Overview
We are the only company in the world who have an expedition leader and doctor on all of our expeditions, while keeping the group size sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high-altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breathtaking locations around the world.
Earth’s Edge Extra
Earth’s Edge Extra is our yearly expedition series, which will run its first trip in October 2024 to Himlung Himal (7,126m), Nepal. Inspired by our passion for true adventure and real challenge, these expeditions will tackle some of the world’s toughest peaks. And mountains like these call for extraordinary people to take them on.
Ama Dablam
Earth’s Edge Extra returns for 2025 with the expedition you’ve all been asking for: Ama Dablam (6,812m)!
Anyone who has trekked or climbed in the Everest region of Eastern Nepal will know about Ama Dablam. This stunning peak dominates the region and is one of the most beautiful and impressive mountains in the area. Compared to the other surrounding peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam is relatively small. The real challenge is how steep and exposed the route to the summit is – it is not a mountain to be underestimated!
We take a less-travelled, but extremely scenic route through the Gokyo Valley, climbing Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m) to reach Lobuche Base Camp. We then ascend Lobuche East (6,119m), a trekking peak with great views of Everest, before continuing on to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,750m). Our unique itinerary allows you to become acclimatised while exploring more of the region, unlike other companies who do so solely through rotations on Ama Dablam itself.
Time spent in Namche Bazaar and Kathmandu during the journey will also provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepalese life and Sherpa culture as you travel.
This expedition will be led by Earth’s Edge founder and well-known mountaineer James McManus.
Please note that the Ama Dablam climb plan is very much subject to change based on weather conditions and the health and fitness of all expedition members.
This expedition is suited only to those with a very high level of fitness, who have previous experience with >6,000m peak. Recent rock-climbing experience up to grade severe would be a real advantage. You can read the requirements in full here.
For more information on our Ama Dablam expedition, contact us on support@earths-edge.com to request your free Info Pack, Equipment List and Fitness & Training Document.
Itinerary
Day 3
Full day in Kathmandu
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Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism Government Office for expedition permits.
Day 4
Kathmandu to Ramechhap. Fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
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Transfer Kathmandu to Ramechhap (5hrs). Fly Ramechhap to Lukla (35mins). Trek from Lukla to Phakding.
Day 6
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
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A full day for acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar. Explore the village market and the surrounding area.
Day 10
Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357m), trek to Dragnag (4,800m)
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Ascend Gokyo Ri and then trek to Dragnag.
Day 11
Day 11: Dragnag to Dzongla (5,367m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)
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Cross the Cho La Pass on the way from Dragnag to Dzongla.
Day 12
Acclimatisation Day in Dzongla
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A full day to acclimatise in Dzongla before the ascent of Lobuche begins.
Day 17-18
Rest, Acclimatisation and Skills days at Ama Dablam Base Camp
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2 days to rest and practice skills at Ama Dablam Base Camp before the summit push.
Day 21
Summit Day
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Ascend from Camp 2 to the summit of Ama Dablam (6,812m). Descend to Camp 1 or Camp 2, depending on the conditions.
Day 30
Free day in Kathmandu
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Explore Kathmandu for the day before a celebratory dinner that evening.
Facts
How hard is it to climb Ama Dablam?
We have classified Ama Dablam as a Level 9 expedition. We require that all participants should have excellent physical and mental fitness, as well as previous experience at high altitude (>6000m). Completing long (6-8 hour) hikes with a 20kg backpack on consecutive days should present no problems for you.
The steep and mixed terrain all on fixed rope make Ama Dablam a serious challenge. While this fixed line takes some of the difficulty away from the route, some of the pitches are almost vertical and are very challenging considering the elevation and the fact that you will be carrying a heavy pack. While using an ascender/jumar is relatively straightforward it does require both good upper body and core strength, as well as strong aerobic fitness. In addition, good calf strength is required as much time is spent on the points of your crampons. After you reach the summit, you will also need to rappel off of the mountain.
You should have experience and be comfortable on steep terrain and very exposed ground. Recent and relevant rock-climbing to grade severe would be a distinct advantage. You should be familiar with scrambling, as well as using ropes and crampons.
If you do not have previous experience with rock-climbing as outlined above, we strongly recommend an introduction to climbing course, for example with Awesome Walls.
We would also recommend a winter skills course in Scotland where you will learn how to move on to winter grade IV.
We strongly recommend you research the mountain, its demands and technical requirements in depth before signing up.
You will be asked to provide details of your previous mountaineering experience as specified above (including altitudes) during the booking process. This information will also be mandatory in order to apply for your Ama Dablam climbing permit. If your experience doesn’t match the requirements, we will be in touch with alternative expedition suggestions.
Ama Dablam Expedition Costs and What’s Included:
The total cost of climbing Ama Dablam is highlighted above. You are required to pay a €399 deposit to secure your spot. A part payment of €1,000 is due six months prior to departure. You can pay the remaining balance by instalments or in full. All fees must be paid three months prior to departure.
Your fees include the following:
- International flights from Dublin to Kathmandu return (Economy Class)
- Internal flights in Nepal
- James McManus, Earth’s Edge founder, as expedition leader
- Experienced expedition doctor
- Training Day
- Training Weekend
- Earth’s Edge team of guides, cooks and a full support team
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Kathmandu and camping at higher altitudes.
- All meals and drinking water except in Kathmandu where accommodation is based on B&B
- A celebratory dinner
- All transport throughout the expedition
- All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment, etc.
- Tea house stay at Ama Dablam Base Camp instead of camping
- One climbing Sherpa to two clients for both Lobuche and Ama Dablam
- Large bag porterage from Lukla to Lukla
Expedition costs exclude:
- Personal travel insurance
- Medical vaccinations
- Tourist visas
- Personal equipment
- Personal spending and tips
- Additional accommodation required in Kathmandu if the team summits without requiring the spare summit days, resulting in an early descent from the mountain
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, excess baggage charges and any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as; bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control
Flying From Outside of Ireland?
You are more than welcome to join us from outside of Ireland. If so, you can select the ‘exclude flights’ option on the checkout. You can then book your own international flights to Kathmandu.
Have Ama Dablam Questions?
Get in touch with us via email on support@earths-edge.com, give us a call or book a free 15-minute trip consultation with one of the team here.
