Ama Dablam Expedition

Detail itinerary for Amadablam Expedition:

Day 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU( 1,520m.)

 After arrival we will be met and taken to our Hotel. Kathmandu is a strange mixture of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Western influence. There are many great attractions and sightseeing tours can be arranged with a guide accompanying you (optional ) or perhaps you can explore around on your own.

Day 02 : KATHMANDU At leisure in Kathmandu.

 While the guides sort out the expedition paper work, you will be able to explore this fascinating medieval city, crowded bazaars, Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines. It is a wonderful mixture of an ancient, colonial and modern architecture.

Day 03 :KATHMANDU Free day in Kathmandu.. This day in Kathmandu is an opportunity to hire any pieces of mountaineering equipment you do not already have.

Day 04: FLIGHT TO LUKLA 2800m 

 TREK TO PHAKDING The 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. The sixteen seated TWIN OTTER, takes us towards East into the heart of the Sherpa country, giving us breathtaking views of the mountain peaks of the Khumbu region, including Mt. Everest and the alluring Ama Dablam. The aircraft landing on this tiny air-strip at Lukla to put in simple words is - it is going to be madly exciting - getting chills up your spine!.

No-sooner after the landing, we will be setting off along the famous trail walking towards North-west and descending to the river side at Phakding 2,652m. Continuing further through attractive fir forests to Chumda and set up our camps for the night (walking approximately 5 hours).

Day 05: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR.

 After early breakfast, we begin climbing up the steep hill towards Namche Bazaar. If the sky is clear we can see the glorious Mt. Everest the tallest mountain of the world and next the Lhotse. We will reach to Namche after approximately six hours. It's a prosperous and largest town in the Khumbu region populated by the Sherpas who all resembles with the Tibetan people in looks and cultures also the same. The town is vibrant with many well stocked shops, typical restaurants and hotels, as a whole it all looks marvelous with the breathtaking close views of the snow-capped mountains all around. Some of us may likely face little problem in breathing as Namche is 3,445 meters above the sea level., therefore, we will spend two nights here for acclimatization.

Day 06 :REST DAY in Namche Bazaar..

Day 07 :TREK TO THYANGBOCHE 3,863m. No sooner it is morning we have the fantastic views of Mt. Ama Dablam and other mountain ranges all around us. We continue trekking heading North-East along the side of Dudh Koshi river. The trail descends going through moss and rhododendron forests to the river bank leading further along the river side to Phungithanga. After crossing the river Dudh Koshi over a bridge at this point, the trail lead climbing up a hill to the saddle top to Thyangboche. Thyangboche is the main important monastery in Khumbu region. Old (the first original one) Thyangboche monastery was destroyed by accidental fire in the year 1989. The main village is situated at the base of Mt. Kangtaiga and from the spur of this ridge top we can have the excellent panoramic views of the main mountain peaks including - Mt. Everest, Lhotse and the Ama Dablam. We settle down for the night camping near by the monastery. (walking involves 6 hours).

Day 08: TREK TO BASE CAMP.

 Trekking for about 2-3 hours up the valley heading towards the Everest Base Camp, our trail lead turning right then climbing up further to next valley and to our Base Camp at an elevation of 4,570 meters. We camp along the excellent spot from where majority of the climbing routes are visible. The atmosphere naturally will be pleasant; in cool serenity. The porters will be busy then, with loads for next couple of week time. Remaining staff at the Base Camp include - a Cook, Sirdar, other staff, and the Liaison Officer.

Day 09 TO 24: ASCENT OF MT. AMA DABLAM.

 We have to understand and be flexible with the time, as it would not be possible to stick to our day to day itinerary exactly during ascent period, due to unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains. As a whole the group will be working out on the mountains. The MAIN TEAM will SPLIT into groups - the climbing group and task group. The groups - while group 'A' is studying the route and fixing ropes the other group 'B' will be carrying necessary loads to higher camps. The route description is as such, of the expedition team (led by Ray Delaney) that have scaled Mt. Ama Dablam during the year 1990.

