Ama Dablam Expedition

Arrive in Kathmandu Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m) Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals not included

Official formalities in Kathmandu. Formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. The expedition leader will check that everyone’s equipment whether it is in working order or not. Overnight at a Hotel Breakfast included

Final preparation day in Kathmandu. It is the Final opportunity for last-minute purchases. Overnight at a Hotel Breakfast included

Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap) and then trek to Phakding Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November) During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, take an escorted shuttle to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December . Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Helicopter Option You have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an extra charge of USD 550 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to Manthali airport during peak season (March, April, May, October, and November). Read more Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will be arriving at the Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning. Breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet the group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage. For every two clients, one porter is assigned. Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing, we come across the small

Trek to Namche Bazaar We begin the five hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche (3,440 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 5-6 hrs trek Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Acclimatization day at Namche. A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek to Tengboche Monastery The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3,860 meters today. After five hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed. Max. Altitude: Tengboche (3,860 m) Duration: 5-6 hrs trek Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek to Pangboche From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola and climbs to Pangboche village. Max. Altitude: Pangboche (3,930 m) Duration: 2-3 hrs trek Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek to Ama Dablam base camp Base camp is located in an idyllic spot from which the majority of the route is visible. At an altitude of about 4,600 m, it provides a comfortable escape from the rigors of the climb. Our porters deposit their loads and leave us here for the next three weeks, with only our Sirdar, Sherpas and culinary staff remaining. Max. Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m) Duration: 5-6 hrs trek Overnight at a tented camp Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Acclimatization day. Today is another day for acclimatization. Overnight at a tented camp Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

25: Climbing period of Ama Dablam. We do not provide a day-to-day itinerary for the climb period, as this will be determined by the expedition leader and members. Guides will take a flexible approach based on what fits with climbers’ and their own experience. Typically, the team will spend a few days at the base camp organizing food, practicing rope skills, and acclimatizing before moving above the base camp. It is normal to ‘tag,’ or spend at least one night in Camp 1 (5,700m), as part of any acclimatization schedule before returning to the base camp, resting, and preparing for a summit push. Ama Dablam climb via southwest ridge After leaving the base camp old grassy moraine ridges are followed roughly eastwards to a broad saddle 5,150m from where we can see the Mingbo La. From the saddle we ascend easily northwards until the ground steepens at the start of a large boulder field. We may place an advanced base camp at 5,400m below the boulder field. The route continues north around the base of the boulder field, and then follows cairns upward to the toe of the southwest ridge. At the end of the boulder field, slabs are crossed and then a short gully ascended, allowing access to the ridge proper in a very exposed position. Easy scrambling on the east side of the ridge leads quickly to Camp 1. There are four or five tent platforms. From Camp 1 we contour around the snowy bowl (possible alternative site for Camp 1) until we are below two rock fingers. The east side of the ridge is followed, climbing easy mixed ground until a short pitch of “severe” standard leads to the ridge proper. The ridge is narrow in places, with difficult turns on the east side, until the second tension traverse leads to two pitches of “very severe” standard. The route continues on the crest of the ridge for a short distance until we are forced via an awkward step onto the west side of the ridge. The crest of the ridge is regained and easily navigable roads followed to the start of a traverse on

Trek back to Namche Bazaar We descend six hours to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). If we are lucky, we’ll arrive at market time in Namche. Regardless, there is always fabulous food to be found, including delicious espresso, yak steaks, and chocolate cake with frosting! This market is where lowland porters bearing supplies meet the highland Sherpa and Tibetan people who have journeyed over high passes from many miles away to trade food and supplies for their houses and villages. Enjoy and celebrate your expedition. Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 6-7 hrs trek Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek to Lukla We return to Lukla (2,840 m), where the trip began, after a six hour trek. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and the personal achievements of all who took part. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the town. Max. Altitude: Lukla (2,840 m) Duration: 6-7 hrs trek Overnight at a Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November) The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle.  Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. Helicopter Option You have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an extra charge of USD 550 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to from Manthali airport to Kathmandu during peak season (March, April, May, October and November). Read more You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing, and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. You can also extend your trip to Tibet, India, or Bhutan. Overnight at a Hotel Breakfast and Farewell dinner included

Transfer to the International Airport for final departure. Today we conclude our trip. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell and hope you’ll travel to Nepal again. Breakfast included