Ama Dablam Climb Expedition – Nepal

image descriprion

Ama Dablam Climb Expedition – Nepal

  • Date: 1 November to 28 November 2020 & 2021 (28 Days in Nepal). Custom Dates available on request.
  • New flexible date option: Climb Ama Dablam anytime between 1 November and 15 December 2020 & 2021.
  • Ama Dablam Cost for Climb: Full Service Climb Cost: $6,150, £4,850, €5,350; Base Camp Only: $3,650, £2,850, €3,250 (includes 3 meals each day in basecamp and an individual sleeping tent in basecamp for each climber) Basic option: $2650, £2,025, €2,370 (Price fixed in $USD. £GBP and €EUR price for convenience only, converted January 3, 2020)

Join the team

More Information

  • Ama Dablam Climb is technical but accomplishable.
  • Book your Climbing expedition of Ama Dablam with renowned and experienced leader Dan Mazur : 5 summits of Ama Dablam, friendly, good teacher, technically accomplished.

Ama Dablam - Nepal

Ama Dablam, 6,812 metres (22,349 feet), is perhaps the most visually striking mountain in the world. The Ama Dablam expedition offers members the opportunity to climb snow, ice, and rock surrounded by stunning Himalayan views.

Easy, fun solid rock & mixed climbing, Safe fixed ropes the expedition is Perfect for beginner, novice & expert climbers.
The upper camps on Ama Dablam are world-renowned for their exposure. The Mountain offers coveted expedition for novices and expert climbers alike

Video by Felix

Quick Facts

  • Located just 7 miles / 12 km from Everest, with stunning views from the summit.
  • Good granite scrambling. Only one pitch is 12 m / 40 ft of UIAA French 4, British Severe, USA 5.6, Aus 14.
  • We review skills, train for rock and ice climbing & conduct fixed rope training on cliffs around basecamp.
  • Average team size is 6. During 9 prior climbs we were successful in putting 45 members and 30 Sherpas on the summit.
  • Short walk to grassy base camp at 4,500 m / 14,500 ft on snow-free paths through Khumbu valley. Green terraced villages, rushing rivers, lush forests, stay in `teahouses', camp beneath towering peaks.Full Service Expedition: British, American, or European leader, Sherpas, hotels, internal flights, yaks, porters, ropes, tasty meals on trek, in basecamp & high camp, group climbing equipment, individual tents, radios, international calls, news updates.
Ama Dablam Expedition Cost

Ama Dablam : Our full-service expedition includes:

What is not included?

  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Mountain climbing rescue and travel insurance
  • Personal climbing equipment and clothing
  • Gratuities for staff
  • Nepalese visa

Add on High Attitude Support : Click here for prices

  • Private Sherpa (personal guide/porter) – Carries up to 10 kg (22bs) of your personal equipment, climbs with you, melts water, cooks, and will be with you every step of the way.
  • Personal equipment carriage service – Sherpa carry up to 10kg (22lbs) of personal equipment up and down the mountain between camps

Ama Dablam : Our Basic Climb Includes :

  • British, European, or American leader
  • All permit fees and liaison officer
  • A walkie-talkie radio
  • Emergency equipment and supplies
  • Access to team fixed ropes and camps (sites, not tents)
  • Airport transfers
  • Two nights stay in a Kathmandu hotel on arrival and two nights prior to departure in a double room. Private rooms are available for a small additional fee.
  • Other services and may be purchased and hired at minimal expense
Ama Dablam Expedition Itinerary

1) Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal, 1,300 metres (4,265 feet). Stay at hotel.
2) Orientation day, equipment checking, gear shopping and sightseeing in Kathmandu. Stay at hotel.
3) Fly to Lukla, 2,900 metres (9,514 feet). Easy short walk to Phakding, 2,550 metres (8,366 feet). Beautiful day of light trekking. Sleep in teahouse.
4) Walk to Namche Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,286 feet). Lovely forest trek over suspension bridges. This big village is the capital of the Sherpa people. Sleep in teahouse.
5) Rest & Acclimatization in Namche. Teahouse.
6) Walk to Pangboche 3,860 metres (12,644 feet). Famous Everest base camp trekking route with many lodges and restaurants and beautiful scenery of Mt. Ama Dablam. Teahouse.
7) Walk to Base Camp 4,570 metres (14,989 feet). Beautiful Ama Dablam basecamp is on grassy meadows. Camp.
8) Rest & Acclimatization, Sherpa prayer ceremony (puja).
9) Equipment check and fixed rope training day on small cliffs near base camp.
10) Walk to advanced basecamp, 5,350 metres (17,552 feet). Easy walking on paths. Sleep there.
11) Hike to camp 1, 5,700 metres (18,701 feet). A bit of rockhopping in a boulder field, followed by short easy low angle scramble to C1. Return to basecamp.
12) Rest and acclimatization in basecamp.
13) Walk to Camp 1. Sleep there.
14) Rest in Camp 1.
15) Climb to camp 2, 5,900 metres (19,357 feet). Easy climbing to C2 is on good solid granite, using fixed ropes. Return to basecamp.
16) Rest in basecamp.
17) Rest in basecamp.
18) Walk to Camp 1.
19) Climb to Camp 2.
20) Wake up in the night, eat "breakfast" and attempt the summit: 6,812 metres (22,349 feet). Summit attempt involves easy snow climbing with a bit of simple mixed rock just above C2. Return and sleep in C2.
21) Extra day for summit attempt.
22) Downclimb and walk down to basecamp.
23) Pack up and descend to Pangboche village. Sleep in teahouse.
24) Walk down to Namche Bazaar. Teahouse.
25) Walk down from Namche to Lukla. Teahouse.
26) Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
27) Extra day in Kathmandu, in case of delay, and for sightseeing, gift shopping, celebration, saying goodbye to new friends. Stay in hotel.
28) Fly home.

