Thame Winter Ice Climbing
Popular tourist routes in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
Thame is a small Sherpa village of Namche VDC of Solukhumbu district in Nepal. It is the home to many famous Sherpa mountaineers. Thame is perfect for ice climbing for both beginners and advanced alike. Join our training program and beat the snow and ice to champion the summit climbs effortlessly and safely.
Difficulty Level
Hard
Best Season
Winter
Duration
17 days
Elevation
4,000m
Group Size
4 - 10
Trip Type
Mountaineering Course
2025
Mountaineering Course
- Starts from Kathmandu, Nepal
Overview
Thame is one of the popular tourist routes in the Khumbu region of Nepal and a small Sherpa village. The area of ice climbing is favorable and the winter season in Thame is suitable for multi-pitch ice climbing due to its good condition. Ice climbing in Nepal is relatively a new sport however it is getting popular rapidly.
It’s time for people who are interested to learn winter ice climbing. Alpinist Climber Expeditions provides the expertise so you turned out to be proficient in Winter ice climbing.
Lessons from our expert trainers who are certified with IFMGA Mountain Guide the knowledge includes ice axe swinging, crampon technique, ice anchoring, climbing technique, basic knots, etc. Furthermore, we guide and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their confidence level and put to practice their acquired skills from us.
This particular course is designed for those mountaineers who are interested to increase the level of their skills and boosting their confidence level to climb the high peaks.
Itinerary
Day
Arriving in Kathmandu
When you arrive at Kathmandu airport our representative from Alpinist Climber Expeditions will be there to greet you and when you have gone through customs formalities our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
After check-in, you can either take a rest, taking a tour of the city. We all gather with all the team members for dinner in the evening.
Trip briefing and preparation
The guide goes through preparation and briefing with the team about Thame Winter Ice Climbing today. Our discussion entails the route you take and let you know how each day will be like. There will be climbing equipment check.
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
We fly in the early hours to Lukla for about 40 minutes. The mountains projected from above often captivate the heart of the passengers as the sun rises and reflects on the majestic Himalayas. Right after we land in Lukla we gather to go over the itinerary and equipment before our trek to Phakding begins. Phakding consists of flat terrain and is populated by the Sherpas. Decorated with Monasteries and prayer stones with mountains that allure from the backdrop to anyone who witnesses the marvel as we carry on with the trail leading to Namche.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
As we passed by two small suspension bridges up the banks of Dudh Kosi, we arrived at the village of Monjo from where we will be entering in the check-point of Sagarmatha National Park. About 2 hours after crossing Dudh and Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and steeply hiking we reach Namche Bazaar.
Trek to Thame
After a short hike of 3 hours through rhododendron forest comes Thame village where you will find the oldest monastery in the region. This place is considered to be suitable for acclimatisation. While in Thame you will be taught in snow and ice anchoring in multi-pitch cases
Rest and preparation day
As we rest in Thame, we go over our climbing equipment check and take this time to stroll around Thame. The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region which holds the famous Mani Rimdu Festival is worth your fancy.
Training activities
These several days are full of activities, learning, and testing. They include ice climbing activities, multi-pitch ice climbing, 2-point anchor, V thread Anchor, Belay in any conditions, Multi-pitch Rappelling, Ice axe technique, Crampon technique, Ice screw placement, Ice climbing movement, Climbing communications between climber and belayer. In all of which our experts will be instructing you all the while. During the training, we will check and assess your training progress.
Trek to Monjo
We walk in the mountains from Thame to Monjo. It takes us from the rock and ice of the snowy world and back into green fields that we pass through on our way down.
Trek to Lukla
Today is our last day on the trail. The elevations of Monjo and Lukla are relatively the same, 2,835m and 2,860m, but this is not a flat track. The trail rolls along up and down, with a long climb coming just before Lukla.
