Ama Dablam - North Ridge
Few companies can offer this opportunity - we can!
If you join this expedition to Ama Dablam’s north ridge, you will be heading off on one of the most spectacular climbs available in Nepal.
Ama Dablam is one of the most popular peaks for climbers in Nepal. Very few companies have the skill and expertise within their guiding ranks to offer this trip. Expedition Base is one of those companies.
Lakpa Sherpa has guided on Ama Dablam more times (most likely) than most guides and he holds the world record for the number of Ama Dablam summits – 22 times, as at November 2018. He and his team of guides fixed the normal route of this peak for 7 years, before moving on to make available opportunities for clients on other mountains.
With an expedition scheduled to start in October 2019, Lakpa and Expedition Base are offering clients and prospective clients the rare opportunity to climb the north ridge of this beautiful mountain.
Towering over Tengboche monastery and the Sherpa village of Pangboche at a height of 6,856m, Ama Dablam is one of the most iconic mountains in Nepal.
Many climbers often using this peak as preparation for an expedition to one of the 8,000m peaks (and, of course, the mountain is by its own right a fantastic objective!).
Comprising of steep ice and rock with exposed ridges, the technical nature of the route is somewhat lessened by the presence of fixed lines along the majority of the route.
You’ll need a good head for heights. Our summit push will begin early in the morning from our last camp and hopefully you’ll top out in great weather, as the summit affords spectacular 360 degree views of numerous Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Why is this route more expensive than the normal route on Ama Dablam?
This trip is longer than the period that is needed to climb the normal route. This route is attempted by fewer climbers therefore we need to field a strong and larger guiding team to help prepare the route on the mountain. Whilst you might find several hundred people on the normal route, this northern route may only be attempted by us, and maybe one or two other teams. Our goal is to resource ourselves so that we can climb this route independent of any other climbers, and that we provide our team with a good amount of time to acclimatise well for this nice, technical climb.
Trip Facts
| Trip HighlightsInclusions Internal fixed wing flights, climbing permit fees, 4 nights (based on twin share) in Kathmandu hotel equivalent to Hotel Tibet or Radisson (Lazimpat or similar), experienced climbing guides, including UIAGM/IFMGA, team transport in Nepal, extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit, fully serviced AD base camp with quality (single share) personal tent for AD base camp, dining, kitchen and shower tents, serviced higher camps, all meals outside Kathmandu plus breakfast in Kathmandu, porters to carry personal/group equipment on treks and up to base camps, climbing Sherpas to set up camps and carry group food; plus clients receive a complimentary Expedition Base duffel to use and keep. (All accommodation is on a twin share basis - single share can be arranged on request at an additional cost). Exclusions International flights to and from Kathmandu, lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (allow USD $10-15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry), tips and Ama Dablam summit bonus, travel insurance (incl. early departure, mountain rescue) and personal trekking/climbing gear. |
Trip Map | Short Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu Day 2: In Kathmandu Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Monjo (2,840m) ~5 hrs Day 4: Trek Monjo (2,840m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) ~5 hrs Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche ~5 hrs Day 6: Trek Namche (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,800m) ~5 hrs Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) ~4 hrs Day 8: Acclimatisation in Dingboche ~5 hrs Day 9: Trek Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m) ~5 hr Day 10: Trek Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorak Shep (5,100m) ~4 hrs Day 11: Trek Kala Patar (5,500m), down to Gorak Shep, and to Lobuche Base Camp ~7-8 hrs Day 12: Rest day at Lobuche East Base Camp Day 13-15: Climb Lobuche East, descend to Dingboche (4,410m) ~8-9 hrs Day 16: Dingboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (north side) (4,700m) ~2 hr Day 17-29: Climbing period Day 30: Rest and pack up base camp Day 31: Trek Ama Dablam base camp (4,600m) to Namche (3,440m) ~7-8 hr Day 32: Trek Namche (3,440m) to Lukla (2,840m) ~6hr Day 33: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu Day 34: In Kathmandu Day 35: Depart Kathmandu |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive KathmanduAn Expedition Base representative will collect you from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. It’s a free day to recover from your international flight. Later in the day, there will be a team briefing, gear check and welcome team dinner. | |
Day 2 | In KathmanduThis is a free day for you to explore Kathmandu. Home to 5 World Heritage sites, Kathmandu is a stunning landscape of handcrafted wooden palaces (Durbar or palace squares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) and glorious Buddhist stupas (Swayambu and Boudhanath). | |
Day 3 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Monjo (2,840m) ~5 hrsOur day begins with an early morning 40 min flight to Lukla. Once in Lukla, we have a short break to organize porters and gear before starting our day’s walk, descending and ascending to Monjo. This region is Buddhist so remember to walk clockwise and to keep left of mani walls and prayer flag poles (keeping them to your right). | |
Day 4 | Trek Monjo (2,840m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) ~5 hrsBefore leaving Monjo, we’ll check into the Sagarmatha National Park Information Centre to register our presence in the park. On a clear day, you can catch your first view of Mt Everest from a lookout about mid-way up the hill to Namche. Once in Namche, you have the afternoon to rest, relax, check out the cafes and explore. | |
