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Himalayas 5 Peaks Technical Climbing Course and Ama Dablam Ascent

Himalayas summit
Himalayas mountains
Himalayas 5 Peaks Technical Climbing Course and Ama Dablam Ascent
Himalayas trip

Conquer the Ama Dablam summit with expert IFMGA Guide Tshering and his team. Elevate your mountaineering skills with hands-on practice during this comprehensive technical climbing course across five Himalayan peaks, culminating in the ultimate ascent of Ama Dablam.

Private and Group

Himalaya

35 Days

Mar - May, Sep - Nov

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

* Discover 5 peaks in the Himalayas.

* Practice different mountaineering techniques.

* Ascend the fantastic Mount Ama Dablam.

Description

Join this technical climbing course in one of the most iconic places for any mountaineering adventure: the Himalayas. It will take place over five different peaks. Thus, it will give you the opportunity to practice different techniques.

This technical mountaineering course is similar to an IFMGA/NNMGA course. We will cover climbing on different terrains, including rock, snow, and ice. Also, we’ll learn about crevasse rescue. And we’ll go over navigation techniques.

Additionally, we’ll review different uses of ropes, knots, and bolts. Finally, we will practice placing rock and snow anchors, and varied belaying techniques. The course is perfect for climbers with previous mountaineering and/or trekking experience. 

During our expedition, the climbing objectives will be Island Peak (Imja Tse), standing at 6,189 meters. Also, we’ll climb Lobuje East (6,100m) in the Khumbu Valley.  And we’ll ascend Chhukung Ri and Kala Pathar too.

But, the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ll also visit the base camp at Everest. And, we’ll explore the Gokyo Lakes.

All these magnificent peaks will offer challenging yet attainable objectives. So they are an ideal combination for those getting involved on their first expedition.

Finally, we will ascend Mt. Ama Dablam (6,814m). Due to the difficulty level, on top of the IFMGA/NNMGA certified mountain guide, this expedition is also led by experienced local sherpas. So you’ll be in expert hands. And you will be able to practice everything that you learned in a safe environment.

This is also a great program if you are training for more difficult climbs such as Everest, as it will give you plenty of practice and altitude experience.

If you want to join this incredible adventure, don’t hesitate and send me a request. It would be my pleasure to be your guide in the Himalayas. Looking for a shorter adventure? Check out this Bimal Nagar 2-day rock climbing tour.

Photos courtesy of Tshering and Sonam Bhote.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transportation start and back

- Luggage transfer

- Permit and entrance fees

- Group porters

- Camping equipment tents

- Camping equipment cooking utensils

Price details

The price listed is for 2023 expeditions.

You'll find in the FAQ section the full list of items included and not in the price of the expedition.


Itinerary

Day 1: Katmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu (1,343m). Then, transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Preparation

Briefing meeting. And equipment checks in preparation for the trip.

Day 3: Lukla-Phakding

Early flight to Lukla (2,866m). Then trek to Phakding (2,640m).

Day 4: Namche Bazar

Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m).

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazar - Everest view point

Rest day for Acclimatization in Namche Bazar. After that, day trip to Everest viewpoint (3,856m).

Day 6: Dole

Hike to Dole (4,200m).

Day 7: Machermo

Trek to Machermo (4,410m).

Day 8: Acclimatization in Machermo

Rest day in Machermo.

Day 9: Gokyo

Another trek, this time to Gokyo (4,750m).

Day 10: Gokyo Ri - Thanknag

We’ll trek to the Gokyo Ri view point (5,320m). Then, we’ll hike to Thanknag.

Day 11: Lobuche

We will trek to Lobuche (4,930m) via chola pass (5,420m).

Day 12: Lobuche

Rest day at Lobuche. And practice with anchors and ropes.

Day 13: Everest Base Camp

Trek to Everest BC (5,364m) and Kalapathar (5,550m) viewpoint for an amazing sunset.  Then we’ll head back to Lobuche (10-12 hours).

Day 14: Lobuche

Training on fix line system, ascending, descending and travers.

Day 15: Lobuche peak high camp

Trek to Lobuche peak high camp (5,600m). Then, upon arrival we’ll refresh alpine climbing techniques.

