Ama Dablam, a 6,812-meter peak in Nepal’s Khumbu region, is famed for its pyramid-like shape and dramatic hanging glacier, earning it the name “Mother’s Necklace.” First summited in 1961 by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward, and Wally Romanes, it remains a coveted challenge for advanced climbers. The classic Southwest Ridge route features technical sections like the steep “Yellow Tower” and exposed Mushroom Ridge, demanding precision and skill. Expeditions typically start with a trek from Lukla, passing through Sherpa villages and Sagarmatha National Park, offering stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Ama Dablam combines technical climbing, cultural immersion, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, making it a mountaineering icon.
Duration
28 days
Difficulty Level
Challenging
Trip Start and End
Kathmandu-Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring/Autumn
Trip Area
Everest Region
Max Elevation
6812m
Per Day Walk
5 - 6 Hours
Group Size
1-25
Accomodation
Hotels ,Homestay and Tents
Enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from high-altitude camps.
Admire Ama Dablam’s unique, pyramid-like shape and its famous “Mother’s Necklace” hanging glacier.
Experience the warmth and traditions of Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche along the route.
Test your skills on the classic Southwest Ridge with its challenging sections, such as the Yellow Tower and Mushroom Ridge.
Benefit from a well-planned itinerary with gradual altitude gains and rotation camps to safely adjust to high elevations.
Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in natural and cultural history.
A detail description of Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by the expedition team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you’ll have time to rest before attending a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your guides and receive an overview of the climb.
A scenic 35-minute flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), the gateway to the Everest region. After landing, you’ll start your trek, following the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding (2,610 m), a 3–4 hour walk through Sherpa villages and suspension bridges.
Today, you’ll attend a detailed briefing covering the itinerary, safety protocols, and climbing strategy. A gear check will ensure all equipment meets expedition standards. If needed, you can purchase or rent gear in Kathmandu before finalizing preparations.
The trail continues through forests and across high suspension bridges, with a challenging ascent before reaching Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). This bustling Sherpa town serves as the region’s trading center and offers incredible views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
To adjust to the altitude, you’ll take a short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), offering breathtaking panoramas. The afternoon is free to explore Namche, visit the Sherpa Museum, or relax at a café.
Following a ridge with stunning mountain views, you’ll descend to the Dudh Koshi River before a steady uphill climb to Tengboche (3,860 m). Here, you’ll visit the famous Tengboche Monastery and enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
Passing through rhododendron forests and the village of Pangboche, you’ll gradually ascend to Pheriche (4,288 m). The landscape becomes more barren as you move into higher altitudes.
A short hike to a nearby ridge allows for further acclimatization. You’ll spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing for the next phase of the trek.
Leaving the main Everest trail, you’ll trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570 m), a 5–6 hour walk through rugged terrain with increasingly closer views of the peak. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into camp and begin preparations for the climb.
A day for rest and technical training. You’ll practice rope work, abseiling, and using crampons on mixed terrain to prepare for the climb’s technical sections.
The ascent begins with a 6–8 hour climb over rocky terrain and exposed ridges to reach Camp 1. This section involves steep scrambling and fixed ropes.
A short acclimatization climb above Camp 1 before descending back to Base Camp to recover and refuel.
A crucial recovery day before making the next ascent to higher camps.
You’ll make a steady climb back to Camp 1, spending the night there to adjust to the altitude.
This technical section involves climbing the Yellow Tower, a steep rock face requiring strong rope skills. Camp 2 is a small ledge with limited space for tents.
A rest day at Camp 2 allows for further acclimatization and preparation for the summit push.
Starting early, you’ll climb through steep snow and ice slopes, including the challenging Mushroom Ridge, before reaching the summit. After taking in breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayas, you’ll descend back to Camp 2.
A full-day descent from Camp 2 to Base Camp, where you’ll celebrate the successful summit.
Leaving Base Camp, you’ll descend to Pangboche (3,930 m), a traditional Sherpa village with ancient monasteries.
A long but rewarding trek back to Namche, retracing the trail through Tengboche and crossing scenic suspension bridges.
The final trekking day takes you from Namche back to Lukla, where you’ll celebrate the completion of the expedition.
A morning flight brings you back to Kathmandu, where you’ll have time to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and explore the city.
A free day to explore cultural sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, or Bhaktapur.
A buffer day in case of delays due to weather or health. If not needed, you can enjoy extra sightseeing.
You’ll have time for last-minute shopping, visiting local markets, or relaxing at a café.
A closing ceremony with the expedition team, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.
Packing, final goodbyes, and preparation for departure. You can explore more of Kathmandu if time allows.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home, concluding your unforgettable Ama Dablam expedition.
➤ Technical Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jackets), Waterproof/windproof outer shell, Trekking and insulated pants
➤ Accessories: Warm socks, light & heavy-duty gloves, Hats, balaclavas, neck gaiters, Sunglasses with UV protection
➤ Mountaineering Gear: High‑altitude mountaineering boots, Crampons, Ice axe, Climbing harness, Helmet, Locking & non‑locking carabiners
➤ Backpacks & Organizers: 65‑liter expedition backpack, Smaller day pack, Waterproof stuff sacks/dry bags
➤ Personal Essentials: Headlamp with spare batteries, Personal first‑aid kit, Water bottles/hydration system, Water purification tools, Personal toiletries & documentation.
It is best suited for climbers with prior high‑altitude and technical climbing experience.
Proficiency in mixed climbing (rock, ice, and snow), rope management, and use of ice axes and crampons.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most stable conditions.
Expect extreme cold (often below –20°C at high camps), high winds, and rapidly changing conditions, with the most stable weather during spring and autumn.
The expedition is supported by experienced Sherpa guides, established communication devices (satellite phones and radios), and plans for emergency evacuations if necessary.
The team continuously monitors conditions and will adjust the schedule or route to ensure climber safety, prioritizing a gradual ascent and safe descent.
The itinerary includes built‑in acclimatization days, with guidance from experienced staff to monitor symptoms and adjust the schedule if needed.
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