The mountain of all desires
Highlights
- Ratio 1 Sherpa for 1 participant
- Ascent of one of the world's most coveted summits
- Beautiful acclimatization trek
- Experienced expedition leader
- High altitude porters for collective equipment
- H24 personalized weather forecast services and medical hotline
- Preparation course, live expedition coverage
We're off to one of the most beautiful peaks in the world at almost 7,000 meters, the one that many mountaineers and trekkers have passed by on expeditions and trekking tours in the Khumbu region: Ama Dablam. Everyone has dreamed of it, and its summit pyramid has impressed many. At an altitude of 6812 metres, Ama Dabam represents a grail for seasoned mountaineers, and its ascent has to be earned. To make it happen, we enlist the services of one experienced high-altitude Sherpa per participant. Although the climb can be completed in two altitude camps, we prefer the option of a third camp. This implies greater logistical constraints, but gives the best chance of reaching the summit. Ultimately, it's the weather conditions that decide the final strategy.
Overview
Ama Dablam means "mother's reliquary", in reference to the star-shaped pendant worn by Sherpanis (women of the Sherpa ethnic group). We will attempt to reach its summit at 6856 meters via the normal route, i.e. the south-west ridge opened in 1961 by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward and Wally Romanes.
Ama Dablam is located in the Khumbu massif, at the foot of two 8000-meter peaks, Everest and Lhotse. Its aesthetics and difficulty - real but surmountable for an experienced climber - make it particularly attractive. Despite this, the configuration of its ascent makes it accessible to only twenty or so climbers on days when the weather is clement.
Discover our animated itinerary for the ascent of Ama Dablam.
HOW TO CLIMB THE SOUTH-WEST RIDGE
Unlike many Himalayan peaks, Ama Dablam has no easy route or "normal route". The South-West ridge is the only "weak point" on this magnificent pyramid. The ascent is also possible on the descent. The main interest of this route lies in its low risk of objective hazards. The route follows an initially rocky, mixed ridge, along which three camps have to be set up. Camp 3 is located at the foot of the glacier crowning the summit of Ama Dablam, but out of reach of any falling seracs.
Our sherpa teams install fixed ropes between Camp 1 and the summit. The ascent presents rocky difficulties of grade V (between Camps 1 and 3), and the snow/ice/rock slopes are inclined at 40° to 60°.
Although fixed-rope ascents and descents are made easier by fixed ropes, this climb is for experienced mountaineers who have fully mastered the techniques of fixed-rope progression (using a self-locking handle, abseiling independently, etc.).
The three cramped high-altitude camps require rigorous organization, so that everyone can rest in turn. Your guides and those of other expeditions on the mountain must draw up a suitable schedule.
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Europe — Kathmandu
Day 1
Flight from Europe to Kathmandu. Arrival is usually on Day 2. Welcome by our local team and free time to explore the city.
Day 3: Kathmandu
Day 3
This is the day we need to rest from the fatigue of the trip, finalize any administrative formalities, check individual equipment and make any final purchases. However, depending on weather conditions, we may be obliged to take the domestic flight scheduled for the following day, as soon as we arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 4: Kathmandu — Lukla and Phakding
Day 4
We leave Kathmandu in the morning for a superb flight to Lukla, where we meet our porters who share the carrying load. A gentle descent then a short ascent along the Dudh Khola (Nepalese for "river of milk") to Phakding.
Day 5: Phakding — Namche Bazar
Day 5
We head up the Dudh Khola river, with the magnificent Himalayan pines lining our route. Several bridges take us from one bank to another as the river meanders. Steep ascent to the capital of Khumbu (Sherpa country). En route, we admire the Thamserku and catch occasional glimpses of Everest. In Namche Bazar, we visit the picturesque village. You can wander through the narrow streets of this amphitheatrical village.
Day 6: Namche— Khumjung — Namche
Day 6
We climb up into a small forest and admire the Khumbu peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam) for the first time, arriving in the villages of Kunde and Khumjung. It may be possible to visit the Hillary High School and the hospital in Kunde, built on Hillary's initiative.
