Nestled in the Hinku Valley in the Everest Region, Mera Peak has so much to offer. It stands at 6,476 meters above sea level and offers both natural and cultural values. But what peak to climb after completing the expedition of Mera Peak? While we compare one peak to another, we also look behind the itinerary, the socio-cultural values they come with, and the natural richness they are bound with. Hence, Himlung Himal of Annapurna Mountain Range and Ama Dablam of Mahalangur Mountain Range can offer the best quality expedition experience.
Here are some narrations that will tell you why you should Himlung Himal and Ama Dablam after climbing Mera Peak. Explore more in detail:
Himlung Himal Expedition
Himlung Himal (7126 meters) Expedition is one of the unique peak climbing campaigns in Nepal. It lies between the Annapurna Mountain Range and north of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). This peak is an ideal choice for anyone who is looking for the next climb after Mera Peak.
Itinerary for Himlung Himal Expedition
The average itinerary for Himlung Himal Expedition is around four weeks. It includes a hike from Kathmandu to Himlung Base Camp, acclimatization days, and climbing days. The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chamje. From Chamje, mountaineers must embark on a long hike through the trail of Manaslu and Tsum Valley traversing through Dharapani, Koto, Singenge, and Kyang.
From there, the trail mixes up with the Phu Valley, a beautiful location in the Manaslu region. It is also rich in Tibetan Buddhism and its significance with many Buddhist Monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. Once mountaineers reach Phu Village, they must walk uphill to the Himlung Base Camp, which is exhausting, so acclimatization is highly encouraged.
Climbing Himlung Himal from the Base Camp takes around ten days to complete. Though it is one of the 7000er mountains in Nepal, climbing can be quite challenging. Mountaineers must traverse through several cliffs and crevasses to make their way up to the summit of the mountain. Technical skills like rope and rock climbing are very crucial for this expedition.
Here is a short insight into the Himlung Himal Itinerary:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje
- Trek from Chamje to Dharapani
- Trek from Dharapani to Koto
- Trek from Koto to Singenge
- Trek from Singenge to Kyang
- Trek from Kyang to Phu
- Acclimatization Day in Phu Valley
- Trekking to Himlung Himal Base Camp from Phu
- Climbing Himlung Himal and returning to Base Camp
- Trek back to Phu Village from Himlung Himal Base Camp
- Trek from Phu to Meta
- Trek from Meta to Koto
- Trek from Koto to Dharapani
- Trek from Dharapani to Chamje
- Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu
Difficulty Level of Himlung Himal Expedition
The Himlung Himal Expedition has a moderately challenging difficulty in mountain climbing. The climbing includes high elevation gain, health hazards like altitude sickness, potential avalanches, low temperature, and frostbite.
Himlung Himal Expedition takes you to a high-altitude location such as Himlung Himal Base Camp. Mountaineers gradually elevate their altitude from 600 to 800 meters every day. And it is considered challenging since high altitudes above 3500 meters above sea level feature thin air and low oxygen. It can eventually call up several medical emergencies due to health hazards like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Celebral Edema (HACE).
Similarly, the trail to the top of Himlung Himal features sloppy ridges and cliffs that are life-threatening. Also, the chances of avalanches, especially during the winter, are high. It might lead mountaineers to several injuries and even death. So proper preparation and going through the weather forecast are essential before starting the climb.
Extreme weather is one of the most challenging aspects of Himlung Himal. The peak features sharp winds, low temperatures below 0 Degrees Celsius, and many hazards the human body might not withstand. Frostbite is one of the key results of bad weather conditions.
Cost of Climbing Himlung Himal
The average cost of climbing the Himlung Himal ranges from USD 10,000 to $20,000. The cost might vary depending on the level of preparations done by climbers, time of the year, weather conditions, and group size. But the total package cost includes almost all facilities except for international flights, insurance, and emergency evacuation fees. Some of the services mountaineers get are domestic transport, trekking, and climbing permits, professional guides, porters, first aid kits, accommodation, meals, and many more.
Ama Dablam Expedition
Ama Dablam is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Everest Region. And it is indeed one of the best peaks to climb after Mera Peak. It is visible almost from all the sections of the Everest Base Camp Trail. It is one of the mountains from the Mahalangur Mountain Range, which many mountaineers want to add to their climbing account. Since both Mera Peak and Ama Dablam fall under the same Mountain Range in the Himalayas, mountaineers can opt for Ama Dablam as their next destination peak. With its godly appearance, Ama Dablam Peak is also known as the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas.’
