Amadablam Expedition

Amadablam Expedition

South West ridge of Amadablam

9th October & 20th October 2023 Price Start From: Enquire for prices

Trip Overview

Towering over Tengboche monastery and the Sherpa village of Pangboche at a height of 6856m, Amadablam is one of the most iconic mountains in Nepal. The much-coveted South West ridge is one of the more popular routes in the Himalayas today, with climbers often using it as preparation for an expedition to one of the greater 8000m peaks (of course the mountain is by its own right a fantastic objective!). Comprising of steep ice and rock with exposed ridges, the technical nature of the route is somewhat lessened by the presence of fixed lines along the majority of the route.

Our Route: We start our acclimatization when we land in Lukla, the thriving Sherpa village known as the ‘Gateway to the Khumbu’. We trek through numerous Sherpa villages before arriving in the grassy surrounds of Amadablam Base Camp, which is undoubtedly one of the more scenic base camps in the Himalayas.

Above base camp we place three camps on the mountain, each precariously positioned on the ridge, which means you’ll need to have a good head for heights. Our summit push will begin early in the morning from Camp 3 and hopefully you’ll top out in great weather, as the summit affords spectacular views of numerous Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

This month-long expedition is suited to strong rock climbers and technically-orientated mountaineers who have previous experience in the Himalayas or other lower technical peaks in Europe, North and South America or New Zealand.

Trip Highlight

  • Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
  • Summit one of the jewels of the Khumbu valley
  • Experience technical climbing under well protected conditions
  • Colourful Buddhist culture
  • Spirited Sherpa people

Trip Grading

This expedition requires previous mountaineering and rock experience. Excellent fitness is essential. The South West Ridge route is technical and will reach a maximum altitude of 6856m.

Food & Drinks

Trip Itinenary

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu

A Himalayan Ascent representative will collect you from the airport. It’s a free day to recover from your international flight. Later in the evening, there will be a group briefing and welcome group dinner.

Day 2
In Kathmandu

This is a day to check your gear with your guides. If needed, there’s time to buy extra gear from local suppliers in town. Once the gear check is complete, you can sight see for the rest of the day. Don’t miss some of Kathmandu’s world heritage sites (e.g. Boudhnath, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square). Kathmandu is a hectic city full of culture and historic sites.

Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2840m), trek to Monjo (2840m) ~5 hrs

Our trip begins with an early morning 30 min flight to Lukla, that flies over endless rolling hills covered with green terraces. Once in vukla, we have a short break to organise porters and gear before starting our day’s walk, descending and ascending to Monjo. We pass green villages and colourful maniwalls as we follow the Dudh kusi river upstream. This region is Buddhist so remember to walk clockwise or to the right of maniwalls and prayer flag poles. Monjo is a Sherpa village situated near the base of the hill up to Namche.

Day 4
Trek Monjo (2840m) to Namche (3440m) ~4 hrs

Before leaving Monjo, we’ll drop into the Khumbu National Park Information Centre where you can trace our trail from a 3D model of the region. The route crosses several steel suspension bridges covered with katas, white well-wishing scarves, and prayer flags. From the last bridge, it’s a 2 hr hike up to Namche. On a clear day, you can catch your first view of Everest from a lookout about mid-way up the hill. Once in Namche, you have the afternoon to rest and to do last minute gear shopping.

Day 5
Acclimatisation day in Namche ~ 5 hrs

We spend an extra day in Namche before trekking higher to allow our bodies to adjust to the lower levels of oxgyen in the air. In the morning, we will walk up to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a panoramic view of your objective, Ama dablam alongside Everest and Thamserku. It’s just a taster for the spectacular scenery to come! From here, you can explore the villages of Khunde and Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary opened a hospital and school, respectively. Or the afternoon is free for wandering around Namche, emailing friends/family or relaxing over coffee and cakes in the bakery.

