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Ama Dablam
Height: 6,812 m
Duration: 30 days
Country: 
Nepal
NepalChallenge yourself with the ultimate mountaineering adventure on Ama Dablam, one of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayas! With its steep snow and ice slopes, technical rock climbing sections, and exposed ridges, this peak offers a thrilling and unforgettable climb for experienced mountaineers. From the summit, you'll have unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. But be warned: Ama Dablam is not for the faint of heart. The climb requires a high level of fitness and technical climbing skill, as well as a willingness to brave high altitudes and extreme weather conditions. If you're up for the challenge, the rewards are truly unparalleled!
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on one of the world’s iconic climbs. 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
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.
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.
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
The starting point of the climb at an altitude of 4570 meters. Climbers acclimatize, prepare equipment, and receive training here.
4,570 m
ABC
Generally skipped.
5,300 m
Camp 1
The first campsite located at 5700 meters, providing a higher base for acclimatization and staging for the summit push.
5,700 m
Camp 2
The second camp situated at 6000 meters, offering a strategic position for further acclimatization and preparation for higher altitudes.
6,000 m
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
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
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 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.
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.
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.