Amadablam Expedition

Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,494ft) lies in the heart of the Khumbu Valley of Nepal, also known as Matterhorn of the Himalaya, dominates the sky above the trekker’s trail to the Everest Base Camp. Ama Dablam was first climbed in 1961 via the South-Western Ridge. The climbing route offers three high camps set up at strategic points. The climb is moderate up to Camp 1, then it gets challenging up along the narrow granite ridge. Negotiating pitches of steep ice and snow slopes, the route gets more technical from Camp 2. From Camp 3, the route leads to the summit, it is steep climb on snow and ice to the right of a huge hanging glacier. From the Top of mount Ama Dablam very charming sceneries of Mount Everest 8848m/29021ft, Lhotse 8516m/28260ft, Island peak, Makalu 8463m/27758ft, Khumbu Valley and rest of the snowcapped surrounded mountains can be envisioned.

Ama Dablam climbing is regarded as a true achievement among the mountaineering fraternity. The technical rock and ice climbing skills needed to reach the summit mean you can find Climbing veterans, or people who’ve made other 8,000m summits, running into difficulty. In these circumstances, having guides who know the mountain like the back of their hands is essential.

We believe the mountains are there for everyone to enjoy, and that even the best of us can gain from the shared knowledge of others. With every expedition, our aim is for you to develop your skills, to grow in strength, and always push a little higher. Our roots are in the Himalayas, and we have lifelong relationships with the landscapes and the communities that call them home. This enables us to tackle a wider range of peaks than many guiding operations, the technical ascents of Ama Dablam.

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu    
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner 
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu; we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your trip hotel. Later we meet and take you to our head office, brief you on the upcoming Amadablam Expedition with us, and introduce your guide to Mt. Amadablam Expedition. Evening, we host a welcome dinner at one of the finest local restaurants in Kathmandu with music and ethnic dance. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel. 

Day 02 Half-Day Guided Tour of Kathmandu Valley
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Today after breakfast we will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu; including visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and the living goddess Kumari in central Kathmandu. Overnight.

Day 03 Trip Preparation Day
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast in our hotel, we may wonder around nearby areas and do some shopping for our adventurous trip the following day. In the afternoon, we will visit for a pre-trip discussion and meet our guide as well as other participants. You will also be briefed on the nature of expedition, equipment and team composition. Later, we will go back to our hotel and have a peaceful sleep. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 04 Fly to Lukla (35 Min Flight) & Trek to Phakding 
Altitude: Lukla (2800m/9154ft) & Phakding (2650m/8692ft)
Activities: 3-4 Hours Trek (10-12 Kms)
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Phakding
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We drive to the airport early in the morning to take our flight to Lukla. The scenic 35 minutes flight to Lukla caters to the panorama of the peaks of Langtang, Rolwaling, and Khumu Himalayan Ranges. Landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is a thrilling adventure. Instantly, after making the final arrangement for the Trek, we kick off. Trekking 200m downhill to Thado Koshi River, we cross the suspension bridge over it. The view of Mt. Kusum Kangru looming dramatically to the East is a wonderful view from the bridge. Beyond the bridge, the trek begins to gain altitude gradually to Ghat. Ghat is a Buddhist Village with wonderful Black Mani walls engraved with prayers in white. The final push from Ghat through scattered villages and yak herder's camps brings us to Phakding. The first day of the Trek ends at Phakding. Explore remaining time around this local village. Overnight at Mt. Lodge.

Day 05 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 
Altitude: 3440m/11283ft
Activities: 5-6 Hours Trek (14-16 Kms)
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Namche
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Everest Base Camp Trek today crosses suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River five times. The first bridge we cross comes after five minutes of walking from our hotel in Phakding.  Crossing it we trek through the forested trail on the left bank of the river for 35 minutes to Taktak. Exiting out of Taktak we get to see the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku 6608m from a viewpoint. Almost thirty minutes of gentle walk from the viewpoint brings us to Banker. We cross the second bridge over Dudh Koshi River while making our way out of Banker. Trekking on the right bank of the river on the stony trail that goes uphill and down like the waves in the ocean, we arrive at Monjo. Walking through the typical Sherpa Village, we arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Trek downhill for twenty minutes on the stony trail to the river, cross the third bridge and arrive at Jorsale, where we stop for the lunch.