Day 6
Trek Namche (3440m) to Debuche (3710m) ~ 5 hrs

The trail behind Namche is a gentle track that traverses high above the Imja river with overlooking views of Thamserku and Ama dablam. We will pause at Kyangjuma for a morning tea break and to admire stunning views of Ama dablam. From here it’s a descent to the valley floor to cross the Imja river and then uphill to Tengboche. The Tengboche monastery is the largest monastery in the Khumbu, which allows public viewings of its prayer sessions. It’s a short 30 min descent from Tengboche to Deboche, our home for the night.

Day 7
Trek Debuche (3710m) to Amadablam base camp (4600m) ~4.5 hrs

In the morning we head to Pangboche, take a short break, cross the Imja river and then walk up the ridge opposite the village. It’s a gentle ascent to this meadow base camp that sits at the foot of the mountain. With close up views of this Himalayan mastiff, it’s one of the best camp sites in the Khumbu. Base camp consists of a dining tent, kitchen tent, shower tent and individual comfortable stand up tents for clients. You’ll get a good sleep on your 8 inch sleeping mattress, critical for good rests after acclimatisation rounds on the mountain before the summit push.

Day 8
Rest day in Amadablam base camp

We take an easy day to give your body extra time to slowly acclimatise. You can enjoy the day by exploring base camp grounds, taking short walks or sleeping and enjoying your base camp service. Eating good healthy food is critical for success so eat well. During one of the rest days before beginning your acclimatisation rounds, we’ll conduct a special puja (Buddhist ceremony) with the local lama to request the mountain spirits for safe passage. This is a highlight for many climbers.

Day 9
Training day at base camp

We begin the day by first checking gear before heading out for a practise session. On a set up of fixed lines, we’ll practice climbing up and traversing on fixed lines, and abseiling over knots. You should be confident using your gear whilst fully kitted up (gloves, climbing clothes). Please feel free to ask your guides if you have questions about safety and explanations about the route.

Day 10
Day trip base camp to 5800m

The first round of acclimatisation trips on the mountain starts with a hike up to 5800m, at the foot of the SW ridge route. We walk eastwards on a ridge around the south end of the Mingbo glacier that stretches off Ama Dablam. From the saddle, we can see Mingbo La pass further East that gives passage to the Hunku valley. We’ll hike up through a boulder field, cross a slab area and up a gully to the ridge. The SW route can be clearly seen from this advantage point to give you a better idea of the challenges and fun ahead! We return via the same route to good food and rest.

Day 11
Rest and gear preparation

Over the next 2 days we’ll be climbing up to Camp 2 and sleeping at Camp 1, so this is the day to pack and prepare. You’ll be carrying your sleeping bag, mat and personal items. Some climbers choose to bring 2 sets of sleeping bags so that 1 is left at base camp and 1 at a higher camp. This spares you from carrying your sleeping bag constantly up and down the mountain. Climbing Sherpas will head up today to set up the camps carrying tents, food and fuel.

Day 12
Climb base camp (4600m) to Camp 1 (5900m)

We follow the ridge route up through the boulder field, over the slab, up the gully and then scramble further to the tent platform, or Camp 1. You’ll be welcomed with a hot drink and will be able to rest in your tent before dinner.

Day 13
Climb Camp 1 (5900m) to Camp 2 (6100m), return to base camp (4600m)

This is the first serious day of climbing. It begins with a hike up to 2 finger like rock projections, and a climb up to the ridge proper. It’s a narrow ridge that leads to an exposed traverse on tension fixed lines. We jumar up to the ridge again and follow this to another face traverse, that takes us to the Yellow Tower. It’s a 15m pitch around AUS 16/US 5.8/5b standard to our camp. Camp 2 is an infamous site known for its precarious location with 360o degrees of surrounding exposure. Once we’ve touched this site we drop back down to base camp.

Day 14-15
Rest, contingency day and final Summit preparation

With our full rotation now complete and familarity of the route and its challenges established, we rest and wait for our summit push. This is time to rest and eat! We plan an extra contingency day for weather.