Fly to Kathmandu
After our long mountain journey, we will catch an early flight to Kathmandu. It’s time for some rest and relation so we can explore other areas of Kathmandu,
Final departure
On your last day in Nepal, our representatives will drive you to the airport so that your journey is safe and comfortable.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Certified IFMGA mountain guide with his daily wages and full insurance etc
- Sagarmatha national park permit and Tims entry fees
- Group equipment
- Hotel / Airport pick up and drop by private tourist vehicle
- Standard accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast for three nights
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla both way
- Alpinist Climber Expeditions duffle bag, Cap, and T-shirt per member
- Accommodation & food in the local lodge are on full board during the trip
- Medical kit during the trip
- Porters to carry trekking and expeditions gear (1:1 ratios)
- High food for members and guides
- Assistant support with his wages, full insurance
- All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
- Satellite Phone for emergency case
- All accommodation, wages, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff
- All official expenses
- International flight tickets
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Alcohol beverages
- Internet (WiFi)
- Personal clothing and climbing equipment
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal travel insurance, medical and rescue insurance
- Special drone permit fees
- Tips for Guide and Porters
Cost Details
Details
Our budget cost option presents an affordable alternative for individuals seeking a mountaineering experience without the higher price tag of the regular and premium options. This package retains the same level of service as the regular option, including group guiding with a minimum of 5 people per group, offering the chance to share the journey with fellow adventurers. The budget cost package encompasses professional guidance from our skilled team, a well-structured itinerary, and accommodations in budget hotels and lodges throughout the trip.
Details
- This cost is for up to 4 pax per person.
Our regular cost option offers an excellent value for adventurers seeking an unforgettable mountaineering experience. With this package, you’ll have the opportunity to attempt stunning peaks, receive professional guidance from our experienced team, and enjoy a well-planned itinerary. Designed for groups, the regular cost option requires a minimum of 3 members to join the expedition, ensuring a shared experience and camaraderie throughout the journey. It’s an affordable and exciting way to embark on a memorable mountaineering adventure.
Details
- Private 1:1 guiding service for each member.
- More flexibility.
- Travel consciously.
- Enjoy exclusive benefits.
For those seeking a truly personalised and flexible adventure, our premium cost option is the perfect choice. With the premium package, you’ll receive exclusive benefits such as 1:1 private guiding, allowing for a more personalised experience tailored to your specific goals and preferences. This option provides the utmost flexibility in scheduling and ensures that you receive dedicated attention from our expert guides throughout the expedition. Indulge in the luxury of private guiding and elevate your mountaineering experience with our premium cost option.
Payment Details
Account Information
- Bank Name: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd
- Account Holder Name: Alpinist Climber Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
- Account No: 00101010343367
- Account Type: US Dollars
- Swift Code: NIBLNPKT
- Branch: Durbar Marg Kathmandu 44600
- Email. [email protected]
- Phone No: +977-9843314253
Why ACE ?
Alpinist Climber Expeditions is known for its expertise in leading pure alpine-style expeditions, and 1:1 private guiding service with an IFMGA mountain guide. Having more than a decade of years of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions, we achieve in ensuring each expedition is a successful one with the best possible experience for our climbers while focusing on our 3 primary goals which are, reaching the summit, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.
Our training motive is for you to get physically and mentally prepared so that you will perform strong, calm, and steady all through the climbing procedures you go through. Developed and by our IFMGA certified Mountain Guides Alpinist Climber Expeditions gives training that matches accordingly to the demands of different levels of commitment, and fitness all through our well-guided extensive program that you can take to ensure a safe and successful adventure irrespective of the destination and condition you may be in.
There are a few factors that make Alpinist Climber Expeditions teaching stand apart from the goals of traditional guiding. Regardless if you are a beginner or an advanced climber, we train you in a way that you will be ready to climb on your own in no time as we don’t want you to only rely on guides. Alpinist Climber Expeditions Guides and Instructors are all IFMGA certified, which means that you get to learn from the best and the knowledge they share will come immensely helpful to you to take on any summit challenges.
Trip Notes
Winter is the favorite season for Ice climbing training in Nepal, The duration of Ice Climbing training is about 17 days. During the climbing, you will stay in local lodges.
