Even in the world arena Amadablam (22,501ft/6856m) is one of the more popular mountains to climb. Despite its relatively low elevation, its incredible shape poses innumerable challenges to the intrepid climbers.

An expedition to Ama Dablam is more than just a climb. It’s a journey in to the heart of the Himalayas. Located in the Khumbu valley, only 12 km from the summit of Mt. Everest, Amadablam catches the attention of every passerby with its soaring ridgelines and super-steep faces that guard the summit from all but the experienced climber. Furthermore, the view from the summit is like that from no other, for from it are clearly visible, in all their splendour, are five of the six tallest mountains on the planet.

Until the mid 60’s despite strong challenges from New Zealand and the USA, no one had made the ascent via the SW ridge, while the north ridge fell to a talented French team only as late as 1979. However, in recent years many parties have successfully climbed it with nearly all ascents via the original SW ridge route.

Not unsurprisingly, therefore, our ascent will be made via the convential SW ridge as well. It is a technical route that requires 3500m of fixed ropes and four camps above BC. The climb can often be completed easily in less than four weeks. However, in case of exceptionally bad weather we include an extra week. The climbing on the route involves pure rock climbing on granite followed by mixed snow and rock. The last section to the summit involves an ice climbing followed by a long, steep snow slope. Often ropes are employed all the way to the summit. The reasons for this are three-fold: safety, speed and success. Due to the technical nature of the route, ropes will be used for most of the climb above camp 1.

The objective danger on the SW ridge is minimal as it is not threatened by ice cliffs. The snowclad slopes are generally stable (with minimal avalanche risk), the rock is of good quality and the mountain is below the reach of jet stream winds. However, the route is extremely exposed and mistakes with ropework can be unforgiving. It is for this reason we provide an experienced guide and a strong local Sherpa climbing team to keep our climbers safely on track. The Sharpas are the key to success on any Nepalese mountain. They carry and assemble the tents, fix much of the rope and supply each camp with food, stoves and gas cylinders. Their primary concerns are client safety, service and success. Our tour guide will climb with the visiting climbers at all times. In addition, they will be assisted by the Sherpas. Our field staff will perform cooking and other duties, which will allow our guests to rest and enjoy the surroundings at each of the camps. However, the visitors are required to carry their own personal gear between camps.

Amadablam is considered to be a technically and difficult and challenging peak. The tour involves an exciting trek up to the base camp and also involves technical rock, snow and ice climbing. In addition one is exposed to the most awesome views of the world's tallest and most famous peaks from the summit. Last, but not least, it is a cultural excursion as well, since it provides a deep and penetrating look into the multitude of cultures that abound in the region.

01: 03 nights accommodation in Hotel Vaishali/Himalayan Hotel on B/B basis in Kathmandu
02: Amadadalam royalty *2000 USD*
03: Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airline ticket, including airport tax for clients and all our staff. Tickets cover 100 kg baggage per person.
04: Korean food for the duration of the trek
05: Two expedition crew members; one cook; two cook's helpers
06: Porters and yak drivers from Lukla to BC and back
07: Equipment allowance, daily allowance for Liaison officer, expedition crew, cook and his helpers
09: Insurance for Nepalese expedition crew, Liaison officer, cook and helpers
10: Mat, dining tent, toilet tent, mess tent, store tent, tables and chairs for the tour
11: Kitchen equipment fee
12: Local transportation in Kathmandu
13: Lunch and dinner at Korean/Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu
14. Garbage disposal deposit at Amadabalam, USD. 2000.00

01: Personal equipment for climbing and trekking
02: Personal and medical insurance coverage
03: Personal tents for guests
04: Emergency rescue evacuation by helicopter if required
05: Oxygen, masks and regulators
06: Any kind of personal expenses that are not mentioned above
07: Costs of a personal nature
08: Tip and bonuses
09: Electronic expenditure
10: Walkie-talkie permit and personal satellite phone
11: International airfare and airport tax
12: Bar bills and beverages
13: Personal expenses
14. Airport departure tax while leaving Kathmandu (per head USD 27.00)
15. Visa fee upon arrival in Nepal (per person USD 30.00)
16. Baggage in excess of 100 kg per person on expedition flights