• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

Today is reserved for the practical preparation required before leaving Kathmandu. The expedition team reviews the climbing route, acclimatization strategy, high-camp plan, communication procedures and the general schedule for the weeks ahead.

Your personal mountaineering equipment is checked carefully. High-altitude boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ascender, rappel device, technical clothing and sleeping equipment should all be confirmed before departure. Any missing or unsuitable gear can be dealt with in Kathmandu before the team flies into the Everest region.

• Maximum Altitude: Lukla – 2,840 m
• Overnight Altitude: Phakding – 2,610 m
• Flight Duration: Around 30 to 35 minutes from Kathmandu or approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Ramechhap
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 7 to 8 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding

Take the mountain flight toward Lukla and land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport. During busy trekking seasons, Lukla flights may operate through Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, depending on the airline schedule and aviation arrangements.

From Lukla, begin the expedition approach with a relatively gentle walk through Sherpa settlements and along the Dudh Koshi Valley. The shorter first trekking day allows the body to start adapting gradually after the rapid gain in altitude.

• Maximum Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
• Overnight Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 10 to 11 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar

You continue along the Dudh Koshi Valley through forests and small settlements, crossing several suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park.

The final section involves a sustained climb toward Namche Bazaar. At 3,440 m, Namche becomes the expedition’s first important acclimatization base and provides a chance to recover before continuing higher into the Khumbu.

• Maximum Altitude: Everest View Hotel Area – approximately 3,880 m
• Overnight Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
• Hike Duration: Approximately 3 to 5 hours
• Hike Distance: Approximately 4 to 7 km depending on route
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar

Spend the day acclimatizing with a hike above Namche rather than remaining at the same elevation all day. A common route climbs toward the Everest View Hotel area and may continue toward Khumjung before returning to Namche.

The hike provides useful exposure close to 3,900 m while allowing you to sleep lower again in Namche. On a clear day, the surrounding viewpoints can provide early views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku and Ama Dablam.

• Maximum Altitude: Tengboche – approximately 3,860 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tengboche – approximately 3,860 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 9.5 to 10 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Tengboche

Leave Namche and follow the trail high above the Dudh Koshi before descending toward Phunki Tenga. From the river, climb steadily through forest toward Tengboche.

Ama Dablam becomes increasingly prominent during the day. Tengboche is also home to one of the Khumbu’s most important Buddhist monasteries and provides one of the classic views of the mountain’s Southwest Ridge.

• Maximum Altitude: Pangboche – approximately 3,930 m
• Overnight Altitude: Pangboche – approximately 3,930 m
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Pangboche

Descend through Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and continue gradually toward Pangboche. The shorter walking day provides another controlled increase in sleeping altitude before reaching Base Camp.

Ama Dablam now rises directly above the valley. From Pangboche, the expedition begins leaving the main Everest Base Camp trekking corridor, with the following day’s trail turning toward the mountain itself.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Leave Pangboche and move away from the main Khumbu trekking trail toward the quieter slopes below Ama Dablam. The trail climbs through increasingly open alpine terrain as you approach the Mingbo Valley.

Base Camp lies at approximately 4,600 m beneath the Southwest Ridge. From here, the journey changes from teahouse trekking into a full mountaineering expedition. Settle into camp, organize equipment and become familiar with the Base Camp facilities and climbing systems.

• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,750 to 4,800 m during local acclimatization
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Activity Duration: Approximately 3 to 5 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Spend the day combining acclimatization with practical technical preparation. The climbing team checks harness systems, crampon compatibility and the equipment that will be used on the fixed ropes higher on the mountain.

Training includes ascending fixed lines with a Jumar or mechanical ascender, rappelling, clipping through anchors, crampon movement and managing personal safety systems while wearing gloves. The purpose is to improve efficiency with techniques climbers should already understand before attempting Ama Dablam.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Activity: Puja Ceremony, Equipment Check and Climbing Preparation
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

A traditional climbing puja is normally held before the team begins moving seriously onto the mountain. The ceremony remains an important part of Sherpa climbing culture and traditionally asks for safe passage during the expedition.