Day 7: Namche — Tangboche
Day 7
A beautiful day's trek, with fine views of the Himalayan range. We reach Tengboche, dominated by its gompa, a Buddhist monastery, which is one of Nepal's most famous landmarks. We're at the foot of Ama Dablam.
Day 8: Tangboche — Pangboche
Day 8
We continue our gradual ascent of the Kumbhu. It's advisable to walk slowly to ensure the best possible acclimatization.
Day 9: Pangboche — Ama Dablam Base Camp
Day 9
We turn off towards the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The camp is very pleasant, with a lovely flat surface. The view of the Ama Dablam is breathtaking!
Day 10: Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600 m)
Day 10
The base camp consists of a mess tent for meals, a kitchen tent, a toilet tent and comfortable individual tents (1 per participant). An easy day to give our bodies time to acclimatize slowly. We enjoy the day exploring the area around base camp or taking short walks. Eating good, healthy food is essential for success, so eat well. On one of the rest days before starting the climb, we will conduct a special puja (Buddhist ceremony) with the local lama to ask the mountain deities for their blessing. An important moment for both Western climbers and Sherpas.
DAYS 11 TO 24: ASCENT OF AMA DABLAM
Day 11
LOCATION OF ALTITUDE CAMPS
- Base camp: 4600 meters
- Camp 1: 5900 metres
- Camp 2: 6100 metres
- Camp 3: 6400 metres
For illustrative purposes only, here's what your ascent might look like. In reality, progress depends on the strengths and weaknesses of the members of the group, weather forecasts and the strategy worked out with the expedition leader.
The first two days are devoted to acclimatization, with a hike up to the Mingbo La glacier (5800 m) and a panoramic view of the entire southwest ridge of Ama Dablam. Technical workshops with your guide and altitude Sherpas to check that all participants have mastered the climbing techniques required for the route.
Then the acclimatization rotations on the mountain begin:
FIRST ROTATION
Ascent to camp 1 (5900 m) and return to base camp
All-terrain route between boulders and ravines to reach camp 1. Long day of portaging.
All-terrain route between boulders and ravines to reach camp 1. From day 12 onwards, the program presented here is purely illustrative.
Dénivelée : + 1300 m
Nombre d'heures de marche : 6 to 7 hours climbing up
Altitude finale : 5400 m
SECOND ROTATION
Ascent to Camp 2 (6100 m) and back to Base Camp
First serious day of climbing. An easy climb leads to the ridge itself, then we descend before ascending to some fairly steep ledges and slab traverses. We reach the yellow tower, which we climb before returning to the ridge that leads us to camp 2. The main difficulties lie along this ridge, on the way to camp 2. Rocky traverses over some fifteen meters. Difficulty range IV to V, passages fully equipped with fixed ropes. After a few minutes' rest at camp, return by the same route to base camp.
Dénivelée : + 200 m / - 1500 m
Nombre d'heures de marche : 3 hours climbing up, 5 hours climbing down
Altitude maximale : 6100 m
Altitude finale : 4900 m
THIRD AND FINAL ROTATION: SUMMIT PUSH
Ascent to camp 2 (6100 m) then camp 3 (6400 m), overnight at camp 3
After a day's rest at base camp, we set off again for the summit. Camp 2 is reached within two days, and on the third day we climb to Camp 3 (6400 m). The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is considered the most difficult of the entire route. A traverse first descending, then ascending takes us over a ridge to a rocky projection. We continue in very steep mixed terrain to the Tour Grise. A steep 80-meter climb (risk of rockfall) on the east-facing slope takes us to the Mushroom ridge (in snow or ice), where we pass over jumps on 60° to 70° slopes and exit the glacier. We arrive at a narrow platform where camp 3 is located.
Sometimes, depending on weather conditions, it may be preferable to attempt the summit from camp 2, but all the logistics required to set up camp 3 are provided for when we leave Kathmandu.
Altitude finale : 6400 m
Summit push
Progress up the 45° slopes of snow and ice leading to the summit proves easier than the rocky lower sections. But the altitude and the night at Camp 3 are taking their toll. We make our way up ice slopes, overcoming a large serac on rock to finally reach the Ice flutes (50° to 60°). At the summit, breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Return by abseiling along the fixed ropes to camp 3 and if possible directly to camp 2, then base camp.
