Ama Dablam Expedition
Max Altitude
6,812 m
Duration
26 Days
Difficulty
Extreme
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
Start Point
Kathmandu
Group Size
2-15 People
Trip Overview
The Ama Dablam Expedition is a professionally guided 26-day technical mountaineering journey to the 6,812-metre summit of one of Nepal’s most distinctive Himalayan peaks. Rising above the Khumbu Valley, Ama Dablam is renowned for its sharp ridges, steep rock and mixed terrain, exposed climbing and dramatic hanging glacier.
Although considerably lower than Nepal’s 8,000-metre mountains, Ama Dablam is a serious technical objective. The established climbing route involves fixed ropes, exposed rock, snow and ice, high-altitude camps and sustained climbing at elevation. Previous technical mountaineering experience is essential.
The expedition begins in Kathmandu before travelling overland to Manthali for the mountain flight to Lukla. From Lukla, the trekking approach follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Phakding and Namche Bazaar, with scheduled acclimatisation before continuing through Khumjung and Pangboche.
From Pangboche, the team climbs towards Ama Dablam Base Camp at approximately 4,600 metres. Base Camp becomes the operational centre for acclimatisation, technical preparation, equipment checks, rest and the climbing programme.
Following a Base Camp acclimatisation day, climbers complete practical pre-climb training covering fixed-rope movement, crampon use, jumaring, controlled descent, safety attachments and communication procedures.
The first climbing rotation progresses from Base Camp to Camp I at approximately 5,700 metres before an acclimatisation climb towards Camp II at approximately 6,000 metres. Climbers then descend to Base Camp for recovery before beginning the summit rotation.
After two scheduled rest days, the team climbs again towards Camp II. The terrain above the lower camps becomes increasingly exposed and technical, involving fixed ropes, rock, mixed climbing, snow and ice.
The summit attempt normally begins during the night or early morning. Progress depends on weather, route conditions, participant health, climbing ability and the guide’s assessment. If conditions permit, climbers reach the 6,812-metre summit before beginning the demanding descent.
A contingency day at Base Camp provides limited flexibility for weather or operational delays. It does not guarantee an additional summit attempt, and all climbing decisions remain subject to route safety and professional assessment.
The package includes an experienced climbing Sherpa guide, porter support during the trek, required climbing and regional permits, domestic flights, trekking accommodation, Base Camp and high-altitude tent accommodation, and the meals specified in the itinerary.
Ama Dablam requires strong technical ability, previous alpine or Himalayan climbing experience and excellent physical preparation. The expedition leader and climbing guide retain final authority over climbing schedules, turnaround times and summit decisions.
Accommodation & Food standards
Standard
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation with basic but comfortable rooms.
- Hygienic breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Premium (Comfort)
- Upgraded lodges or boutique hotels (where available) with private rooms and better facilities.
- Enhanced meal options with greater variety and comfort.
Meal Types
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day-By-Day
Your 26-Day Itinerary
A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, rest following your international journey and begin organising personal trekking and climbing equipment.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Not included
Leave Kathmandu for Manthali, normally requiring approximately 5–6 hours depending on traffic, road and weather conditions. After arrival, check into the hotel and prepare for the following morning’s mountain flight to Lukla.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Hotel in Manthali
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Take the scheduled mountain flight from Manthali to Lukla, subject to weather and operational conditions. After organising expedition baggage, begin the approximately 4–5 hour trek through villages and cultivated hillsides towards Phakding.
Max Altitude
2,840 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Phakding
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Follow the Dudh Koshi River through the lower Khumbu and enter Sagarmatha National Park. The approximately 7–8 hour trek crosses several suspension bridges before a sustained climb leads to Namche Bazaar.
Max Altitude
3,440 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Spend a second night in Namche to support gradual altitude adaptation. Complete an approximately 2–3 hour acclimatization hike towards a viewpoint above town before returning to Namche for rest and recovery.
Max Altitude
Varies according to the acclimatization hike
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Make the approximately 2–3 hour trek from Namche towards Khumjung, a traditional Sherpa settlement situated above the main valley. The shorter day provides additional acclimatisation while allowing time to experience the cultural environment of the Khumbu.
