Ama Dablam Day to Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: USA-Bangkok-Kathmandu. (Overnight in Bangkok and arrive in Kathmandu on Nov 9.) Upon arrival check into the renowned Yak and Yeti Hotel, a cornerstone of the Kathmandu scene, and attend a welcome dinner with other climbers. (Most climbers use Thai airways via LA/Bangkok/Kathmandu).
Day 2: Kathmandu. Final Gear Check, orientation, Leave No Trace discussion. From the centrally located Yak and Yeti we begin our exploration of Kathmandu. While modern by Nepalese standards, Kathmandu is a sacred city to both Hindus and Buddhists. Our tour is an important introduction to understanding the cultures which lay ahead. Kathmandu is prominently featured in both Buddhist scriptures and Hindu texts such as the Ramayana. Our tour includes the 3000 year old Swamayabhu (monkey temple), the great Stupa of Bodnath and the chaotic Hindu temple complex of Pashupatineth. This temple is home to many Hindu aesthetics or Sadhus.
Day 3: After final administration requirements, we fly to the landing strip in Lukla. Weather permitting, this flight offers outstanding views of the eastern Himalayas. In Lukla, we meet and join our Sherpa staff, load the yaks and begin the ascent to base camp. Our first day is an easy walk to lush environs of Phakding, located on the Dudh Kosi river.
Day 4: We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending 2,300’ through Himalayan pine and Doedar cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar (11,300’). The village of Namche is an historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat, gold and textiles. Besides being a superb place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu, attracting Himalayan and lowland merchants. Our group spends two days in Namche affording us the opportunity to acclimate, visit local markets and spend time with friends in town. Our camp is perched high above the city and we make our way to nearby high points to capture our first glimpses of Ama Dablam, Everest and neighboring peaks.
Days 5-6: Visit sights in Namche Bazaar including the Sherpa museum and local marketplace.
Day 7: Trek to the village of Tengboche (12,683’), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu. At the monastery we attend Buddhist ceremonies and rituals performed by local monks. Vistas from Tengboche are spectacular. The jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Monastery at Tengboche is one of the most well-known in the world as the Rinpoche is revered throughout the Buddhist community and has authored a number of books and essays. In the past our groups have had an audience with the Rinpoche and received his blessing. Views from this locale (one of the finest on earth), include Kwangde 20,293’ , Tawachee 21,457’, Nuptse 25,843’, Lhotse 27,883’, Everest 29,035’, Ama Dablam 22,493’, Kantega 22,235’, Thamserku 21,674’. After visiting Tengboche we move to spend the night in Pangboche.
Day 8: Remain in Pangboche which is small traditional Sherpa village home to the Khumbu's oldest monastery. We make a day hike to the village of Pheriche.
Day 9: Trek to Ama Dablam BC (15,000feet).
Day 10: Rest day in BC and ceremonial puja.
Day 11: Rest day in BC and skills review.
Day 12: Carry loads to advanced base camp/ Yak Camp (17,200 feet) at base of SW ridge
Day 13: Rest day in BC
Day 14: Move up to Camp I (19,600 feet)
Day 15: Carry up to Camp II (20,750 feet). Return to Camp I.
Day 16: Return to BC. Rest day in BC.
Day 17: Rest day in BC.
Day 18: Move to Camp I
Day 19: Move to Camp II.
Day 20: Move to Camp III.
Day 21: Summit Day. Return to Camp II.
Days 22 - 25: Extra days for summit and inclement weather. Some earlier rest days also can be used as extra days.
Day 26: Rest day in BC and pack up to depart.
Day 27: Move to Pangboche.
Day 28: Travel from Pangboche to Namche.
Day 29: Namche to Lukla.
Day 30: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Day 31: Depart KTM – USA
Day 32: Arrive USA
We use local tea houses for lodging along the trek.
