Trip Overview
Ama Dablam (6,812 m) is a technical Himalayan peak, considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The expedition begins from Lukla, following the classic Everest region trail through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Acclimatization hikes and high camps prepare climbers for technical climbing on snow, ice, and rock. The ascent involves rope work, crevasse navigation, and steep alpine terrain. Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks reward climbers. The descent returns along the same trail to Lukla. This strenuous expedition is suitable for experienced climbers seeking a technical ascent with challenging but unforgettable Himalayan scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu – Arrival in Kathmandu
Meet on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel. Rest, gear sorting. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2Kathmandu – Permits, Gear Check & Briefing
Expedition briefing, equipment inspection, final permit formalities (expedition/climbing & Sagarmatha NP). Optional half-day heritage tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 Phakding – Fly Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [flight 35 Min; Trek 3–4 Hrs, ~7–8 Km / 2,610 M, 8,563 Ft]
Meet Sherpa team at Lukla (2,860 m). Easy first day down the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Lodge overnight.
Day 4Namche – Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar [5–6 Hrs, ~10 Km / 3,440 M, 11,286 Ft]
Multiple suspension bridges; enter Sagarmatha NP at Monjo. Long climb to Namche with first Everest/Lhotse views. Lodge overnight.
Day 5Namche – Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel/Khumjung–Khunde (3,780–3,880 m). Visit Sherpa museum/NP center. Lodge overnight.
Day 6Tengboche – Trek Namche to Tengboche [5–6 Hrs, ~9–10 Km / 3,860 M, 12,664 Ft]
Traversing balcony trail with Ama Dablam front and center; descend to Phunki Tenga then climb to Tengboche Monastery. Lodge overnight.
Day 7Pangboche – Trek Tengboche to Upper Pangboche [3–4 Hrs, ~6–7 Km / 3,930 M, 12,894 Ft]
Cross the Imja Khola, pass Deboche. Pangboche is the last sizeable Sherpa village on the Ama approach. Lodge overnight.
Day 8Ama Dablam Base Camp – Trek Pangboche to Base Camp [3–4 Hrs, ~5–6 Km / 4,600–4,650 M, 15,091–15,257 Ft]
Climb the grassy ridge to Base Camp on a broad meadow with grand views of Ama Dablam’s SW ridge. Establish Base Camp. Camping overnight.
Day 9Base Camp – Puja & Skills Refresher
Team Puja at the chorten for safe passage. Fixed-rope and abseil refreshers (jumar transitions, descender use), comms & safety briefing. Camping overnight.
Day 10Rotation 1 – Carry to Camp 1 (C1) & Return Bc [bc 4,600 M → ~5,400–5,700 M, 17–20 Km Rt, 6–7 Hrs]
Recon/carry day through boulder fields and slabs; stash gear near C1 platforms. Descend to BC. Camping overnight.
Day 11Rest & Weather Review at Bc
Active rest, hydration, route brief for C1 sleep. Camping overnight.
Day 12Rotation 1 – Move Bc to Camp 1 (C1) [4–5 Hrs / C1 ~5,700 M, 18,701 Ft]
Climb via moraines and easy slabs to terrace platforms at C1. Establish high camp routines. Camping at C1.
Day 13Rotation 1 – C1 to Camp 2 (C2) Tag & Back to C1 [4–6 Hrs Round Trip / C2 ~5,900 M, 19,357 Ft]
Classic rock scrambling (III–IV) on the SW ridge with fixed lines: Yellow Tower section preview. Tag C2, descend to C1. Camping at C1.
Day 14Descend to Base Camp (Recovery) [2–3 hrs]
Return to BC for recovery, big meals, and monitoring SpO₂. Camping overnight.
Day 15Base Camp – Rest / Contingency
Weather/health buffer; finalize summit push plan. Camping overnight.
Day 16Summit Push – Move Bc to Camp 1 [4–5 Hrs]
Steady pace; hydrate, early to bed. Camping at C1.
Day 17Summit Push – C1 to Camp 2 [4–6 Hrs]
Steeper mixed rock; fixed ropes through the Yellow Tower (~15–20 m vertical rock step). Establish C2 (~5,900 m) perched on an exposed ledge. Camping at C2.
Day 18Summit Day – Camp 2 → Summit Ama Dablam (6,812 M) → Back to C2/c1
Alpine start (1–2 am). Mixed ground above C2: Grey Tower, Mushroom Ridge, traverses beneath the Dablam serac band, then snow arête to the summit. Majestic panorama: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, Kangtega, Thamserku. Descend carefully to C2 (or further to C1) if Camp at C2/C1.
Day 19Descent – High Camp → Base Camp [4–6 Hrs]
Clear camps, descend fixed lines with strict rope discipline. Celebrate back at BC. Camping overnight.
Day 20Reserve / Contingency Day (Weather/route)
Held for summit window flexibility or team recovery. Camping overnight.
Day 21Base Camp Buffer / Pack Down
Break down BC, finalize loads, tip high-altitude porters as appropriate. Camping overnight.
Day 22Pangboche – Trek Base Camp to Pangboche [2–3 Hrs / 3,930 M, 12,894 Ft]
Drop back to tree line and thicker air. Lodge overnight.
Day 23Namche – Trek Pangboche to Namche [5–6 Hrs / 3,440 M, 11,286 Ft]
Via Tengboche descent and Phunki Tenga climb; coffee and bakery at Namche. Lodge overnight.
Day 24Lukla – Trek Namche to Lukla [6–7 Hrs / 2,860 M, 9,383 Ft]
Final Khumbu bridges and villages; celebration dinner with the team. Lodge overnight.
Day 25Kathmandu – Fly Lukla to Kathmandu [flight 35 Min]
Transfer to hotel; hot shower and well-earned rest. Overnight at hotel.
Day 26Kathmandu – Free / Contingency Day
Buffer for Lukla weather; if unused, enjoy optional city tour or spa day. Overnight at hotel.
Day 27 Kathmandu – Spare Day / Gear Return
Equipment return, debrief, and farewell dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 28Departure
Assisted transfer to airport for your onward journey. Namaste!
Route Map