Day 16: Lobuche

Training at Lobuche high camp, cramponing, ice axe placing and crapas rescue techniques.

Day 17: Lobuche east peak summit

Climb Lobuche east peak summit (6,100m). Then, head back to Lobuche.

Day 18: Lobuche

Rest day at Lobuche base camp.

Day 19: Chhukung

Trek to Chhukung  (4,730m) via Kongmala pass (5,535m).

Day 20: Island Peak

Trek to Island Peak (Imja tse) base camp (5,057m).

Day 21: Island Peak - Chhukung

Climb Island Peak (Imja tse) summit (6,189m). And trek to Chhukung.

Day 22: Pangbuche

Trek to Pangbuche (3,800m).

Day 23 to 30: Mt. Ama Dablam (6,856m).

Ama Dablam is one of the most stunning peaks in the Himalaya and one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Situated in 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.

This itinerary is open depending on weather conditions and the group’s availability and acclimatization. Mt. Ama Dablam has 3 camps: Camp 1(5,700m), Camp 2 (5,900m), Camp 3 (6,300m).

Day 31: Namche Bazar

Head back to Namche Bazar (3,440m).

Day 32: Lukla

We’ll trek back to Lukla (2,866m).

Day 33: Kathmandu

Early flight to Kathmandu (1,343m)

Day 34: Kathmandu city sightseeing

Kathmandu city sightseeing to visit temples and stupas.

Day 35: Flight home

Flight to Home Office staff will take you to TIA airport.

 

Details

More info

The itinerary is not a fixed program. Things can change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions and the acclimatization and response of the group. We want to ensure your safety more than anything.

Meeting point

Kathmandu

FAQs

Will Tshering Pandhe Bhote be guiding the expedition?

Tshering always supervises and organizes the tours, however, he is not always the lead guide on the expedition. His team of local guides all have local certifications (NNMGA) and have summited Everest several times.

When are you planning this mountaineering course and the ascent of Ama Dablam?

We organize our Ama Dablam expedition two times a year:

  • In Autumn, around October 20th
  • In Spring, around April 20th.

How experienced do I need to be to join this trip?

The goal of this mountaineering course & expedition with the ascent of these 5 peaks is to introduce people to climbing in the Himalayas. You must be able to walk daily for 6 to 8 hours, while carrying a light day pack. During several days of this tour, an extra effort will need to be provided (10 to 18 hours of hiking & climbing) to allow reaching the summit of the different peaks (Mera peak, Ama Dablam, etc.) of the list.

What’s included in the price of the tour?

The following items are included in the price of this 35-day expedition:

  • the transfers from/to the airport
  • 4 nights (twin-sharing basis) in a bed & breakfast in Kathmandu and on the way to the start of the program and back.
  • the transportation from Kathmandu to the start of the hike, and back
  • accommodations (full-board) in lodges/tea houses during the expedition
  • all peaks permit and administration fees
  • the service & support of the local staff
  • the mountain guiding service provided by local IFMGA/NNMGA certified mountain guides
  • climbing equipment, tents, ropes, cooking stoves, etc.

What’s NOT included in the price of the tour?

The following items are not included in the price of this 35-day expedition:

  • your personal climbing/mountaineering equipment.
  • the visa fee to enter Nepal. It can be obtained at the airport upon arrival.
  • your air travel expenses to and from Kathmandu.
  • lunches and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • bonus tip for each climbing sherpa/guide (usually one per climber, but there could be 2 if you need) if camp 2 of Ama Dablam is reached (minimum USD 800 per climbing Sherpa). If you don’t manage to make it to Ama Dablam but climbed one of the other peaks of the program, the bonus tip would be USD 300.
  • tips for all local support crews (USD 250)
  • fixed rope team fee (around USD 250, the final price will depend on the number of climbers). This money goes to the government directly
  • any costs there might be if you are leaving the tour earlier (whatever the reason)
  • any costs there might be if you arrive back in Kathmandu earlier, for example, having climbed the peaks ahead of schedule.
  • personal medical, travel, rescue and cancellations insurances. Make sure it covers emergency helicopter evacuation.
  • personal spending, tips and sightseeing tours.
  • Others: drinks, laundry, postage, telephone calls, emails and other items of a personal nature.