Ama Dablam Expedition Leadership and Staff

Leadership: Dan Mazur is a relaxed, friendly, well organized, and highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience leading people to the summits of Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Manaslu, Shishapangma and Baruntse.

Sherpas: We employ some of Nepal, Tibet, and the Karakorum’s best local mountaineers and Sherpas to assist team members in realizing their summit goals. Our friendly and loyal high altitude climbing staff has supported teams to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya.

Ama Dablam Expedition Personal and Team Equipment

Climbing:

  • Climbing harness
  • 5 meters (16 ft.) of 6mm accessory cord
  • Figure 8 abseil/belay device (tube style devices, i.e. ATC will not work on fixed lines)
  • Full size ascender (i.e. PetzlAscention)
  • 2 locking carabiners, 1 large and 1 small
  • 4 non-locking carabiners
  • Ice axe with leash
  • Steel crampons with anti-balling plates
  • Trekking poles
  • Abseiling/Rappelling Gloves

Upper Body:

  • 2 cotton t-shirts
  • 2 synthetic t-shirts
  • 2 long sleeve synthetic shirts
  • Light-weight soft shell jacket
  • Medium weight insulatingjacket (fleece, down, or synthetic)
  • Hard shell jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Heavy down coat
     
    • For 6,000m peaks a very warm down coat with hood or an 8,000m coat with hood
    • For 7,000m peaks an 8,000m coat with hood
    • For 8,000m peaks an 8,000m down coat with hood or an 8,000m suit can be used instead

Hands:

  • Lightweight poly-liner gloves
  • Mid-weight soft shell gloves – water/wind resistant
  • Heavy- weight waterproof gloves – Gore-tex shell with removable liner
  • Expedition weight mittens -Gore-tex over mitt matched polar fleece mitt liner

Head:

  • Helmet
  • Warm hat that covers your ears
  • Balaclava
  • Face mask
  • Baseball hat or brimmed sun hat
  • Glacier sunglasses with side shields
  • Ski goggles with light and dark lenses
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Buff/neck gaiter
  • Bandana or head scarf (optional)

Lower Body:

  • Synthetic underwear
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking pants
  • 2 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
  • Medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Polar fleece or soft shell pants
  • Waterproof/breathable pants with full side zips (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Heavy insulating pants
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: Down or synthetic pants will full zips
    • For 7,000m peaks: 8,000m down pants
    • For 8,000m peaks: 8,000m down pants or a 8,000m suit can be used instead

Feet:

  • Boots
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: Plastic or composite double boots (Koflach, La SportivaSpantik, etc) Modern waterproof, single boots designed for 4-5,000m peaks may be suitable if they can be worn with 2 pairs of socks and vapor barrier lines and/or they are equipped with overboots
    • For 7,000m: Plastic or composite double boots (Koflach, La SportivaSpantik, etc)
    • For 8,000m peaks: 8,000m boots - One-Sport Millet Everest boots or equivalent
       
  • Sturdy leather walking boots
  • Trainers, running shoes and/or sandals
  • Down booties (optional)
  • 3 pair med-heavy poly or wool socks
  • 2 pair poly or wool liner socks (optional)
  • Vapor barrier liner socks (optional)
  • 2 pair lightweight trekking socks
  • Cotton socks for in town

Sleeping:

  • Down sleeping bag
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: -18C or 0F
    • For 7,000m peaks:-23C or -10F (If you sleep cold consider -29C or -20F)
    • For 8,000m peaks: -29C or -20F (If you sleep cold consider -40C or -40F)
       
  • An additional down sleeping bag for basecamp for the following climbs: Everest, Lhotse, AmaDablam, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I and II, Spantik, K2/Broad Peak Everest training climb. For Mastagata a second sleeping bag is optional, but highly recommended.
     
