# 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.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 27 days
- **Difficulty:** Strenuous, technical
- **Activity:** Mountaineering expedition
- **Max altitude:** 6,812 m (summit of Ama Dablam)
- **Best season:** Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct)
- **Group size:** 1–12 climbers
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps
- **Meals:** All meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu
- **Price:** from US$7,900 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/ama-dablam-expedition
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=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](/category/expeditions-in-nepal) for requirements, permits and how to prepare.

### At a glance

FactDetailsSummit6,812 mRoutesouth-west ridgeDuration27 days from KathmanduBase campBase camp, about 4,600 mHigh campsCamp 1 (about 5,800 m), Camp 2 (about 6,000 m), with an optional Camp 3PermitExpedition permit (included)CostFrom US$7,900 per climber

## 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

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Preparation, gear check and permits
Equipment check, expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism and final shopping in Thamel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Flight to Lukla and walk to Phakding.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,610 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 4–5: Trek to Namche Bazaar and acclimatise
Climb to Namche and spend a day acclimatising.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 6: Trek to Pangboche
Via Tengboche monastery to Pangboche.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,985 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 7: Trek to base camp
Short climb to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,600 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tent_

### Day 8–22: Climbing period
Training, rotations to Camps 1 and 2 on the rocky south-west ridge, and the summit push over the Mushroom Ridge.
_Altitude: 6,812 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_

### Day 23: Trek to Pangboche
Clean up base camp and descend.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,985 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 24: Trek to Namche
Trek back to Namche.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 25: Trek to Lukla
Final day of walking.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 26: Fly to Kathmandu
Flight back to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 27: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is 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 information
### 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

## Frequently asked questions
### How high is Ama Dablam?
**6,812 m**.

### How long is the Ama Dablam expedition?
**27 days** from Kathmandu.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$7,900 per climber**, including the permit and royalty.

### What experience do I need?
One or two 6,000 m trekking peaks and solid rope skills.

### When is the season?
Mainly **October–November**, with some spring climbs.
