for views over the Imja valley and toward Makalu. Acclimatization at this stage is important ahead of the climbing period.

A short trek further up the Imja valley to Chukhung, the last settlement before the high glacial terrain. The shorter walking day allows for continued acclimatization, with an optional side hike up Chukhung Ri.

The trail leaves Chukhung and climbs toward the base of Ama Dablam, arriving at Base Camp, which sits on a ridge with the mountain's South-West Ridge rising directly above.

A day at Base Camp to rest after the trek in, sort and check climbing equipment, and go through a technical briefing with the climbing guides ahead of the ascent.

A traditional Buddhist puja ceremony is held at Base Camp to ask the mountain gods for a safe expedition, a ritual observed before any climb in this region. The remainder of the day is spent on final preparations before moving onto the mountain.

Fourteen days are allocated for the climb itself, giving the team room for acclimatization rotations, rest days at Base Camp, and a weather-dependent summit push. The typical pattern involves rotations up to Camp 1 and Camp 2 to acclimatize and stock supplies, a return to Base Camp to rest, and then a summit attempt made over several days through Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3, with fixed ropes in place on the technical sections. The exact schedule is adjusted through the period based on conditions on the mountain and the team's acclimatization, with built-in contingency for poor weather.

With the climb complete, the descent to Lukla is made over two days, retracing the trekking route back down the valley through Namche Bazaar.

A morning flight returns the group to Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free - a welcome contrast after the weeks spent in the mountains.

A spare day held in reserve in case of flight delays out of Lukla, and otherwise free to rest, explore Kathmandu, or arrange any last-minute shopping.

Your Ama Dablam Expedition comes to an end. A member of our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your onward flight.