Ama Dablam is 6,856 meters (22,494ft) above sea level, and it is one of the most popular 6000er peaks in Nepal. The snow-capped granite pyramid-shaped mountain is undoubtedly one of the setpieces of nature located in the Himalayas. It sits just above Tengboche Monastery, an ancient Buddhist Monastery, and Pangboche, a beautiful Sherpa Village.
Ama Dablam Expedition Itinerary
Climbing Ama Dablam takes around four weeks on average. Reaching Ama Dablam Base Camp follows the same trail as the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. The journey starts from Lukla Airport [also known as Tenzing Norgay Airport], after a 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu. The trail then stretches up to Phakding and Monjo Village. There is an Army Checkpost in Monjo, so if you have not purchased your trekking permits, you can get them from here. The climbers then must hike to Namche Bazaar, the Gate to Everest, where they can enjoy the diverse people, culture, and traditions.
After leaving Namche Bazaar, climbers reach the next destination, Tengboche, a traditional Buddhist village in the Everest Region. There is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Tengboche Monastery as well. Then the climbers will hike to Debuche, enjoying the views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and more. From there, the next destination is Ama Dablam Base Camp, where the preparation for climbing the peak begins. Climbing Ama Dablam needs technical skills, high physical fitness, and mental preparedness. There is also a provision for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar and Ama Dablam Base Camp to adjust our bodies to the high altitude.
Here is a short insight into the Ama Dablam Expedition Itinerary:
- Fly to Lukla (2840m), trek to Monjo (2840m) ~5 hrs
- Trek Monjo (2840m) to Namche (3440m) ~4 hrs
- Acclimatisation day in Namche ~ 5 hrs
- Trek Namche (3440m) to Debuche (3710m) ~ 5 hrs
- Trek Debuche (3710m) to Amadablam base camp (4600m) ~4.5 hrs
- Rest day in Amadablam base camp
- Training day at base camp
- Day trip base camp to 5800m
- Rest and gear preparation
- Climb base camp (4600m) to Camp 1 (5900m)
- Climb Camp 1 (5900m) to Camp 2 (6100m), return to base camp (4600m)
- Rest, contingency day, and final Summit preparation
- Climb base camp (4600m) to Camp 1 (5900m)
- Climb Camp 1 (5900m) to Camp 2 (6100m)
- Climb Camp 2 (6100m) to Camp 3 (6400m)
- Climb Camp 3 (6400m) to Summit (6856m), return to Camp 2 (6100m)
- Climb Camp 2 (6100m) to base camp (4600m)
- Rest and pack up base camp
- Trek base camp (4600m) to Namche (3440m) ~6 hr
- Trek Namche (3440m) to Lukla (2840m) ~6hr
- Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Cost of Climbing Ama Dablam
The cost of climbing Ama Dablam is anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 per person. The price range is different at different times of the year. For example, during the Spring season, the climbing permit fee is quite expensive than in Autumn and other off-peak seasons.
Similarly, preparing gear and equipment, logistics like permits, accommodation, meals, and services of porters and guides will cost you extra budget. However, all these expenses are included in the total package cost. It includes services like domestic transportation, including flights to Lukla, accommodation and food services, safety measures, and more. However, other aspects, such as tipping guides and porters, insurance, and emergency evacuation fees, should be covered by the climbers themselves.
You may also like:
- Mera Peak Climbing Cost
- Can a Beginner Climb Mera Peak?
- How High Is Mera Peak Base Camp?
- How Long Does It Take To Climb Mera Peak?
Conclusion
Himlung Himal and Ama Dablam are, nonetheless, the best peaks to climb after Mera Peak (6,476 meters). Nestled in the Himalayas, these peaks offer both cultural and natural immersion as they come with diverse beauty and cultural backgrounds. The Thakali and Sherpa communities of Himlung Himal and Ama Dablam will give you more insights about their people, lifestyle, and culture. In addition, the traditional Buddhist settlement and the ancient gompas, such as Tengboche Monastery and Tashi Lakhang Monastery, will give travelers insight into Buddhism.
So why not take this opportunity to explore remote Nepal and the natural beauty they come with? Book your next expedition plan with us – we are obliged to help with our professional team in facilitating you in the awe-inspiring expedition.