Post lunch, we cross the fourth bridge and trek along the right bank of the river for forty minutes to arrive at Larja Doban. At Larja Doban we sight the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. There are two elevated bridges at Larja Doban. We cross the higher one and begin the uphill climb on the stony trail towards Namche. Almost after 1 and a half-hour of trek we arrive at Top Danda. Savoring the first view of Everest from Top Danda, we trek uphill for the next ninety minutes through pine forest to Namche.

Day 06 Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar 
Altitude:(3440m/11283ft)
Activities: Acclimatization Walk to Everest View Hotel
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Namche
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rest day during trek means to hike to higher elevation and trek down back for proper acclimatization. Today we will walk up to the Everest View Hotel, which lies at the altitude of 3880m (440m higher than Namche). 2.5 hours of an uphill hike on the stony trails of the open hill brings us to Everest View Hotel. Savor the views of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kantega, Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam among others from the site. Trekking down back to Namche on the same trail is easy 1.5 hrs walk.

Rest of the time you may just explore Namche Bazaar, visit its Sherpa museum- a great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering and if this happens to be Saturday, you would have a wonderful local market (Hatt Bazaar) at Namche Bazaar. It is interesting and a wonderful experience to understand how the locals exchange their goods or buy the necessary stuff from the market itself. Namche Bazaar, itself is a tourist shopping hub with all the required trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. O/N at Namche.

Day 07 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 
Altitude: (3870m/12694ft)
Activities: 5-6 Hours Trek (11-12 Kms)
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Tengboche
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We begin the trek with the uphill walk to emerge out of Namche. Thirty-minute walk along the twisted trail savoring the views of Everest, we arrive to Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa. Almost two hours of walk on the open hillside from the stupa brings us to Kyangjuma. The view of Dudh Koshi River Valley from Kyangjuma is exceptional. 300m downhill trek through the pine forest from Kayngjuma brings us to Phungitenga, where we have our lunch. Post lunch we cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and begin the uphill climb to Tengboche. The first one and half hour uphill walk to Tengboche are tougher along the stony trails whereas, the next one hour is a pleasant and gradual climb through the beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron. Tengboche, one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya, is famous for its amazing views of Ama Dablam Mountain at the backdrop of Tengboche monastery itself. The Tengboche monastery is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries of Khumbu region, your guide will take you to see these monastery surroundings, chant with Buddhist monks, enjoy the praying ceremony. O/N at Tengboche.

Day 08 Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche
Altitude: (4,288m/14,069ft)
Activities: 5-6 Hours Trek (12-14 Kms)
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Pheriche
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at Tyangboche then will start walking off this day. The trail descends down winding through the rhododendron forest to Devoche. Crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khola River beyond Devoche, we hug the valley wall and then traverse to the plains of Pangboche village which is the biggest Sherpa village of Khumbu. Here we have a great chance to see the typical Sherpa people, culture and traditions. We will take a short hike to the monastery over to hill at Pangboche- probably the oldest monastery of Khumbu. Then, we walk thirty minutes through the village and hike for an hour through the open valley to Somare 4040m. Somare is the tree line border during the Trek. Climbing gradually on an uphill trail through the glacial moraines and yak grazing lands for two hours we arrive at Pheriche.

Day 09 Acclimatization Day in Pheriche
Altitude: 4,288m/14,069ft
Overnight: Mt. Lodge in Pheriche 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This day is set aside just for acclimatization. This will help minimize the chances of anyone being affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Today we climb a terrain above the Pheriche village as it is well suited to give us a good hiking experience in a cold condition. After an uphill climb to the top of the hill, we are rewarded with great views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 10 Pheriche to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Altitude: 4,570m/14,994ft
Activities: 5-6 hours walk
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We begin today’s trek by walking back to Pangboche and crossing the Dudh Koshi River. Next, we ascend on a trail which will take us to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The Base Camp is large and open grassland at the foot of Mt. Ama Dablam. Overnight at Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Day 11 Acclimatization and Pre-climb training at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Altitude: 4,570m/14,994ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the best ways of using climbing gear such as the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes for climbing both up and down. The training will boost our confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing our chance of a successful summit of the mountain. Overnight in Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Day 12-25 Ascending and Descending of Ama Dablam
Altitude: 6,856m/22,495ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From the Ama Dablam Base Camp we move further up to Camp 1 at 5,700m (17,400 ft) along the standard route. Generally, one night is spent at Camp 1 for acclimatization and before returning to the Base Camp for the final preparation to scale the summit. There are three camps above the base camp before reaching the summit. The ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 is technically challenging. From Camp 1, we follow existing fixed lines and then establish new ropes wherever necessary both for ascent and descent. The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is comprised of mixed rock, snow and ice, which is loose in certain places. The climb from Camp 3 to the summit is relatively less technical. After summiting the peak, we return back to the base camp.