From the Base Camp --- Route leads through grassy ridges heading eastward to a broad saddle. From this point we can see the Mingbo La (high pass). We now head to North direction climbing up the rocky grounds then across the boulders to a ridge, a site for Camp I at an elevation of 5,705 meters. Here, there are 5-6 natural platforms suitable for pitching up tents.

From Camp I --- Cross a rocky bowl (tricky if snow covered) until, below two rock fingers, then move on to the ridge proper. Climbing the ridge involves rock climbing of severe standard with steps of VS (USA 5.6) Camp II is at the top of a yellow tower, which gives one of the hardest pitches on the climb at VS/Hard VS (5.8).

From Camp II --- Skirt a red rock bluff on the East and follow a ramp line to a gray tower. Move into the ramp (some stone fall danger) and climb to an amphitheater. Continue up a broad gully formed between the gray tower and the lower rock buttress and climb a snow slope to 'Santa's Grotto' at the start of the mushroom ridge. Follow the mushroom ridge to a crevasse in the upper face, which offers fantastic site. Climb the snow / ice slope to the right of the face, then follow mixed ground to the top of the highest hanging glacier. An ice crest now leads in a magnificent position to the summit. We have the glorious - grand views!.

Day 25 TO 27 :RETREAT TREK TO LUKLA. Overnight Camp.

Day 28: RETURN FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU. Transfer to the hotel. Time for relaxation..

Day 29: Kathmandu Free day in Kathmandu

Day 30: Departure to Tribhuban International Airport.

Cost include
Expedition service up to Summit:
•All land transportation by Car, Van, Hiace or, tourist Bus (Airport/Hotel/Airport, expedition pick up & drop).
•5 Nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu at 3 star Hotel on Bed & Breakfast plan (before & after expedition).
•Schedule flight KTM/Lukla/KTM for member, Liaison officer & Expedition staffs.
•Transport of food supply and expedition equipments to Base Camp and back.
•Full board in lodges during trekking to base camp and back.
•All kitchen tent, store tent, dining tents, toilet tent, table & chairs & cooking utensils for Base Camp.
•Base Camp single sleeping tent & Mattress for each member, BC staffs & Liaison Officer.
•Food and fuel at Base Camp.
•Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base Camp.
•Service of Government Liaison Officer.
•Equipments allowance, wages of cook, kitchen boys & Liaison officer.
•Insurance of cook, kitchen boy, Liaison Officer and porters.
•Peak Permit fee of Mt. Ama Dablam.
•Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee.
•One high altitude Sherpa per climber to carry all food & gear to higher camps. Also assist the member during climb & summit attempt.
•4 oxygen bottles (4 lts) per member with mask and regulator (for use only) " Poisk oxygen system".
•Common climbing equipment (necessary rope, ice bars, ice screws, etc).
•Common climbing equipment such as ropes, ice screws, ice bar, pitons, etc.
•Walkie-talkies for each member base unit at Base Camp.
•High altitude food.
•High altitude fuel.
•High altitude tents.
•2 Expedition duffel bag for each member.
•Generator or, Solar panel at Base Camp for light and charging.
•Sat Phone available at Base Camp, but nominal charge for use.
•Emergency medical oxygen at Base Camp.
•Visa extension fee.
•Agency service charge.

 cost does not include
•International airfare from/to your country.
•Nepal entry visa fee (can be obtained at the airport upon arrival).
•Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
•Hotel after 5 night stay in Kathmandu.
•Personal climbing gear and equipment above Base Camp.
•Personal insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation & lost luggage.
•Applicable permit fees and customs charges and commercial filming.
•Oxygen & Mask and regulator (will be provided as per request).
•Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, postage, telephone etc.
•Tips and bonuses.
•Garbage deposit fee.