Ama Dablam suits experienced mountaineers who are confident on exposed rock, snow and ice and can use fixed ropes and abseil at altitude. Tell us about your previous climbs so we can help assess whether this expedition is right for you. For a non-climbing journey in the Khumbu, explore our Everest Base Camp Trek.

Amadablam Expedition
Enjoy Mount Ama Dablam Expedition with a cultural trek in Khumbu, Nepal.
7,390
Duration
30 Days
Per person · 2–10 travelers
Ask about departure dates
Private departure from US$ 7,390 · 2–10 travelers
- Traveling with a group? Ask about group rates
- We’ll help tailor the trek to your budget
Duration
Max elevation
From group price
Per person · 2–10 travelers
Amigo traveler rating: 4.9/5 across 548 reviews · Google, Tripadvisor, Amigo website
Is this trek right for you?
Technical, extreme adventures requiring training and experience.
Trekking involves altitude, weather, and trail risks. A planned itinerary, acclimatization days, and guide support cannot guarantee safety or reaching the planned destination. Conditions may require changes to the route.
PDFYour trip planning kit
Amadablam Expedition
Trip overview
- Service level
- Amigo Essential
- Comfort profile
- Expedition Grade
- Accommodation standard
- Hotel/ Lodge/Tent
Route highlights
Attempt Ama Dablam (6,812 m) via its southwest ridge.
Trek through the Khumbu Valley to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
Climb exposed rock, snow and ice with an experienced team.
Allow time for acclimatisation and a suitable summit weather window.
Read full trip overviewShow less
Ama Dablam, standing tall at 6,812m, is an incredibly beautiful mountain that dominates the skyline above the world-renowned Everest Base Camp trail. Its name originates from the Sherpa language, where "Ama" means mother and "Dablam" refers to the sacred ornament box that Sherpa women wear. The glacier on the mountain's southwest face appears like a precious jewel box suspended from the mountain's neck, earning it the nickname "The Mother's Jewel Box." The first attempt to climb Ama Dablam was made on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill (NZ), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (NZ), and since then, the mountain has continued to captivate mountaineers from around the world.
Embarking on an Ama Dablam expedition is an exciting 30-day adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. The expedition includes a climbing and acclimatisation period on days 9–25, including time at high camps and a summit attempt when conditions allow, with the other days spent trekking through the picturesque Khumbu valley below Tengboche. The expedition starts with a drive to Ramechhap and a flight to Lukla, and from there, following the Everest base camp trail, we hike up to Tengboche. We then leave the Everest base camp trail and head towards the Ama Dablam base camp.
The climb up the southwest ridge is technically challenging, requiring you to pass through tough saddle ridges, rocky ground, and boulders until the first camp. You then navigate severe rocky bowls and ridges through the fixed line up to the second camp and steep mixed alleyways of rock, ice, and snow, sloping snow ground, steep snow and ice tunnels, and the path along the snow ridge up to the third camp.
From the third camp to the summit, you embark on a steep climb on snow and ice along the huge hanging glacier. The summit offers an incredible panoramic view of Mount Everest, Island peak, Makalu, the Khumbu Himalayas, and other surrounding snow-capped peaks. Once you successfully climb the mountain, you follow the same route back down to Lukla, where you fly to Ramechhap and drive back to Kathmandu.
During the expedition, accommodation and meals are provided in a hotel in Kathmandu and lodges along the trekking route from Lukla to Tengboche, with full-board meals and accommodation in tented camps during the climb. You will be guided by experienced and certified climbing and trekking guides and crew members throughout the expedition.
In addition to the Ama Dablam expedition, you can also enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, the captivating landscape, mesmerizing scenery, and the rich culture, traditions, and warm hospitality of the Sherpa people residing in the Khumbu region. The best times to plan this expedition are during the Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October), while early winter is a good option for those seeking to avoid traffic.
Moreover, if you are looking for an expedition away from the Khumbu Amigo Treks and Expedition can make some of the best arrangements for Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, or even the Kanchenjunga expedition.
Day-by-day route outline
Review the route day by day, or expand all days to compare the details.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day details
On arrival at Kathmandu airport, an Amigo representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in after your journey; we will explain the immediate arrangements and check any outstanding questions about the expedition.
Day 2
Expedition briefing and preparation; drive to Ramechhap
Day details
Meet the expedition team for a briefing and equipment check in Kathmandu. After preparations, travel by road to Ramechhap and spend the night there ready for the Lukla flight. Departure timing depends on the flight schedule.
Day 3
Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day details
Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla, weather permitting, and meet the trekking crew. Begin the walk through the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding, taking a steady pace on the first day.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day details
Follow the Dudh Koshi upstream, crossing suspension bridges and passing through forest and villages. After the climb to Namche Bazaar, settle into the lodge and allow time to recover from the gain in altitude.
Day 5
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Day details
Spend a second night at Namche to help your body adjust. A gentle walk above the village and a return to sleep at Namche can support acclimatisation; tell your guide promptly about any symptoms of altitude illness.