What happens if I need to stop the expedition and get back to Kathmandu before the end of the tour?

You may need to stop the expedition and get back to Kathmandu for different reasons: sickness, injury, any personal reason, natural disaster, etc.

We’ll make sure you get back to Kathmandu, and we’ll take care of driving you back to the airport.

Unfortunately, no refund we'll be given as all the parties involved in the planning of the expedition (staff, guides, logistics, etc.) will already be paid by that moment. We strongly recommend you to buy a cancellation insurance.

Will I be with other climbers?

You’ll be with other climbers during this expedition. There will be a maximum of 9 other climbers with you (so 10 maximum).

For the summit days (e.g. Ama Dablam, Island, Lobuche, Mera Peak…), each climber will have his own guide. For the other days, there will be one guide for several climbers, based on the program and the required safety requirements.

The program is made on a twin sharing basis. If you wish, we can plan a single room basis for you. An extra fee will be asked for that.

What’s the best way to train and get ready?

You should book as soon as you can so that we can help you get ready. We’ll send you a preparation program once you book, making sure this experience is a success for you.

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment?

You need to take with you your crampons, harness, helmet, belay devices, and ice axe.

It’s possible to rent some technical gear such as crampons, helmet, ice axe, harness, down jacket etc. in Katmandu. We highly recommend you to bring your own mountaineering shoes and belay devises to avoid any issues. Please note that you may not find a wide variety of brands and prices.

Which is the meeting point?

We’ll pick you up at the airport of Kathmandu.

Do you have a list of equipment I need to bring with me?

Here is the equipment that you need to have with you:

1/ TECHNICAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

  • Climbing Helmet
  • Harness (Appropriate for alpine rock, ice climbing and mountaineering)
  • Ice Axe (semi technical 50-55 cm length)
  • A pair of Crampons (semi-rigid system) with step in or four strap system appropriate for alpine ice climbing and general mountaineering), with Antibott
  • A pair of Mountaineering boot for 7000 m (G2sm or similar)
  • 2 sleeping bags -30 °C to -40 °C with inner liner
  • 1 carry mat and 1 of Tharmorest air mat with pump sack.
  • 3 m rope 8 mm
  • 8 m prusik cord 6 mm
  • One tap sling 120 cm
  • One ascender device (Jumar) Petzl or Black Diamond
  • One belay device (Riverso, Petzl or Guide, Black Diamond)
  • 4 non screw gate carabiners
  • 4 screw gate carabiners (HMS)
  • 2 quickdraw (runner)
  • 2 ice screws of different length and diameter, 10 to 22 cm
  • 2 Duffel bags (1piece 80L and 1 Piece 120L)
  • 2 Pieces of backpack for climbing design light weight and durable (1-piece 35L for the day and 1piece 55L for climbing)

2/ Equipment for the HEAD

  • A fleece or woolen hat
  • A shaded hat or cap
  • 2 Balaclava neck warmers
  • A pair of glacier glasses 100% UV protection with side shield, a hard sided storage case and antifog.
  • A pair of ski goggles with UV protection and antifog.

3/ Equipment for the HANDS

  • 2 pair of liner gloves or thin wool gloves
  • A pair of warm gloves fleece
  • A pair of expedition shell gloves, with leather on it.
  • A pair of down mitten Upper

4/ Equipment for the BODY

  • 2 base-layers 4 season woolen thermal
  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 high neck with long sleeve
  • A fleece Jacket or soft shell
  • A thermal warm jacket for the 3rd layer
  • A waterproof Jacket with hood (good quality)
  • A down jacket 700 Lower body wear

