Ama dablam Expedition (6856 m)

Nepal

Nepal, a tiny country, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, is one of the most
diverse and fascinating countries in the world. Covering an area of only 147,181 sq. km,
Nepal encompasses the world’s highest mountains and the deepest valleys as well as low
elevation rain forest. Although the width of the country is only 200Km North to South,
Nepal has the highest altitude variation of any country on earth, from 20m above sea level
to 8848m above sea level (Top of Everest).
The country is divided in to 3 elevation Zones viz. the low Terrain, the Midhill region and
the High Himalayas, which contains 1/3 of the Himalayan range with 9 of the world’s
highest mountains. This wide diversity of landform gives Nepal an incredible wealth of
flora and fauna.
Nepal is not only famous for its landscape but also renowned for the friendliness of its
people. The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country’s geography.
There are more than 37 ethnic groups with their own language and culture. Hinduism is the
official religion, which the majority of the people practice. Many people throughout the
country are Buddhist and the two religions have co-existed in harmony over the ages. A
small number of people practice Christianity and Islam.

Nepal at a glance:

• Longitude: 26’12’ and 30’27’ No   Latitude: 80 degree 4′ and 88 degree 12′ East
• Population: 24 million
• Capitol: Kathmandu
• Area: 147,181 sq. km.

 

Mt. Amadablam

Ama dablam is undoubtly one of the most stunningly beautiful mountains in the world and every climbers dream. It is the most impressive peak along the Everest trail. Every person who has trekked in the Everest region has without a doubt taken numerous pictures of this impressive mountain which is the heart of this region. Ama Dablam means “Mother’s necklace”, the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother (ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier thought of as the Dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women. Ama Dablam was first climbed in 1961 by a New Zealand and American team, via the SW Ridge.

Program detail:

We begin our expedition with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m) and follow the
Everest trail to Namche Bazar. Then we trek towards the Gokyo Valley acclimatizing along the way and climb Gokyo Ri for stunning views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. We will spend a day at the top of the Cho La glacier where there is a brilliant ice wall to train and refresh your climbing skills and techniques.
After a night at Cho La, we set up base camp of Lobuche peak. We will summit and sleep at the summit of Lobuche peak at 6119m for acclimatization.
A few days walk down the valley to Pangboche and a rest day here give us renewed strength and focus for the main objective, that is Amadablam. Amadablam Base Camp (4700m) is on a beautiful grassy meadow. The guides and Sherpas will fix rope on the route and stock the camps with provisions and equipment. When the fixed line is in place, and the two camps are established and stocked, we will begin our ascent progressing towards Camp I, Camp II, Camp III and make a bid for the summit.

Guides and Sherpas will carry all group gear but members are expected to carry their own personal gear.
Radios and Satellite phones will be used to co-ordinate between the climbers and the Sherpas and Base Camp to provide a safety back-up if necessary.

The Climb:

Hi On Life Adventures emphasizes on safety and at the same time help as many team members as possible reach their goal.
We ensure a cautious climbing, with excellent leadership, organization and Sherpa climbers support. We provide the best equipment available along with an excellent logistic and technical support providing `walkie-talkie` radios, satellite telephones, cooks and kitchen staff, healthy food, medical oxygen, gamow bag, extensive medical kit, top quality climbing accessories etc. that all trekkers/ climbers who has ever been on any of our Hi On Life treks/ expeditions are well versed with.

On the Mountain: We have highly experienced Climbing Sherpas, and we provide one climbing Sherpa between two climbers. Our Sherpas will fix the route, set up the higher camps, as well as carry the group equipment, such as tents, stoves, food etc. They also help with high altitude equipment transport, carrying your extra weight both up and down the mountain. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the climb.
For an additional expense, we can also provide personal sherpas and climbing-guides to individual members who wish to have their own private Sherpa.

Cooks and Food: Our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh meat as well, tinned fruits, tinned meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst) and a high dose of carbohydrates from breads, rice and pastas. We have weatherproof kitchens and heated dining tents, with comfortable chairs and tables.

Please note: Any ascent of a Himalayan peak must be taken seriously. The Group leader will take all factors concerning group fitness and acclimatization, weather and snow condition into consideration when making a decision. While recognizing that this ascent is important to the group, first priority will always be safety. The decision on whether or not you will be able to attempt Amadablam rest with the Group Leader. His/ her decision is final and must be accepted.

