Upon arrival in Katmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to hotel. After welcome refreshments and room check in the hotel, there will be a short briefing and orientation about the trip. Rest of the day is free for leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Day is free for the last-minute preparations, before we head to Mountain.

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m). This 45-minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport, which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Upon arrival the guide will arrange the porters at the nearby lodge. During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of the traditional cobbled street.

The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. This day’s trek is an easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2,652m).

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.

Leave the main village and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside and small wayside villages. Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch. After lunch, trek up to the check post to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2,800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest.

Our first good views are of west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6,339m). Follow the Dudh Kosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar.  Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Lhotse (8,383m) – the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign saying, “Welcome to Namche Bazaar” but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town.

This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6,648 m) and Kwangde Ri (6,624 m) loom along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbila (5,707 m) dominates the skyline along the west.

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.

After breakfast start climb to famed Hotel Everest View hotel in Shyangboche at an altitude of 3,880m.  It is a steep climb through the rocky train until we reach to Shyangboche Airstrip. From here is it fairly gentle climb mostly through Rhododendron, Pine and Juniper forest.  As we slowly gain the altitude we can experience dramatic changes in the vegetation.

Once we reach to the summit of Shyangboche we can witness the breathtaking view giant snowcapped Mountains including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Thamserku (6,648 m), Kwangde Ri (6,624 m), Khumbela (5,761 m) & beautiful Mt. Amadablam (6,812 m) any many others.

From here it is a level walk to famed Everest View Hotel. Along the way we can see many Yaks grazing around. We will spend good time at Hotel Everest View having Tea / Coffee while enjoying the panoramic view snowcapped Mountain. Later start descends down to Namche Bazaar for lunch. In the afternoon you are free for a rest or stroll around colorful Namche Bazaar. There are several coffee shops, bakery, book shops and adventure gears shops etc.

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.

Walk to the checkpoint to show the permits. Then walk uphill for a short period to reach a huge prayer stone from where the path straightens and we get great views of some of the Himalayan ranges. Later as we walk we descend through the rhododendron forest, watching for the blood pheasant and Imphayan pheasant in the undergrowth. As we reach the valley there is Dudh Kosi River where we stop for a lunch at Phunki Thanga (3,200m), next to several large water driven prayer wheels. The afternoon is spent climbing slowly on a steep trail to the Thyangboche Monastery. Thyangboche lies at the base of Kangtega and is a classic setting with superb views backs up the valley to the Ama Dablam, and the Everest poking its southwest face over the huge ridgeline linking Nuptse and Lhotse. The Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is the traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp. After visiting Thyangboche Monastery a short, steep and muddy descent to Devouche through theforest of briches, conifers and rhododendrons.

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.

After breakfast, set out on the trail with a short, steep and muddy descent through a forest of birch, conifer and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. Continue on a level trail through forests to arrive at a suspension bridge high above the fast flowing Dudh Kosi River with fine views of Mt. Amadablam.  Cross the suspension bridge and climb for another 20 minutes to arrive at a resting place. Continue to climb to a pass and then there is a gentler walk to the village of Pangboche (3985m). Rest of the day is free for leisure.

Eve: Visit Pangboche Monastery which lies more on the route to Phortse and is not easily reached from the lower trail and for those who desire to visit the monastery, the trail bifurcates just before the village after the pass and a hard half hour of climb up the ridge brings one to this fabled monastery. At the monastery is housed the Scalp of the Yeti which traveled the world in the 60’s. It is a tradition that Mountaineers visit this monastery for blessings for success and safety from Lama before they begun their expedition.

Dinner and Overnight at Pangboche.

We spend a day in Pnagboche for acclitimization before we reach to Base Camp.

Dinner and Overnight at Pangboche.

After breakfast descend down to Imja River and then walk up the ridge opposite the village. It’s a gentle ascent to this meadow base camp that sits at the foot of the mountain. With close up views of this Himalayan mastiff, it’s one of the best camp sites in the Khumbu. The Base Camp consists of a dining tent, kitchen tent, shower tent and individual comfortable tents for clients. You’ll get a good sleep on your comfortable sleeping mattress, critical for good rests after acclimatization rounds on the mountain before the summit push.

Overnight at Camp.