Dénivelée : + 300 m / - 400 m ou - 700 m
Nombre d'heures de marche : 3 hours climbing up, 5 hours climbing down
Altitude maximale : 6812 m
Altitude finale : 6400 m ou 6100 m
We have scheduled four safety days to cover all the contingencies that such an expedition can face. On the morning of day 24, we leave the base camp.
Day 25: Base camp — Tengboche
Day 25
We descend to the Imja Khola and cross Pangboche before reaching Tengboche, dominated by its gompa, a Buddhist monastery and one of Nepal's most important Buddhist sites. Magnificent view of Ama Dablam.
Day26: Tengboche — Namche Bazar
Day 26
We descend the entire valley, with the Ama Dablan on our left. All along the descent, we stop at numerous lodges for a comforting cup of tea. Then we reach Namche.
Day 27: Namche Bazar — Lukla
Day 27
Last day of trekking, taking the same route as the outward journey. The descent can be hard on the knees, but we lose altitude and breathing becomes easier.
Day 28: Lukla — Kathmandu flight
Day 28
Return flight to Kathmandu. Depending on arrival time, free time in the Nepalese capital.
Day 29: Kathmandu
Day 29
Additional safety day that can be used during the ascent or as a free day in Kathmandu.
Day 30: Kathmandu — International flight
Day 30
Day dedicated to flying.
Day 31: Arrival in Europe
Day 31
END OF EXPEDITION
For reasons that cannot be foreseen at this stage, such as unpredictable weather, the physical fitness or lack of fitness of participants or other circumstancess (customs formalities, road conditions, traffic, landslides, force majeure, etc.), your expedition leader may have to adapt the program, if necessary, to ensure the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and the one who guarantees your safety. Activity times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
The itinerary for all our expedition programs, or the ascent program for our high-mountain expeditions, are given here as a guide only. They are flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions with a few contingency days. In any case, you should follow the recommendations of your guide, who may suggest that you cancel your expedition due to weather, safety or physical conditions.
It is important to remember that this is a truly unsupported expedition, and that anything can happen. Expeditions Unlimited, your expedition leader, your guide or our local teams can in no way be held responsible.
Any costs incurred as a result of a change in the expedition schedule (extra nights' accommodation, extra flights) will be borne by the participants and not by the organizers. "Contingency days" refer to the expedition in the strict sense of the term (base camp/base camp in the mountains, departure point/exit point on a traverse, etc.).
Any early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, changes to air tickets or other activities not provided for in this program, will be charged in full to the participants.
Trip notes
Guiding
YOUR PRIVATE GUIDE
Key to your success on all our expeditions, we systematically use a ratio of one high-altitude sherpa per participant. He accompanies you during the key moments of the ascent and during the summit push. He is particularly experienced at high altitude. We select him for you. He generally speaks English. He may not be with you all the time during rotations between camps, as his role is also to manage the carrying operations to set up the camps.
A summit bonus is also arranged for your high-altitude sherpa, to be paid in cash on site after the ascent. This bonus is due from the moment you leave the last summit camp on your summit push attempt.
Our team of "altitude sherpas" can be made up of several Nepalese ethnic groups, Sherpa of course, but also Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Bothe, etc.
EXPEDITION LEADER
The expedition leader plays an important role in setting up the logistics of the upper camps and implementing the strategy required for success: rotation in the high-altitude camps, acclimatization of each participant, study of weather reports to decide on the optimum moment to launch the summit push.
The expedition leader represents Expeditions Unlimited to the group, our partners and local authorities. Mainly based at base camp, he may accompany you to the high-altitude camps to oversee the logistics of the expedition. He takes any necessary decisions. His authority is absolute and undeniable. You must respect his decisions, as well as those taken collectively.
From one to five participants, you have a local English-speaking Nepalese expedition leader who has coordinated numerous expeditions to high-altitude peaks. He can be shared with other expeditions. He can also be one of the private guides described above, usually the most experienced. In this case, he combines the two functions of expedition leader and guide (see above).
For groups of six or more participants, an experienced French expedition leader is assigned exclusively to your expedition.
