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Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Overview Itinerary Trip Info

Overview

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is a unique journey that takes you to the beautiful Everest region of Nepal. Its serene, adventure trekking trails take you to the base camp of Mount Ama Dablam (4600 m). The trek is a great alternative to the commercialized and busy trails of Everest Base Camp.
Ama Dablam translates to “Mother Necklace” in the local Sherpa language. The mountain got its name from its beautiful shape and structure. The mountain’s long ridges resemble a mother’s arms protecting her children. Meanwhile, the glacier on the southwest of the mountain resembles a traditional double-pendant necklace worn by Sherpa women. It is also known as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” and sits at an altitude of 6812 meters. The trek is a wonderful opportunity to witness Mount Ama Dablam along with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more from a close range. Moreover, you will enjoy its exquisite trails within Sagarmatha National Park and explore the local Sherpa culture and traditions.

The trek follows the classic route to the Everest Base Camp. You will land at Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla, and begin your trek. The trekking trail goes through popular villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and more. Similarly, you will pass along the ancient Tengboche Monastery and several other monasteries and gompas. You will stay in small and cozy teahouses, experiencing the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. The trek perfectly combines adventure and an enriching cultural experience. Discover the off-the-beaten and exotic trails and natural beauty of the Everest region with our 13-day Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek.

Trekking Trips Activity
Easy Grade

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Join a unique trek route of the Everest region.
  • Get on a thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla.
  • Trek on the off-beat and less crowded trails within Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Witness the diverse Himalayan flora and fauna, including rare species.
  • Pass through famous villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dingboch, Chhukung, and more.
  • Stay at local teahouses and experience rural Nepal’s hospitality.
  • Traverse through the rhododendron groves and dense subtropical forests to alpine meadows.
  • Get a chance to visit ancient monasteries and gompas.
  • Ascend to the Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4600 meters.
  • Enjoy a spectacular mountain view of Ama Dablam, famous as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.”
  • Witness the view of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, along with Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more.
  • Immerse in the vibrant Sherpa and Tibetan culture.

Itinerary Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Day 1 | Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2,650m).

The starting point of the trek is Lukla. Hence, you must first fly to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. You can either take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Or, you can drive to Ramechhap and then fly from Manthali Airport to avoid Kathmandu’s air traffic. It takes 5 hours to drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu.

Flight from Kathmandu takes 40 minutes, while it takes only 20 minutes to fly from Manthali Airport to Lukla. At Lukla, you will meet with your crew and start your trek. Since it is the first day of our trek, it is short and relatively easy. You will have to make a few uphill and downhill climbs. En route, you will pass by villages like Kyangma and Cheplung. The trail also goes alongside the Dudh Koshi River. You will cross a suspension bridge and pass by chortens and prayer wheels to reach Phakding.

Flight Time:

3 hours

Distance:

6.2 km/ 3.8 miles

Altitude:

2650 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Phakding

Day 2 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).

From Phakding, we will continue our trek after breakfast. The trail goes alongside the northern bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Then, we will cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. You can see many colorful flags along the trail. Similarly, we will pass several villages like Toc-Toc, Bhenkar, and Monjo. The Sagarmatha National Park entrance lies in the Monjo village. We will enter the national park and begin trekking through dense subtropical forests. We will also get our first glimpse of Mount Everest as we get closer to Namche Bazaar. Finally, we will make a steep ascent to get to Namche, the trading hub of the Everest/ Khumbu region.

Flight Time:

6 hours

Distance:

7.4 km/ 4.6 miles

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar

Day 3 | Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar is an important acclimatization stop and sits at an elevation of 3440 meters. The Sherpa capital has several well-facilitated hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, ATMs, and financial banks. You need to stay active despite it being a rest day. It allows your body to adjust to the changing altitude and surroundings.

You can explore around the village or take short hikes to Khumjung. There is Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, where you can learn about the diverse Himalayan flora and fauna. You can also visit the famous Hillary school or the monastery at Khumjung, where you can see the Yeti-scalp. Likewise, you can hike to Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel. The hotel offers a stunning view of Ama Dablam and other mountain vistas.

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar.

Day 4 | Namche Bazaar to Deboche (3,820m).

On this day, we will leave Namche Bazaar and head towards Deboche. The trail requires you to climb uphill and downhill while enjoying the stunning mountain view. We will first reach Phunki Tenga, where we can witness spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many others.  On the way, we will pass by several stupas, including the famous Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest monastery in the Everest region. From Tenboche, we will gradually descend through a dense verdant of rhododendrons to get to Deboche. We will stay overnight at a lodge here.

