Climb Ama Dablam (6,812m), one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, on a 29-day South-West Ridge expedition. Technical granite, mixed ice, and three high camps above the Khumbu. From USD 20,175.
Ama Dablam's South-West Ridge is one of the most photographed climbing routes in the world. The exposed granite ridgeline with the Khumbu valley 2,000 meters below defines Himalayan alpine climbing.
The summit mushroom at 6,812m is an ice formation that gives Ama Dablam its distinctive silhouette. Standing on top, you are eye-level with Lhotse's south face and can see Everest, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga in a single panorama.
Base camp at 4,570m in the Mingbo Valley is one of the most scenic expedition base camps in Nepal. Ama Dablam's south face rises directly above, and the Khumbu peaks fill the northern skyline.
The Ama Dablam Expedition is a 29-day climb of Ama Dablam (6,812m) via the classic South-West Ridge, one of the most aesthetic climbing routes in the Himalayas. Ama Dablam rises above the Khumbu valley between Namche Bazaar and Everest, its distinctive triangular peak visible from virtually every trail in the region. The route involves technical granite climbing, mixed ice sections, and an exposed ridge traverse between three high camps.
The approach follows the EBC trail to Pangboche (3,985m), then branches to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,570m in the Mingbo Valley. High camps are established at Camp 1 (5,800m), Camp 2 (6,100m), and Camp 3 (6,400m). The summit push from Camp 3 involves a steep ice section and an exposed traverse to the summit mushroom at 6,812m.
Permits: Sagarmatha NP, Khumbu Municipality, NMA expedition permit. All included with full expedition support.
For trekking peaks in the same region, Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) is a 19-day introduction to Khumbu climbing. For an 8,000m expedition, Cho Oyu Expedition (8,188m) is a 43-day climb from Tibet.
29 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting, official procedures, and necessary arrangements in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Free day to organize gear and attend a briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,800 m) from Kathmandu, then trek to Phakding (2,610 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Khumjung (3,790 m), approximately 2 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,880 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Mt. Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Sixteen days of climbing period at Ama Dablam, including acclimatization rotations and the summit push. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek back to Namche Bazaar after the expedition. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla. Overnight at guesthouse.
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Often called the most beautiful mountain on Earth. The climbing route matches the aesthetic: exposed granite, ice ridges, and a summit mushroom.
Three high camps above 5,800m give you the full expedition experience without the 8,000m commitment.
Summit views include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga. Four of the five highest mountains from 6,812m.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You are an experienced mountaineer with technical climbing skills: rock, ice, and mixed terrain.
You have prior experience above 6,000m. Ama Dablam's technical demands require altitude-proven performance.
You can commit to a 29-day expedition including acclimatization rotations and weather windows.
You are comfortable with exposed ridgeline climbing at altitude. The route has significant exposure above Camp 2.
Budget is USD 20,175. Full expedition support including climbing Sherpa, fixed ropes, and high camp logistics.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
Thanks for a very memorable Annapurna Trek that you and your group managed for my party. We found the Mountain Hawk team to be excellent, and everyone involved did their utmost to ensure our trip was successful, safe, and enjoyable. Our trek leader, Badri Karki was great, and he really went the extra mile to make sure our trekking experience was first rate. Thanks again, and best wishes.
I had a wonderful week in Nepal in 2007 on the Poon Hill trek. I was very fortunate to have Prem Pandit as my guide. Prem is a very experienced guide who speaks excellent English. He was a delight to spend time with as he was able to tell me all about the mountains and the flora and fauna. He was also able to tell me about the local customs and lifestyles of the people who live in the small Himalayan villages. Prem goes out of his way to make sure that you are comfortable at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Prem as a guide. He is absolutely first class.
Mountain Hawk Treks organised a great trek for my family and I during the month of August 2011. The team of porters and our guide were excellent and very attentive. We had beautiful weather and plenty of wildlife. All in all it was everything we wanted. Will be coming back for sure!
Another chapter added to our lives. Mahesh and the whole Mountain Hawk team, big thanks for an experience we won't forget. From the most dangerous aadmi!
