Ama Dablam Expedition - 28 Days

What to Expect during Ama Dablam Climbing?

Ama Dablam has a lot to offer if you know what you are looking for. Despite being far from the modern world, it offers cozy accommodation facilities in the Himalaya region with healthy meals.

Accommodation 

Teahouse, guesthouse, and lodges only the accommodation facilities up in the mountains. These establishments are run by the locals themselves.  

Accommodation mainly offers twin-sharing rooms equipped with beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Shared bathroom facilities are common, though some lower-altitude lodges may provide attached bathrooms. Hot showers are available, but you might get charged a dollar or two for them. Other facilities like wifi are available, but we recommend that you buy a Nepali SIM card like NCELL or NTC after you land in Nepal. 

During your climbing period, we provide sleeping tents, a communal dining tent, and toilet facilities for each individual. 

Meals

Before reaching the Ama Dablam Base Camp, you will be offered Dal Bhat, Momos, Noodles, and some other simple foods at the Teahouse and the guesthouse. But while climbing Ama Dablam, meals are prepared by the expedition's kitchen staff. The menu is designed to be high in calories and easy to digest, featuring items like soups, rice, pasta, vegetables, and meat dishes. Hot beverages such as tea and coffee are also provided to help combat the cold temperatures at altitude.

Fitness requirements and tips

Climbing such a difficult rocky mountain isn’t easy, it requires intense physical endurance. You can start with the strength training, like leg, core, and upper body strength. Engage in running, cycling, and hiking with heavy bags to mimic the same experience as climbing.  Prepare for extended periods in challenging conditions by developing a strong mindset and adaptability. 

Tips for climbing Ama Dablam

• Design a daily training plan for at least a month before the expedition.
• Begin training at a high altitude with heavy bags if at all possible.
• Add yoga to your exercise plan to help you breathe and balance.
• Maintain a strict, balanced diet rich in carbs and protein.
• Avoid alcohol of any kind and stay hydrated. 
• Ensure you get enough sleep and rest while hiking. 
• Pack only what you need, no more than that.

Permits requirements

Climbing Permits

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is responsible for issuing these licenses. Without this authorization, no climber is permitted to ascend more beyond 6,500 meters. Depending on the season, climbing permits can cost different amounts. 

For Foreigners
Spring (March–May): USD 400 per person
Autumn (September–November): USD 400 per person
Winter (December–February): USD 200 per person
Summer (June–August): USD 200 per person

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation is the one issuing this permit. You will need this permit to trek in the Sagarmatha National Park, which encompasses the Ama Dablam region. The cost also depends on to season and nationality. For foreigners, it costs approximately USD 30 per person

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality's local government is the one issuing this permit. This local permit supports community development and maintenance of trekking infrastructure. The cost also depends on to season and nationality. For foreigners, it costs approximately USD 20 per person

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) are the organization that issues this permit. The TIMS card is used to record trekkers' information for safety and security purposes. It costs approximately USD 20 per person.

Equipment required for Ama Dablam Climbing

Equipments

• Lightweight and comfortable climbing Harness
• Locking and non-locking carabiners (1 large and 1 small)
• Supplemental oxygen system
• Ascenders and Descenders for fixed ropes safety.
• An ice axe for stability with a leash
• 12-point for steel carpets
• Accessory Cord (5m/6ft 0f 6mm) 
• Trekking Poles
• Pulse Oximeter

Footwears

• High-Altitude Mountaineering Boots
• Overboots
• Camp Booties for Base Camp wear
• 2-3 pairs of ply or wool socks
• 2-3 pairs of wool liner socks (optional)

Handwear

• Liner Gloves- Lightweight poly-liner 
• Waterproof and heavyweight Gloves
• Expedition Mittens
• Abseiling/Rappelling Gloves

Clothing Layers

• Base Layers: Cotton T-shirts, Long-Sleeve Synthetic Shirts, and synthetic t-shirts
• Mid Layers: Fleece or lightweight down jackets
• Shell Layers: Jackets and pants that are windproof and waterproof 
• Heavy Down Coat with a hood

Head and Eye Protection gear

• Balaclava and Neck Gaiters
• Insulated Hat, which covers your ears too
• Glacier Glasses
• Goggles with side shields
• Face mask
• Helmet
• Camping and sleeping equipment for climbing Mount Everest
• Sleeping Bag, rated to -40°F (-40°C)
• Sleeping Pad (2 closed-cell foam kari-mats) to prevent heat loss to the ground.
• a four-season tent that can resist heavy snow and strong winds.
• Patch Kit 

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 50-70L Medium rucksack/bagpack
• Waterproof travel bag
• Duffel kit bags- 1 small and 2 large 

Medicine 

• Adhesive Bandages (Band-Aids
• Sterile Gauze Pads and Medical Tape
• Antiseptic Wipes/Cream
• Pain Relievers
• Anti-Diarrheal Medication
• Antibiotics
• Altitude Sickness Medication
• Cold and Flu Remedies
• Cough Lozenges
• Electrolyte Rehydration Salts
• Anti-Nausea Medication
• Personal Prescription Medication

An additional device is necessary for Climbing Mount Everest

• Tracking Device
• GPS Device
• Headlamp
• Insulated Water Bottles
• Water Purification
• Lip Balm
• Toothpastes/brushes
• Toileteries 
• Femail hygiene items
• Blister Treatment
• Tweezers and Scissors
• Safety Pins
• Thermometer