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Ama Dablam Expedition

The Ama Dablam expedition is a full-service climb of the 6,812 m peak by the south-west ridge. Often called the most beautiful mountain in the world, Ama Dablam rises above Pangboche in the Everest region. Its first ascent was in 1961.

Our 27-day expedition includes the climbing permit and royalty, an experienced climbing Sherpa for every climber on summit day, base camp and high camp services, emergency oxygen, mask and regulator, and all logistics from Kathmandu.

CountryNepal
Duration27 Days
DifficultyStrenuous, technical
ActivityMountaineering expedition
Max. Altitude6,812 m (summit of Ama Dablam)
Best SeasonSpring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct)
AccommodationHotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps
MealsAll meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu
Group size1–12 climbers

Trip highlights

  • Summit of Ama Dablam, 6,812 m
  • The south-west ridge
  • Experienced climbing Sherpas
  • Full base camp and high camp services
  • Permits, royalty and logistics handled

Ama Dablam Expedition overview

Quick answer: a 27-day Ama Dablam expedition by the south-west ridge, from US$7,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty, climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp services and emergency oxygen, mask and regulator.

This expedition is for experienced mountaineers. See our guide to expeditions in Nepal for requirements, permits and how to prepare.

At a glance

FactDetails
Summit6,812 m
Routesouth-west ridge
Duration27 days from Kathmandu
Base campBase camp, about 4,600 m
High campsCamp 1 (about 5,800 m), Camp 2 (about 6,000 m), with an optional Camp 3
PermitExpedition permit (included)
CostFrom US$7,900 per climber

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team.
1,400 m Dinner Hotel
Day2
Equipment check, expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism and final shopping in Thamel.
1,400 m Breakfast Hotel Preparation
Day3
Flight to Lukla and walk to Phakding.
3–4 hours 2,610 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day4–5
Climb to Namche and spend a day acclimatising.
5–6 hours 3,440 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day6
Via Tengboche monastery to Pangboche.
5–6 hours 3,985 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day7
Short climb to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
3–4 hours 4,600 m All meals Tent Trek
Day8–22
Training, rotations to Camps 1 and 2 on the rocky south-west ridge, and the summit push over the Mushroom Ridge.
6,812 m All meals Tents Climbing
Day23
Clean up base camp and descend.
3–4 hours 3,985 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day24
Trek back to Namche.
5–6 hours 3,440 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day25
Final day of walking.
6–7 hours 2,860 m Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodge Trek
Day26
Flight back to Kathmandu.
1,400 m Breakfast Hotel Flight
Day27
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
1,400 m Breakfast

What’s included

Included

  • Airport transfers and hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Expedition permit and government royalty
  • Liaison officer, garbage deposit and national park or conservation fees
  • Domestic flights or road transport to and from the mountain
  • Lodges and meals on the approach trek
  • Base camp: individual tent, dining and kitchen tents, cook and kitchen team, all meals
  • Experienced climbing Sherpa (1:1 on summit day)
  • High-altitude tents, food and fuel at high camps
  • Emergency oxygen, mask and regulator
  • Contribution to fixed ropes on the route
  • Satellite phone and radios for communication
  • Insurance for Nepali staff
  • All government and local taxes

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Climbing and travel insurance including helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
  • Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
  • Extra oxygen beyond the allowance
  • Helicopter flights unless stated
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses and tips

Useful info

Experience

You should have climbed at least one or two 6,000 m trekking peaks and be confident with crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, jumar and abseiling.

Fitness

Train for at least 4–6 months with long days carrying a pack and uphill endurance work.

Insurance

Insurance covering climbing to the summit altitude and helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Packing list

  • Down climbing suit and expedition down jacket
  • High-altitude double boots
  • Crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar and descender
  • Expedition sleeping bag rated to about –35°C
  • Expedition mitts and gloves
  • Glacier glasses and goggles
  • Helmet

Add-ons & trip options

Helicopter from base camp to Kathmandu (per seat, shared)US$1,200

Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.

More options, quoted on request:

  • Private expedition with your own Sherpa team.
  • Extra oxygen and a personal oxygen plan.
  • Helicopter return from base camp.

Frequently asked questions

6,812 m.

27 days from Kathmandu.

From US$7,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty.

One or two 6,000 m trekking peaks and solid rope skills.

Mainly October–November, with some spring climbs.