Overview

Mount Ama Dablam Expedition (6812m) is is located in the heart of Khumbu region and lies next to well-worn path to the Everest Base Camp. Amadablam is a small snowcapped peak but vertical walls and sharp exposed ridges makes this mountain one of the most technical and difficult climb for the mountaineers. Ama Dablam was first climbed in 1961 by a New Zealand and American team, and we follow their same route, the South West Ridge. Once established in base camp we move loads to Camp 1 (5300m) via a long slope to the beginning of the South West Ridge proper. This is where the technical climbing begins and the route follows the spine of the rock ridge leading directly to the Camp III. The very exposed nature of the route makes for exciting climbing yet the climbing is not as steep as one would imagine. Climbers with moderate technical experience can attempt this route. On summit day the route weaves between the ice cliffs then follows a snow area directly onto the 6812m summit.

Mount Ama Dablam expedition begins after the arrival of all climbers in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing and other necessary document for Mount Ama Dablam expedition.

After official procedure we have 35 minutes spectacular scheduled flight to Lukla from Kathmandu on a small aircraft will take you to the gateway to the Everest region then commence trek to Phakding and trek towards Namche Bazzar. We will spend two nights at Namche Bazzar for acclimatization. From Namche we take through, Khumjung and Tyangboche then head towards Ama Dablam base camp. 

Normally, three camps are set in the approach above the base camp (4,570m), however, only two camps are used to spend the night. The ascent from Base Camp to camp one is considered one the difficult days of the expedition. We follow old grassy moraine ridges passing through a saddle and then turning to north climbing up rocky ground and through boulders to the ridge where camp I is set up. From Camp I your first real camp is only one and half hours walk above Yak camp. This section is marked by rock cairns and involves boulder hopping and some easy scrambling. You sometimes fix a couple of sections with rope to be used as a handrail. Camp II - Now you are really climbing. This section of the route is usually rocky climbing only, depending on the season. The granite is high quality and the moves fun, challenging and exposed but “do-able”. You follow a narrow ridge, switching back and forth on each side of the ridge. This is the hardest rock climbing of the entire route. In places the exposure is extreme and you are very thankful of the fixed ropes in place. Whilst it is generally easier not to pull on the ropes all the time if you are finding the going getting a bit too hard you can just rest on the fixed rope. You can also use your Jumber to help you over the odd spot of difficulties. Most of the climbing on this section is traversing on rock, so good rock climbing skills will help you move efficiently and quickly over this terrain. Camp II - Now for the hardest snow and ice pitches of the route. We follow a system of steep snow and ice gullies up to join a feature called the Mushroom Ridge. Whilst the ridge itself is not as technical as the gullies leading up to it, the exposure here is palpable. It is a narrow, windy, snow mushroom-like ridge with giant Himalayan peaks in the background. This feature leads us up onto a small plateau at 6300m, which serves the purpose of camp III. Camp III - A cold and exposed position is the start of your summit push. The Sherpas will often use a full climbing rope to tie our tents down as the natural shape of the mountain can at times unfortunately funnel the wind to this location. It is however the only safe flat piece of real estate within range of the summit. Summit day - The initial route is to the right of the huge “Dablam” (ice cliff), up a moderately steep slope, which is often iced. Once past this feature we move toward the centre of the face. After the summit, you will return to Kathmandu and the farewell dinner will be at typical Nepali restaurant enjoying together with Nepali culture show program.

Highlights

* Rim of the Kathmandu valley excursion
* Summit Mount Amadablam (6812m)
* Magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Lhotse Middle Peak, Lhotse Shar, Mt Nuptse, Mt Baruntse, the majestic Ama Dablam and other numerous peaks within Everest and Khumbu region.
* Opportunity to explore the high mountain valleys and several species of endangered wild animals.
* Experience the culture and tradition of warm and friendly Sherpa ethnic tribe community.