For the Ice Climbing training, we will take a minimum size of 6 members and 3 IFMGA Mountain Guides, and a maximum size of 10 members, and 5 IFMGA Mountain Guides.
Prakash Sherpa (Pemba), CEO / IFMGA Mountain Guide
The Ice climbing training is being organized by Prakash Sherpa, director of Alpinist Climber Expeditions and a veteran of decades of High altitude expedition guiding and organization.
Our instructors are all IFMGA qualified mountain guides with extensive experience in high-altitude guiding. They not only pursue their own climbing careers but are also keen on passing their skills on in an environment that is conducive to effective learning which will assist in your development towards becoming a competent climber.
Our courses focus primarily on techniques that you need to learn in an environment where you are actually climbing the mountain so you know exactly where and when to utilize each technique learned. Success with the highest margin has always been the end goal of our approach safely.
Alpinist Climber Expeditions employs only IFMGA qualified mountain guides, the most advanced training, and certification program internationally. To gain these qualifications guides undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training, and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training, and much more. The qualification takes about five years to attain and ensures you are getting world-class professional service.
Equipment
Bodywear
- Down suit – Recommended the best brand
- Down jacket – recommended the best brand
- Waterproof jacket and over-trousers that goes over your alpine boot
- Balaclava – recommended BUFF or similar covering nose and face
- Long sleeve thermal shirt and trousers
- Fleece jacket and trousers
Handwear
- Liner gloves – thin and warm
- Down mitts
- Gore-Tex Primaloft glove.
- Mountain gloves – recommended water and windproof
- Smartwool mountaineering socks (2 pairs – new)
- Ultra-soft running / Hiking socks (2 pairs – new)
- Mountaineering boot – recommended La Sportive, etc.
- Alpine boot – recommended La Sportive and Scarpa, etc.
Climbing Equipment
- Climbing Helmet (UIAA tested)
- Harness – recommended Petzl or BD
- Goggles with UV protection and anti-fog system
- Sun glasses UV protection
- Headlamp – recommended Petzl or BD
- Spare batteries – recommended Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries
- Ascender (Jummer) – recommended Petzl or BD
- Abseiling device – recommended Petzl or BD ATC guide
- Screw gate carabiners (2 x large, 2 small sizes) recommended Petzl or BD
- Bent gate carabiners (2 medium sizes) – recommended Petzl or BD
- 6 mm rope – recommended 2 meters UIAA tested
- 6 mm rope – recommended 5 meters UIAA tested
- Dynamic 8 mm rope – recommended 2 meters UIAA tested
- Classical alpine ice-ax – recommended Petzl, Grivel, or BD
- Crampons that fit mountaineering boots – recommended Grivel, Petzl, or BD
Other equipment
- 45–75-liter Rucksack
- Base camp duffle bag – XXL
- Swiss army knife with a multi-tools system or Leatherman
- 1-liter stainless steel thermos – that works in extreme weather conditions
Headwear
- Sun hat or Normal Cap
- Fleece or woolen hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Buff scarf / thin face mask
Handwear
- Fleece or woolen thin gloves
- Gore-Tex mitten gloves
Bodywear
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Gore-Tex pant
- Hiking pant
- Fleece trousers and jacket or warm jumper – recommended not thick but warm enough that fits inside the Gore-Tex pant
- Anti-sweat T-shirt
- Thermal inner trouser
- Down jacket with hoodie
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Slipper
- Trekking socks (4-5 pairs)
- Snow gaiter
Other equipment
- Sleeping bag (comfort rated – 20 degrees
- 45-liter rucksack with cover
- Large size duffle bag with padlock
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles 1 liter
- Thermos
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles
Washing kit & Toiletries
- Waterproof washing kit bag
- Towel – medium size
- Washing soap, towel, tooth pest, toothbrush, etc.
- Sun lotion enough +50SPF (including total bloc for lips, nose, etc.)
- Handwash & sanitizer
- Toilet paper (you can buy it in the Lodges)
- Wet tissues
Terms & Conditions
Please read carefully our terms and conditions. Terms and Conditions are a very important part of the trip for members who are willing to book Expedition, Peak climbing, or trekking with Alpinist Climber Expeditions.