5/ UNDERWEAR

  • 2 pairs of Nylon pants for trekking and climbing
  • 2 pairs of thermal trousers
  • A pair of Fleece warm pants
  • A pair of Waterproof pants (good quality)
  • A pair of Down pant
  • 2 pairs liner socks
  • 3 pairs of trekking socks
  • 2 pairs of climbing and mountaineering thick socks
  • A pair of trekking boots
  • A pair of sandal or camp shoes
  • Sun lotion, 118ml (SPF 30 to 50)
  • Lip balm 4.8 g (SPF 30) with a cord or strap to hang on your neck
  • Foot powder antibacterial 75g
  • 2 head lamps (Petzl Tika-Zipka or Black Diamond)
  • Enough lithium batteries AAA or AA size 1.5 volts
  • 2 lighters of high performance in cold temperature and high altitude
  • A diary book for personal memoranda
  • A pen or pencil
  • 2 water bottles of 1000ml wide mouth (Good quality)
  • A pee bottle 1000ml wide mouth and collapsible
  • A small stainless steel thermos (high quality)
  • A pair of ski poles
  • Your personal first aid kit
  • A sewing kit
  • A Swiss climbing knife
  • A camera with enough battery and memory card
  • A wash kit 1 piece of Wash bag with dry lightweight towel

What are the 5 peaks climbed during this expedition?

The following 5 peaks will be climbed:

1/ Gokyo ri (5,357 m)

2/ Kalapathar (5,644 m)

3/ Lobuche (6,119 m)

4/ Chhukung ri (5,546 m)

5/ Island peak (6,165 m)

... and Ama Dablam (6,812 m)

Please note the itinerary is meant to provide an idea of what to expect during the Himalaya Five Peak technical climbing course including Ama Dablam climbing. It will be vital to have a flexible plan in place in order to take advantage of situations as they arise. Any itinerary alterations will be made to maximize the advantage to the team members and ensure their eventual success on the Himalaya Five Peaks.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Pokhara Grande Pokhara Nepal
See rooms
Mount Kailash Resort Pokhara Nepal
See rooms
Hotel Peace Palace Pokhara Nepal
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

Tshering Pande Bhote Guiding Team

4.80

(17)

Mountain Guide

Hi! I'm Tshering, IFMGA/NNMGA certified mountain guide. I work together with a team of certified and professional mountain and trekking guides. If I'm not available to guide you, one of my colleagues will take great care of you.

I have been climbing since 1996, starting on the 8000m mountains in the Himalaya. I'm one of the few IFMGA/NNMGA certified mountain guides (Instructor) from south Asia, gaining my qualification from the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) & Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA).

I have successfully guided on Mt Everest on multiple occasions, and other 8000m peaks such as Mt Cho-oyu (8,201m) (3 times), Sisha Pangma (8,013m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Lhotse (8,515m) and many more.

I have have also a strong international climbing experience and extensive knowledge of the logistics, planning and group dynamic that are also very crucial to successfully lead adventures in the Himalaya and around the world. I guided in New Zealand, Norway, France, Scotland, Thailand, Bhutan, Pakistan, India and Tibet. I'm also a rescue expert and a technical trainer for the mountain guides training.

I very much like guiding my clients in remote places, where no tourist goes. I like also discovering new routes and peaks. Please have a look to the different trekking and mountaineering expeditions I propose and contact me if you want to discuss about them. I can of course also guide you in more 'classic' routes, just get in touch with me and let's talk about your wishes!

My team of guides consists of:

Climbing guides:

Chhiring Sonam Lama
Pasang Lama
Dukchung Lama
Pekma Lama
DAWA Chhedar Bhote
Wang Chhedar Bhote
DAWA Phinjo Bhote
Phurpu Thilen Bhote

Cook kitchen crew:
Jusbir Tamang
Sonam Bhote
Tenzing Bhote
Guru Bhote

All climbing guides have summited Everest several times.

Languages

Norwegian | Nepali | English

Certificates

NNMGA | IVBV | UIAGM | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Mattias

5.00

I had an amazing experience with Tshering’s experienced and highly qualified team including guide Sonam Shalaka and Sherpa Thomas Vechayba. I really enjoyed the concept of acclimating for Ama Dablam by doing the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes and climbing a number of peaks along the way, including Lobuche, rather than the typical repetitive climbs from base camp. It is always my preference to climb with local guides who intimately know the mountain and local customs and this was a perfect example of the benefits of that rather than going with a large group of westerners. Explore-Share always does a great job of facilitating those connections. This was an outstanding experience all around and I would gladly recommend Tshering and his team for any mountaineering experience in the Himalayas.