Day 26 Trek to Namche Bazeer
Altitude: 3,440 m/11,284 ft 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

We trek down and again pass through Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengboche. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Namche for overnight.

Day 27 Trek to Lukla 
Altitude: 2850m/9348ft
Activities: 6 hours walking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we will have easy walking back to Lukla. We walk through the picturesque landscapes and natural valley and villages following down Dudhkoshi River. You will have a short gradual ascent to reach Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, freshen up at your hotel and relax. Evening, you could have a party with your trekking crew as it is your celebration of successful trip also the last night in the Everest Region. O/N at Lukla.

Day 28 Lukla- Kathmandu Flight 
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Activities: 30 min flight to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Our flights are in the morning for Kathmandu from Lukla. After breakfast at Lukla hotel, you will check in to the airport and take your flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. You will have free time to relax, freshen up and rest. In the evening, we will meet you again, take you feedback of the trip and host a farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu. O/N at Kathmandu 

Day 29 Departure from Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals: Breakfast

Today you will depart Kathmandu. Breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, then you are free for shopping at the Kathmandu. When the time to depart back comes, we will transfer you to the airport. Have a safe flight and visit Nepal time and again.
End of our services!

Cost Includes:

• Arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle.
• 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 4-star category with breakfast
• Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu 
• Expedition Royalty and a permit fee of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Ama Dablam, Sagarmatha National Park, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
• 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
• Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
• Domestic Flight from Kathmandu – Lukla and while returning Lukla - Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
• All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Lukla (by air cargo) and Base camp (by Porters / Yak) – While returning: Base camp to Lukla (by porters / Yak) and Lukla to Kathmandu (by air cargo).
• Member Luggage: Up to 60 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Yaks.
• 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek and at the Base camp. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, meat, fruits will be served during the entire expedition. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff.
• Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways).
• Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
• All Nepalese staff & porters' daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
• Each member will have an individual tent in Base Camp.
• Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
• 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, battery charge, for laptop and other electronic devices.
• Training: Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and gear training at base camp by Sherpa Guide.
• HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA: 1 veteran and government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Base camp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
• ASSISTANCE: Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
• Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
• Carry Bonus of Sherpas and Route Fixing Charges.
• Oxygen Bottle (O2): Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge).
• Oxygen mask & Regulator: 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency.
• High Camp service (Logistics): High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) and (C3). Group climbing gears, and fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
• Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
• The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the rope and the route.
• Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, also available for members with an appropriate charge.
• Walkie Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
• Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
• Medical kit: Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
• Ama Dablam climbing certificate issued by MoCTCA (after climbing Ama Dablam successfully).

Cost not Includes:

• International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary plan).
• Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
• Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
• Personal expenses such as Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
• PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
• Toiletries: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
• Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
• Internet Service is not included during the trek and the expedition.
• SUMMIT BONUS: Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 1000 USD.
• TIPPING: Calculate some tips for Base camp and high camp staff – Minimum 350 USD.
• EXTRA: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking this trip. Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong. So if you have insurance it helps you for the risks management. While you are in High Altitude region might face lots of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems; injuries, illness and even High altitude sickness can tear up your trip. Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation and rescuing. So, every traveler MUST have the insurance covered against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurances for your safety. For more information please visit this link: https://www.advadventures.com/page/travel-insurance.html

Meal Plan 
Eating is a big part of traveling. We will provide three time meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese cuisines serves the Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup along with some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries.

When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs; we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also the crew will carry fresh fruits supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides have been carefully checked for quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.

Accommodation plan
During this trip, we will spend nights in Kathmandu at three-star standard hotels and during our trek we will use mountain teahouses and tented camps. A Tea House is the combination of guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in Tea Houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facility. Many of them have hot water available for bathing at additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative. For the Climbing part we use tented camps.

There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.

Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is for all season! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. Most recommended seasons for trekking and climbing are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, May). In these seasons you will be rewarded by good weather, sunny and warm with clear sky and outstanding views. During monsoon (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem for trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanical, monsoon is blessing as the higher valleys, mountains and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can do trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) also; only the issue is cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations. The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, because of effects of global warming the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be possibility of exception in these weather patterns. In best seasons also there could be hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months; weather tends to be excellent for trekkers.