Summary

• Trek Distance: Approx. 210 km
• Maximum altitude: 6856m (22,494ft)
• In / Out: Kathmandu

Day to day Activity

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu/ transfer to Hotel Manaslu/

Once you reach KTM airport and finish with the immigration and custom formalities be prepared to confront the confusion outside the airport which is common in most of the south Asian countries. As you walk out of the Exit door into the passenger pick up area you will see hundreds of people with different sign boards in their hands, taxi drivers looking for fares, hotel touts looking for customers and porters trying to help with the luggage for tips. Please remain calm and do not walk out of the restricted area into the crowd straight away. Remain there and try to find the Hi On Life’s sign board. Once you spot it, walk straight to the signboard and identify yourself. From here we will take care of you.
When you arrive to your hotel you will be briefed about your activities and “do’s and don’ts” while your stay in Kathmandu. We will also collect some documents from you. Please have the following things handy when arriving.

Travel/ Medical Insurance (photo copy)
3 passport size photos
Photocopy of your passport.
In the evening we will go for a traditional Nepali dinner at Kathmandu’s finest Nepali restaurant to end the day.

Day 2 – City tour and Trek briefing

After breakfast you will be taken for a half day city tour where you will be visiting some historical temples and monuments. You will end your sightseeing with a lunch. After your lunch you will be return to your hotel and your Group leader will give you your trek briefing and issue you your ‘trek pack’ consisting of a duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag, inner liner for your sleeping bag and rain poncho. Your afternoon is free for you to do your packing and purchasing your last minute items for your trek.

Day 3 – Fly to Lukla and trek to Benkar

A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board our flight which is a small 17 seated Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft. The flight times can be flexible because we need clear weather both in Kathmandu and Lukla to be able to fly. So this can sometimes involve waiting in the terminal for a long time. Once we get the all clear signal we take off to our destination on a 40 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla.
After a cup of tea at Paradise Lodge in Lukla we are treading on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Kosi” or Milk River (named after its milky color from glacial silt). We reach Benkar after a half a day walk and end our first day here.

Day 4 – Trek to Namche (5-6 hrs)

The next day we will be walking mostly uphill through the alpine valleys and crossing rivers and reach Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. On a clear day you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Taweche on the way to Namche.

Day 5 – Rest and acclimatization

As we will have gained about 700m that day, it demands a rest and acclimatization day for the following day. We will either rest at Namche or trek to Everest View Hotel where you will have a breathtaking view over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You will be back at lunchtime and will have plenty of time to rest to make the following day easier.

Day 6 – Trek to Thame (5-6 hrs)

The trail starts from the Namche Gompa and leads west past a large array of prayer flags, Mani stones and Chortens. The trail is quite easy and it takes about 3 hours to reach Thamo, where we will have lunch. From Thamo we will start to climb towards Thame. The carved Mani stones on the way are some of the most complex and picturesque in Khumbu. Thame is situated in a magnificent kettle surrounded with beautiful and dramatic mountains. Be prepared on awesome sunsets at clear weather!

Day 7 – Trek to Lungden (5-6 hrs)

After climbing the ridge above Thame we enter the Bhote Koshi Valley where the river Bhote Koshi runs in the middle. Just as the name reveals (Bothe = Tibetian, Koshi = River) this valley leads to Tibet and the famous pass Nangpa La . It takes about 4 hours to reach a village called Marlung, we stop here for lunch. After lunch, it is another one hour to Lungden. There are just four lodges and they are very basic with only 3 to 4 rooms in each of the lodge.

Day 8 – Rest and acclimatization

We utilize this day for rest and acclimatization. We will do a short hike towards Nangpa La, to a small “village” called Arie. Usually we meet a lot of Tibetan traders here. They are coming with their fully loaded yak caravans from Tibet to sell their gods in Namche. Before we head back to our lodge we get views of the worlds 6th highest mountain, Cho Oyu and many other beautiful peaks both in Nepal and Tibet. In the afternoon we relax and prepare for the next day.

Day 9 – Trek to Gokyo (8-10 hrs)

We start early in the morning, generally at 4 to 5 AM. The first one hour of the trek is quite steep. We reach a small dried out lake, from here the trail is a gentle climb for another 2 hrs and finally we reach a big turquoise green lake. From here, the trail is well trodden stony steps all the way to the top of the pass Renjo La which takes about 3-4 more hours. The view from the Pass is extremely beautiful. We get to see a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and dozens of other mountains. The view of Everest is one of the best you can get, as you get to see more of Everest from here than from anywhere else in Nepal. After taking pictures, enjoying the stunning view and have a snack to eat we continue down to Gokyo. It takes about 3 hours.