Flight Time:

5 hours

Altitude:

3,820m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Deboche

Day 5 | Deboche to Dingboche (4,410m).

After breakfast at Deboche, we will resume our trek. The trail gradually climbs through dense forests of rhododendrons and alpine meadows. We must also cross several suspension bridges along the way. En route, we will pass by the beautiful Pangboche village. It is home to the oldest monastery in the Everest region, the Pangboche Monastery. As we continue, the vegetation starts to become sparse. We can also get a crystal-clear view of Mount Ama Dablam. Likewise, we will cross small settlements like Shomare and Orsho before entering the Imja Valley. Then, we have to descend for a while before making a steep ascent to Dingboche. It is the last permanent settlement before the Ama Dablam Base Camp. You can see stone walls enclosing fields and stunning mountain panoramas.

Flight Time:

7/ 8 hours

Distance:

11 km/ 7.40 miles

Altitude:

4360 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Dingboche

Day 6 | Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)

From Dingboche, we will continue with our trek on gentle trails. We will follow the Imja Khola and pass by an open valley surrounded by stonewalled fields. The view of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Lhotse keeps us company. As we continue moving forward, the trail becomes more rugged and barren. The landscape is also more barren, and the vegetation becomes sparse. After climbing for some time, we will arrive at Chhukung. It is a small and peaceful settlement that offers panoramic mountain views. Similarly, there are several stupas with colorful flags in Chhukung. We will rest for the night at Chukkung.

Flight Time:

7/ 8 hours

Distance:

11 km/ 7.40 miles

Altitude:

4730 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Chhukung

Day 7 | Rest Day to Relax and Acclimatize at Chhukung

We will make another acclimatization stop at Chhukung. On this day, we will take a short hike to Chukkung Ri (5550 m), a popular viewpoint close to the village. We will ascend steep trails and rugged terrain. This journey is physically demanding but also rewarding. Upon reaching the top of Chukkung Ri, we can observe the marvelous view of Mount Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Makalu, and many more. After enjoying the view, we will return to Chhukung and stay overnight.

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Chhukung

Day 8 | Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La (5,535m).

We will make another acclimatization stop at Chhukung. On this day, we will take a short hike to Chukkung Ri (5550 m), a popular viewpoint close to the village. We will ascend steep trails and rugged terrain. This journey is physically demanding but also rewarding. Upon reaching the top of Chukkung Ri, we can observe the marvelous view of Mount Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Makalu, and many more. After enjoying the view, we will return to Chhukung and stay overnight.

Flight Time:

7/ 8 hours

Altitude:

5535 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Day 9 | Lobuche to Pangboche (3,985m).

After breakfast, we will begin our climb to the foothills of Mount Ama Dablam. First, the trail descends to Dughla, passing by rocky moraines. We will continue descending as the barren landscape becomes more grassy. The trail will take us through Pheriche before descending to the Imja Khola. En route, we will cross several steep sections and suspension bridges to reach Pangboche. The village of Pangboche is one of the oldest villages in the Everest region and our stop for the day.

Flight Time:

6/ 7 hours

Distance:

16 km/ 10 miles

Altitude:

4930 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Pangboche

Day 10 | Pangboche to Ama Dablam (5,120m) back to Pangboche

Today is the most exciting and thrilling part of the trek. We will start climbing from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp. The trail becomes steeper, and we will pass by green pastures and rocky terrain along the way. The higher we go, the more the landscape changes into high-altitude alpine zones. Likewise, we will trek alongside the ridge and on rocky paths. The trail also becomes narrower as we get closer to the base camp. Upon reaching the base camp, the grand view of the “Mother’s Necklace” greets us. We can also see panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kangtega, and more.

We will have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular views and take photographs. Then, we will retrace our steps to Pangboche village. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Pangboche.

Altitude:

5120 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Pangboche

Day 11 | Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).

We will have a hearty breakfast while enjoying the stunning mountain views. Then, we will begin descending to Namche Bazaar. It is mostly a downhill climb through alpine and subtropical forests. We will return on the same path that we climbed before, passing by settlements, monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags.

Flight Time:

5/ 6 hours

Distance:

5.9 km/ 3.6 miles

Altitude:

3985 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar

Day 12 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850m).

