Explore Ama Dablam 6,856m (22,494ft), one of the most stunning peaks in the Himalaya and one of the most impressive mountains in the world.
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Ama Dablam 6,856 m (22,494 ft) is one of the most stunning peaks in the Himalaya and one of the most impressive mountains in the world. It is located the heart of Everest’s Khumbu region, it lies directly above Tengboche Monastery on the well-worn path to Everest Base Camp and is admired by thousands of trekkers and climbers every year. This expedition offers a superb, technical climbing experience in a magnificent setting, with numerous cultural and scenic diversions.
Like the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, Ama Dablam epitomizes all that is grand about the mountains. Its striking features have become a familiar figure to the public through its adoption as the logo of ‘Perpetual’, an international assurance company, and numerous posters and books throughout the world. Such impressive beauty has made Ama Dablam a highly coveted prize for climbers. Since its first ascent in 1961 by an Anglo-American-New Zealand team, it has been climbed frequently and by many different routes.
Our route will be by the original line of ascent, the South West Ridge. This gives a fine and varied climb, sustained at a reasonable level of difficulty and with good camp platforms at strategic points. The climbing provides interest on rock, snow and ice and although of a fairly technical nature, in normal conditions it is never very difficult. Apart from one short section, the climb is objectively very safe.
If you have the necessary experience and wish to participate fully as a team member of an expertly led expedition to one of the world’s most impressive mountains, this could be the trip for you!
You can take our Ama Dablam Expedition as a training program for your Everest or any 8,000 meters peaks expedition.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,400 m). Overnight at hotel.
Official formalities and Preparation day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Final Preparation day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) from Kathmandu -35 minutes or drive to Manthali – 4 to 5 hours and take – 25 minutes flight to Lukla, and then trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Acclimatization at Namche. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Trek to Pangboche (3,930 m) – 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Acclimatization and rest day. Overnight at tented camp.
Climbing period of Ama Dablam.
Trek back to Namche Bazar (3,440 m) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,840 m) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Fly to Kathmandu – 35 minutes or Manthali – 25 minutes from Lukla (2,840 m) and same day drive to Kathmandu – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a hotel.
Transfer to international airport for your final flight departure.
Air traffic expansions in the Kathmandu air terminal are seen during peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, October and November). Along these lines, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal had executed an answer for all trips to Lukla from the Manthali air terminal in Ramechhap district rather than Kathmandu. Read more
Subsequently, all adventurers visiting the Everest locale needed to take a drive to Manthali for 4 to 5 hours and afterward simply fly to Lukla. It was what was happening while at the same time getting back from the journey. We shall notify you right away assuming there are any new reports in regard to this. The change could influence the scheduled itinerary.
Unpleasant weather conditions, congested traffic in Kathmandu Airport, unmanaged runway, topographical difficulties, etc., are the significant reasons for Lukla flight delay/cancellation. Therefore, if you intend on trekking in the land of Everest region, arranging additional one or two days in your trip is highly preferable. This will help in case of flight delay/cancellation and thus board on the pre-planned international flight.
Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 4-nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodations during the trek for 7-nights in Everest region with attached toilet in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
Tented camp accommodation and all meals during the 17-nights stay at the Ama Dablam Base Camp and during Expedition (We will provide fully water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
Expedition permits
Group climbing equipment (Climbing rope, ice screw, snow bar and ice hammer)
Climbing Sherpas (2 members = 1 Sherpa Ratio on the climbing day)
Liaison officer and his round trip flight, insurance, wages, expedition equipment, etc.
A well-stocked first aid and medical kit are sufficient to counter any possible mountaineering ailments, from headaches to serious injuries
Power supply at Base Camp for charging electronics such as phones, laptops, and cameras (solar backup)
Emergency communications on the mountain and satellite communications link for helicopter evacuation.
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. The expedition leader will check that everyone’s equipment whether it is in working order or not.
It is the Final opportunity for last-minute purchases.
Manthali to Lukla Flight
The airport in Manthali, Ramechhap is about 4 to 5 hours away from Kathmandu. Wake up at 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle. Board a 25-minute flight to Lukla. Manthali to Lukla flight is relevant during peak trekking months.
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
Wake up at 5/6 am. Our staff will escort you to the airport’s domestic terminal in Kathmandu. Board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is relevant during the off-season of trekking.
