EBC-Island Peak-Ama Dablam Expedition

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Trip Overview

Ama Dablam (6,812m) is one of the most iconic and technically challenging mountains in the Himalayas. Located in the Khumbu region, south of Everest and Lhotse, the mountain towers above the famous Tengboche Monastery. Its distinctive pyramid shape has earned it the nickname "Matterhorn of the Himalayas."

Our expedition combines Ama Dablam with Island Peak (6,160m) as an acclimatization climb. This is the perfect way to prepare for Ama Dablam while experiencing the stunning Everest region. Island Peak offers a beautiful, rewarding climb with classic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam itself.

Why combine both peaks?

Excellent acclimatization for the demanding Ama Dablam climb
Gain valuable high-altitude experience and confidence
Even if Ama Dablam conditions are poor, you still summit Island Peak
Explore the full Everest region including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
Build skills progressively — from trekking to technical climbing

Ama Dablam is a demanding climb requiring solid skills in rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude experience. The standard route follows the Southwest Ridge, with steep ice sections and serious exposure at high altitudes. Previous experience on 6,000m+ peaks and proficiency with fixed ropes, jumar ascenders, and crampons are essential.

Our Approach:

Follow the standard Southwest Ridge route — considered the safer route with lower avalanche risk
Use fixed ropes and existing infrastructure wherever possible
Train and guide climbers through steep rock and hard compact ice sections
Focus on quality, safety, and maximizing summit opportunities

Best Seasons to Travel

Autumn (October to November) and Spring (April to May) are the best seasons for Ama Dablam.

Season	Conditions
Autumn	Clear skies, stable weather, best mountain views
Spring	Warmer temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom, longer days

Avoid: Monsoon (June-August) — heavy rain, poor visibility, high avalanche risk. Winter (December-February) — extreme cold and high winds.

Experience Required

Good skills in rock and ice climbing
Previous high-altitude experience (6,000m+) — Island Peak, Mera Peak, or Lobuche East recommended
Competency with fixed ropes, jumar ascenders, and crampons
Ability to climb steep rock and hard compact ice at high altitudes
Physical and mental fitness for demanding high-altitude climbing
Climbing with a personal climbing Sherpa is required for safety on this technical mountain

Climbing Route & Camps

The standard climbing route for Ama Dablam is via the Southwest Ridge with a typical arrangement of high camps:

Location	Altitude	Description
Base Camp	4,600m	Main expedition base with full services
High Camp (Store Camp)	5,000m	Storage camp located 150m below the ridge
Camp 1	5,600m	Directly on the ridge — stunning views
Camp 2	5,900m	On the ridge — steep ice sections begin
Camp 3	6,200m	On the ridge — final camp before summit push
Summit	6,812m	Ama Dablam summit — "Matterhorn of the Himalayas"

All camps directly on the ridge ensure spectacular panoramic views throughout the climb.

Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak (6,160m) is climbed during the expedition as an acclimatization climb. It offers:

Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
Technical challenge with steep ice slopes (40-50 degrees)
Valuable experience before tackling the more demanding Ama Dablam
Great acclimatization for the higher camps of Ama Dablam

Our Island Peak Services:

Tented camping at Island Peak Base Camp
Camp meals prepared by our Sherpa team
Fixed ropes and climbing infrastructure
Experienced climbing Sherpa guidance

Ama Dablam Base Camp Services

We provide comprehensive expedition services at Base Camp:

Spacious personal tents for all clients
Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet & shower facilities
Delicious freshly cooked meals (3 times daily)
Hot and cold drinks available 24/7
Satellite telephone and internet access
Solar panels for charging batteries
UHF/VHF radios for communication between camps
First aid kit with high-altitude medical supplies

Full Board Services on the Mountain:

Personal tent and food at Camp 1, Camp 2 & Camp 3
Personal climbing Sherpa guide to help reach the summit
Sherpa sets up high camps including food and fuel provisions
Assistance with fixed ropes and route setting
Cooperation with other teams on the route

Approach to Base Camp

The approach to Ama Dablam Base Camp is short, sweet, and beautiful:

Scenic flight from Kathmandu (via Manthali/Ramechhap) to Lukla
Follow the classic Everest Base Camp trail through Namche Bazaar
Pass through Tengboche Monastery
Turn off just past Pangboche
Base Camp located at 4,600m

During your trek, you will climb Island Peak via Dingboche → Chhukung → Island Peak Base Camp, then continue to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Expedition Highlights