LOCAL TEAM
For a project involving the ascent of a major Himalayan peak, our team is particularly well-staffed to deal as effectively as possible with the two key issues of an expedition: technical supervision and the carrying of equipment (food, collective and personal equipment). This is an important issue, as it directly affects the success of both parties. As a result of more than 10 years of joint reflection and work, our operation is fully optimized and the tasks entrusted to each person determine their own status.
A kitchen staff will be present at base camp.
There is a team of porters who help us set up base camp with all the equipment and cooking facilities. Beyond that, the team of high-altitude sherpas takes over. In particular, they help us to set up the high altitude camps and with the carrying from base camp.
Each participant is responsible for carrying his or her own personal belongings and high-altitude food. Our rucksack will weigh between 10 and 12 kg. Collective equipment is carried by the Nepalese team.
And throughout the program, we will rely on other local skills as needed. Finally, we will have access to personalized weather forecast services and a specialized high-altitude doctor from Ifremmont (see above).
For unpredictable reasons at this stage, like adverse weather conditions, insufficient physical condition of participants, insufficient competencies of participants related to the intended activities, your guide may decide to adjust the intended program and/or activities. At all times, his decision will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip.
Difficulty level
Level rated: difficult
This program is aimed at participants in good physical shape, with a significant sport practice, endurance in particular, holding a strong mental to face difficulties that are unforeseen by nature.
This program is rated as difficult due to the very high altitude at which you will be working. To be as self-sufficient as possible, you need to have significant mountaineering experience, and active hiking, trekking or mountaineering experience. You will need to be able to progress as an autonomous roped party or roped up with your guide, and to know how to handle ropes. Throughout the expedition, each participant carries a lightweight rucksack containing a water bottle, camera and protective clothing for the day. The rest of the equipment and materials are carried by the high-altitude sherpas.
From a technical point of view, this race is similar to a "D" (Difficult) race in the Alps. The Meije traverse would be a good comparison. The presence of high-altitude sherpas and fixed-rope equipment facilitates progress. But the altitude, wind and cold increase the difficulty. Without fixed ropes, the climbing level would be 5 and would go up to 6a.
Secondly, to optimize your chances of success, you need to be well prepared, both physically and mentally, given the high altitude and hostile environment (remoteness, cold, bad weather, discomfort). Team spirit is equally important. Each participant is responsible for applying safety rules, looking after his or her own equipment and maintenance, setting up camp and preparing meals. As always in this type of project, the key to success is teamwork and team spirit.
For this reason, we strongly advise you to take part in the preparation course, the date of which will be specified at a later date. You will also be asked to provide an expedition / trek / sports CV for each participant, enabling us to measure the participant's ability to successfully complete the project with a high probability. Preparation courses for mountaineering at our École de l'Aventure can be a real asset, both for building confidence and for gaining autonomy.
Take advantage, free of charge and for the duration of your expedition, of the H24/7 high-latitude medical service set up with our partner Ifremmont. See below for details.
Technical difficulty
The use of mountaineering equipment (crampons, harness, ice axe, ropes, etc.) is required, and the route tackled already involves significant difficulties, from steep to very steep passages on a glacier mountaineering route, to level 4/5 climbing on a low wall, to the commitment of the climb and continuity of effort. It is therefore aimed at participants who are already highly experienced in mountaineering, and who have already completed a few climbs of this level, even at lower altitudes.And this technical rating applies, of course, to normal weather conditions: difficulty can increase in the event of poor conditions, fresh snow for a rocky route, insufficient or poor-quality ice for a glacier route, and so on. Similarly, the situation changes radically, for the same technical level, with altitude, the weight of the rucksack, the lack of equipment for the route on site, tiredness linked to the approach if it is long, a particularly hostile environment, and so on. Here, experience is the watchword.
Meeting point
We meet up in Kathmandu and are met at the airport by our local teams.
As participants in this expedition often come from different countries, we have not included the international flights in our price. However, we can reserve these flights for you. Do not hesitate to contact us. If you book your flights, we will give you all directions for your flight plan so that all participants land around the same time. You will need tickets that can be modified.