You have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an extra charge of USD 400 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to Manthali airport during peak season (March, April, May, October, and November).
Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will be arriving at the Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning. Breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage. For every two clients, one porter is assigned.
Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River with a downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing, we come across the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we arrive at Phakding.
We begin the five hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche (3,440 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail.
A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3,860 meters today. After five hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.
From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola and climbs to Pangboche village.
Base camp is located in an idyllic spot from which the majority of the route is visible. At an altitude of about 4,600 m, it provides a comfortable escape from the rigors of the climb. Our porters deposit their loads and leave us here for the next three weeks, with only our Sirdar, Sherpas and culinary staff remaining.
Today is another day for acclimatization.
We do not provide a day-to-day itinerary for the climb period, as this will be determined by the expedition leader and members. Guides will take a flexible approach based on what fits with climbers’ and their own experience. Typically, the team will spend a few days at the base camp organizing food, practicing rope skills, and acclimatizing before moving above the base camp. It is normal to ‘tag,’ or spend at least one night in Camp 1 (5,700m), as part of any acclimatization schedule before returning to the base camp, resting, and preparing for a summit push.
Ama Dablam climb via southwest ridge
After leaving the base camp old grassy moraine ridges are followed roughly eastwards to a broad saddle 5,150m from where we can see the Mingbo La. From the saddle we ascend easily northwards until the ground steepens at the start of a large boulder field. We may place an advanced base camp at 5,400m below the boulder field. The route continues north around the base of the boulder field, and then follows cairns upward to the toe of the southwest ridge. At the end of the boulder field, slabs are crossed and then a short gully ascended, allowing access to the ridge proper in a very exposed position. Easy scrambling on the east side of the ridge leads quickly to Camp 1. There are four or five tent platforms.
From Camp 1 we contour around the snowy bowl (possible alternative site for Camp 1) until we are below two rock fingers. The east side of the ridge is followed, climbing easy mixed ground until a short pitch of “severe” standard leads to the ridge proper. The ridge is narrow in places, with difficult turns on the east side, until the second tension traverse leads to two pitches of “very severe” standard. The route continues on the crest of the ridge for a short distance until we are forced via an awkward step onto the west side of the ridge. The crest of the ridge is regained and easily navigable roads followed to the start of a traverse on the east face, which leads to the Yellow Tower. This 15 meter pitch, just below Camp 2, is one of the hardest pitches on the climb at HVS (5.8) standard. A short section of ridge now leads to Camp 2 (5,900m). Camp 2 has very limited tent space (three or four tent platforms) and is extremely exposed. It is sometimes only used to store equipment dump, with expeditions choosing to go from Camp 1 to Camp 3 in a single push.
From Camp 2, the climb skirts a red rock bluff on the east and, after a step down, follows the snow ridge directly to a tricky traverse east. This leads to a gully between the Grey Tower and the lower rock buttress. We climb the gully until a very exposed traverse line is reached on the west side of the ridge. A short snow slope is ascended, allowing us to reach the start of the Mushroom Ridge. Following this typically involves negotiating some steep snow sections, until Camp 3 (6,300m) is reached.
The route climbs the snow and ice slope directly above Camp 3 and to the right hand side of Dablam. We continue to skirt Dablam on the right, then moving west to gain a small snowfield below the Burgschrund. The Burgschrund is crossed and then the climb heads directly to the ice crest above. This is followed by a magnificent climb to the summit.
(High Quality Camping Tents will be Provided in each Camps)
We descend six hours to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). If we are lucky, we’ll arrive at market time in Namche. Regardless, there is always fabulous food to be found, including delicious espresso, yak steaks, and chocolate cake with frosting! This market is where lowland porters bearing supplies meet the highland Sherpa and Tibetan people who have journeyed over high passes from many miles away to trade food and supplies for their houses and villages. Enjoy and celebrate your expedition.
We return to Lukla (2,840 m), where the trip began, after a six hour trek. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and the personal achievements of all who took part. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the town.
Flight to Manthali
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is 25 minutes flight. After that, it is about a 4 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the peak trekking season from March to November.
Flight to Kathmandu
The flight to Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the months outside peak trekking months.
You have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an extra charge of USD 400 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to from Manthali airport to Kathmandu during peak season (March, April, May, October and November).
If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, we offer trips to the popular destinations in Nepal. Pokhara tour, Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tours, etc., are some of our popular Nepal trips. In addition, we also provide outbound tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan.
