Expedition30 daysAdvancedMax: 6,856 m (Summit)

Ama Dablam Climbing Expedition

Nepal's most beautiful technical peak — the Mother's Necklace of the Khumbu.

Price

Kathmandu-direct pricing — no middleman markup.

Ama Dablam (6,856 m) is arguably the most beautiful mountain in the world: a soaring pyramid of rock and ice that dominates the Khumbu skyline. Technically more demanding than the 8,000 m peaks, it requires sound rock and ice climbing skills — but rewards with exceptional climbing on one of the safest and most well-organised routes in Nepal. The summit view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Khumbu is second to none.

Group Trips

Upcoming Group Departures

Reserve your spot — no payment upfront

Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kathmandu (1,350 m)

▲ 1,350 m

Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel, with an evening briefing on the climb ahead.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Kathmandu sightseeing and gear check

▲ 1,350 m

Visit Monkey Temple and other Kathmandu sites; gear inspection with the climbing leader.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,800 m); trek to Phakding (2,652 m)

▲ 2,652 m

40-minute mountain flight to Lukla, then a 3–4 hour trek down to Phakding.

Overnight: Phakding

Trek Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

▲ 3,440 m

Through pine and fir forest along the Dudh Koshi, over suspension bridges to Namche. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

▲ 3,440 m

Option of a stroll to the Everest View Hotel or exploring the villages above Namche.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Trek Namche → Debuche

▲ 3,820 m

Along the scenic ridge above the Dudh Koshi gorge, with stunning views of Ama Dablam ahead.

Overnight: Debuche

Trek Debuche → Pheriche (4,300 m)

▲ 4,300 m

Past Panboche with its ancient monastery, then to the open valley of Pheriche. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Pheriche

Acclimatization in Pheriche

▲ 4,300 m

Essential rest and acclimatization day — vital for high-altitude readiness.

Overnight: Pheriche

Trek Pheriche → Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570 m)

▲ 4,570 m

Relatively straightforward day's approach to the base camp below Ama Dablam's south face. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Ama Dablam BC

Acclimatization and pre-climb technical training at BC

▲ 4,570 m

Review rope techniques, crampon use, and fixed-line climbing at base camp before the ascent begins.

Overnight: Ama Dablam BC

Days 11–25: Ama Dablam summit ascent and descent (6,856 m)

▲ 6,856 m

The climbing phase involves multiple rotations through Camps 1, 2, and 3, with the summit push following the Southwest Ridge — one of the most aesthetically beautiful routes in Himalayan climbing. Expert rope and ice skills required throughout.

Overnight: BC / High Camps

Trek toward Lukla

▲ 3,440 m

Pack up base camp and begin the trek-out, retracing the Khumbu trail down toward Namche. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: En route

Trek to Lukla

▲ 2,860 m

A final trekking day down the Dudh Koshi to Lukla, with a celebratory dinner with the climbing crew. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Lukla

Fly Lukla → Kathmandu

▲ 1,350 m

Morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu and a free afternoon to rest and clean up.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu

▲ 1,350 m

A free day in Kathmandu to rest, celebrate the climb, and shop for souvenirs before departure.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Departure

Gallery

Moments from the route

Route

Route Map

Route and durations are approximate and can be customised to your schedule.

Included

What's Included

Ama Dablam climbing permit and royalty (NMA peak), plus Sagarmatha National Park and local permits — arranged by TempleFront (the current royalty figure is confirmed with your quote)

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (bed & breakfast) before and after the expedition, with all airport transfers

Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights for the team, plus cargo transport of expedition equipment

Teahouse accommodation with breakfast and dinner on the trek between Lukla and base camp

Full base-camp setup at 4,570 m: personal and dining tents, kitchen and communal tents, with a cook crew and full board

All high camps (Camps 1–3) with tents, stoves and fuel, established and fixed by the Sherpa team

Climbing Sherpa support on the mountain and an experienced climbing leader

Group technical equipment: fixed ropes, anchors and ice screws for the route

All Sherpa and staff wages, equipment and insurance

All government taxes and TempleFront service charges

Exclusions

Not Included

International flights to and from Kathmandu

Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival for most nationalities)

Comprehensive travel insurance with high-altitude climbing and helicopter evacuation cover (strongly recommended) — policy details required before departure

Personal climbing equipment and clothing (crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, ascender, down kit, etc.) — a full list is provided

Supplemental oxygen (not normally used on Ama Dablam; available on request at additional cost)

Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, and personal expenses (drinks, laundry, communications and Wi-Fi)

Tips and summit bonuses for your Sherpa and base-camp staff

Any costs arising from early descent, evacuation, or itinerary changes due to weather or personal reasons

Before You Go

Important Notes

Although shorter than the 8,000 m expeditions, Ama Dablam demands excellent fitness and the ability to climb technical ground above 6,000 m on consecutive days. The acclimatisation days at Namche and Pheriche are essential, not optional.
Rock and ice climbing skills are essential — this is not a walk-up peak.
Previous Himalayan climbing experience strongly recommended.
Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November).
Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended — submit policy details before departure.
Permits: Climbing permit from NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) or DoT (Department of Tourism), plus applicable park permits — all arranged by TempleFront.

Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private expedition?

Yes — TempleFront expeditions are run exclusively for your team. We never combine you with other clients.

What technical skills are required?

Sound rock and ice climbing skills are essential. You should be comfortable on mixed terrain, with crampon and ice axe technique, and ideally have experience on fixed-line systems. Previous Himalayan climbing is strongly recommended.

Is Ama Dablam more technically demanding than an 8,000 m peak?

In terms of pure technical difficulty, yes — Ama Dablam is widely regarded as more technically demanding than the standard routes on Everest, Manaslu, or Cho Oyu. The Southwest Ridge involves rock and mixed climbing sections at altitude that require genuine skill, not just altitude endurance. At 6,856 m it is also a serious altitude objective.

What does the Southwest Ridge route involve?

The standard Southwest Ridge ascends through three camps. Between Camps 2 and 3 lies the Yellow Tower — a steep rock section requiring confident climbing at altitude. Above, mixed terrain and fixed ropes lead to the snow and ice of the upper ridge. The route is well-established and fixed by Sherpa teams each season, but technical commitment throughout.

What climbing gear do I need?

A full alpine rack — crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, ascender, and personal anchor. A detailed gear list is provided after booking. TempleFront supplies group technical equipment (ropes, fixed lines, anchors). Specialist high-altitude clothing and sleeping systems are the climber's responsibility.

Is insurance mandatory?

Comprehensive insurance including high-altitude climbing and helicopter evacuation cover is strongly recommended for all team members. Submit your policy details before departure.

How far in advance should I book?

Spring Ama Dablam permits are in high demand. We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance for spring, and 2–3 months for autumn.

How do I enquire?

Send us a WhatsApp or email with your climbing experience and target season. We respond same day and guide you through the permit and preparation process.

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