TECHNICAL
HIMALAYAN
MUST DO

Ama Dablam

A climber negotiates the tricky Mushroom ridge just below Camp 3 on Ama Dabalm
A climber traverses an exposed ridge high above the Khumbu valley on Ama Dablam
Mount Ama Dablam stands out omnipotent above the villages around Khumjung.

Ama Dablam's South West Ridge is one of the most aesthetic climbing routes in the Himalaya. It is renowned as a 'must-do' for any committed alpinist, with an exposed rock ridge, dotted with towers and intricate climbing leading from Camp One to the summit ice fields.

Accentuated with outrageous exposure the route offers spectacular views of the Everest Massif—the panorama, if not the altitude, will take your breath away. 

Ama Dablam’s South West Ridge is not only incredibly picturesque but is a world-class alpine route due to its ease of access, sound rock and truly spectacular summit day on steep and exposed snow slopes. It is a climb that not only rewards climbers with its technical challenge but also its panoramic views of the Everest group, Makalu, Cho Oyu and a multitude of other peaks.

Prior to attempting Ama Dablam, our team warms up on the nearby 6,119m/20,075ft Lobuche East, giving climbers access to our private Base Camp facilities as well as time to refresh skills, acclimatise and prepare for the challenges ahead.

The expedition is befitting for technically oriented climbers but is never extreme. You need good mountaineering skills, some altitude experience and an adventurous attitude. On summit day, the route follows steep snow and ice slopes, accentuated by outrageous exposure directly to the summit.

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  • One of the most aesthetic mountains on earth
  • Exposed and varied climbing at altitude
  • Pre-acclimatise with an ascent of Lobuche East
  • A ‘must do’ for any committed alpinist

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Advanced

Elevation

Elevation

6,828m/22,401ft

Duration

Duration

28 days

Location

Location

Nepal

AMA DABLAM ITINERARY
DAY 1

Meet in Kathmandu, team briefing

DAY 2
Gear checks, sightseeing in Kathmandu (if time allows)
DAY 3

Fly to Lukla 2,860m/9,383ft and trek to Phakding 2,610m/8,563ft, 3hrs

DAY 4

Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m/11,286ft, 5hrs

DAY 5

Sightseeing in Namche Bazaar, possible day walk to Khumjung 3,780m/12,402ft and Khunde 3,840m/12,598ft

DAY 6

Trek to Phortse 3,950m/12,959ft, 5-6hrs

DAY 7
Phortse to Pheriche 4,270m/14,009ft
DAY 8
Rest/acclimatisation day
DAY 9

Pheriche to Lobuche Base Camp 4,800m/15,750ft

DAY 10

Rest at Lobuche Base Camp

DAY 11
Training day at Lobuche Base Camp
DAY 12
To High Camp on Lobuche East 5,400m/17,720ft
DAY 13

Summit Bid on Lobuche East 6,119m/20,075ft, return to Base Camp

DAY 14

Lobuche Base Camp to Pheriche

DAY 15

Move to Ama Dablam Base Camp

DAY 16 - 21

Ama Dablam summit bid

DAY 22
Return to Base Camp
DAY 23

Contingency day

DAY 24

Depart Base Camp to Pangboche

DAY 25

Trek to Namche Bazaar

DAY 26

Trek to Lukla

DAY 27
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
DAY 28

Trip ends, depart Kathmandu

Interactive map of Mount Ama Dablam

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
15 Oct - 11 Nov 2025 $19,500 USD $ Book Now
14 Oct - 10 Nov 2026 $19,500 USD $ Book Now

Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition

PREPARE

Fitness

The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We suggest a programme tailored to mountaineering such as those from the Uphill Athlete.

Technical Experience

Climbers need to be comfortable using ropes, ice axe, crampons and jumars, and be able to climb steep rock and hard water ice, carrying a big pack. You should be comfortable climbing alpine AD routes and/or AUS15/US5.7 rock.

Altitude Experience

Climbers should have prior experience climbing at altitudes of around 6,000m/19,000ft.

Negotiating steep rock faces on the approach to Camp 1 Ama Dablam
Why Adventure Consultants?

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and Sherpa staff who are recognised as some of the most pre-eminent mountaineers in the industry.

Many operators make statements about their services that are intentionally designed to mislead or avoid addressing important issues. The reality on the mountain is that unless you have a strong and experienced leader with sufficient Sherpa staff in support, the chances of summiting are dramatically reduced. Expeditions that are operated by local staff, with no qualified and experienced western guides, are generally not able to offer you a legitimate level of safety or success. These expeditions have the highest ratio of accident and frostbite injury on trips which may seem cheap at the time when booking but the long term effects make the price difference irrelevant.

The AC approach to making expeditions work for you is reflected in the quality and safety of the expeditions we run along with our consistently high success rate.

Climbing between Camp 2 and 3 on Ama Dablam, far above the clouds.
Inclusions
  • Professional, qualified guides at a 1:3 ratio
  • Experienced Sherpa team at a 1:1 ratio
  • Helicopter flights Kathmandu-Lukla and return
  • Excellent food and catering
  • Expert logistics
  • Acclimatisation climb of Lobuche East
  • Portage of personal gear from Base Camp to Yak camp
  • Regular dispatches for families and friends to follow your expedition
  • Comprehensive support from our New Zealand office team
Ama Dablam is a stunning aesthetic mountain, often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Khumbu'

Ama Dablam is a stunning aesthetic mountain, often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Khumbu'

GALLERY
A team celebrates on the summit of Ama Dablam. Views of the surrounding mountains behind.

A steep and exposed climb leads onto a relatively wide and spacious summit, plenty of space to celebrate an epic climb!

AC create a team camaraderie, evident here as these climbers participate in their Puja ceremony prior to making their summit attempt.

From the trek into Base Camp, the local Puja ceremony to the summit bid - AC creates a team camaraderie that leads to success!

Our Team
Rob Smith
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Regular Ama Dablam Guide
Alex Geary
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Regular Ama Dablam Guide
Kelly McLaren
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Expedition Liaison
What a view! A climbers feet are seen through the door of a tent with spectacular mountain views from high on Mount Ama Dabalam

"The overall leadership was excellent and got better when we got to the business end - on the mountain, our guide’s management of the group and the Sherpas was nothing short of excellent!"

David Pinches, Australia
Tents perched precariously on a knife edge ridge at Camp 2 Ama Dablam

"Not one time on the trek or the climb did I watch another group with envy. We were always the better equipped, better cared for, safer and happiest."

Michael Neal, USA
Climbers descend from Ama Dablam Base Camp, the mountain standing tall in the background

"Wow! We had a fantastic trip. Nepal has such a beautiful vibe, it has left me wanting to go back for more!"

Karla Blair, New Zealand
Climbers rest on the ridge near the summit of Cholatse

Technical mountaineering at altitude your jam? Add Cholatse to your list, this uncrowded classic is a must-do alpine style option for experienced climbers.

WHAT NEXT?
View of Everest, Cholatse and surrounding peaks from Gokyo Ri.

Grab your gear and let's go to Gokyo! Extend your Ama Dablam adventure by adding on the breathtaking Gokyo Valley Trek following your climb.

LET'S GOKYO
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