AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION

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AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION

EXPEDITION
30 Nights / 31 Days
includes:
  • transports
  • sight seeing
  • food
  • hotels

Situated in the Khumbu Himal en route to Everest Base Camp, Ama Dablam (6,856m) is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalaya. In Sherpa dialect, the name ‘Ama Dablam’ means “Mother’s necklace”, reflecting the distinct shape of the mountain: the long, graceful sweep of the ridges on each side stretching out like the arms of a mother (ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier below the summit forming the dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women.  

 First summitted by an Anglo American/New Zealand team in 1961, an ascent of Ama Dablam represents a significant challenge requiring technical ability over ice & rock. We will be using the conventional SW ridge which involves pure rock climbing. The last section to the summit involves ice climbing followed by a long, steep snow slope. Because of the technical nature of the route, 3,500m of fixed rope are required as well as 3 camps above base camp.

The approach to Ama Dablam offers climbers fantastic views and a wonderful base camp in a meadow with a stream. From the Base Camp, you can clearly see Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Cho-Oyu & Everest . Close views of Nuptse, Baruntse & Pumori can be enjoyed from the summit.

Normally the climb is completed in less than 4 weeks but we do add an extra few days to allow for unexpected bad weather.

Ama Dablam is one of the most fabulous mountains in the world. Experience the stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from its summit. Amadablam expedition provides the technical climbing experience with its breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan peaks. Intensive exploration of Namche Bazar and soak up the Sherpa Culture. Heavenly blessed mountain flight to and from Lukla. 

  • Start : Kathmandu
  • End : Kathmandu
  • Duration : 31 Days
  • Difficulty Level : Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude : 6,812m
  • Accomodation : Teahouse/Camping

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions.

Day 2: In Kathmandu for official formalities and last minute preparation

In Kathmandu for final preparation of Climb. Meet other team members, complete official and government formalities, final gear check and load. Upon your interest, an optional Kathmandu sightseeing can be arranged on these days. We will have a trip orientation and your trip leader will give you a brief about your climb before we head to our journey.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

After an early morning b/fast, we take the mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. We begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding where we’ll stay overnight.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. This is known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. After completing all the necessary national park formalities, we will enter Sagarmatha National Park. Lowering down from the park, we will arrive at river. Crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.

Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization day [3,450m/11,319ft]

Namche Bazaar is regarded as gateway to the high Himalayas. It is also the main trading center and a capital of Sherpa land. Rest is recommended in Namche for acclimatization purpose. Short hike will be arranged to the ancient Sherpa village of Thame to observe the rich Sherpa culture. We can also visit nearby Khumjung, Khunde or Khongde villages. Shopping in marketplace of Namche is another fine idea. National Park Head office, Museum and monasteries are other places of interest. The area is clustered with cafes, shops, bakeries and restaurants. The place supports facilities of post office, hospital, government health post. Internet access is also available at Namche so that you can contact your near ones.

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche [3,876m/12,717ft]

Existing at 3876m is the culturally and religiously profound village of Tengboche which is regarded as the cultural center of Khumbu. Early in the morning, we will visit local monastery in Tengboche where we will observe Buddhist ceremonies and rituals that are carried out by local monks. Monastery in Tengboche is in fact the largest monastery in Khumbu region. Tengboche offers enchanting views of Himalayan panorama. We can see Thamserku and Kangtega peaks standing to the south while Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam rise to the north. We will also get close-up views of Kwangde and Tawache peaks.

Day 7: Trek to Pangboche [3,985m/13,075ft]

After an early morning visit to Tengboche gompa, we will head towards Pangboche. Acclimatization-wise, it is recommended to stay at Pangboche for the day. Pangboche is the highest permanently inhabited village. Pangboche holds the oldest gompa in Khumbu region that was built in 1667. We will explore the cultural richness of Pangboche. We can get epic view of Amadablam from most of the point.

Day 8: Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp [4,420m/14,502ft]

Leaving Pangboche, we will head towards Amadablam Base Camp by following the scenic trail that stretches down to the river and take sharp climb to Kharka. The trail offers close-up views of Amadablam, Lhotse, Lobuche, Pumori, Cholatse, Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Amphu Gyabjen and others. As we move ahead, view of Amadablam Mountain becomes more vivid. Once we reach the base camp of Amadablam, we can get views of many stunning peaks and hanging glaciers. We will meet our other crew at Base Camp.

Day 9 - 10: Rest and Get organized/ Puja Ceremony

Taking rest helps us to mentally and physically prepare ourselves for the challenges proposed by Amadablam Mountain. Puja Ceremony will be organized according to the Sherpa ritual to ask for blessings for the successful ascend of Amadablam.

Day 11 -18: Acclimatization and rotation of higher camps

Before making final climb to the summit, we will practice climbing to Camp 2 (5900m) and descending to Base Camp for making our body well acclimatized to the high altitude. On first rotation, we will carry small load to Camp 1 (5700m) and then return to our Base Camp. On our next rotation, we will sleep at Camp 1 and early in the morning of next day, we will climb to Camp 2. In a final rotation, those feeling comfortable will sleep at Camp 2 while other climbers will descend to lower camps for rejuvenation before making the final attempt for the summit.