The remainder of the day is used for equipment organization, communication checks, route discussion, weather review and preparation of the climbing loads needed for the first acclimatization rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Yak Camp Area – approximately 5,180 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours round trip
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Make the first meaningful climb above Base Camp toward the lower Southwest Ridge and Yak Camp area. This provides an important step between living at 4,600 m and later sleeping at Camp 1 close to 5,800 m.

Gain altitude, become familiar with the lower route and then descend back to Base Camp. The day follows the acclimatization principle of climbing higher while returning to sleep at a lower elevation.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Take a full recovery day after the first altitude push. Rest, eat properly and rehydrate while giving the body time to respond to the previous day’s climb above 5,000 m.

Any issues with boots, crampons, harness systems or technical clothing should be dealt with today. The climbing leaders also review route conditions before the team begins the first overnight rotation on the mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Altitude Gain: Approximately 1,150 to 1,200 m
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and High Camp Dinner
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp 1

Leave Base Camp for the first overnight stay on Ama Dablam. The route climbs steadily through rocky terrain, gradually becoming steeper and more exposed as you move toward the Southwest Ridge.

The large altitude gain requires controlled pacing. After reaching Camp 1, organize the tent, hydrate and rest while preparing for the following day’s technical movement toward Camp 2 and the Yellow Tower.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp 2 – approximately 5,950 to 6,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
• Meal: High Camp Meals and Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp 1

This is the first major technical climbing day of the expedition. From Camp 1, follow the exposed rocky ridge while remaining connected to the fixed-rope system.

The Yellow Tower is the defining section between Camp 1 and Camp 2, requiring steep rock climbing on fixed protection. After reaching the exposed Camp 2 area close to 6,000 m, descend back through the technical route to Camp 1. This gives valuable altitude exposure without requiring an overnight stay at Camp 2 during the acclimatization rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Descent Duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Descend from Camp 1 after completing the main acclimatization rotation. Careful movement is still required on the exposed and rocky lower route even though the team is now returning toward thicker air.

Back at Base Camp, begin the recovery period before the summit rotation. Climbing equipment can be checked, dried and reorganized while the body benefits from sleeping substantially lower again.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Use the day for complete physical recovery after the first high-altitude rotation. Resting properly now is more valuable than adding another unnecessary climbing day.

The expedition team studies weather forecasts, route conditions, fixed-line status and the condition of individual climbers. Summit packs, technical equipment, food and high-camp supplies are checked before committing to the final rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp 1 – approximately 5,750 to 5,800 m
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and High Camp Dinner
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp 1

Begin the main summit rotation by returning from Base Camp to Camp 1. The route is now familiar from the previous acclimatization climb, allowing the team to move more efficiently and conserve energy.

From this stage onward, the schedule becomes increasingly dependent on weather, route traffic, snow and ice conditions and the physical condition of each climber.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp 2 – approximately 5,950 to 6,000 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp 2 – approximately 5,950 to 6,000 m
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp 2

Climb once again along the exposed ridge and through the Yellow Tower, but this time continue to Camp 2 for the night.

The Camp 2 area is highly exposed and has limited space, making careful organization important. Rest, hydrate and conserve energy while preparing for the transition into the mixed rock, snow and ice terrain of the upper mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Upper Camp / Camp 2.7 – approximately 6,250 to 6,300 m
• Overnight Altitude: Upper Camp / Camp 2.7 – approximately 6,250 to 6,300 m when established
• Climbing Duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: Upper High Camp Tent when used

Continue above Camp 2 into increasingly serious mixed terrain. The route follows fixed ropes through the upper ridge system, including areas associated with the Grey Tower and Mushroom Ridge.

Depending on current mountain conditions and the expedition strategy, an upper camp may be established around 6,250 to 6,300 m. This position is often referred to as Camp 2.7 and provides a higher starting point for the summit attempt.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Summit – 6,812 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp 1 around 5,750 to 5,800 m or Camp 2 around 5,950 to 6,000 m depending on descent progress
• Climbing Duration: Commonly around 10 to 14 hours for the summit climb and descent
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High Camp Tent according to descent progress

The summit attempt normally begins well before daylight, with the exact departure time determined by the expedition leader, weather forecast and conditions on the upper mountain.

Climb through steep snow, ice and exposed terrain while managing fixed-rope transitions, hydration and energy carefully. At 6,812 m, the summit can provide extensive views toward Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and the surrounding Khumbu Himalaya when conditions are clear.