Day 10 – Trek to Thangna (4-5hrs)

From Gokyo, we descend south and reach the 2nd Lake. From here we cross the Ngo Zumpa glacier towards the east. At the other end of the glacier, we pass beautiful meadows and yak grazing pastures before reaching Thangna. Thangna is a yak grazing pasture and has a few lodges which are open only during the trekking season

Day 11 Trek to Cho La (5420m). (approx 3 hrs)

We start early and begin to climb a steep hill side. After about an hours climb, the trail becomes less steep and opens up into a beautiful glacial valley. We continue for about an hour through this meadow and reach the bottom of the steep rocky climb below the Chola. The trail is rocky and steep. At few places there are areas for rock falls. Our crew guides us through safe areas and after an hour, we reach the top to the Chola. There are beautiful views of Cho Oyu, Amadablam, Nuptse and the North Face of the infamous Cho Latse. We will set up our camp- you can help the crew with putting up the tents.

Ice Climbing- In the afternoon, our guides will fix ropes at the glacier and begin our ice climbing course with detailed orientation of ice climbing equipments and safety. After the orientation, you will get to try many methods and styles for : Footwork, tool placement, and efficiency. Depending on your level of skills our guides might give you lessons on glacial rescue and lead climbing on multi pitch.
Day 12 Continue ice climbing

Today we will train on a steeper climbing ice wall on the glacier. We will work on various basic methods and techniques of ice climbing focusing on efficiency and safety.

Day 13 Trek to Lobuche Peak Base Camp. (Walk approx 2 hrs)

We begin with a steep descent from the Chola. The trail is quite rough with big stony steps. After a long descent through the rocky terrain, we reach a yak pasture at Dzongla. There are a few lodges here which are open only during trekking season. This meadow becomes vibrant green with various flowers and grasses during the summer and you can see hundreds of yaks enjoying the abundant food, as the yak owners leave their yaks here for grazing. Soon, we are at Lobuche Peak Base Camp.

Day 14 – Ascend to High Camp (4-5 hrs)

The next day we set up Advance Base Camp. It should take us about four hours to climb over rocky slopes and some snow to high camp. We are set on a small expanse of snow or rock, above a deep, blue lake and close to the mountain.

Day 15 – Summit Lobuche Peak and sleep at the summit (6 to 7 hrs climb)

We start early for the final summit. Immediately from Advance Base Camp we climb huge smooth rock slabs, which sometimes can be a bit sliperry. The gradient is gentle and easy but due to high altitude we move very slow but gradual. After 2 1/2 hour climbing on these rocky slab, we reach the crampon point. From here we start by climbing an ice ramp towards the south East Ridge, which is a mixture of moderately steep snow and ice. Where necessary, we fix ropes along the route. We ascend steadily to a plateau at around 6000m, which is called the false summit. Normally climbers climb to this point but if the conditions are right then we traverse to an exposed ridge, which will follow to the summit slopes. After about 5 hours of steady climbing we reach the far eastern summit, which for us marks our summit.

From the top, we get excellent views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Changtse (in Tibet) Pumori, Gyachung Kang, Cho Oyu and the myriad peaks to the west and south. We will pitch our tents on the summit and spend a night there to get acclimatized.

Day 16 – Climb down to Base Camp 5 to 6 hours

Day 17 – Trek to Pangboche (3-4 hrs)

We pack up Base Camp and begin our way back home through an extra ordinarily beautiful valley of Pheriche leaving behind our mountain, Lobuche Peak, behind our back. Stunning views of Cholatse and Taweche can be seen, that towers over us towards the west and massive North West flank of Amadablam right ahead of us. After a break at Pheriche, we continue to descend to a beautiful village of Pangboche. Pangboche is the highest permamnent settlement in the Khumbu.

Day 18- Rest Day at Pangboche

Day 19 – Trek to Amadablam Base Camp

Day 20- Rest day at Amadablam Base camp

Day 21 – Day 28- Climbing period

Day 29- Pack up Base Camp and trek to Deboche

Day 30- Trek to Namche

Day 31- Trek to Lukla

Day 32- Fly to Kathmandu

Day 33- Free day in Kathmandu

Day 34- Final Departure

You can spend your free time in Kathmandu for shopping and sightseeing. If you need any help or advise your group leader will be happy to assist you. The last day will be a mixture of sadness of your departure as well as excitement to catch up with your friends and family to tell them about your adventure.