Day 16
Climb base camp (4600m) to Camp 1 (5900m)

The final summit push! We follow the now familar route up to Camp 1.

Day 17
Climb Camp 1 (5900m) to Camp 2 (6100m)

We continue on up now to Camp 2. Get a good rest and sleep. The next 2 days will be challenging and rewarding!

Day 18
Climb Camp 2 (6100m) to Camp 3 (6400m)

The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is considered to be the most difficult of the entire route. We begin by dropping briefly, traverse eastwards and then ascend to the base of the Grey Tower. We climb up alongside the Grey Tower using a steep rock gully that’s approximately an 80m ascent over pitches. Watch for rock fall here especially if there are other parties over head. We cross an exposed traverse that brings us to the West side of a large snow ridge (Mushroom ridge). From here it’s a climb up on this steep and narrow ridge to Camp 3.

Day 19
Climb Camp 3 (6400m) to Summit (6856m), return to Camp 2 (6100m)

Our summit push! We climb up the steep snow/ice slope behind Camp 3 and move towards the right side of the face to a small snow field. We cross a Bergschrund and climb up to an ice crest. This follows the summit ridge route to the large glorious snowfield summit top! The central position of Ama dablam affords stunning views of Khumbu peaks and beyond from its summit. From the summit, you see the summit of Island Peak just below you, and unobstructed views of Everest and Lhotse. Further a field in other valleys, Cho Oyu and Malakhu can also be seen. After a period of celebration on the summit, we climb and abseil down to Camp 3. Pack up camp and head to Camp 2 for the night. A well deserved rest awaits.

Day 20
Climb Camp 2 (6100m) to base camp (4600m)

After a quick breakfast, we pack up Camp 2 and return to base camp. Showers and good food are waiting to welcome you “home” from your summit success.

Day 21
Rest and pack up base camp

It’s been an exhausting last few days so we take an extra day to rest and slowly begin to pack up base camp. Enjoy your last day soaking in the views from this tranquil camp site.

Day 22
Trek base camp (4600m) to Namche (3440m) ~6 hr

We hike down the ridge to Pangboche, and then follow the main traffic of hikers back to Namche. Back in town, you can send emails to family and friends about your summit news, and enjoy good coffee and bakery treats.

Day 23
Trek Namche (3440m) to Lukla (2840m) ~6hr

This is our last day on the trail. The route from Namche drops back down to the valley floor and follows the river towards Lukla. Take in the beautifully decorated maniwalls and prayer wheels lining the trail to Lukla.

Day 24
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

After living in Sherpaland for the last few weeks, we arrive back in the melting pot of cultures that is Kathmandu. Spend this day, doing last minute sighting and shopping.

Day 25
In Kathmandu

Today is your last day in Nepal so prepare for departure, packing and returning gear. A massage is highly recommend to relax your tired muscles before your long haul flight home.

Day 26
Depart Kathmandu

We farewell the Himalayas and people of Nepal until your next Himalayan adventure.

Inclusions & Details

Cost Inclusion

  • Trekking and climbing permits
  • 4 nights Kathmandu hotel
  • Experienced climbing guides at high guide:client ratio
  • Return flights Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit
  • Fully serviced base camp with personal tent, dining, kitchen and shower tents
  • All meals outside Kathmandu
  • Porters to carry personal/group equipment
  • Climbing Sherpas to set up camps and carry group food
  • Expedition duffel.

Note: Himalayan Ascent can also provide a base camp only service – please contact us to discuss your needs.

Cost Exclusion

  • International flights to Kathmandu
  • Meals in Kathmandu (USD 10-15 per meal)
  • Aerated and alcoholic beverages on trek and expedition
  • Personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry, internet)
  • Tips for porters and base camp staff, and summit bonuses for guides
  • Travel insurance (incl. early departure, mountain rescue)
  • Personal trekking/climbing gear

Ready For The Adventure

We also have previous clients who are available to provide testimonials about their experience with Himalayan Ascent - please contact us for more information: sumit@himalayanascent.com

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