Day 6
Trek to Tengboche
Day details
Leave Namche on the trail towards Tengboche, with mountain views when the weather is clear. The route descends towards the river before climbing through forest to the monastery village.
Day 7
Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Day details
Leave the main Everest trail and walk towards Ama Dablam Base Camp. The team will introduce the camp arrangements and review how everyone is feeling after the ascent.
Day 8
Rest and prepare at base camp
Day details
Rest at base camp, organise personal equipment and meet the climbing team. The guides review rope work and the plan for acclimatisation; the programme can change with conditions and individual health.
Day 9
Days 9–25: Ama Dablam climbing and acclimatisation period
Day details
These days are reserved for acclimatisation, training, rotations between base camp and higher camps, and a summit attempt if conditions allow. The southwest ridge involves exposed rock, snow and ice. Your climbing leader will decide the timing according to weather, route conditions and the team’s health; a summit is never guaranteed.
Day 26
Trek from base camp to Tengboche
Day details
After the climbing period, pack up and leave base camp for the return walk to Tengboche. The pace and departure time depend on the team and conditions on the mountain.
Day 27
Trek to Monjo
Day details
Retrace the Khumbu trail through Namche Bazaar and continue down the Dudh Koshi valley towards Monjo. The descent passes villages, forest and suspension bridges.
Day 28
Trek to Lukla
Day details
Continue along the valley and climb back to Lukla, where the team prepares for the flight out. Allow flexibility: mountain weather can affect flights and the return schedule.
Day 29
Fly to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu
Day details
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap when conditions permit, then continue by road to Kathmandu. Flight or road delays may change the timing; we will coordinate the onward transfer.
Day 30
Departure transfer
Day details
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight. We will confirm your departure time and pickup arrangements with you.
What is included in the trip price
The essentials and support items that are already built into the package.
Cost Include
Airport transfer service by private vehicle (Pick up and drop off facility-airport-hotel-airport)
2 Night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (4* Standard Hotel)
1 night's accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Ramechhap
Welcome dinner (with cultural show) at one of the best typical Nepalese restaurants with the expedition leader
Private transportation to and from Ramechhap for all staff and members
Flight tickets: Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap
3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for members and staff up until base camp
Accommodation (lodge, guest house, or tent) during the trek and climb
All required trekking and climbing permits
All required base camp and high camp equipment and service
Garbage deposit fee (waste management)
Hot drinking water during the camping period.
1 experienced, government-licensed, knowledgeable, Climbing guide per climber
1:1 porter (they will carry a maximum of 30 kg), up to base camp
Staff remuneration and allowances (all staff's daily wages, equipment, food, clothing, and personal insurance)
High camp setups: High Camp tents for Members and Guide, Essential cooking equipment, high altitude foods and gears
Heater: Heater at Dining tent and other necessary camps Solar panels for charging batteries and power in basecamp (lights)
Generator for emergency power
All staff's medical and emergency rescue insurance
The government liaison officer and his entire expenses
First-aid medical kits for the group and the staff
Satellite phones are carried by Guide for communication with company staff and are available for members at a cost of US$4 per minute.
All required group climbing gear
Spare oxygen in case of emergencies.
Farewell dinner with office staff at one of the finest dining restaurants in Kathmandu
What to budget for separately
Items travelers usually pay for separately, depending on style, spending habits, and optional upgrades.
Excludes
Nepal arrival visa fees
Meals except for breakfast and the welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses like mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, snacks, an extra meal, etc.
Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, or satellite phones, Internet expenses, and battery charging services
Summit bonus tips: Minimum USD 600 (mandatory). Please calculate some tips for Basecamp staff & porters.
Clothing, packing items or bags, a personal medical kit, camera or video fees, or trekking gear
Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses
Medical insurance, emergency rescue evacuation over 6,000 meters, trip cancellation, and treatment costs caused by any underlying or unforeseen disease or illness
Personal climbing gears
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2-10 travelers
US$ 7,390
per personQuestions travelers usually ask before booking
These route questions cover Nepal, expedition in nepal planning, and the logistics travelers usually want clarified before they commit.
We normally plan Ama Dablam for spring, particularly April–May, and autumn, especially September–October. Conditions and the weather window matter more than a fixed summit date, so the schedule needs flexibility.
The standard trip is 30 days, including the trek through the Khumbu, time at base camp and the climb. Weather and individual acclimatisation can affect the schedule and summit attempt.
Ama Dablam is a technical 6,812 m climb. Its southwest ridge involves exposed rock, steep snow and ice, fixed ropes and high camps. Strong climbing skills, endurance and careful acclimatisation are essential.
The package includes two nights in a four-star standard Kathmandu hotel, one night in Ramechhap, and lodges, guesthouses or tents on the trek and climb. High-camp tents are included for climbers and guides.
We arrange the required trekking and climbing permits listed in the package. You will need a valid passport and Nepal visa; we will confirm the current paperwork with you before departure.
Breakfast is included at the Kathmandu hotel, along with welcome and farewell dinners. The Ramechhap stay includes breakfast and dinner, and three daily meals are listed up to base camp. Our expedition description also provides meals at camp during the climb; tell us about dietary needs in advance.
