Ama Dablam Expedition- 30 Days

On the second day, we will go sightseeing in the morning time as the city's history traces right from the ancient ages. This tour will be a few hours long and will refresh and relax you. After we finish sightseeing in the morning we rest for some time and in the evening start our discussion where we will share knowledge about the course. During the discussion, we will be sharing information regarding the usage of gears and equipment which will be followed by a wholesome Nepali dinner.

Along the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will view The Himalayan range, hills, rivers, tiny settlements, etc. After landing at Lukla airport, we start our hike with our other crew members who will be waiting for us at the Lukla airport. Moving on a trail for a couple of hours through the wilderness of the Himalayan region, we reach Ghat, a small Sherpa settlement. On the way, we come across prayer flags and wheels, stupas, and suspension bridges along with yaks and people residing in those areas. Finally, we reach Monjo where your permits will be checked and you will rest for the night. At Monjo, you can try buttered tea and local food as well.

After leaving Monjo we hike on the banks of Dudh Koshi crossing many suspension bridges to reach Namche. After a while, we reach Jorsale and then take a step to ascend to Tope Danda. From here the first magnificent view of Mt.Everest can be seen. Through the unwinding path, we carry on to Namche which is the largest settlement in the Khumbu region. This place is a tourist hub since many trails to the Everest region pass through here. All the basic necessities like ATMs, cyber cafes, shops, bakeries, markets, etc. are available here. Besides, you can visit a local monastery, the Sherpa museum of culture, and the Himalayan history of climbing in Nepal here.

As we ascend a sudden change in altitude might be felt so the pace can go slowly. The unusual terrain will certainly captivate you since you are exploring one of the highest elevations in the world. On reaching Khumjung you will find a school constructed by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. A medical health post is near Kunde and another center of attraction is the scalp of Yeti (snowman) preserved in a nearby old monastery. From here we also get a glimpse of Amadablam.

We head on a trial after breakfast through a long stone staircase. There is a vertical rock cliff that ends at Mong La Pass, from where you can observe Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kantegri. Then onwards we descend and reach the river banks. The way traverses through a small farming village Phortse where we stop for an overnight stay. The village is situated in the river valley and is home to many trekking sherpas.

The hike from Phortse to Dingboche is the long first half of the trail that leads to upper Pangboche. In this trial, you will get to observe the Tangboche monastery on another side of the valley which is one of the largest monasteries in the region. On reaching Pangboche you can visit an old monastery that is filled with ancient paintings and statues. Our route traverses up the hill with boulders and a glacial river alongside. After hiking for a while a small seasonal settlement of Dingboche is met. This place lies on the base of the southern face of Lhotse and Ama Dablam's north ridges are clearly seen from this area.

Dingboche-Chukkung, Chukkung-Chhukung Ri(5,364m/,17,600), Back to Dingboche: Duration; 7-8 hours

The hike begins in the morning with much excitement since it will ultimately take you to the base camp. After crossing Imja Khola the ascend begins through the wilderness to Lhabarma. After walking for a considerable distance we reach the base camp's much-awaited destination. You can have views of Kantega, Thamserku, and Tawoche and the icy slopes of Ama Dablam. Here the night is spent in tents and we will have some hot soup at this elevation.

Climbing to Yak Camp for acclimatization may appear challenging as your body needs to get intermingled with higher altitudes however, it is in fact the most fun thing to do. Ice and boulder surroundings are a rare sight if you live on lowlands. The first phase of the climb is along the moraine ridge and then the southwest ridge. Our crew will leave some heavy equipment needed here. You can enjoy the fabulous view of the Himalayas and the mighty mountain massif standing tall for ages from this point. Later, we decline and rest at the camp.

The day begins on snow and ice, so you normally rest and make your body fit for the day next. No significant amount of distance will be covered on this day, rather we perform some pre-climbing activities. There will be a pre-climbing training period with our expert Sherpa climber who will guide you with the pre-climbing activities.

Just like yesterday, today has also been set for preparation and rest since your body needs to be fit and healthy ready to adapt to the temperature of the surrounding. On this day, our experts will give you lessons on climbing using gears and tools (harness, ascender, crampons, karabiner, ice axe, etc.). If you have any doubts, make sure you ask our climbers, and after everything is done retreat to your tents and prepare for the day next.

Ultimately the real expedition begins as with all the equipment we ascend towards the peak. We traverse through the snowy path and climb. After hiking for around 4 hours, we reach the Yak Camp where we set up our tent and get ready to spend the night.

Climbing straight through the southwestern ridge we start our trial. The land turns into a sharp cutting edge and from then it's an easy walk for a while. Then the trail takes us to a huge granite boulder and on the final lap of the day the treacherous steep rock slab needs to be overcome. So we camp for the night at the rock platform, since strong and icy winds blow here it will be wise to stay inside the camp only.