Reaching the summit is only half of the day. Begin the technical descent immediately and continue down as far as daylight, weather, route conditions and climber strength safely allow.

• Maximum Altitude: Up to approximately 6,000 m depending on the previous overnight camp
• Overnight Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Descent Duration: Approximately 5 to 8 hours depending on starting point
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Continue descending through the technical sections of the Southwest Ridge and make your way back toward Ama Dablam Base Camp.

After several days spent at high altitude, returning to approximately 4,600 m provides a significant recovery opportunity. Eat properly, rehydrate and rest while the team begins organizing equipment brought down from the mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Variable up to Ama Dablam Summit – 6,812 m if required
• Overnight Altitude: Variable according to expedition progress
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Expedition Rations according to location
• Accommodation: Base Camp or High Camp according to expedition progress

This day is intentionally kept flexible. If weather or route conditions delayed the planned summit rotation, the reserve day can be used while the team remains on the mountain.

If the summit attempt has already been completed according to schedule, use the day for recovery, equipment organization and rest at Base Camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Variable up to Ama Dablam Summit – 6,812 m if required
• Overnight Altitude: Approximately 4,600 m at Base Camp when the reserve is not required higher on the mountain
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Expedition Rations according to location
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp or High Camp if required

A second reserve day provides additional flexibility for high winds, snowfall, delayed route preparation, acclimatization needs or other conditions beyond the team’s control.

When no additional summit activity is required, the day can be used for recovery and for preparing expedition equipment and loads for the return toward Pangboche.

• Maximum Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – approximately 4,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Pangboche – approximately 3,930 m
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Pangboche

Leave Ama Dablam Base Camp and descend toward Pangboche after completing the climbing phase of the expedition.

The return to a teahouse and lower altitude feels noticeably different after the high camps and prolonged Base Camp stay. The trail also provides one final close perspective of Ama Dablam before the mountain gradually begins to disappear behind the surrounding ridges.

• Maximum Altitude: Pangboche – approximately 3,930 m
• Overnight Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
• Trek Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 14 to 16 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar

Retrace the Khumbu trail through Tengboche, descending toward the Dudh Koshi before making the final climb back toward Namche Bazaar.

The lower altitude makes breathing easier, but tired legs can make the long day surprisingly demanding after several weeks in the mountains. Reaching Namche marks a return to the busiest and most comfortable settlement of the Khumbu.

• Maximum Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
• Overnight Altitude: Lukla – 2,840 m
• Trek Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 hours
• Trek Distance: Approximately 18 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla

Make the final long trek through Monjo and Phakding before following the trail back toward Lukla.

This is the last walking day of the expedition. Once in Lukla, organize your luggage and prepare for the mountain flight out of the Khumbu. The evening also provides an opportunity to spend time with the guides, Sherpa team and expedition members after the completed mountain journey.

• Maximum Altitude: Lukla – 2,840 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Flight Duration: Around 30 to 35 minutes to Kathmandu or approximately 15 to 20 minutes to Ramechhap depending on seasonal operations
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

Take the scheduled morning flight from Lukla, weather permitting. Depending on the season and airline operations, the flight may operate directly to Kathmandu or through Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.

After reaching Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable shower, proper bed and lower-altitude recovery. The remainder of the day is free for rest or a relaxed evening around Thamel.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

Keep today relaxed after returning from the mountains. Any remaining expedition administration can be completed and rented or borrowed equipment can be returned or reorganized.

The farewell dinner provides an opportunity for the climbing team to come together after the expedition and reflect on the Khumbu approach, acclimatization rotations, technical climbing and summit period.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

The final full day in Nepal serves as both a free day and an important travel buffer. Flights from Lukla are weather dependent, so keeping additional time between the mountain flight and an international departure is sensible.

If the expedition has returned according to schedule, use the day for sightseeing, shopping, rest or simply enjoying Kathmandu after several weeks in the mountains.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, prepare for your international departure. A Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday representative will arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your scheduled flight time.

The Ama Dablam Expedition concludes after the gradual approach through the Khumbu, Base Camp preparation, technical acclimatization rotations, summit period and return from the mountain to Kathmandu.