The terms and conditions contain the information to the client regarding the procedures of Booking Confirmation, Payment and Refund System and Cancellation policy, and other important information about your trip. The Booking Terms and Conditions constitute a legally required contract between Alpinist Climber Expeditions along with you for the services to be provided. The details of our Terms and Conditions are listed below.
- Alpinist Climber Expeditions accepts payment in Euros (€) and US dollars (US$). The currency will be
applied based on the location of the client. Once the initial deposit/payment has been paid, all
subsequent fees will be applied in the same currency.
- When Alpinist Climber Expeditions issues the written confirmation receipt of your deposit amount the
existence of the booking will be confirmed. Alpinist Climber Expeditions kindly requests you to make a
deposit of 20% cost of your trip. You are supposed to pay the remaining amount upon your arrival in
Kathmandu. You need to send your deposit to the Company. In the case of the customized trip, you
should do a 50% deposit as it will cover all intensive details. We accept a last-minute booking with 100%
payment in some cases.
- If you wish to make amendments to your tour arrangements we require notification to Alpinist Climber
Expeditions in writing. If any government permits, flight tickets, or insurance has been issued and cannot be
revoked and refunded you will be liable for these costs. You may also be liable for the cancellation fee of
airfares purchased on your behalf.
The future is unpredictable. Notice of cancellation shall be submitted by the client in writing providing
a reason(s) for cancellation. The refund procedure will be as follows:
- Cancellation before 60 days of the trip, 20% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before 30 days of the trip 40% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before 15 days of the trip 60% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before 07 days of the trip 70% cancellation will be charged.
If cancellation is made within the week of the departure or upon arrival in Kathmandu no
refund shall be provided. Any remaining payment will be required at this time. The cost of
Climbing Permit/Insurance/Equipment allowance is not refundable in any period of cancellation.
- Travel insurance is not included in the tour price, but it is a required condition of booking a trip with
Alpinist Climber Expeditions and your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the
full duration of the trip covering expenses against all possible risks including missed flights, canceled
trips, baggage loss, emergency medical evacuation, high altitude accidents, and other unforeseeable
events. All costs for emergency evacuation must be paid in cash in Nepal unless an insurance
company has agreed to pay the costs on your behalf. It is important to ensure that your personal
travel insurance covers all of the activities you participate in the Himalayas.
- The client / You are responsible to insure yourself with an insurance policy that covers
medical expenses, flight cancellation, trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, and any other
unforeseeable events that may cause loss to you.
- The client is responsible to bear all expenses of personal nature and any extra cost resulted
due to extended stay because of natural calamities, political strikes, and any uncontrollable
events.
- The client is responsible to book the flight tickets with a flexible time frame as traveling in the
The Himalayas can be unpredictable. In case of missed flights, the client shall be solely
responsible to bear the loss.
- If you wish to add extra services mentioned by the company in the Cost Inclusions
section of each package, you shall be entitled to bear the extra costs.
- The company is fully responsible to provide all the services mentioned in the Cost Inclusions
section.
- The company is responsible to introduce all the team members to guides, Climbing
Sherpas, Staff, and manager.
- The company is fully responsible to make the best arrangements for food, lodging, and
accommodation during the trip.
- The company is responsible to hear out the concerns of the member in terms of safety.
- The company is responsible to make prompt arrangements in case of emergencies during the
trek and expeditions.
- The company is responsible to provide valuable service to the clients and deserves pay to
the staff.
- It is your responsibility that you carry a valid passport and have rightly obtained the appropriate
visas when traveling with Alpinist Climber Expeditions. Please ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months from the Nepal Visa validity date.
- As part of the booking and permit process, we will need to obtain personal information from each
client. Your personal will be kept by us in a secure way and none of your private or personal
information will be disclosed for any other purpose.
- This agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties will be construed and take effect in
accordance with and be governed by the laws of Nepal.
Wishing you the best time in Nepal, Come as a friend goes as a family….. The land of Adventure and Hospitality.