Ama Dablam

Height: 6,812 m
Duration: 30 days
Country:
Nepal flagNepal

Standing at an impressive Ama Dablam height of 6,812 meters, this iconic peak in Nepal’s Khumbu region is a true masterpiece of the Himalayas. Known for its striking pyramid shape and its breathtaking backdrop along the Everest Base Camp trail, Ama Dablam mountain has captured the hearts of climbers and trekkers worldwide. Whether you’re embarking on an Ama Dablam expedition or simply admiring its grandeur, this mountain promises unforgettable experiences for all adventurers.

An Ama Dablam climb is often described as a technical yet rewarding journey. The mountain's steep ridges and sheer faces require skillful climbing, with fixed ropes commonly used to traverse its iconic features. High-altitude camps along the way, such as Camp 2, provide stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Climbers aiming for the Ama Dablam summit must prepare for its challenges, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top is unparalleled.

For trekkers and climbers alike, Himalaya Ama Dablam offers a unique blend of cultural and natural wonders. While the summit is a feat reserved for experienced mountaineers, its beauty can be appreciated from many vantage points along the trail. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of its distinct "Dablam" hanging glacier or the cultural richness of the surrounding Sherpa villages, an encounter with Ama Dablam mountain is an essential part of any Himalayan adventure.

Climbing Ama Dablam

Prepare for an adventure climbing Ama Dablam. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Route

  • 3,952 m gain over 30 days
  • Starting and ending in Lukla
  • approach: walk in

Walk in

  • +2,242 m over a 36 km approach
  • 4 - 6 days in
  • 2 days out

Climb

  • +2,242 m over 4 - 10 days.
  • 4 high camps. typically just 2 or 3 high camps are used.

Difficulty

  • TD: Very hard (alpine grade 5)

Cost

  • $3,000 solo
  • $3,500 - $17,495 guided

When to go

  • April and May
  • October and November

Permits

  • 3 permits are needed
  • costing around $347 total

Guide mandatory?

  • no

Pictures from climbing Ama Dablam

These are pictures taken while climbing Ama Dablam. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Ama Dablam, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Ama Dablam mountain guides

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Ama Dablam. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Ama Dablam. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.

Ama Dablam itinerary

The climbing itinerary for Ama Dablam includes stops at Base Camp, Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3, and the Ama Dablam Summit. Climbers acclimatize, progress through the camps, and make the summit push. Reaching the summit offers a rewarding experience with breathtaking views for experienced climbers.

base-camp
Base Camp

The starting point of the climb at an altitude of 4570 meters. Climbers acclimatize, prepare equipment, and receive training here.
4,570 m

high-camp
ABC

Generally skipped.
5,300 m

high-camp
Camp 1

The first campsite located at 5700 meters, providing a higher base for acclimatization and staging for the summit push.
5,700 m

high-camp
Camp 2

The second camp situated at 6000 meters, offering a strategic position for further acclimatization and preparation for higher altitudes.
6,000 m

high-camp
Camp 3

The third campsite located at 6400 meters, where climbers finalize their preparations, make the summit push, and stay during the descent.
6,400 m

summit
Ama Dablam Summit

The ultimate objective of the climb, reaching the summit of Ama Dablam at an elevation of 6812 meters. Experience a challenging ascent and enjoy stunning views from the top.
6,812 m

Ama Dablam route

Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Ama Dablam. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

Ama Dablam weather

How is the weather on Ama Dablam, and when is the best time to go.

The climbing season is typically from September to November when the weather is clear and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges from 5°C to -10°C at night, and from 10°C to 15°C during the day. From December to February, it is extremely cold with the temperature dropping as low as -20°C at night. March to May is another popular climbing season with mild temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C at night, and from 10°C to 20°C during the day. June to August is the monsoon season with heavy rainfalls, making climbing difficult.

The best time to climb Ama Dablam is in these months:

  • Apr
  • May
  • Oct
  • Nov
More options Oct/Nov, as in Spring most exhibition companies focus on Everest. Easier in Autumn also due to less ice.

Ama Dablam Gear Packing List

What To Take to climb Ama Dablam

  • Clothing:
    • Insulated jacket
    • Hardshell jacket
    • Softshell jacket
    • Fleece jacket
    • Base layer tops and bottoms
    • Hiking pants
    • Mountaineering pants
    • Waterproof pants
    • Down pants
    • Mountaineering gloves
    • Inner gloves
    • Mountaineering boots
    • Approach shoes
    • Hiking socks
    • Mountaineering socks
    • Warm hat
    • Balaclava
    • Buff or neck gaiter
    • Sunglasses
    • Glacier glasses
  • Climbing Gear:
    • Mountaineering helmet
    • Climbing harness
    • Crampons
    • Ice axe
    • Ascender/Descender devices
    • Carabiners
    • Prusik cords
    • Climbing slings
    • Helmet light or headlamp
  • Camping Equipment:
    • Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
    • Sleeping pad
    • Tent (check with your guide)
    • Cooking stove and fuel
    • Cooking utensils
    • Food and snacks
    • Water bottles or hydration system
    • Water purification tablets or filter
    • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm with SPF
    • Personal medications
    • First aid kit
    • Repair kit (sewing kit, duct tape)
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Money (Nepalese rupees)
    • Passport and permits
    • Travel insurance documents
    • Camera and spare batteries / Phone and power bank
    • Book or entertainment / Journal and pen
    • Snacks and energy bars
    • Trash bags
    • Waterproof dry bags

Ama Dablam Services

Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation

Services on the Ama Dablam route are limited, but there are some options available to support trekkers and climbers.

Accommodation

Teahouses and campsites are available on the route, although camping is more common for climbers.

Food

Teahouses offer basic meals, with a limited selection. For climbers, most food will need to be brought with them.

Guides

Guides are available for hire, and their rates depend on their experience and the services they provide. It's recommended to hire a guide for safety reasons.

Porters

Porters are available for hire, and are often used by climbers to carry their equipment. Rates depend on the weight of the load and the distance to be covered.

Medical facilities

There are no hospitals on the route, but some teahouses have basic first aid supplies. It's important to bring your own medication and medical kit.

Gear rental

Some gear can be rented in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar, but it's recommended to bring your own equipment. The nearest gear shop is in Namche Bazaar.

Transport

Transportation to the start of the route in Lukla is by flight from Kathmandu. Helicopter services are also available. There is no other motorable road on the route.

Internet / Phone

There is limited cell phone coverage on the route, but some teahouses offer wifi for a fee. It's recommended to bring a satellite phone or a communication device.

ATMs

There are no ATMs on the route. It's recommended to bring enough cash to cover all expenses.

Shops

There are a few shops on the route selling basic supplies, such as snacks, batteries, and toiletries.

Ama Dablam permits

What permits are needed for climbing Ama Dablam

Permits required for climbing Ama Dablam

1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

  • $30
  • Required for entry into Sagarmatha National Park

2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

  • $17
  • Required for climbing peaks in the Khumbu region

3. Ama Dablam Climbing Permit

  • $300
  • Required for climbing Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam access - getting there

How to get to Ama Dablam

  • By Air: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
  • By Road: Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri or Phaplu and then trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
  • By Helicopter: Take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Ama Dablam Videos

Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Ama Dablam. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Ama Dablam video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.

Ama Dablam Summit view

What you can see from the summit of Ama Dablam. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

Ama Dablam questions

What to know about climbing Ama Dablam

Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.

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