You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.
Today we conclude our trip. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell and hope you’ll travel to Nepal again.
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!
Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Fully immunized travelers are welcome in Nepal without restriction. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well. Please visit Covid-19 travel protocols 2022 for up-to-date information.
We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.
The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip. Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
Yes, all our climbing guides hold their license from Nepal Mountaineering Association. They are experienced in many 6,000 and 7,000 meters peaks and have also been to 8,000 meters peaks a few times.
Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and hosts of teahouses don’t speak English.
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December are the best time to do Amadablam Peak Adventure.
Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Everest region is challenging to forecast. You could see rain, fog, cold, or hot and sunny weather while trekking. It is best to be equipped to handle various weather situations. In the Everest region, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than midday temperatures. In less than a day, the temperature can change from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of – 20°C (-4°F). The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.
Spring – March/April/May/June
Despite being the busiest season, spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Everest region. Activities assisting the expedition teams take place in Everest Base Camp. The many varieties of blossoming trees should be visible, and the sky should be clear with stunning vistas. During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September
Since it rains heavily at elevations below 3500 meters, this season isn’t exactly ideal for travel in the Everest region. While it can occasionally be dry in areas above 4000 meters, it frequently rains so therefore not many people travel during this season. Trekking during the monsoon season has some advantages, such as a greater possibility of seeing waterfalls and the best opportunity to escape crowds. During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) during clear days and a low of- 5°C (23°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Autumn – End of September/October/November
In the Everest region, autumn is equally as busy as spring. It is one of the best times to go, too. While the plants and trees are not in bloom, the sky is often clear, offering breathtaking vistas from almost every viewpoint. The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Winter – December/January/February
Due to fewer tourists, some people like winter travel. Even while the views are still beautiful, it can be cloudy, thus adding extra days is highly advised during this time. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of – 20°C (- 4°F) overnight above 4000 meters. The teahouses provide extra blankets for warmth at night.
The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -10°C (14°F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.
Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
Typically, USD 15 to 20 per person per day will be sufficient. This is to purchase water, tea/espresso, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains and for lunch or dinner in Kathmandu. Additionally, if you want to buy souvenirs or native Nepali goods, you can bring extra cash with you.
Nepalese Rupees cash is preferred to a credit card while trekking in the mountain region. Exchanging your cash into Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu before the beginning of the trek is ideal. This can be accomplished at the airport, at banks, or at your hotel. Please note the hotels will exchange up to about USD 100 for each transaction only. There are ATMs up to Namche Bazaar but can be unreliable. The currency exchange rate is better in Kathmandu.
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
Ama Dablam Expedition involves trekking as well as climbing with all the expedition equipment. Though previous climbing experience certainly helps yet prior peak climbing experience is appriciated for Ama Dablam Expedition. However, anyone with a knee, ankle, heart, or lung pre-medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering Ama Dablam Expedition. Moreover, at Ama Dablam base camp our climbing Sherpa guide will organize a basic climbing training session on required climbing skills and the use of climbing equipment.
It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.
Amadablam is a technical peak and you need good stamina for a long day effort while climbing it. You can climb this peak without any previous climbing experience and skills in using climbing equipment but knowledge of using equipment and previous experience would be beneficial although not mandatory because pre-ice climbing training is provided to you in Base Camp to make you skillful in using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, and crampons.
The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.
For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.
Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week. Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.
After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.
Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary. Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling. Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.
You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek on the Equipment Tab. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.
Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items.
We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry. The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.
We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.
Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We use standard rooms at three-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in teahouses provides essential and basic facilities and is always outside the room.
From the Amadablam peak base camp, the accommodation will be in a Tented camp. You can book a private tent by paying an additional cost of USD 200 for the nights you spend in base camp and high camp at Tent peak.
A private room in the teahouses cannot be guaranteed during peak season. During the non-peak season, the teahouses may provide a private room without any additional cost. The accommodation during the trek will remain very basic with twin sharing rooms and occasionally dormitory rooms for our trekkers.
We can arrange for a private room while in Kathmandu for an additional cost of USD 35 per room per night.
In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu. The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu. In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.
You can buy toilet paper in the guesthouses during the trek, but it can be expensive, so we suggest you bring some with you. You also need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, hand sanitizers, and so on.
There are toilet facilities in the teahouses/lodges during the trek. Trekkers can also find private areas along the trail for emergencies.
