Time is a valuable commodity. We are about to change the fundamentals of high-mountain expeditions. While a regular Ama Dablam expedition can require 20-30 days, our Flash expedition takes 17 days while increasing safety and chances of success. A stunning trekking route in a less frequented part of the Khumbu leads us to the Ama Dablam base camp, passing the Cho La Pass with an altitude of 5420m. This assists us – in addition to the hypoxie-tents at home – in reaching a profound acclimatization, so that once we arrive at this technically quite challenging mountain no further acclimatization rounds are needed and we can start a direct ascent attempt on the beautiful Ama Dablam. Almost sleek alpine style. However, we do not want to do without our Sherpas who set up the high camp and the route. So all we have to do at the base camp is to wait for the perfect weather window. Then our time has come. On one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. On the Ama Dablam. One of the main reasons for a failed climb of a high summit is the long acclimatization time at the mountain. The repeated ascents and descents, the threat of catching an infection at the base camp, where many people must live in a very crowded space, robs many climbers the energy even before the actual climb has started. To raise the chances of success, we begin with the acclimatization process via hypoxic tents at the participants’ home, 4 weeks prior to our actual departure to Nepal. Those tents are going to be set up by our experts and under their supervision, the expedition members body will slowly be acclimatized to a height that is equivalent to the highest Camp at Ama Dablam. Furtenbach Adventures is using hypoxic tents since almost two decades and we have a long experience with these means of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering. In 2016, our team was the first successful Everest expedition, where all participants where pre-acclimatized with hypoxic tents. This decreased the time we had to acclimatize at the mountain significantly, before we could start our ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team that was able to descend in one go to Camp 2. This higher performance capacity contributes largely to the safety aspect, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization. These special preparations, combined with small groups, the latest equipment, an experienced team (some of our Sherpas have climbed Mount Everest up to 19 times) and our vast organizational experiences allow a total expedition duration of only 17 days. So far, we are the only operator at Ama Dablam that can offer such a short period without increasing any risks. Since decades, the fundamental techniques, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasts have been developed over time. The climbing tactics however have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are about to change that by providing a modern climbing alternative which meets the current state of the art and respects the general principles of safety.
Highlights:
- one of the most beautiful mountains in the world
- shortened duration of the expedition
- IFMGA mountain guide
- Limited number of participants for more safety and higher chances of success
- The Ama Dablam Flash expedition is exclusively available at Furtenbach Adventures, no other operator reaches the 17-days mark
Itinerary
Day 1-7: Arrival in Kathmandu, onward journey and trek to basecamp
Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu. Everyone will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel, regardless of whether the journey was booked individually or not. And then we will get off to a comfortable start… check in and get to know the others while enjoying a beer on the terrace and the emerging excitement of belonging to the distinguished expedition team.
Day 2: Flight to Lukla and trek to Pakding (2650m).
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar 3440m. The ones who are there the first time, will be impressed by this route. Even though there’s quite something going on nowadays.
Day 4: Trek to Machhermo (4410m)
Day 5: An easy trekking day takes us to Dragnag (4690m).
Day 6: Trek passing the Cho La Pass (5420m) for further acclimatization, followed by a descend to Periche (4240m).
Day 7: Our last trekking day follows the way to Ama Dablam Basecamp 4600m passing Dingboche. When we arrive in the basecamp our Sherpas have already prepared the high camps and the route.
Day 8 - 14: Ama Dablam summit ascent
Day 8-14: Climbing period Ama Dablam. We are well acclimatized and start the climb directly with two camps at 5700m and 6400m. No up and downs for acclimatizing on this rocky ridge. Spare days for bad weather or 2nd attempt.
Day 15 - 17: Return to Kathmandu
Day 15: After a – hopefully – successful climb we start our journey back. Trek to Namche via Tengpoche
Day 16: Trek to Lukla
Day 17: Flight to Kathmandu
Inclusion
- Organisation of the expedition
- High altitude generator and tent for 5 weeks prior to the expedition
- IFMGA mountain guide
- 1 night in upscale hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
- Domestic flights Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu (incl. 20kg personal luggage and hand luggage)
- All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
- Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
- Drinks at shared meals (no alcoholic drinks)
- Double occupancy in hotels or 1 tent each 2 members during trek to the mountain
- Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (25kg personal gear / member)
- 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
- High camp equipment (tents, stove, cooking gear, gas, meals)
- Fixed ropes, fixing material
- 1 Sherpa each 2 members
- Climbing sherpas for the group
- Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
- Medical emergency oxygen
- Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
- Kitchen staff
- Comfortable Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
- Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
- Solar charging
- Radios
- All fees and permits
- weather forecast
- Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator
Exclusions
- International Airfare to Kathmandu
- Lunch in Kathmandu
- excess luggage for flight Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
- Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU
- personal insurance
- Visum for Nepal (available at the airport after arrival, take a passport photo!)
- Personal medicine
- Personal climbing Sherpa (available for an extra charge)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal climbing gear
- Sleeping bag
- High camp mat
- Fees for satellite communication
- All not specifically mentioned included services