Ethan

5.00

Very good acclimatisation program and safe 1:1 climbing as I always was well looked after. Communication regarding weather and conditions were meticulous so we could adapt as we went along, increasing safety.

Steve

5.00

It was a trip of a life time ! But unfortunately there was a few issues that I will list here : - Before booking, I specifically asked if our guide will really be Tshering Bhote, and you told me "yes". I book the trip, arrive in Kathmandu, and realize that our guide will NOT be Tshering... Not cool... - The "to buy" list we got from you (Explore Share) included ropes of certain diameter and certain length, and when you arrived in Kathmandu, the guide told us right away that it was not suitable ! We had to buy new ones. - Before leaving, I asked if I can rent some of the heavy gear (crampons, ice axe, also helmet) and I was told yes. Once in Kathmandu, they tell you that you cannot rent crampons, you need to buy them. This is not nice because then you don't get much choice in models and in prices... And I didn't allow for this extra weight in my bags too, which then creates problems at the airport on the way back home. But the worst was the helmet : the company lent me a helmet that was broken in many parts. I asked the guide several times to have another one, he didn't want to. I didn't pay for it, but the helmet was not comfortable and made me have sore head, and it was a serious safety issue. - The itinerary makes us climb LOBUCHE EAST first, then ISLAND PEAK, and finally AMA DABLAM last. Which makes sens because AMA DABLAM is the highest and more complicated mountain to climb, so it gives us time to acclimate, to get used to the mountain gear, and to gain confidence hiking in high altitude before trying the big one. But right from day 1, our guide's plans was not to do AMA DABLAM last (but he didn't tell us). Indeed, he forced us to go to AMA DABLAM before ISLAND PEAK, even though we didn't want to. And sad to say that on summit day, the weather was better on ISLAND PEAK than on AMA DABLAM. I later on learned that they always do it this way. So why not telling us right from the beginning and change the itinerary that we receive before booking ? The fact that they receive a summit bonus on AMA DABLAM and not on ISLAND PEAK could explain this... But then the hike is not done according to the hiker's needs and will, which is a shame. - After doing AMA DABLAM, we were then supposed to go to ISLAND PEAK. But to our surprise, our guide stayed in AMA DABLAM to guide another group ! (another summit bonus...). Instead, he asked one of the sherpas to guide us to ISLAND PEAK, along with 2 porters. The sherpa/guide is a really nice guy, trying hard to help, but could barely speak any English and had no mountain certifications at all. The trip advertises, in big block letters and in the trip's title, a guide with big fancy mountain certifications, and we ended up with someone not speaking English and with no certifications, to take us to the second highest mountain of the trip ! Not cool... The guide that I paid for is on AMA DABLAM, also getting paid by another group. How does this work ? - On LOBUCHE EAST, the guide also skipped the crevas rescuing training day. He explained that other people in the group didn't feel so well, that's why he preferred skipping it and doing it later on AMA DABLAM or ISLAND PEAK. The problem is that we never did this training day, even though we finished the trip with a few spare days left. Overall, it was still a great trip. The THG staff is great, nice, positive and helpful people. The cooking was just amazing ! The porters are always smiling, and everyone gets on well, making it a nice atmosphere. It's just lacking some communication between Explore Share and THG I think, and a guide maybe a bit more frank with his clients. Hope this helps ;-)

Frédéric

5.00

It was an excellent trip with a good team to take care of us. I just didn't liked 2 things : - Hidden cost that were revealed at the last minute (differents bonus not talked before) - The guide that pushed us too fast even when i was feeling sick and knowing we got plenty of time... Else Tseering and his teams were always there to help and adapt to our need.

Mattias

5.00

I had an amazing experience with Tshering’s experienced and highly qualified team including guide Sonam Shalaka and Sherpa Thomas Vechayba. I really enjoyed the concept of acclimating for Ama Dablam by doing the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes and climbing a number of peaks along the way, including Lobuche, rather than the typical repetitive climbs from base camp. It is always my preference to climb with local guides who intimately know the mountain and local customs and this was a perfect example of the benefits of that rather than going with a large group of westerners. Explore-Share always does a great job of facilitating those connections. This was an outstanding experience all around and I would gladly recommend Tshering and his team for any mountaineering experience in the Himalayas.


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