AMA DABLAM & MERA PEAK CLIMB

Your first full day begins with a welcome briefing led by your Mountain Tribe guides. You’ll finalise gear, connect with fellow climbers, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we come together for a group dinner along with our Nepalese support crew – setting the tone for the expedition ahead.

The day begins with a guided walking tour through two of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. You’ll hike to the sacred Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) - perched above the city with sweeping views and explore the history-rich Durbar Square. The afternoon is yours to relax or grab any final mountain essentials.

A private helicopter flight delivers us to Lukla in style. From here, we take a quieter trail into the lesser-visited Hinku Valley. Today’s hike is a gentle start to the expedition, winding through terraced farmland and forested hills to the village of Paiya (2730m) – our first night on the trail.

We cross ridgelines and descend into lush valleys before a steady climb to the peaceful village of Panggom (2890m). With fewer trekkers in this region, the path feels remote and raw. Expect prayer flags, warm smiles, and your first real views of the vast Himalayan backcountry we’re entering.

The trail narrows as we gain altitude and climb into rhododendron forest. We cross a small pass and emerge onto alpine slopes, with distant views of Mera’s summit peeking over the horizon. Ramailo Danda (3276m), perched on a ridge, is as scenic as it is secluded. A magical place to spend the night.

A shorter day as we descend through forest and contour above the river valley. Waterfalls crash down beside the trail, and the path twists through thick jungle. Chhetra Khola (3122m) is a small riverside clearing – wild, quiet, and perfect for recovery after the previous days of climbing.

We begin to follow the Hinku River, moving deeper into the mountains. The scenery shifts as we leave the treeline and enter Mera’s lower valley. Today’s trek is steady and scenic, with glimpses of the towering peaks ahead. We overnight in Kothe (3580m) – a humble but welcome waypoint on the route.

Today we pass through yak pastures and ancient juniper groves, following a glacial river to Tangnag (4358m). Dramatic rock walls rise around the valley. Tangnag is the last proper village before Mera Peak – a quiet cluster of stone lodges beneath snow-capped ridgelines. The air here is noticeably thinner.

A key acclimatisation day. We hike to around 5100m, ascending steep moraine to a panoramic viewpoint over the Sabai Tso glacial lake. This active rest day helps your body adapt to altitude and gives you time to absorb the mountain environment before we move higher toward Mera Peak.

We continue up the Hinku Valley, climbing slowly toward Khare (5000m), our base for the Mera Peak summit push. The trail passes rockfall gullies and glacial streams. In Khare, we’ll prepare our climbing gear and enjoy a hot meal beneath the vast amphitheatre of Mera’s north face.

Another important acclimatisation day. We climb to around 5400m, gaining a stunning viewpoint over Mera La Pass (5350m) and the high glacier. This is also a chance to review gear systems and practice technical footwork. The day is physically demanding but sets us up for success in the days ahead.

We ascend to Mera La and continue to High Camp (5800m), perched on a ridge above the glacier. The air is thin and the views are massive – Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga rise in the distance. We settle in early and prepare for our first major summit of the expedition.

An alpine start (around 2am) sees us roped up and moving steadily toward the summit of Mera Peak (6476m). The climb is non-technical but long and cold. From the summit: one of the finest views in Nepal. We celebrate, then descend a long trail to Kongme Dingma (4800m) for well-earned rest, after a 14 hr day.

Today we move through untouched alpine terrain – remote, rugged, and wild. We follow glacial rivers and ridgelines to Chamlang Base Camp (5050m), a lesser-visited valley framed by sharp rock towers and hidden glaciers. The trail is raw and quiet, and the sense of isolation grows.

We approach one of the most dramatic crossings in the region. The trail climbs steadily toward the base of Amphu Labsta – an icy, steep, and technical pass. Tonight we camp at the base of the route (5450m), preparing ropes, helmets, and systems for tomorrow’s demanding traverse.

An alpine start sees us cross the Amphulabsta pass (5845m), using crampons, and fixed ropes at times. It’s one of the wildest days of the expedition – steep couloirs, hanging glaciers, and heart-racing exposure. After the crossing, we descend to Chhukhung (4730m) and rejoin the Khumbu trail system.

Today we rest, dry gear, and reflect. After a long and technical few days, your body will thank you for this break. Optional walks to nearby ridgelines are available, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the valley. This buffer day also gives us flexibility in case of weather delays.

We descend briefly before beginning a steady climb to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600m). The trail winds through yak pastures and boulder fields with sweeping views of Island Peak and Lhotse. Base Camp is perched on a broad alpine meadow beneath the unmistakable spire of Ama Dablam.

We spend the day at Base Camp reviewing safety systems, organising high-altitude gear, and planning the climb. From here, the technical phase begins – and your training, teamwork, and preparation will come into play. It’s a day to hydrate, visualise, and mentally prepare for the push ahead.

A built-in weather buffer and recovery day. If needed, we’ll use this day later in the climb. If not, enjoy the serenity of basecamp life – short hikes, photography, gear checks, and warm cups of tea in the shadow of the Matterhorn of the Himalayas.

We begin our ascent of Ama Dablam, climbing steep, rocky terrain to Camp 1 (5795m). It’s a demanding climb with fixed ropes, exposure, and narrow ledges. Camp 1 sits on a rocky platform with staggering views. This is where the mountain really begins to show its character.

Today’s climb is steep, sustained, and exposed. We move from granite slabs and ridge traverses to mixed rock and ice. Camp 3 (6440m) is perched precariously beneath the Dablam – the hanging glacier that gives the mountain its name. It’s an unforgettable place to spend a night.

We rise before midnight and begin our final push. The route steepens through snow and ice, with fixed lines, vertical pitches, and breathtaking exposure. After reaching the summit (6812m), we celebrate briefly, then descend carefully back to Camp 1. It’s a long, demanding day – the peak of the expedition.

We descend from Camp 1 back to the safety and comfort of Base Camp. The transition from ice and rock to grassy meadows is surreal. Emotions run high – you’ve just stood atop one of the world’s most iconic peaks. Tonight, we rest and reflect.

A final rest day at basecamp to recharge and take it all in. You’ve earned it. Sleep in, journal, take a slow walk, or enjoy long chats over hot tea. Tomorrow, we begin our journey back toward the lowlands and the world beyond.

We descend past Tengboche Monastery and through rhododendron forests into the bustling Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar (3440m). The air is thicker, the mood lighter, and the sense of achievement deep. Tonight, we celebrate with good food, warm beds, and one last mountain sunset.

A final day of trekking as we follow the Dudh Kosi River down from Namche to Lukla (2840m). It’s a longer day, but the downhill trail and oxygen-rich air make it enjoyable. We reflect on everything accomplished – high passes, ridgelines, wild summits – and celebrate the end of an extraordinary expedition.

We say goodbye to the tough local porters who’ve supported our journey, and board our private helicopter for the return flight to Kathmandu. Back in the city, a hot shower and soft bed await. Expect a flood of emotions as the intensity of the expedition begins to settle.

No alarms. Just rest, recovery, and celebration. Book a massage, dip in the pool, or visit your favourite café. That evening, we reunite for a heartfelt farewell dinner with our Nepalese guides – reflecting on the mountains we’ve explored together.

A final free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Pick up souvenirs, visit a hidden temple, or just enjoy one last rooftop coffee with a view. Optional day tours available for those who want to explore more of the valley.

Your adventure may be ending, but the mountains and the tribe you shared them with stay with you. A private transfer takes you to the airport at your preferred time. You came seeking challenge. You leave changed – experienced, expanded, and forever part of the Mountain Tribe.