We take an easy day to give your body extra time to slowly acclimatize. You may spend the day exploring the base camp grounds, taking short walks or sleeping and enjoying your base camp service.  Your climbing acclimatization rounds, we will conduct a special Puja (Buddhist ceremony) with the local Lama to request the mountain spirits for safe passage. This is a highlight for many climbers.

Overnight at Camp.

We begin the day by first checking gear before heading out for a practice session. On a setup of fixed lines, we’ll practice climbing up and traversing on fixed lines, and abseiling over knots. You should be confident using your gear whilst fully kitted up (gloves, climbing clothes). Please feel free to ask your guides if you have questions about safety and explanations about the route.

Overnight at Camp.

The first round of acclimatization trips on the mountain starts with a hike up to 5,800m / 19,024 ft. at the foot of the SW ridge route. We walk eastwards on a ridge around the south end of the Mingbo glacier that stretches off Ama Dablam.  From the saddle, we can see Mingbo La pass further East that gives passage to the Hinku valley. We’ll hike up through a boulder field, cross a slab area and up a gully to the ridge. The SW route can be clearly seen from this advantage point to give you a better idea of the challenges and fun ahead! We return via the same route to good food and rest.

Overnight at Camp.

Over the next 2 days we’ll be climbing up to Camp 2 and sleeping at Camp 1, so this is the day to pack and prepare. You’ll be carrying your sleeping bag, mat and personal items. Some climbers choose to bring 2 sets of sleeping bags so that 1 is left at base camp and 1 at a higher camp. This spares you from carrying your sleeping bag constantly up and down the mountain. Climbing Sherpas will head up today to set up the camps carrying tents, food and fuel.

Overnight at Camp.

We follow the ridge route up through the boulder field, over the slab, up the gully and then scramble further to the tent platform, or Camp 1. You’ll be welcomed with a hot drink and will be able to rest in your tent before dinner.

Overnight at Camp.

This is the first serious day of climbing. It begins with a hike up to 2 fingers like rock projections, and a climb up to the ridge proper. It’s a narrow ridge that leads to an exposed traverse on tension fixed lines. We jumar up to the ridge again and follow this to another face traverse, that takes us to the Yellow Tower. It’s a 15m pitch around AUS 16/US 5.8/5b standard to our camp. Camp 2 is an infamous site known for its precarious location with 360o degrees of surrounding exposure. Once we’ve touched this site we drop back down to base camp.

Overnight at Camp.

With our full rotation now complete and familarity of the route and its challenges established, we rest and wait for our summit push. This is time to rest and eat! We plan an extra contingency day for weather.

Overnight at Camp.

The final summit push! We follow the now familiar route up to Camp 1.

We continue on up now to Camp 2. Get a good rest and sleep. The next 2 days will be challenging and rewarding!

The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is considered to be the most difficult of the entire route. We begin by dropping briefly, traverse eastwards and then ascend to the base of the Grey Tower. We climb up alongside the Grey Tower using a steep rock gully that’s approximately an 80m ascent over 3 pitches. Watch for rock fall here especially if there are other parties overhead. We cross an exposed traverse that rings us to the West side of a large snow ridge (Mushroom ridge). From here it’s a climb up on steep and narrow ridge to Camp 3.

Our summit push! we climb up the steep snow/ice slope behind Camp 3 and move towards the right side of the face to a small snow field. We cross a Bergschrund and climb up to an ice crest. This follows the summit ridge route to the large glorious snowfield summit top!

The central position of Ama dablam affords stunning views of Khumbu peaks and beyond from its summit. From the summit, you see the summit of Island Peak just below you, and unobstructed views of Everest and Lhotse. Further a field in other valleys, Cho Oyu and Malakhu can also be seen. After a period of celebration on the summit, we climb and abseil down to Camp 3. Pack up camp and head to Camp 2 for the night. A well-deserved rest awaits.

Overnight Camp.

After a quick breakfast, we pack up Camp 2 and return to base camp. Showers and good food are waiting to welcome you “home” from your summit success.

Overnight at Camp.

It’s been an exhausting last few days so we take an extra day to rest and slowly begin to pack up base camp.  Enjoy your last day soaking in the views from this tranquil camp site and enjoy a farewell dinner with your Sherpa team.

Free until final departure from Kathmandu, Nepal.