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.
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.
- 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
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition
PREPARE
Fitness
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.
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.
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
Our Team
DISPATCHES
Everest 2025
May 10 2025
Follow daily dispatches and news from our 2025 teams on the journey to Everest Base Camp and beyond onto the 8,000m summits of Mounts Everest and Lhotse... Read More
Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek #2 2025
April 27 2025
Follow our Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek #2 from April 27 to May 11, 2025, as the team journey up through the incredible Khumbu Valley to EBC. Read More
Three Passes Nepal Trek #1 2025
April 22 2025
Follow the AC Three Passes #1 2025 team as they travel to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley crossing the Kongma, Cho and Renjo high passes. Read More