Max Altitude
Approximately 3,790 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Khumjung
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue through the Tengboche region towards Pangboche on an approximately 6–7 hour trek. The route includes forested sections, descents and sustained climbs, with increasingly close views of Ama Dablam.
Max Altitude
Approximately 3,980 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Pangboche
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Pangboche and follow the mountain trail towards Ama Dablam Base Camp, normally requiring approximately 3–4 hours. On arrival, settle into the expedition camp and receive an introduction to camp facilities and safety procedures.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Spend the day adapting to the altitude and recovering from the approach trek. Light activity may be organised according to participant condition while the climbing guide reviews the upcoming rotation and monitors acclimatisation.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Complete practical technical preparation under the direction of the climbing guide. Training reviews crampon and harness use, fixed-rope movement, jumaring, controlled descent, safety-line procedures, and communication on exposed terrain.
The session prepares climbers for the specific systems used on Ama Dablam but does not replace previous technical climbing experience.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Use the day for recovery and final preparation before moving onto the mountain. Climbers organise personal equipment and high-altitude clothing while the guide reviews weather information, route conditions, departure timing and safety procedures.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the first climbing rotation from Base Camp towards Camp I. The route crosses moraine and rocky terrain before becoming progressively steeper and more exposed as climbers approach the camp at approximately 5,700 metres.
Max Altitude
Approximately 5,700 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Climb from Camp I towards Camp II as part of the acclimatization rotation. The terrain becomes increasingly technical, with fixed ropes, exposed rock, narrow ridges and mixed climbing sections.
Climbers proceed towards Camp II or the designated turnaround point before descending carefully to Camp I. Progress depends on route conditions, pace and the climbing guide’s assessment.
Max Altitude
Approximately 6,000 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Descend from Camp I to Base Camp after completing the acclimatisation rotation. Loose rock, snow, ice and accumulated fatigue require continued concentration before the team returns to camp for rest and recovery.
Max Altitude
Approximately 5,700 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Spend the day recovering from the first climbing rotation. The expedition team monitors weather and route information while equipment is dried, inspected and prepared for the summit rotation.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue the recovery period while the climbing guide evaluates participant health, acclimatisation and route conditions. The final climbing schedule may be adjusted according to weather and team readiness.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the summit rotation by climbing from Base Camp through Camp I and towards Camp II. This is a demanding day involving progressively technical and exposed terrain protected by fixed ropes and personal safety systems.
Max Altitude
Approximately 6,000 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the summit attempt during the night or early morning according to weather and route conditions. Above Camp II, climbers negotiate highly exposed technical terrain that may involve steep rock, mixed climbing, snow, ice and fixed ropes.
If conditions and participant performance allow, the team reaches the 6,812-metre summit before beginning the long descent towards Camp I. The climbing guide may establish a turnaround time or end an individual or team summit attempt whenever safety requires it.
Max Altitude
6,812 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue descending carefully from Camp I to Ama Dablam Base Camp. After reaching camp, rest and recover following the summit rotation while the climbing team begins organising expedition equipment.
Max Altitude
Approximately 5,700 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This day provides limited scheduling flexibility if weather, route conditions or operational issues delay the summit programme. If the summit rotation has already been completed, the day is used for recovery and expedition organisation.
The contingency day does not guarantee another summit attempt.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Sleeping tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Ama Dablam Base Camp and descend towards Pangboche on an approximately 3–4 hour trek. Returning to teahouse accommodation marks the end of the main climbing phase, although participants should continue walking carefully after the physical demands of the expedition.
Max Altitude
Approximately 4,600 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Pangboche
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue through the Tengboche region towards Namche Bazaar on an approximately 6–7 hour trek. Although the route loses elevation overall, several uphill sections remain before reaching the lodge in Namche.
Max Altitude
Approximately 3,980 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Descend from Namche and retrace the Dudh Koshi Valley through Phakding. The approximately 6–7 hour trek includes several short climbs before reaching Lukla for the final mountain overnight.