Day 19 - 23: Summit climb and back to base camp

We will target to make our final ascend to the summit on these days after completing our rotation. Since we have to adjust according to the situations like weather conditions and other factors, it is not possible to have fixed itinerary for these days. Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,705m/18,718ft): From the Base Camp, we will move through grassy ridges and head east to a broad saddle from where we will get view of Mingbo La pass. Heading north through boulders to the ridge, we will reach at an altitude of 5705 m where we will set our Camp I. Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5,900m/19,357ft): Leaving Camp 1, we will follow the snowy trail to the top of ridge. We need to make several small snow steps. We will head east and after walking through the ground, we will reach to the top of ridge that is tapered at the point. We will proceed to the crest of the ridge and move further to the west. Later, we will follow the easy trail on the eastern face to reach to the top of yellow tower. After bit difficult climb of the section, we will reach Camp 2. Camp 2 to Camp 2.7 (6,300m/20,770ft): Moving east, we will proceed to the grey tower. Cautious climb from the tower will take us to amphitheater. Climbing further to gully, we will ascend to the snow slope and proceed to mushroom ridge from where we will head to Camp 2.7 (6300m). Camp 2.7 to Summit (6,812m/22,350ft): Leaving Camp, we will walk through crevasse in the upper face and climb ice slope to the right of Dablam. We will head west and arrive at the small snowfield located below Burgschrund. Crossing it, we will reach to the top of the highest hanging glacier. Final trail through an ice crest will take us to the summit. After spending some time in the summit, we will descend to Base Camp.

Day 24 - 25: Contingencies Day

These contingency days will help us to make sure that our schedule will go on smoothly without interruption even if there occur complications during our Expedition.

Day 26: Trek to Pangboche [3,985m/13,075ft]

After our successful expedition we leave the Base Camp and retrace our step to Pangboche.We can rejoice the views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga and Kongde ridges and Imja Tse River from Pangboche village.

Day 27: Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

We will follow the return trail along Imja River that takes us through the forest of birch and spruce to Tengboche village. After brief stop in Tengboche, we will follow the trail through forest of blooming rhododendron to the bridge. We will cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and move through Dudh Koshi gorge and pine forest to Sansa village and finally to Namche Bazar.

Day 28: Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had during our climb. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends.

Day 29: Fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free to do your own things.

Day 30: Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Ama Dablam Expedition.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Day 31: International departure

Thank you for joining us on this expedition and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Price Includes:

  • Arrival & departure transfer from and to the airport & hotels
  • 4 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis
  • Tea house accommodation on full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek
  • Base Camp accommodation with individual sleeping tent with mattress
  • Base Camp service (shared with group)-kitchen tent with cook, kitchen boy, dining tent with tables and chairs, shower tent, toilet tent, storage tent, gas heater etc.
  • High camps during the climb with high food
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
  • Surface transportation as per itinerary on private vehicles
  • 1 climbing Sherpa for 1 climbing member during the expedition
  • Cost of Liaison officer
  • Permits & other local taxes
  • Required number of porters
  • Climbing equipment, transportation, accommodation, food, salary and insurance for Sherpa and other staffs
  • Radio set for communication between camps

Price Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, bottled water, bar bills, etc.
  • Lunches & dinners in Kathmandu
  • Travel & medical insurance including insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation
  • Tips for local staffs
  • Summit Bonus
  • Any extra cost arising out of natural calamities or cancellation of the program

STARTING WITH PRICE: USD $ 7000* PER PERSON (MAXIMUM 20 PAX ONLY)

**Rates might vary so kindly contact us before booking with us.

Terms & Conditions


Booking

Your contract is with Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels. A contract exists between us when we have confirmed you on our tour / hotel booking / or any other travel related services of your choice and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence/s in respect of Tours / Travel Service bookings should be addressed to Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels.

Payments

For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.

Payment Options

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.

Rights to amend the itinerary if required

Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
  • 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
  • 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
  • 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
  • 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

Refund

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Where as in case of Cancellation before the commencement, it will take atleast two weeks time to refund the said amount.

Our Liabilities & Limitations

Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt. of India, the same would be charged as extra.

Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels act only in the capacity of agent for the hotels, airlines, transporters, railways & contractors providing other services & all exchange orders, receipts, contracts & tickets issued by us are issued subject to terms & conditions under which these services are provided by them.

All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.

Our rates are based on the prevailing rates as negotiated by us with the hotels, airlines etc. Hotels and Airlines retain the right to modify the rates without notice. In case of such changes the rates quoted before the modification, can be changed by us according to the modifications by hotels or airlines. All hotel bookings are based on usual check in and checkout time of the hotels until unless indicated in the itinerary.

We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipments, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.

We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.

We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.

Passports & Visas

To travel to India from overseas countries except for the citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 06 months valid passport and a valid Visa. And processing of Passport and Visa are not included in the tour cost.

Health

Any person who has a contagious disease is forbidden to travel, any person found during the tour with such a disease will be asked to leave the tour and will have to make their own arrangements to return home.