Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 2 : Preparation day in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 3 : Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla takes approximately 30 minutes and then trek to Phakding.

Early in the morning you will be driven from your hotel to the Kathmandu airport, after a 30 minute spectacular flight you will land at Lukla airport (2800m.). You begin your trek to Phakding (2652m.) and walk for about two and a half to three hours. While trekking you head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail to Phakding (2652m.) Stay overnight at a lodge in Phakding.

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Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) takes about 5 to 5 and a half hours.

This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo(2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the views of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries trekking along the way to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Stay overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

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Day 5 : Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion around the places.

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town. Stay overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

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Day 6 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.) which takes almost 5 hours.

From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3250m.).The village has an excellent place for lunch and you can take a short rest before making the steep climb to Tyangboche. Stay overnight at lodge in Tyangboche.

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Day 7 : Trek from Tyanboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

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Day 8 : 8 - 24 days Climbing period for Ama Dablam. Stay overnight at camp.

Base camp (4600 m): Situated on a large grassy meadow with a wonderful views. To yak camp (5400 m): Yaks carry most of our equipment for this section, which saves three to four hours of heavy work. There is a rough track over very rocky terrain, which we and the yaks use. To camp I (5800 m): Your first real camp is only one and a half hours walk above Yak camp. This section is marked by rock cairns and involves boulder hopping and some easy scrambling. You sometimes fix a couple of sections with rope to be used as a handrail. Camp I to Camp II (6000 m): Now, you begin your climb. This route mostly involves rock climbing. You follow a narrow ridge, switching back and forth on each side of the ridge. This is the hardest rock climbing of the entire route. In places the exposure is extreme and you will be grateful for the fixed ropes in place. You can also use your jumar to help you over the odd spots of difficulties. Most of the climbing on this section is traversing on rock, so good rock climbing skills will help you move efficiently and quickly over this terrain. Camp II: Situated on top of the Yellow Tower on a narrow platform, this camp site is rather exposed and has fantastic views. If you dropped your cup from here, it would probably land in base camp! Camp II to Camp III (6300m): Now, for the hardest snow and ice pitches of the route we follow a system of steep snow and ice gullies up to join a feature called the Mushroom Ridge. Whilst the ridge itself is not as technical as the gullies leading up to it, the exposure here is palpable. It is a narrow, windy, snow mushroom-like ridge with giant Himalayan peaks in the background. This feature leads us up onto a small plateau at 6300 m, which serves the purpose of camp three. Camp III: A cold and exposed position is the start of your summit push. The Sherpas will often use a full climbing rope to tie our tents down as the natural shape of the mountain can at times unfortunately funnel the wind to this location. It is, however, the only safe flat piece of real estate within range of the summit. Summit day: The initial route is to the right of the huge “Dablam” (ice cliff), up a moderately steep slope. Once past this feature we move toward the center of the face. The angle eases slightly and a couple of tough hours later we emerge on the summit (6856 m). The summit is the size of a tennis court and allows us to move around and take pictures. Five of the world’s six highest peaks are clearly visible, with many other 7000m and lesser peaks filling the gaps.

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Day 9 : Trek from Ama Dablam Base camp to Namche. Stay overnight at lodge.

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Day 10 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2652m.) which takes about four hours.

The trail descends steeply for early one and a half hours. After that, the path has small ups and downs to Phakding through Monjo. Stay overnight at lodge.

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Day 11 : Trek from Phakding to Lukla (2886m) which takes about three hours.

Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. Stay overnight at lodge.

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Day 12 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 13 : Rest day in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 14 : Fly out from Kathmandu.

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Features Included on Ama Dablam Expedition

• All airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off services
• Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla and from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Airport tax at Kathmandu and Lukla domestic airports
• Climbing Sherpas (one climbing Sherpa for every 2 climbers)
• One trekking guide, One cook and One kitchen helper
• Required porters/Yaks
• One liaison officer
• All climbing equipment for climbing Sherpa, guide, cook and kitchen helper
• Insurance and Medical expenses for Liaison Officer, Climbing Sherpa, Sirdar (guide), Cook and assistant porters
• Permit fee for Ama Dablam Peak
• Entry Permit for Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park
• All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Accommodation in lodge/tents
• Necessary trekking/camping equipment such as tent, mattresses, sleeping bag, down jacket, cooking utensils
• Cargo charges on the basis of per 30 kgs per person
• Insurance and equipment's for the guide and porters
• 5 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at 2 star categories hotel
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Features Not Included on Ama Dablam Expedition

• Visa Fees and custom clearances
• Personal climbing gear and equipment
• Travel insurance
• Walkie Talkie permit & personal satellite phone permit
• Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, drinks & beverages
• Hot shower
• Tips and summit bonuses

Things To know

On this trek you are likely to walk for 6-7 hours a day in average, cross steep, hilly terrain and cross Chola pass. There have been some changes in icy landscape of the Cho La that is making pass more difficult and challenging compared to previous years. Therefore, previous trekking experience, physical fitness and positive attitude are essential. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few months prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance strength and stability. Past hiking experience is a must but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Glacier before booking the trek. We also recommend that you consult your doctor(s) before the trip.

Requirement

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Himalayan Glacier inclusive in the service. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.

Head                                                                                         

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body                                                                       

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

 Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)
• Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• 1 large duffel bag *
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash