Climb Amadablam

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu. Members of the expedition arrive at Tribhuvan Airport. Half an hour before landing, you can already see from the airplane windows the velvet‑green hilly basin of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded to the north by the sparkling glaciers of the Himalayan ranges. The first phrase you will often hear in Nepal is the traditional greeting “Namaste,” which literally means “In you I greet God.” Nepalese visas can be obtained right at the airport. In the evening there is a dinner and briefing in a restaurant of Nepalese national cuisine, accompanied by dances and songs of the various ethnic groups that inhabit Nepal. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Transfer from Kathmandu to Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla (2,860 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m).On the second day the group flies from Kathmandu to Lukla on a small plane. The flight takes about 45 minutes. The trek begins right from Lukla. The trail passes through Sherpa farms and villages and leads to the Dudh Koshi River, then down to Phakding. Along the way you’ll see the Thado Kosi River, from where there is a magnificent view of Kusum Kanguru. The river is then crossed by a suspension bridge and, after a short ascent, the group reaches the village of Ghat. Another hour and a half of walking brings the group to the village of Phakding, where they stop for the night. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 3. Trekking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). The group sets out in the morning. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the road undulates gently; from the village of Benkar there is a stunning view of Thamserku (6,608 m). The trail then crosses several bridges and brings you to Monjo, the settlement where the main entrance to Sagarmatha National Park is located. After entering the park, the trail descends to a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. Across the bridge lies Jorsalle—the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. From here a winding path leads to Namche Bazaar. Along the way there are spectacular views of Everest, Kwangde, Lhotse and closer views of Tawache. Finally the group reaches Namche Bazaar, known as the “village of colorful houses.” It is the main gateway to the Khumbu region. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4. Rest day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). On this day members of the group can visit the Everest View Hotel for a panoramic vista. You can also browse local shops and the Saturday market, or visit the Sherpa Museum—an excellent place to learn about mountaineering history and Sherpa culture. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 5. Trekking to Pangboche, 5–6 hours (3,928 m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 6. Trekking to Pheriche (4,240 m). The trail runs over gorges on suspension bridges above streams that boil among enormous white boulders. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 7. Trekking to Lobuche (4,940 m). Climb up to a plateau, then continue with a gentle ascent to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 8. Trekking to Gorak Shep (5,164 m). From Lobuche the group takes a two‑hour hike along a winding rocky path to Gorak Shep, with beautiful views of Kala Patthar, Pumori, Nuptse and the Gorak Shep valley. After settling in the guesthouse and having tea, the group visits Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Then return to Gorak Shep (5,164 m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 9. Ascent of Kala Patthar (5,645 m). The climb is quite strenuous because of the thin air. During the “high” season this trail can be crowded. Many people travel to Nepal simply to see Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. From the top there is an excellent view of Pumori. The ascent from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar takes about two to two and a half hours. Then the group returns to the guesthouse. Descend to Dingboche and rest. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 10. Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 11. Transition from Chhukung to the “High Camp”. Set up a tent camp. The trek from Chhukung takes 5–6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 12. Ascent of Island Peak (6,165 m). About 6–7 hours up and 3–4 hours down to camp. Then descend to Chhukung. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 13. Transfer to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Day 14. Rest day.

Day 15. Camp 1. Overnight in tents.

Day 16. Camp 2. Overnight in tents.

Day 17. Camp 3. Overnight in tents.

Day 18. Summit Ama Dablam; descent to base camp. Overnight in tents or lodge.

Day 19. Helicopter flight to Kathmandu. The helicopter is often not direct, with a transfer in Lukla. Unfortunately, no company in Nepal can influence this.

Day 20. Reserve day.

Day 21. Reserve day.

Day 22. Reserve day.

Day 23. Reserve day.

Day 24. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure.

• International flight
• Domestic flight by plane
• Visa (issued at the airport, cost $50)
• Insurance covering mountaineering and helicopter evacuation
• Single room supplement
• Early check‑in / late check‑out at the hotel before/after the program (we always try to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests with our partners; often early check‑in/late check‑out is provided free of charge)
• Food on the trek ($25–35 per day)
• Personal porter – $25/day for 20 kg (usually one porter is shared by two people) – porter insurance is included (yes, we insure all staff)
• Tips
• Any deviations from the program
• Any expenses related to changes to the program

Documents:

• Passport
• Plane tickets
• Medical insurance

Personal gear:

• Backpack (60 liters)
• Duffel bag for personal belongings (provided by our team on site)
• Sleeping bag with comfort temperature from –20 °C to –30 °C
• Sleeping pad
• Trekking poles with baskets of at least 70 mm
• Steel crampons
• Classic ice axe with a steel pick or an ice tool
• Climbing harness
• Helmet
• Carabiners – 3 pcs
• Personal anchor lanyards
• Jumar (ascender)
• Descender
• Cup, spoon, bowl

Clothing and footwear:

• Triple or double mountaineering boots (double boots should be plastic or leather; an outer gaiter is highly recommended)
• Trekking boots pre‑treated well with water‑repellent
• Sneakers (for cities)
• Waterproof layer – jacket and pants (the industry offers a range from simple 5000/5000 membranes to Gore‑Tex garments)
• Fleece suit
• Thermal underwear, top and bottom
• Down jacket with hood, thick and warm
• Warm mittens
• Thick gloves
• Thin gloves
• Bandana (besides providing sun protection in the valley, it can be used to insulate the neck or face in cold conditions)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks for the summit day

Miscellaneous:

• Headlamp with LED and at least 12 hours of burn time
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Raincoat
• Thermos – 1 liter, preferably without a push button in the lid
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Chemical warmers (optional but can be very useful)
• Personal first‑aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or supportive brace
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip‑flops
• Towel
• Toilet paper (available for purchase at lodges along the way)