✅ Summit Ama Dablam (6,812m) — the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas"
✅ Climb Island Peak (6,160m) as acclimatization
✅ Stunning views of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m)
✅ Explore Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
✅ Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545m) — the best Everest viewpoint
✅ Visit Tengboche Monastery — spiritual heart of the Khumbu
✅ Traditional Sherpa village experiences
✅ Professional Sherpa support and fixed ropes
✅ Full-service expedition with quality equipment
✅ Flexible itinerary to suit your needs
✅ Safe, supportive, and comprehensive mountaineering logistics

Inspiring Note

Ama Dablam is more than just a climb — it's a true mountaineering adventure that tests your technical skills, physical endurance, and mental strength. From the prayer flags of Namche to the exposed summit ridge, this expedition will push your limits and reward you with memories that last a lifetime.

The combination of Island Peak and Ama Dablam offers the perfect progression — building experience, confidence, and altitude readiness before tackling one of the most beautiful and challenging mountains in the Himalayas. Whether you dream of Everest or simply want to experience the best of the Khumbu, this expedition delivers the adventure of a lifetime.

Join us at Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition for this incredible journey.

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

October 14, 2026

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November 18, 2026

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April 18, 2027

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May 19, 2027

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
- Highlights: First views of the Himalayas from the plane, vibrant city energy.
- Activities: Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, rest after your flight, and a short orientation walk in the Thamel district.
Day 2 : Kathmandu Preparation & Briefing
- Highlights: Bustling city life, spiritual sites, final gear checks.
- Activities: Final shopping for trekking/climbing gear, equipment checks, official expedition briefing with your guide, and a visit to a local stupa or temple for blessings.
Day 3 : Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
- Highlights: Thrilling mountain flight, first steps on the trail, crossing suspension bridges.
- Activities: Early morning scenic flight to Lukla, meet the rest of the crew, and begin the trek with a gentle descent through pine forests to the village of Phakding.
Day 4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: First glimpse of Everest (Lhotse-Nuptse ridge), iconic suspension bridge.
- Activities: A long but rewarding day following the Dudh Koshi River, entering the Sagarmatha National Park, and conquering the final steep hill into the bustling horseshoe-shaped town of Namche.
Day 5 : Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, Sherpa museum, local market.
- Activities: Rest day with a hike up to the Everest View Lodge for your first close-up view of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and explore the local Sunday market.
Day 6 : Trek to Tengboche
- Highlights: Famous monastery, spiritual atmosphere, stunning Ama Dablam views.
- Activities: Trek through rhododendron forests, descend to the Dudh Koshi, and climb up to Tyangboche. Visit the ancient monastery for an evening prayer ceremony with the monks.
Day 7 : Trek to Dingboche
- Highlights: Alpine landscapes, yak pastures, towering mountain peaks.
- Activities: Leave the treeline behind as you enter the high-altitude Imja Valley, passing through Pangboche and climbing steadily to the windswept settlement of Dingboche.
Day 8 : Trek to Lobuche
- Highlights: Memorials for fallen climbers, close-up views of Nuptse.
- Activities: A challenging trek along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing the memorial stone chortens for climbers, before arriving at the tiny settlement of Lobuche.
Day 9 : Acclimatization at Lobuche
- Highlights: Glacial landscape, scientific interest.
- Activities: Acclimatization walk up the ridge behind Lobuche for better views. Visit the Pyramid International Laboratory/Research facility (weather permitting) to learn about high-altitude research.
Day 10 : Trek to Everest Base Camp & Return to Gorakshep
- Highlights: Reaching the famous EBC, Khumbu Icefall, tents of expedition teams.
- Activities: The ultimate goal! Trek across the glacier to Everest Base Camp to see the colorful tents and the dangerous Khumbu Icefall up close, then return to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 11 : Kala Patthar & Trek to Lobuche
- Highlights: Best sunrise views of Mount Everest, 360-degree mountain panorama.
- Activities: Pre-dawn hike to the summit of Kala Patthar (5545m) for the most iconic views of Everest's south face. Descend for breakfast, then trek back down to Lobuche.
Day 12 : Trek to Dingboche
- Highlights: Familiar paths, easier terrain, rest.
- Activities: Retrace your steps down the valley, enjoying the more oxygen-rich air and the familiar sight of the Imja Valley, arriving back at Dingboche.
Day 13 : Trek to Chhukung
- Highlights: Dramatic views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- Activities: An upward trek into the Chhukung Valley, a spectacular cul-de-sac surrounded by giant peaks, serving as the base for your Island Peak climb.
Day 14 : Trek to Island Peak Base Camp
- Highlights: Setting up camp, glacier views.
- Activities: A short trek to the base of Island Peak (or High Camp, depending on conditions). Set up camp, do a gear check, and rest.
Day 15 : Climb Island Peak & Return to Base Camp
- Highlights: Summit of Island Peak (6,189m), frozen lakes, steep snow/ice sections.
- Activities: Early morning summit push involving fixed rope sections and a steep snow/ice gulley. Achieve the summit for incredible views, then descend back to Base Camp to sleep.
Day 16 : Trek to Pangboche
- Highlights: Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries.
- Activities: Descend from the high altitude, leaving the harshest landscape behind. Trek to the charming village of Pangboche, known for its oldest monastery in the region and rich Sherpa culture.
Day 17 : Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp
- Highlights: Arrival at the base of the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas."
- Activities: A short, steep trek to establish your camp at the foot of the majestic Ama Dablam. Acclimatization and final preparation for the main climbing period.
Day 18-26 : Climbing Period - Ama Dablam Summit
- Highlights: High-altitude mountaineering, technical climbing, knife-edge ridges, incredible exposure.
- Activities: This block is dedicated to the ascent. It includes multiple carries, setting up Camp 1 (above the hanging glacier), Camp 2 (on the knife-edge ridge), and a summit attempt of the iconic 6,812m peak, followed by descent back to Base Camp.
Day 27 : Trek to Tengboche
- Highlights: Celebratory atmosphere, return to civilization.
- Activities: A long but joyous descent from Base Camp, walking all the way back down to Tyangboche for a well-deserved rest and a warm lodge bed.
Day 28 : Trek to Monjo
- Highlights: Retracing steps, crossing suspension bridges.
- Activities: Descend quickly through the forest, crossing the high suspension bridges and passing through Namche Bazaar, continuing down to the quieter village of Monjo near the park entrance.
Day 29 : Trek to Lukla
- Highlights: Final walking day, celebration with the crew.
- Activities: A final day of trekking back to Lukla. Enjoy a celebration dinner with your porters and guides, reminiscing about the adventure.
Day 30 : Fly back to Kathmandu
- Highlights: Last mountain views, city lights.
- Activities: Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to a hotel, and enjoy a hot shower and a farewell dinner with the team.
Day 31 : Final Departure
- Highlights: Reflection on a life-changing adventure.
- Activities: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.