A Day on Your Trek

Although each day is different, considering the weather, general pace of the group and length of the days walk, in general your day begins with a wake up tea at around 6 to 6:30 in the morning. You will then be provided with a bowl of warm water for washing. Then you will need to pack your duffel bag and your daypack and come to the lodge’s diner for breakfast.
After breakfast we will hit the trail and usually walk for about 3 to 4 hours before we stop for lunch. We will give you about an hour and a half rest during lunch, which will also give enough time for the staff to have their lunch and pack. Usually after 3 to 4 hours of walking we finish the days walk by 4 PM. Tea/ Coffee and snacks will be served on arrival to the lodge. Your group Leader will often organize side trips in the afternoon. Your dinner will be served around 7 PM.

During camping at Base Camps: You will be sleeping in Tents and the food will be cooked and served in the dining tent by our staff. We will provide single tent with folding beds and comfortable sleeping 3 inch foam mattress at base Camp. On higher camps we provide North Face VE 25 tents on twin sharing. We also have weather proof Kitchen and Dining tents with comfortable tables and chairs.  Toliet tents with sitting pot and shower tent will be provided at Base Camp.

High Altitude

On this expedition you will be climbing a technical mountain which is 6856m, so it is very important to understand the effects of altitude. The greatest provocation is going too high too fast. Hi On Life’s itinerary has been carefully designed to minimize the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly and surely allowing enough time for safe acclimatization.
Headaches and breathlessness are common at altitude which in itself is nothing to worry about. In rare cases, this may worsen to Acute Mountain sickness (AMS), so a close watch is kept on all trekkers by the group leader who is trained to recognize the symptoms of AMS which are severe headaches, nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite serious breathlessness even at rest. If any trekkers show such signs they will be descended to relatively lower and safer altitude. The Group Leader’s decision on evacuating such person to a safe altitude is final. Do not medicate yourself without first informing your group leader. Going to altitude slowly with adequate rest and adequate intake of fluid (3 to 4 litres per day), you will most likely have no problems apart from breathlessness on hills which is completely normal as the percentage of Oxygen in the air is relatively lower to that at sea level. The most important thing is not to worry about altitude because our team is there to take care of you.

Staff

Group leader: Our Group leaders are highly trained in all aspects of the trek, conservation, first aid specializing on altitude sickness, emergency procedures and have extensive knowledge of the natural history of the area.

Sirdar: His job is to manage and organize staff duties. He is responsible for the actual operation of the trek.
Climbing Sherpas: They are the key to a successful summit. They fix ropes and fix routes up the mountain. They will also carry your sleeping bags, tents and cook high altitude food up in higher camps in the mountain.

Cook: Responsible for your food. Hygiene of a high standard is taken into consideration in preparing the food.

Porters: They are responsible to transport your duffle bags and their job finishes once they reach the designated lodge. Our porters are provided with Gore-Tex suits, trekking boots, gloves, hats, socks, snow gaiters and snow goggles. Most importantly, we regulate them on a 25 Kg carrying which no other company does. Our clients can therefore feel comfortable knowing that our porters are working in a good humane condition. During the trek you can see porters carrying 60-70 kg and sometimes even more than 100 kg!!)

Weather:

Oct/Nov and March/April

On the trek at lower altitude (2500m to 3500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 15C to 20C and the Min temp can be 5C to 10C

At higher altitude (3500m to 5000m) the daytime Max temp can be between 5C to 10C and Min temp can be between -8C to OC

On your summit day: You can expect between -15C to -20C + wind chill factor depending on the wind speed

Please note that this is just general information and it could vary.

Recommendations for things you should bring:

Clothing:

Head 

• Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
• Balaclava
• Sunhat
• Glacier sunglasses with side shields, 1 pair ski goggles (optional)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions

  

Upper Body

• 2 cotton t-shirts
• 2 polypropylene t-shirt
• 2-3 long sleeve thermal underwear shirts, lightweight
• 2  heavy thermal underwear
• 1 polar fleece jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

  

Please note: We provide  1 very warm goose-down (duvet) jacket with hood. However, you can bring your own if you already have it.

Hands

• 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the very warm polar Fleece mitt liner
• 1 pair down mittens

  

Lower Body 

• 1 pair walking shorts
• 1 to 2 pair walking trousers for trekking and around camp
• 2 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
• 2 pair heavy or expedition weight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair polar fleece trousers
• 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, Waterproof/breathable with side zips

Feet

• 1 pair climbing boot preferably for 7000m+ (you can also hire them in Kathmandu)
• 1 pair treking /walking boots with good ankle support
• 1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp;
• 1 pair down booties (optional)
• 2 pair heavy preferably wool socks
• 3 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool
• 3 pair medium lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool

  

Sleeping 

• For high altitude, 1 down (duvet) sleeping bag (rated to – 20 Centigrade or -0 F )

Please note: We provide Exped down matress and kari mats (You dont need to bring your own)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 litres)
• Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.