    • Down base camp sleeping bag should be rated to -10C or 15F (If you sleep cold consider -18C or 0F)
       
  • 2 closed cell foam kari-mats (sleeping pads) for use in basecamp and high altitude (these can be purchased inexpensively in Kathmandu)
  • High quality inflatable sleeping pad designed for cold weather (Thermarest)
  • Patch kit for inflatable pad

Rucksack and Travel Bags:

  • Medium rucksack/backpack (50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used as carry-on bag)
  • Waterproof rucksack cover (optional)
  • 2 large (120+ L / 7500+ cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment
  • Small luggage locks for duffel kit bags

Personal Hygiene:

  • Female or male hygiene supplies
  • 2 tubes lip sun cream
  • Large tube skin sun cream (min factor 30)
  • Anti-mosquito cream
  • Toothpaste/brush
  • Hand sanitizer gel (small-medium bottle)
  • Bar of soap small towel
  • Hand wipes

Medical:

  • Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc.
  • Blister repair kit
  • 10 anti-diarrhea pills
  • 20 anti-headache pills
  • 10 cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide (optional)
  • 10 Stomach antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, etc.
  • 5 Azithomycine tables
  • Steri pen or bottle of water purification tablets
  • Cough sweets/lozenges (Halls/Stepils)
  • Earplugs
  • Extra prescription glasses/contact lenses and supplies

Personal Food:

  • Snack food/daily energy food
     
    • Everest training Nepal/Tibet, AmaDablam, Baruntse: 2-4kg (4.5-9lbs)
    • Spantik, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Mustagata, Manasu: 2-5kg (4.5-11lbs)
    • Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I/II, K2/Everest training, Everest, Lhotse: 3-6kg (6.5-13lbs)
       
  • Dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for summit attempt
     
    • Everest training Nepal/Tibet, AmaDablam: 2 meals
    • Spantik, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Mustagata, Manasu, Baruntse: 3 meals
    • Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I/II, K2/Everest training, Everest, Lhotse: 5 meals
Practical:
 
  • Small roll of repair tape
  • Sewing repair kit
  • Cigarette lighter
  • Small box matches
  • Compass or GPS
  • Battery powered alarm clock/watch
  • Camera with extra cards and extra batteries
  • Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage
  • 2 water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene
  • Pee bottle (1litre or larger)
  • Plastic cup and spoon
  • Small folding knife
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
  • Passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary
  • Separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance
  • Dollars, pounds, or euros cash
  • Bank/ATM/Cash and credit cards
  • Bathing suit/swim suit (you never know)
  • Paperback books, playing cards, ipod/mp3 player, musical instruments, extra batteries, etc.
  • Travel clothes for basecamp and in town
  • Umbrella (optional)
  • Small solar panels for personal electronics (optional)


Group Equipment:

We provide group gear, equipment, and supplies including: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection, tents; stoves, fuel, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. A personal tent will be provided for each member at base camp. On the upper mountain, team members will share tents. In base camp, a shower, toilet, solar charger, and a dining tent will be provided

Ama Dablam Expedition Experience and Training
Extensive experience is not required for climbing Ama Dablam. The most important thing is for members to be in adequate walking fitness. You may attempt this climb as a novice and we will teach you what you need to know. No further experience is required.

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker-climber in good health. Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.
Ama Dablam Photo Gallery
  • Camp 1

    Camp 1

  • Camp 1 to Camp 2

    Camp 1 to Camp 2

  • Camp 2

    Camp 2

  • Camp 2

    Camp 2

  • Mushroom Ridge

    Mushroom Ridge

  • Summit

    Summit

  • Ama Dablam

    Ama Dablam

  • Fixed rope

    Fixed rope

  • Yellow Tower

    Yellow Tower

  • Camp 3

    Camp 3

  • Near summit

    Near summit

  • Yellow Tower

    Yellow Tower

  • Yellow Tower

    Yellow Tower

  • Camp 2

    Camp 2

  • Camp 2

    Camp 2

Ama Dablam Application Forms

Please fill out an application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit to hold your place on the team.

In addition to your application, we will need the following at least two months before the Ama Dablam trip begins:

  • Completed Payment
  • Oxygen order (if any)
  • Sherpa order (if any)
  • Trip Registration form
  • 1 Passport sized photo
  • A scan of your passport identification pages
  • Complete flight itinerary
  • Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance. We strongly recommend Global Rescue, with at least $50,000 worth of helicopter rescue insurance.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is recommended

Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Here is what Steve says: Our trip was great! Both the trekking portion of it and our guided portion. Everything went pretty smoothly on the climbs. Can you please find a way to get these pictures to Sherpa Tenzing? He was a wonderful Sherpa and great to climb with. Thanks again and we’ll be in touch! - Steve
Dear SummitClimb, Nicole and I had a really great experience on Ama Dablam. I wanted to let you know that we especially enjoyed the leader, as both a leader and a person. He obviously has quite extensive experience. We enjoyed our time with him and felt that he was on of the better leaders that we have had during our climbing expeditions. Cheers! -Scott and Nicole

Here is what summitter Eric Elliot had to say about our October expedition: "Strictly speaking, this was an "unguided" expedition. However, there was always some "guidance" prior to and during this fantastic expedition. Before my trip, SummitClimb answered many questions that I had by email, clearly and in a timely fashion. What's more, during the expedition, the leader and his excellent Staff, assistant leaders, and extremely competent Sherpas were always available to explain technique and offer assistance to ensure the best possible chance of success.