Cost Inclusion

All arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu for International and domestic flights.
3 Nights 3 Star Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on BB Plan (twin sharing).
1 Night MAP plan accommodation at Mulkot on the way to Ramechhap.
Flight and transfers for Kathmandu-Manthali-Lukla- Manthali-Kathmandu to members and guide.
Guided teahouse trekking with full board meal and accommodation as per itinerary.
Complete camping logistics with furniture, kitchenware, dining, kitchen, etc. in base camp.
Full 3 meals (BLD) at base camp with single tent accommodation for each member.
Government royalty for a permit to climb Mt. Ama Dablam and Island Peak with all formalities.
Fully paid and insured government-approved liaison officer in the team (mandatory).
Rope fixing facility by climbing Sherpa team of all operators/seasonal groups on high camps.
1:1 climbing Sherpa for support and assistance to the climbing member for Island Peak and Ama Dablam.
Wages, equipment, rescue medical and accidental Insurance for all involved staffs.
Cooking set and required high-altitude food for high camps climbing members and Sherpa.
Solar panel for light and battery charging to your devices in the base camp.
Emergency Oxygen, mask and regulator for medical purposes for members.
All tents for camps 1 and 2 (Optional Camp-3 if required) pitched by Sherpa.
First Aid medical kits for the members and the staffs involved in the expedition.
Per climbing, the member gets a 30 KG personal baggage allowance for carrying by the porter.
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entrance fees and trekking permit.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu village municipality entry permit and fees.
Farewell dinner before departure with Himalayan Karma Treks.
Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear
Our service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal.

Cost Exclusion

Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit and personal trekking gears.
Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes and changes in Government regulations.
Any additional staff (s) other than specified.
Summit bonus to your personal climbing Sherpa(Required begins from a minimum of US$ 700 per summit per Sherpa)
Tips to base camp staffs (Per member beginning from a minimum of US$ 100.00 in total)
Repatriation, medicines, medical tests and hospitalization expenses for the member.
Travel insurance and helicopter rescue evacuation for the member.
Any other item not included in the “The Service Includes” section.