Please note: We provide you 2 big duffle bags.

Personal Food for camps beyond Advanced Base Camp.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods for higher camps. We recommend you to bring 8 to 10 packets of Turmat or equivalent quality freeze dried food of your choice of flavours. In addition, growing variety of imported foods such as cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices.

Assesories

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter
• 1 compass or GPS
• Camera
• Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also
• 3 Water bottles (1 litre)
• 1 plastic cup and spoon
• 1 small folding knife
• Books, playing cards, ipod/mp3 player, games, musical instrument etc
• Adequate amount of batteries, etc.

Healthy and trouble free holiday

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entering Nepal. However please consult a doctor for vaccination against Typhoid, Meningitis, polio, and hepatitis. If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please through your agent, give us a list of what you can
and can’t eat so that we can provide proper food for you.

If you are undergoing a course of prescription medicine, please ensure that you have sufficient supplies for the entire holiday. Some types of drugs including antimalarials have side affects at high altitude; therefore please consult your doctors regarding these drugs. The places you trek are mosquito free and there has been no report on malaria in Kathmandu for the past couple of decades.

Insure yourself

Hi On Life Adventures strictly follow the policy, No Insurance= No expedition! We highly recommend you to take a comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance with Rescue before leaving home. It is mandatory that your insurace covers helicopter evacuation, even above 6000 m and incase of unforeseen incident they should cover long line re

Money Matters

The ideal currency to bring with you is US$ or Euro. There are Atm machines in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar where you can draw money as per your bank limit.

In Kathmandu: Each meal will cost around 4 to 6 US$. Plus 10 to 20 US $ for your taxis if you wish to go around the city.

On trek: you will need around 5 to 6 US $ per day. This money is for your hot showers, chocolates, soft drinks and beers etc and also for small donations in the monasteries.

Tipping

Although tipping is entirely optional and personal matter the following is recommended as a guideline

In Kathmandu: for bellboys, waiters and porters 50 to 100 Nepali Rupees

On the trek: At the end of the trek it is a customary to tip the field staff. The recommended amount is 200 to 250 US$ / member. The Group leader will organize that for you.

Please Note: Climbing Sherpa Bonus is extra which is 500 USD/ member as a summit bonus.

Some Do’s and Don’ts

Nepalese people treat visitors as special guests. Although they will never rebuke you publicly for unknowingly offending them, we must consider their culture.

While in Nepal and in Tibet please observe the following:

• Full or partial nudity is not accepted.
• Over display of affection between men and women, especially in temples and monasteries are discouraged.
• Please remove your shoes before entering monasteries and temples.
• Never point the soles of your feet at a person or shrine.
• Many Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus. Please ask before entering.
• Locals walk around the Mani walls and Stupas in a clockwise direction as a respect and they expect you to do the same although it is not compulsory.

“TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO… GET ON YOUR WAY!”
DR. SEUSS

Price Includes:

• All internal transportation including domestic airfares to Lukla and back.
• Services of English or/and Swedish speaking guide.
• Porter’s and Sherpa’s assistance.
• 5 nights in tourist class hotel on bed and breakfast basis while in Kathmandu.
• Welcome dinner.
• Lobuche Peak climbing permit.
• Amadablam climbing permit.
• Liaison officer’s fees.
• Full board lodge trek with all meals while on trek.
• All camping and kitchen facilities.
• All meals while on Base Camp and Advanced Base Camp.
• Single Safari style cottage tents with bed and foam matresses for each member while at Base Camp
• Hilleberg Saivo/ North face VE25 tents on twin sharing while at higher camps.
• All mountaineering equipment, including ropes, fixing gear, stoves and fuel,
• Radios and “walkie talkies” and satellite phone for emergency purpose.
• Emergency use of Pressure bag (Gamow bag) and medical oxygen cylinders.
• Comprehensive medical kit
• Staff insurance, tourist service fee and all taxes applicable as per state law.

Price excludes:

• Personal accident and rescue insurance. You must provide your own rescue insurance
• Mineral water, beer, soft drinks and extra tea/coffee outside of normal meal times.
• Private room accommodation in Kathmandu unless a single supplement is paid.
• Optional tips to guides and porters.
• 250 USD/ member for Sherpa summit bonus.
• International airport departure taxes.
• Visa costs.
• Helicopter evacuation in the unlikely situation, although we do arrange for it and make the necessary documents so that you can claim from your insurance.

Inquire for Price

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