Trip Length: 30 Days
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Rising to 6,812 m (22,349 ft) in Nepal’s Khumbu region, Ama Dablam is one of the Himalayas’ most recognizable mountains. Its striking pyramid summit, sweeping ridgelines, and hanging glacier dominate the landscape south of Mount Everest. Often called the Matterhorn of the Himalaya, it offers a rewarding objective for experienced climbers seeking a technical ascent in a spectacular mountain setting.
The name Ama Dablam translates as “Mother’s Necklace.” Its long ridges are said to resemble a mother’s arms embracing her children, while the hanging glacier evokes the traditional pendant worn by Sherpa women. Beyond its distinctive appearance, the mountain holds a special place in the landscape and cultural identity of the Khumbu.
Our expedition begins in Kathmandu with preparations and a team briefing before a scenic flight to Lukla. From here, the approach follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Sherpa villages, forest trails, and suspension bridges, gradually ascending into the Everest region. The trek provides time to adjust to the altitude and experience the monasteries, hospitality, and mountain traditions of the Khumbu before reaching Ama Dablam Base Camp.
At base camp, our team provides full-board support and a comfortable setting for rest and preparation. Acclimatization rotations and practical training allow members to review fixed-rope techniques, familiarize themselves with equipment, and prepare for the climb ahead.
The expedition follows the Southwest Ridge, a varied route combining exposed rock climbing, snow slopes, and sections of steep ice. The terrain becomes increasingly technical above Camp 1, where narrow granite ridges and exposed passages demand confident movement, concentration, and efficient rope work.
Higher on the mountain, climbers negotiate mixed terrain while managing the effects of altitude. Camp arrangements and the summit schedule are adapted to conditions, acclimatization, and the climbing team’s assessment. The summit offers an extraordinary perspective across the Khumbu, with surrounding Himalayan peaks stretching toward the horizon.
Ama Dablam is a technical expedition suited to climbers with previous high-altitude experience and solid mountaineering skills. Participants should be comfortable using crampons, ascending fixed ropes, abseiling, and moving across exposed rock, snow, and ice. Strong fitness and the ability to manage consecutive demanding days are essential.
| Max Altitude | 6812m |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Very Strenous |
| Best Season | Spring / Autumn |
| Accommodation | Hotel / Teahouse / Camping |
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. After check-in, take some time to rest and settle in.
In the evening, meet your expedition guide for introductions and enjoy a welcome dinner together as you look ahead to your Ama Dablam adventure.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome dinner
After breakfast, meet your guide and fellow team members for a detailed expedition briefing covering the itinerary, acclimatization plan, and climbing preparations. Together with your guide, check your gear and equipment, then visit Thamel if you need to purchase any missing items. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
In the evening, visit Boudhanath Stupa to seek blessings for the expedition and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred Buddhist site.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Early in the morning, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for a scenic flight aboard a short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft to Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Lukla. Enjoy views of the Himalayan foothills and mountain valleys as you approach the gateway to the Everest region.
Upon arrival, meet the porter team and begin your trek to Phakding. The trail descends through Sherpa villages, passing prayer wheels, mani walls, and suspension bridges along the Dudh Koshi Valley. This first day on the trail offers a gentle introduction to the Khumbu before reaching your lodge for the night.
Overnight: Lodge in Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests and Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges along the way. Pass through Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, before continuing toward the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.
From here, a sustained uphill climb leads to Namche Bazaar. Take a steady pace as you gain altitude, stopping to rest and enjoy the mountain scenery. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and relax in this lively Sherpa town, the main trading hub of the Khumbu region.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Spend the day in Namche Bazaar, allowing time to acclimatize before continuing higher. After breakfast, join an optional hike to Everest View Hotel, where clear weather offers magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam—your expedition objective.