This does not imply that minor improvements can never be thought of for a very comprehensive, well-coordinated and well-established expedition with optimal flexibility, but everything detailed on the excellent website was accomplished and so nothing more could be expected. Thank you so much! - for your thoughtfulness right from the start, and for sharing your extensive experience with the entire group throughout."

Here is what summitter Eric Elliot had to say about our October 2007 expedition:

"Strictly speaking, this was an "unguided" expedition. However, there was always some "guidance" prior to and during this fantastic expedition. Before my trip, SummitClimb answered many questions that I had by email, clearly and in a timely fashion. What's more, during the expedition, the leader and his excellent Staff, assistant leaders, and extremely competent Sherpas were always available to explain technique and offer assistance to ensure the best possible chance of success.

This does not imply that minor improvements can never be thought of for a very comprehensive, well-coordinated and well-established expedition with optimal flexibility, but everything detailed on the excellent website was accomplished and so nothing more could be expected. Thank you so much! - for your thoughtfulness right from the start, and for sharing your extensive experience with the entire group throughout."

Here is what Bjorn from Norway had to say about our October expedition:

Thank you for a fantastic trip! I'm safely back home, already back at work!

Regarding your expedition, all I have is praise! Things very generally well organized, however provided enough slack to allow a lot of personal preferences. Everyone in the staff were good people, the climbing sherpa's were strong and the kitchen staff made great food and took good care of us.

Impressive staff, and I would like to mention the climbing sidar, Kagi, as a person who made lasting good impressions.

I also felt that the schedule of the trip regarding the trek in, acclimatization and duration was good, and well thought out.

Thank you for a great adventure, a spectacular summit, nice people and staff and fantastic weather."

Here is what Wanda, Ama Dablam summitter who has been on climbs with other companies has to say:

"What I liked best about this expedition was the focus of independence that was placed on each person. I have been on other "guided" climbs and I never felt like I was gaining much in the ability to become a self-sufficient climber. On this trip, I felt good about the knowledge and confidence that was gained, knowing that I had to take care of myself as well as look out for those on my team. I especially liked they way everyone climbed at the rate that best suited their own fitness level. I never once had the feeling that I was waiting for someone to catch-up or that I was holding up the team.

There are a couple of things that I feel individuals can do to make this trip an enjoyable experience.

1. Train! I have always found that the more fit I am, the more I enjoy any expedition. Also, research the route and come prepared with the knowledge of what to expect.

2. Come with a relaxed, open mind. The team dynamics on my Ama Dablam trip were great because there were no stringent agendas (personal, or otherwise) I have found that it is the less uptight people that generally have the best experience and now that I think of it, the reason the Ama Dablam trip was free of this aspect was probably because of the personalities of the leaders. They are serious about why they are there, yet it is approached with a "no worries" attitude. I LOVED THAT! And it obviously worked, because every member of our team summitted.

Because we had many Sherpa on our team and we interacted a lot during the climb, I felt this was a cultural experience as well. Many spoke a little English so we were able to converse, ask questions about their lifestyle and customs. They were an integral part of our expedition, hard working and very experienced. I was glad to have had this interaction as it gave that much more feeling to an “international” endeavor.

My concern about any problems in Nepal I heard about before the trip were non-existent in the areas we traveled. We did not witness any such disturbance. Traveling as a single female, I am probably a little more cautious than most but I have to say that never once did I feel concerned about my safety.

Looking back, if there was one thing that I would suggest to make this trip better it would be more yak cheese pizza at basecamp! Yum, this stuff was delicious.

Overall, this company gets top marks for their operation and that is why I will definitely climb with them again in the future."

Here is what Stein from Norway had to say about our October expedition: "Regarding the expedition I have only praise for you!! The new web site is very good and feedback from family and friends says that they were able to follow the expedition very closely!! BZ! I have no hesitations in recommending this trip to anyone. All in all I am very satisfied with the trip!!"

Here is what summiter Kurt has to say: "I personally felt the trip was very well organized and executed. I was very impressed that you cared enough about the anchors and ropes to fix them properly. Most other expeditions seemed to not care and were willing to use whatever was currently in place."