Multiple food choices are available in the guesthouses. Options include daal bhat (rice and lentil), bread, eggs, potatoes, noodles, soup, pasta, and pastries. We suggest eating vegetarian during the trip. You will find a great deal of garlic on the menu since it helps acclimate. Each meal includes one hot drink. Hot drinks include coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks. You can purchase an additional hot drink or soda at your own expense. You can also buy candy or cookies (crisps) at your own expense.
At Tented camp stay while in and above Amadablam Peak Base Camp, our professional cook will provide you with the best veg delights according to your advice.
Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.
Natural spring water or tap water can be found along the trek and in guesthouses but must be treated. We use Katadyn filters to purify the natural water sources to make them safe to drink. This way, it is sustainable and pocket friendly as you need not buy bottled mineral water. You must carry a water bottle that can hold both hot and cold water and a hydration pack.
If the temperature drops too low for the Katadyn filter to function properly or if any technical issues occur, it is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative.
Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.
Yes, hot showers are available from Lukla up to Namche Bazaar for an additional cost. Some villages at higher elevations too might have shower availability. However, you can purchase a pail of warm water at higher elevations to bathe with. It is not recommended to take showers above the village of Dingboche to avoid sickness. Depending on the location, it will cost an additional USD 5 to USD 8 for each shower during the trip.
Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.
We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.
We allocate one guide for groups of up to 8 participants. For groups of over 8 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.
We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 30kg or 15kg for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.
Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.
Yes, we have access to a portable altitude chamber in case of an emergency. It is not essential to carry during the trek. Though, we can use arrange it upon request for an extra cost of USD 200.
Yes. Guesthouses at higher elevations such as Lobuche and Gorak Shep offer oxygen at an extra cost if needed. The cost of oxygen can be high so we recommend having travel insurance so they can reimburse you.
We can also provide pre-booked oxygen for an extra cost of USD 150 for 1 tank that can be carried along with you during the trek starting from Namche to higher elevations.
Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.
An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.
Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.
Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.
However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.
More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.
Tipping is expected and appreciated. You can tip your trekking guides and porters based on your satisfaction and enjoyment. We suggest you spend at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping staff. You’ll learn more about how much to tip your group’s guides and porters during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.
Yes. The guides carry local cell phones, so you can use their cell phones if necessary and reimburse them. Assuming you have brought your cell phone, you can obtain a local SIM card and use it. Our guides or representatives can help you get a local SIM card after your arrival. There is the availability of Wi-Fi at most teahouses for an additional cost. We utilize satellite telephones for emergencies.
If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.
Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.
If there are any, you will be allocated to a trekking group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.
You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.
Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.
We utilize private tourist vehicles for touring, city visits, and airport pickups. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibuses, or vans. We use 4WD when necessary.
You can reach Manthali airport by traveling in a vehicle. The journey is about 4 to 5 hours (depending upon traffic) by road.
Usually, the airline companies provide shuttle services at 3 am to get to Manthali airport, Ramechhap from Kathmandu (depending upon flight time). If airlines’ shuttle services are not available, Ace the Himalaya will arrange for a vehicle to Manthali airport.
To catch your Lukla flights, you will travel to Manthali early in the morning around 2 to 3 am from Kathmandu. If your departure time is early in the morning, you must arrive in Manthali the day before and spend the night there. More information will be shared 2 to 3 weeks before you arrive in Kathmandu.
The return journey from Manthali to Kathmandu will remain like your outward journey.
Generally, vehicles such as Toyota HiAce, Mahindra Scorpio, etc. are used for shuttle services between Kathmandu and Manthali. Even though the roads leading to Manthali are bumpy, sloping, and winding, the transportation options offered will be comfortable during the trip.
A private helicopter can be reserved for an additional cost of USD 2,500 for one way in addition to the flight cost between Kathmandu and Lukla. Similarly, a helicopter charter from Manthali to Lukla costs an extra USD 1,800 for a one-way flight. The seat limit is five. Meaning you will be sharing the cost with your fellow passengers. Sometimes, if you are lucky, the cost can get cheaper if there are passengers from Ace the Himalaya sharing the cost for both ways. We can give more information at the time of booking.
Assuming the five-passenger weight limit of 80kg and a baggage limit of 15kg each, with a captain on board, the helicopter carries 475 to 575 kg on a single helicopter flight.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.