Max Altitude
3,440 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Lukla
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Take the scheduled mountain flight from Lukla to Manthali, subject to weather, visibility and operational conditions. After landing, continue by road to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Max Altitude
2,840 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to rest, organise expedition equipment, purchase souvenirs or explore Kathmandu independently. The day also provides limited flexibility following the weather-dependent return from Lukla.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Your Ama Dablam Expedition concludes today. A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international departure schedule.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Not included
Meals
Breakfast, subject to departure time
We Accept
What's Covered
Inclusion And Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Three nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- One night of hotel accommodation in Manthali
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the scheduled Manthali stay
- Ground transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali
- Scheduled domestic flights between Manthali and Lukla
- Teahouse accommodation during the trekking approach and return journey
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the specified overland travel, trekking and climbing sections as stated in the itinerary
- Expedition tent accommodation at Ama Dablam Base Camp
- High-altitude tent accommodation at Camps I and II
- Technical training and climbing preparation at Ama Dablam Base Camp
- Experienced, government-licensed climbing Sherpa guide
- Porter support during the trekking approach and return journey, subject to the confirmed baggage allowance
- Ama Dablam climbing permit
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card / local entry permit
- Applicable expedition administration and government documentation
- Guide and porter salaries, meals and accommodation
- Insurance for expedition guides and porters
- Group medical and first-aid kit
- Waste-management services and applicable environmental fees
- Applicable government taxes and company service charges
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Comprehensive travel and mountaineering insurance
- Emergency rescue and helicopter evacuation
- Hospitalisation and medical treatment
- Additional Kathmandu accommodation outside the three scheduled hotel nights
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking and climbing clothing and equipment
- Equipment rental unless specifically included
- Personal high-altitude climbing equipment
- Hot showers during the trekking sections
- Wi-Fi and charging fees during the trek
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Personal snacks and expenses
- Tips for the climbing guide, trekking staff and porters
- Excess baggage or additional porter services beyond the confirmed baggage allowance
- Additional accommodation, meals, helicopter flights or transportation caused by delayed, diverted or cancelled domestic flights
- Costs resulting from weather, route changes or itinerary modifications
- Expenses caused by illness, early withdrawal or unforeseen circumstances
- Costs resulting from changes requested by the participant
- Any service not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes
Common Questions
FAQs
The complete Ama Dablam Expedition lasts 26 days. This includes arrival in Kathmandu, transportation to Manthali, the Khumbu trekking approach, Base Camp acclimatisation and training, climbing rotations, the summit programme, return journey and final departure.
Ama Dablam reaches approximately 6,812 metres and rises in Nepal’s Khumbu region within the Everest mountain area.
Participants should have strong technical mountaineering experience and be comfortable using crampons, an ice axe, fixed ropes, jumars, descending devices and personal safety systems. Previous alpine or Himalayan climbing experience is strongly recommended.
The programme includes acclimatisation at Base Camp, technical training, a first rotation to Camp I and towards Camp II, recovery at Base Camp and a final summit rotation through the established high camps.
Yes. An experienced, government-licensed climbing Sherpa guide is included. The guide supports technical climbing activities and makes operational decisions according to weather, route conditions, and participant readiness.
No supplementary oxygen is specifically listed as included in the standard Ama Dablam package. Any oxygen service required or requested should therefore be confirmed separately before departure.
The package includes three nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu, one hotel night in Manthali, teahouse accommodation during the trekking approach and return journey and expedition tents at Ama Dablam Base Camp and the high camps. Breakfast is included during the scheduled Kathmandu hotel stays, while meals during the Manthali, trekking and climbing sections are provided as stated in the itinerary.
The package includes the Ama Dablam climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card / local entry permit, ground transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali and scheduled domestic flights between Manthali and Lukla.
Lukla flights and climbing activities remain subject to weather, visibility, route conditions and operational decisions. The programme may be modified when necessary. Additional accommodation, meals, helicopter flights or transportation resulting from disruption are normally not included.
No. An Ama Dablam summit cannot be guaranteed. Weather, route hazards, acclimatisation, participant health, technical ability and operational conditions determine whether a summit attempt can continue. The expedition leader and climbing guide retain final authority over summit timing, turnaround decisions and participant safety.
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