The package lists private transport to and from Ramechhap, one night there, and return flights between Ramechhap and Lukla. Flights depend on weather; we will confirm the practical arrangements with you before departure.
The package includes required group climbing gear and high-camp tents and equipment. Personal climbing gear is excluded, so please ask us for the equipment list before you pack. Spare oxygen is listed for emergencies.
Useful trip information
Read travel and preparation advice
How much does it cost to do the Ama Dablam expedition? The cost of an Ama Dablam expedition can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the duration of the trip, the level of support provided by the expedition company, the size of the climbing team, and the level of experience and expertise of the climbing team members. Generally, the cost of an Ama Dablam expedition can range from around $7,000 to $12,000 USD per person. This cost typically includes services such as permits, transportation, accommodations, meals, climbing equipment, and the support of experienced climbing guides and sherpas. It's important to note that the cost of the expedition is not the only expense to consider. You will also need to budget for additional costs such as airfare to Nepal, visas, travel insurance, vaccinations, personal gear, and any additional expenses you may incur while in Nepal. Mount Everest is generally considered to be a more technically challenging and physically demanding climb than Ama Dablam. This is because Everest is the tallest mountain in the world and requires climbers to endure extreme altitude and weather conditions, as well as navigate complex terrains such as the Khumbu Icefall and the Hillary Step. While Ama Dablam is not as tall as Everest, it is still a challenging climb that requires technical climbing skills and experience. The mountain features steep rock and ice sections, as well as a prominent and exposed ridge near the summit that requires careful navigation. The altitude on Ama Dablam is also significant, with the summit reaching 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), which can present significant physical challenges. In summary, while both mountains are challenging in their own ways, Everest is generally considered to be a more difficult and demanding climb than Ama Dablam. Is Ama Dablam easy to climb? No, Ama Dablam is not an easy mountain to climb. Ama Dablam is a technically demanding mountain that requires climbers to have advanced climbing skills and experience. The climb involves a combination of steep rock, ice, and snow sections, as well as exposed ridges and difficult route-finding challenges. Climbers attempting Ama Dablam must be comfortable with high altitudes and be able to manage the physical and mental demands of climbing at extreme elevations. They must also be able to work well as part of a team and have a good understanding of mountaineering safety and rescue techniques. Overall, climbing Ama Dablam is considered a challenging and rewarding experience for experienced mountaineers, but it is not a suitable mountain for beginners or those without significant climbing experience. How long does it take to climb Ama Dablam? The duration of climbing Ama Dablam is subject to various factors such as the climber's experience level, the chosen route, weather conditions, and team support. Typically, the climb takes about 30 days from the time of arrival in Nepal until completion. Here's a rough breakdown of the time required for each stage of the climb: Trekking to base camp: 8–9 days Establishing higher camps and acclimatization: 8-10 days Summit push and descent: 2–5 days Climbers should anticipate spending at least four weeks on the mountain, but flexibility is crucial since weather conditions and other factors can influence the climb's duration. It's also essential to note that some climbing teams may choose to spend more time on the mountain to allow for additional acclimatization or adjust their plans according to changing conditions. What experience do you need for Ama Dablam? Ama Dablam is a technically demanding mountain that requires climbers to have significant mountaineering experience and advanced climbing skills. Some of the skills and experience that are typically recommended for climbers attempting Ama Dablam include: High-altitude climbing experience: climbers should have experience climbing at high altitudes and be familiar with the effects of altitude on the body. Technical climbing skills: climbers should have advanced technical climbing skills, including experience with rock climbing, ice climbing, and mixed climbing. Glacier travel and crevasse rescue: climbers should be experienced in glacier travel techniques and crevasse rescue techniques. Rope skills: climbers should be comfortable with rope handling techniques, including belaying, rappelling, and ascending fixed ropes. Expedition experience: climbers should have experience on multi-day mountaineering expeditions, preferably at high altitudes. Physical fitness: climbers should be in excellent physical condition, with a strong cardiovascular system and good muscular endurance. Mental toughness: climbers should be mentally prepared to deal with the physical and mental challenges of climbing at high altitudes, including cold temperatures, challenging terrain, and exposure to heights. Can you climb Ama Dablam without a guide? To climb Ama Dablam, a permit from the Department of Tourism is necessary, and it's only possible through a registered expedition company. While it's technically possible to climb the mountain without a guide, it's not advisable for most climbers. Ama Dablam is a technically demanding peak that requires advanced climbing skills, extensive experience, and knowledge of mountaineering safety and rescue techniques. Moreover, the complex terrain and challenging route-finding require local expertise and familiarity with the region. For a safe and successful climb, most climbers should hire a qualified and experienced guide who can offer advanced technical climbing skills and assistance throughout the expedition. Moreover, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) mandates that climbers attempting peaks above 6,500 meters in Nepal must be accompanied by a licensed guide on commercial expeditions. Therefore, while some experienced climbers may consider climbing Ama Dablam without a guide, it's not advisable for most, and it's mandatory to register through a licensed expedition company and obtain a permit from the Department of Tourism.
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