Accommodations
KATHMANDU AND TREKKING
In a single room in a 3/4-star (***) hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
During the trek, we will be staying either in individual tents or in lodges. Lodges in Nepal are of very random comfort. Lodges can resemble a refuge or sometimes our local B&B. Most are family homes with double, triple or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate. It is important to check that the water is not heated with wood, as this contributes to deforestation. Most of the time, water is heated with solar energy.
BASE CAMP
As a home base for several weeks, it needs to be as comfortable as possible, so that you can recuperate properly on your return from the high altitude camps and cope with periods of bad weather in the best possible conditions. Each participant has his or her own individual tent with a comfortable mattress. We also have a kitchen tent, a shower tent and a toilet tent. The mess tent is the main living area. Tables and chairs are permanently installed.HIGH-ALTITUDE CAMPS
During the ascent, at the altitude camps, we have an altitude tent for 2 people, or even 3 people at the last camps.
Meals
KATHMANDU AND TREKKING
On arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is offered on the first evening. Similarly, on your return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided.
In the towns, there are many small (and large) restaurants where you can sample typical local cuisine. With the exception of Kathmandu, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the lodge's kitchen staff or cooks and served in the lodge's dining room or mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
BASE CAMP
All meals are prepared by the kitchen staff using local ingredients, including rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, a little meat, etc. They are served in a private tent. Hot non-alcoholic beverages such as tea and coffee are provided free of charge. We recommend that you stay hydrated at all times.
HIGH-ALTITUDE CAMPS
At altitude, you often have to force yourself to eat. The use of freeze-dried food is almost unavoidable. But such dishes, appetizing in the valley, quickly become a source of disgust in high-altitude camps. You can bring some of your favorite freeze-dried dishes, if you have any, or small snacks that give you pleasure (cold meats, cheese, etc.), or energy bars as the ones on offer locally are sufficient but basic, and so on. Be careful with the weight – we are talking about a kilo in all!
Each tent has a stove for melting snow (MSR Reactor type) and making water for freeze-dried food and hot drinks. The necessary gas cartridges are supplied.
HYDRATION
Take along tablets (such as Hydroclonazone, Micropur or others) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and fill your bottle without having to buy environmentally unfriendly bottled water.
Besides, glacier meltwater contains no mineral salts, which is partly compensated for by the soups and other meals you will be eating. But if you only drink tea or coffee made from glacier meltwater, or just water in your water bottles, over a long expedition, you will hydrate less well, risk gastric problems and, ultimately, deficiencies that will tire the body. To counter this problem, it is a good idea to pack mineral tablets in your luggage at some point, to supplement your water bottle. Two or three tubes of ten tablets are all you need.
Transfers / Transport
Transfers to and from the airport are by minibus or private car.
DISCLAIMER ON FLIGHTS WITHIN NEPAL: We offer participants in our trips to Nepal the option of local air transfers. However, it is our duty to inform you that this transfer is only possible with a local Nepalese airline. And it's a fact that all local Nepalese airlines are blacklisted by the European Union as "insufficiently safe". Other civil airlines in the world have not issued this notice. We use exclusively the following 3 airlines: Tara Air, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, as they have recently been audited by an independent body and found to have acceptable safety conditions.
We ask you to sign the "information attestation form" which you will find at the end of this form with the registration form.
We would also like to inform you that major works at Kathmandu airport have made it impossible to operate the domestic flight from the capital. Due to increased air traffic congestion and the growing number of flights to Lukla, an arrangement has been made to operate all flights to Lukla from Ramechhap airport (about 4 hours' drive from Kathmandu). You will need to plan for an early start this day. Your guide will inform you of flight and departure times from Kathmandu.
Group size
The group is made up of 1 to 10 participants maximum. International group. The number of participants is deliberately limited to allow for greater immersion, to avoid embarrassing our hosts, and to develop freedom and flexibility. However, the maximum number may be exceeded if the last person to register wishes to travel with one or more other people. The services will not be modified, and the conditions of the trip will remain the same.
Equipment
COLLECTIVE EQUIPMENT
All logistical equipment is provided, including individual tents at base camp with mattresses, mess tent, shower tent and toilet tent, as well as all collective and individual cooking equipment. At altitude, tents, stoves with gas cartridges, ropes and anchors.