Day 5 | Acclimatisation day in Namche ~5 hrsWe spend an extra day in Namche before trekking higher to allow our bodies to adjust to the increased altitude. In the morning, we will likely walk up to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy panoramic views and you can explore the villages of Khunde and/or Khumjung. The afternoon is free for exploring Namche, or relaxing, as you wish. | |
Day 6 | Trek Namche (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,800m) ~5 hrsThe trail behind Namche is a gentle track that traverses high above the Imja river with overlooking views of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. We will pause at Kyanjuma for a morning tea break and to admire stunning views of Ama Dablam, our key objective. From here we descend to the valley floor to cross the Imja river and then uphill to Tengboche. We will stop here for the night but if space does not permit then, it’s a short 30 min descent from Tengboche to Deboche. | |
Day 7 | Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) ~4 hrsAs we trek up the track towards Dingboche, there’s a distinct change in the landscape as we cross the 4,000m barrier. High altitude scrubs replace trees and formidable mountains suddenly appear within reach. The afternoon is free to use internet or to do some laundry. There are a few bakeries you can try too. | |
Day 8 | Acclimatisation in Dingboche ~5 hrsWe take a rest day in Dingboche to acclimatise to our increased altitude gain. In the morning, we’ll walk up to a lookout to touch the 5,000m mark. It’s a steep climb but the views of Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7,861m) and on clear days, Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Shishapangma (8,013m) are worth any feelings of breathlessness. After lunch, if you’re feeling energetic, you can trek towards Chhukung village or down to Pheriche. Alternatively, curling in with a book and hot chocolate is also recommended. | |
Day 9 | Trek Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m) ~5 hrJust above Dingboche and along a plateau of yak herder shelters, we know that Mt Everest is just around the corner! Passing Dughla, it’s a 1 hr trek up to Thukla pass (4,830m) where memorials have been built for fallen climbers. We then trek across rocky terrain to Lobuche. | |
Day 10 | Trek Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorak Shep (5,100m) ~4 hrsThe journey to Gorak Shep from Lobuche is a gentle ascent on rocky terrain that follows across and along the Khumbu glacier. It is a short day, unless the weather is good, in which case we may do a trek up to Kala Patar in the afternoon. | |
Day 11 | Trek Kala Patar (5,500m), down to Gorak Shep, and to Lobuche Base Camp ~7-8 hrsWe get up nice and early and trek up to Kala Patar to try and get there before sunrise, and after refueling and taking some great photos, we head down to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then we head off down the valley to Lobuche. Soon after Lobuche we turn off the main Everest trail and head right towards Cho La, though we divert to Lobuche Base Camp, nicely tucked in beneath Lobuche East. | |
Day 12 | Rest day at Lobuche East Base CampWe take a day to rest at Lobuche East base camp, and prepare our gear for our ascent of Lobuche East. Remember, this is an acclimatisation climb as well as a climb of a beautiful peak, so take your time and let your body acclimatise well in readiness for our next objective. | |
Day 13-15 | Climb Lobuche East, descend to Dingboche (4,410m) ~8-9 hrsWe will use these days to climb Lobuche East, potentially making use of the lake camp, and high camp, up to the summit and then we will descend to Dingboche. Here, you might want to sneak in a shower, and you may want to check out a local bakery and do a bit of laundry. | |
Day 16 | Dingboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (north side) (4,700m) ~2 hrOff to Ama Dablam base camp (north side) we go. Our base camp awaits us! | |
Day 17-29 | Climbing periodHaving trekked up to Kala Patar and climbed Lobuche East, your acclimatisation is set and ready for your attempt to reach the summit of Ama Dablam. Whilst you have been on Lobuche, our core guiding team is over at Ama Dablam already preparing the route to the summit. We will prepare ourselves and our gear, do a rotation on the mountain, and then prepare ourselves for the summit push. We will organise our schedule for the summit push to the summit and descend from the mountain within this climbing period. | |
Day 30 | Rest and pack up base campToday, we take an extra day to rest as you have earned it! We reflect on our mission and the amazing experiences we have had and slowly we begin to pack up our base camp. Enjoy your last day soaking in the views from this tranquil camp site. | |
Day 31 | Trek Ama Dablam base camp (4,600m) to Namche (3,440m) ~7-8 hrWe trek down the trail to Pangboche, and then follow the main trail back to Namche. Back in the village, you can send emails to family and friends about your news, and enjoy good coffee and bakery treats. | |
Day 32 | Trek Namche (3,440m) to Lukla (2,840m) ~6hrThis is our last day on the trail. The route from Namche drops back down to the valley floor and follows the river towards Lukla. Take in the beautifully decorated mani walls and prayer wheels lining the trail to Lukla. Don’t forget to stop and take photos! | |
Day 33 | Fly Lukla to KathmanduWe arrive back in the melting pot of cultures that is Kathmandu. Spend this day doing last minute sightseeing and shopping, as you wish. | |
Day 34 | In KathmanduToday is your last day in Nepal (for this trip, at least) so you can prepare for departure, pack up and return any hired gear. A massage is highly recommended to relax your tired muscles before your flight home. | |
Day 35 | Depart KathmanduWe farewell the Himalayas and the people of Nepal, until your next Himalayan adventure. We will be sad to see you go. We hope to see you again soon! |
Expedition Base Pvt. Ltd.Bansbari-3, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: +977 01 4371291 www.expeditionbase.com |  |