Standing at an impressive Ama Dablam height of 6,812 meters, this iconic peak in Nepal’s Khumbu region is a true masterpiece of the Himalayas. Known for its striking pyramid shape and its breathtaking backdrop along the Everest Base Camp trail, Ama Dablam mountain has captured the hearts of climbers and trekkers worldwide. Whether you’re embarking on an Ama Dablam expedition or simply admiring its grandeur, this mountain promises unforgettable experiences for all adventurers.
An Ama Dablam climb is often described as a technical yet rewarding journey. The mountain's steep ridges and sheer faces require skillful climbing, with fixed ropes commonly used to traverse its iconic features. High-altitude camps along the way, such as Camp 2, provide stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Climbers aiming for the Ama Dablam summit must prepare for its challenges, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top is unparalleled.
For trekkers and climbers alike, Himalaya Ama Dablam offers a unique blend of cultural and natural wonders. While the summit is a feat reserved for experienced mountaineers, its beauty can be appreciated from many vantage points along the trail. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of its distinct "Dablam" hanging glacier or the cultural richness of the surrounding Sherpa villages, an encounter with Ama Dablam mountain is an essential part of any Himalayan adventure.
Prepare for an adventure climbing Ama Dablam. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Yes, climbing Ama Dablam requires previous mountaineering experience and technical climbing skills. It is considered a technically challenging peak, with steep sections, exposed ridges, and rock and ice climbing. Proper training and experience in alpine climbing are essential. Recommended to do a 6000m peak in Nepal or similar first to get familiar with operating at altitude, and some basic rock climbing experience is a good bonus.
The best time to climb Ama Dablam is during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The pre-monsoon season (April to May) and post-monsoon season (September to November) offer better weather conditions, stable climbing conditions, and clearer views.
It's busiest in the Autumn season as in spring most expedition companies are busy on Everest. Also in spring there is a lot of blue ice, making it a more difficult and ultimately different climb.
You need to book something to get the permit, but that can just be base camp support and then you climb yourself from there.
Yes, all the way up.
There are three main campsites during the Ama Dablam climb: Base Camp, ABC, Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3. These camps provide resting places and serve as staging points for acclimatization and further ascent.
ABC isn't typically used. Camp 3 is not used by all expeditions (perhaps less than half) - although if not using it, it serves as a nice rest stop when summiting from camp 2.
While there are no permanent rescue or medical facilities on Ama Dablam itself, rescue operations can be coordinated through helicopter evacuations if necessary. It's important to have travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical emergencies.
Helicopters are taking people off the mountain often, straight to base camp or further afield if necessary.
Most will acclimilitze first on Island Peak or Lobuche East. Due to the taxing nature of the climb it makes sense to 'finish' with Ama Dablam.
Nepal
Base Camp
ABC
Ama Dablam Summit