INDIVIDUAL EQUIPEMENT
Personal equipment is not provided. A full list is given later in this document. It will be refined with us during the preparation course and up to the moment of departure, depending on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags, full-body down suits and/or good-quality down jackets are expensive items that you may not use frequently. We can rent you this specific equipment for the duration of the expedition. You must then return the equipment cleaned and in the condition in which it was given to you (deposit required). The rental price will be communicated to you on request. The cost of transport remains your responsibility, unless you pick it up at the agency in Lyon.
SECURITY AND COMMUNICATION
We have a minimum of one Iridium satellite phone for the group, which is used for logistical, weather and safety purposes only. Under certain conditions, participants may make use of it. For private use, please contact us.
The camps will be permanently linked by radio. Expedition leader, participants and high-altitude sherpas will also be able to use them.
The expedition will have a hyperbaric chamber at base camp, and a full pharmacy, though lighter, at the upper camps.
The group will be equipped with a Garmin Inreach beacon, enabling you to communicate freely and without restriction with your friends and family, wherever you may be on the mountain, as well as sending tracking and safety information. It is on this beacon that you will receive weather forecasts and that we will communicate together regularly.
At the same time, we will provide live coverage of the expedition for the general public, including a logbook and photographs, enabling you to share your adventure with your community. To this end, and if the base camp is not equipped with wifi or 4G, you can also use an IridiumGo system to send your photos. These systems are simple to use, but require a few tests before departure, which we will carry out together.
In addition, at the time of writing, all participants are free to bring any systems they have. We just need to be able to declare them to our contacts, so please let us know in advance.
Please note: in order to preserve the serenity of this expedition and the privacy of the participants, we ask you not to communicate with the general public during the expedition. You are, however, free to send information about yourself to your private sphere. By registering for this program, you accept this essential clause to protect the privacy of other participants in a project of this scale, where important issues of image, physical risk and financial considerations (sponsors, etc.) are at stake.
Our commitments to sustainable development
Our commitment to a better planet has been a reality since the beginning of our story but we always need to do more and better. Please find out more about our charter and our commitments in terms of sustainable development. We have drafted our charter and take action through six themes on which we act as concretely as possible, most often with you: social equity and cultural respect, preservation of water, waste management in expedition, protection of biodiversity, raise public awareness on these subjects and finally, the optimization and recovery of CO2 emissions.
Regarding carbon emissions, most of which are due to air travel, we calculated and communicated in 2018 on the carbon footprint of each of our programs, expressed in tonnes of CO2.
These calculations made us aware of the importance of the total carbon emissions generated by our activity. Also, we have committed in 2022 to a carbon reduction that we believe is unprecedented in the tourism industry, aiming to reduce the total emissions of our activity by 5% per year, taking 2019 as the reference year (3,430 tonnes of CO2). This commitment is in line with the trajectory of the Paris climate agreements of 2015, the current benchmark. Thus, in 2030, we will not entitle ourselves to exceed 2,160 tonnes of C02 and until then, each year, as soon as the carbon footprint budget is reached, we will stop taking any reservations for the current year. Thus, our maximum “carbon” budget for 2024 is 2,950 tonnes and for 2025, this budget will be reduced to 2,800 tonnes. And so on until 2030. To find out more about all of our calculations and our commitments in terms of reducing our carbon emissions.
In addition, since 2019, we have been encouraging you when you book for your journey to contribute with a donation to an independent NGO, among the two we have selected that share the commitments made in our charter. We matched the amount of this donation to this program's carbon footprint. Thus, the journey you are considering generates 3,45 tons of CO2, which corresponds to a 100% donation of €104 for an estimated value today of €30 per tonne of CO2. This donation remains of course optional and you can decide to give between nothing and 100% of this amount. Since 2019, including covid years of 2020 and 2021, we have been able to collect thanks to you nearly €7,000 for these associations.
Please do not hesitate to come back to us with any questions you might have regarding this carbon footprint mechanism, our other sustainable développement commitments or even to share with us your experience through a chat or a mail at contact@secret-planet.com.
Expedition leader
We rely on the most experienced high altitude expedition leaders. They are part of our close community and co-opt each other. They know each other well and respect each other.
For this expedition, the expedition leader has not yet been formally appointed, but should be shortly.