The air is thin and with less oxygen, your body might observe certain changes. So in order to avoid any sickness and suffering stress in the body, we acclimatize for a certain time and make gradual progress. Now camp 2 is a real technical climb, it can be a little difficult so we begin our climb cautiously. The ropes will be already tied by our climbers and you will be heading taking small steps. You will reach Yellow Tower the main point of the climb and stay there for some time and observe the view. Here, you will finally achieve what you have come for. By the end of the day, you will retreat to camp 1 for an overnight stay.

As the altitude is high you must be careful and the icy winds make the atmosphere even more extreme. We pack our things and slowly descend through the rocky slab and then to Yak camp. Gradually we climb down retracing our step from where we ascend, so after a while, we will reach base camp and the night will be spent there.

Since you have achieved a remarkable feat and more is yet to come and your body needs to be adjusted to the surrounding. Hence, we take a rest in the base camp only for the overnight stay.

Since restoring strength is vital now as the trail is long ahead and scaling the summit was also physically challenging we take an extra day to rest at the base camp and explore the region.

Since you have already covered this trail before it will be much easier for you to take the trail now. First, we hike to yak camp and then to Camp 1. As this trail has already been experienced before it will not be that difficult.

This day can be kept as a spare day since at this elevation the weather can go unpleasant and cannot be predicted. Similarly, the other reason to keep this day as a spare day is because there is a high possibility that you might be too tired to make ascend that day. Besides, if everything is favorable we can climb to Camp 2 on your special request.

The climb starts with the usual path, the path to camp 2. Once you reach Camp 2, the new track begins towards Camp 2.7. Since this kind of trail is seldom scaled, the climb gets difficult and challenging. Other reasons for such challenging climbs are inclined icy and tough pitches. Passing through Grey Tower and the last lap of the climb you will come across the mushroom ridge. Similarly, the ice part is will be resting on the cutting edge of a rocky ridge which results to be challenging and treacherous climb which will be a huge achievement if done properly. Camp 2.7 is made on the mushroom ridge in order to avoid icefall from Ama Dablam. It is also better to spend the night at that elevation enjoying the close-up view of the Ama Dablam peak.

Ultimately the moment you have been waiting for has arrived. You will start the hike to the summit as soon as the day breaks as nothing can be predicted about the weather at these peaks during the day. The climb from Camp 2.7 appears easy but the main challenge is reaching higher altitudes at those freezing temperatures. The small and steady steps holding the ropes seem a persevering task but sadly it is the only way. The climax approaches after you cross the steep ice blanket. The feeling of accomplishment will make you feel that the sight is not an ordinary sight and you will enjoy yourself beneath you those dwarf hills. Additionally, you can have a view of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from there. After spending a good amount of time at the summit, we slowly descend to Camp 2.7 where we again spend yet another night.

The descent is going to be long so we better start early. Since the trail is already covered before it is not going to be that difficult. Walking down the inclined path first we reach Camp 1. Do not forget to enjoy the view from here as we are not fortunate to watch this view every day. We move down to Yak Camp and eventually to base camp. At the base camp, you retreat for the night with a heart full of mirth made with wonderful memories.

After a continuous climb for three days at such high altitudes, this day has been kept as the rest day. You can relax and enjoy the view of mystical mountains and discuss the challenges and difficulties encountered while scaling the summit on this day at the Base camp.

After spending so many days at these altitudes your body might get used to it so normally a rest day is suggested. Sometimes mild cases of altitude sickness may occur in order due to the change in altitude. Therefore, to avoid such things a day of rest is preferred.

We trail towards Namche Bazaar leaving the snowy landscape behind. As we descend we get to observe the greenery which starts to show up thus distancing Ama Dablam. Before reaching Tengboche we again pass through Sagarmatha National Park. Passing through settlements and wilderness you make a descent to Dudh Koshi River. After walking through suspension we start ascending to Sanasa. From there after some time we reach Namche where we can rest and try some local food as well.

Namche a beautiful town in the Khumbu region is left behind. As we walk through we come across many suspension, clean, and swiftly flowing streams and rivers. You can bid farewell to villagers and enjoy the wilderness as you hike on. You will reach Phakding and then ascend to Lukla. After reaching Lukla your hike is over so take a rest and enjoy.

We board a flight at Tenzing Hillary airport in Lukla and fly to Kathmandu. On this flight, you will have a last view of the magnificent region of Lukla and get a bird's eye view of hills, mountains, rivers, and valleys. On reaching Kathmandu you will be taken to your hotel. After refreshment, you can visit Kathmandu city because this place has a quite few things to offer especially historical sites.

This is kept as a spare day since the city surrounded by hills may have bad weather due to which your flight might get canceled. So this day can be spent intermingling in various parts of the city understanding culture and tradition. Likewise, you can try some local cuisine as well.

At last, the time has come to exit Nepal, we hope you will have a wonderful memory of this place. The adventures while scaling the summit and the endemic spies of flora and fauna that you have encountered, the tamed yaks will be with you forever. Our team with a heavy heart will reach you at the airport, and if you have really enjoyed please do visit us again.