Return to Namche for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Explore the town’s shops and cafes, experience the local Sherpa atmosphere, or simply rest at your lodge.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, leave Namche Bazaar and follow a scenic trail with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Descend to Phunki Tenga before climbing through forest to Tengboche, home to one of the Khumbu region’s most important Buddhist monasteries.
Continue through Deboche and cross the Imja Khola before making the final ascent to Pangboche. With Ama Dablam rising prominently above the valley, this Sherpa village offers a memorable setting for the night. Settle into your lodge and rest after the day’s trek.
Overnight: Lodge in Pangboche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, leave Pangboche and follow the trail toward Ama Dablam Base Camp. Descend to cross the Imja Khola before climbing steadily through open alpine terrain, with increasingly close views of Ama Dablam’s dramatic ridges and towering summit.
Upon arrival, meet the base camp team and settle into your individual tent. After lunch, take time to rest, explore the camp, and familiarize yourself with the facilities that will be your home during the expedition.
Overnight: Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and spend the day resting and preparing for the climbing phase of your expedition. Together with your climbing Sherpa, check your equipment, organize supplies for the higher camps, and review the planned acclimatization rotations.
Your guide will lead a practical refresher on fixed-rope techniques, ascending, abseiling, and equipment use. There will also be time to discuss communication procedures and the climbing plan before relaxing over meals prepared by the base camp team.
Overnight: Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
These days are dedicated to climbing practice and acclimatization rotations between Ama Dablam Base Camp, Camp I, and Camp II. Begin with practical training alongside your climbing Sherpa, reviewing fixed-rope ascents, abseiling, and the use of climbing equipment before progressing onto the mountain.
During the rotations, become familiar with the route and gain experience on its exposed rock ridges and more technical sections. Return to base camp between rotations to rest, recover, and prepare for the next ascent, supported by freshly prepared meals and your expedition team.
The timing of training, rotations, and rest days will remain flexible, depending on weather, route conditions, and individual acclimatization.
Overnight: Tents at base camp and high camps during rotations
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
With acclimatization rotations complete, prepare for your summit attempt during a suitable weather window. Depart base camp and ascend through the established high camps toward Camp II, accompanied by your personal climbing Sherpa.
The summit push begins early, following the route through steep snow, ice, and exposed terrain toward Ama Dablam’s summit. If conditions allow, reaching the top rewards you with sweeping views across the Himalayan peaks and valleys of the Khumbu.
After the summit attempt, descend to Camp II or continue to base camp, depending on timing, conditions, and your energy levels. These days allow flexibility for weather, rest, and the climb, with the final schedule determined by the expedition leader and climbing team.
Overnight: Tents at high camps and base camp
Meals: Full board—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, bid farewell to the base camp team and begin the trek back to Namche Bazaar. Descend to Pangboche, then retrace your route through Deboche and Tengboche, enjoying changing perspectives of the mountains you have spent the past weeks among.
Continue down through forest to Phunki Tenga before climbing toward Namche. After a long day on the trail, settle into your lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and reflect on your Ama Dablam expedition.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, leave Namche Bazaar and descend through pine forests toward the Dudh Koshi River. Retrace your route across suspension bridges and through the villages of Monjo and Phakding before making the final uphill approach to Lukla.
On arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy some well-earned rest. In the evening, share dinner with your trekking team and celebrate the completion of your journey through the Khumbu.
Overnight: Lodge in Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, head to Lukla Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu, enjoying a final glimpse of the Himalayan landscape from the air.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your expedition or exploring the city.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a day to unwind after your Ama Dablam expedition. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage and spa session, giving tired muscles some well-earned care after weeks in the mountains.
The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu, browse for souvenirs in Thamel, or simply relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your departure. At the appropriate time for your flight, our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle for your onward journey.
We bid you farewell with warm wishes and lasting memories of your Ama Dablam expedition.
Meals: Breakfast
SEASON All Year 
DURATION 18 DAYS 
DIFFICULTY Strenous 
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SEASON All Year DURATION 30 DAYS DIFFICULTY Strenous