In addition to their exceptional expeditions experience, our expedition leaders have the know-how to optimize the expedition's chances of success, both in terms of group management and in terms of the pace at which the group builds up its strength and progresses in altitude, key elements in this type of expedition.
Departures and pricing
Please find below all dates and prices for this expedition. Prices are quoted "from" and may be adjusted notably according to the number of participants (see trip notes for details). Please note that dates and prices for years beyond 2024, when given, are for guidance only and are subject to change and readjustment to take account of current economic realities.
No date works for me!
I initiate a new datePrice includes
- Welcome and closing dinner in Kathmandu
- 3/4 star (***) hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, single room, for two nights
- Airport/hotel transfers in Kathmandu
- Transfers by minibus and 4x4 Kathmandu/Koto/Meta
- Full-board accommodation in lodge or tent during the trek
- Base camp food supply
- Carrying of personal belongings during the trek
- Base camp equipment: fully-equipped kitchen tent, heated mess tent for meals, tables and chairs, toilet tent, shower tent
- A cook and his assistant at base camp
- Base camp kitchen and mess tents for participants and Nepalese team
- Altitude tents, altitude food, stoves and fuel
- Insurance for high-altitude guides (evacuation, hospitalization, medical expenses, life insurance), cook and kitchen helpers
- 1 experienced French expedition leader for 6 or more participants. For less than 6 participants, the expedition leader is Nepalese, and his mission can be carried out by one of the more experienced high altitude guides (see below)
- An experienced Sirdar to manage local teams
- 1 Nepalese high-altitude guide for every 1 participants: he carries food and equipment to the high camps and assists you on the final ascent
- Collective equipment needed for the ascent (fixed ropes, anchors)
- 1 walkie-talkie for each rope party (1 participant and his high-altitude guide)
- Equipment allowance, fees, tent and food for the cook and his helpers
- 1 satellite telephone at base camp (for emergency use only).
- Solar panels at base camp for charging small electronic equipment (such as cell phones and cameras). Not sufficient to charge computers
- Taxes and climbing permits, rope fixing fee and all government environmental taxes and garbage deposit
- Personalized weather forecast services
- Medical follow-up by Ifremmont during the expedition (see above)
- Preparation course (practical, medical)
- Live expedition coverage for your community (supply of InReach beacon, IridiumGo and subscriptions, LivExplorer service configuration)
Price does not include
- International flights
- Consular fees (visa)
- Any customs taxes upon arrival in Nepal
- Import taxes, if any, for satellite phones, professional communications equipment and commercial filming
- Any additional hotel nights in Kathmandu (over 2 nights)
- Any helicopter transfer
- Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfasts, welcome meal and farewell meal
- Expenses related to the early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, changes to air tickets or other activities not provided for in this program
- US$1000 summit bonus for your high-altitude sherpa, to be paid on site after the ascent (whether the summit is reached or not)
- Tips for local staff: 250 US$/participant
- Any personal communications by satellite phone (to be paid on site)
- Pre-acclimatization protocol developed with Ifremmont and Sport Altitude (personalization, advice, follow-up, equipment) as described above
- Personal equipment including individual high-altitude gear
- Rental of personal high-altitude equipment, subject to availability
- Additional oxygen cylinders (approx. US$500, subject to availability)
- Pre-acclimatization protocol developed with Ifremmont and physical and/or mental preparation with a specialist Sport Altitude coach as described above
- Drinks and all personal expenses (personal visits, cabs, souvenirs, dry cleaning, etc.)
- Travel and expedition insurance (assistance, evacuation and repatriation)
Your custom expedition
We put our expertise, our knowledge of the terrain, our creativity, our experience, the quality of our guides and the reliability of our partners at your service to build your custom expedition. We can also personalize an expedition to your wishes as soon as you form a "closed" group, whatever the number of participants.
This means that, unless you authorize us to do otherwise, no outside participants join you, and we can personalize your expedition by adapting it to your own pace, with the program extensions you desire, a higher level of comfort, certain activities, other encounters, etc.
Every expedition of this type is subject to a specific quotation. To get in touch with us now, please fill in the short questionnaire below. One of our experts will get back to you to refine your request and make you a proposal.
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