We will resume our descent after our breakfast at Namche. Then, we will trek through dense forests and cross several suspension bridges. Similarly, we will also pass by the familiar settlements, age-old monasteries, and landscapes. After hiking for a whole day, we will reach Lukla. The Lukla village serves as our starting as well as ending point for our journey.

Flight Time:

6/ 7 hours

Distance:

5 km/ 8.3 miles

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Lukla

Day 13 | Fly back to Kathmandu/Manthali. Flight time: Approx. 40 min for KTM/20 min for Manthali.

We will take an early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. If you choose to fly to Ramechhap, you will have to drive for 5 hours to Kathmandu. After reaching the capital city, our trek package comes to an end. We hope you had a wonderful and memorable trekking experience. Have a safe flight back home.

Altitude:

1400 m

Place:

Kathmandu

Best Time for Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Spring (March to May)

From March to May, the weather is clear, warm, and favorable for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. At the beginning of the spring season, it is a little chilly. You can see remnants of snow on the trails at higher elevations. The weather gradually becomes warmer, and the snow melts. The average temperature during spring ranges from 10 to 15°C. The days are longer in spring, and the daylight is longer. Hence, trekkers can enjoy trekking at their own pace.

Another great thing about trekking in spring is the active flora and fauna. The lower trails of Ama Dablam Base Camp pass through rhododendron forests, which are in full bloom during spring. Various other flowers also bloom in vibrant colors. This makes for a beautiful trek journey. There is lower rainfall, and the trails are dry. The clear skies provide spectacular mountain views without obstruction.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the next best and peak trekking season for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. It has the best and most stable weather and climatic conditions for trekking. The skies are clear with crisp air. There is minimal rainfall, so the trails are dry, and visibility is extremely clear. The temperature during the daytime is around 15 to 20°C. However, the nights and mornings are a little chillier, and the temperature ranges from 5 to 10°C.

Autumn has the perfect weather for a comfortable trekking experience. It is also when the lush green vegetation transitions into red and brown. The stunning autumn foliage enhances the beauty of the entire Everest landscape. Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall at this time of the year. It further enriches your trekking experience. You can enjoy a festive atmosphere along with an adventurous trek.

Trek Route to Ama Dablam Base Camp

Our trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Manthali, Ramechhap to Lukla. After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla (2850 m), you will begin your trek to Phakding (2650 m). The trek is relatively short and easy as the trail is gentle. You will cross suspension bridges and trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River.

From Phakding, you will head towards the picturesque town of Namche Bazaar (3440 m). The trail will again go along the Dudh Koshi River. You will walk past the Monjo villages and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Namche Bazaar is the trading hub of the Khumbu region and is also popular as the Sherpa capital. It is a popular acclimatization stop for trekkers.

The trail starts to get more demanding from Namche. It is full of uphill and downhill trails. However, the stunning mountain views also become clearer and closer. En route, you will pass by famous settlements like Phunki Tenga and Tengboche Monastery. Finally, you will reach Deboche (3820 m). The trail gradually ascends past several stupas and mani walls to enter Imja Valley. Then, it follows the Lobuche River and requires a steep climb to Dingboche (4360 m).

You will leave Dingboche, passing several Buddhist stupas and colorful prayer flags. The trail continues to ascend as we reach Chhukung (4730 m). You will take another acclimatization day at Chhukung. From here onwards, you must climb steeply to one of the high mountain passes of the Everest region, Kongma La Pass (5535 m). The trail to the pass is challenging and can be covered with heavy snow. Then, you must walk past Khumbu Glacier and moraine to reach Lobuche (4940 m). You will then begin trekking on Mount Ama Dablam’s foothills. You will pass by green meadows and pastures to reach Pangboche (3985 m).

The trail will get more adventurous as you gradually climb uphill towards Ama Dablam Base Camp (5120 m). You will cross the Imja Khola and gradually ascend towards the base camp. Upon reaching the top, you will get stunning views of Mount Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks. After enjoying the views, you will return to Pangboche. You will retrace the familiar trails and climb mostly downhill to Namche Bazaar. Then, you will return to Lukla, from where you will fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport.
ou will also have a rest day here.

Food and Accommodation

Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses are the standard accommodations available during the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek route. These accommodations also provide food and meals to the trekkers.

The Everest region falls in the remote area of the country. As a result, the accommodations offer only basic facilities and are affordable. There are a few luxurious stays at Namche Bazaar, but they are very expensive. The teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses offer their guests beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. The rooms are usually on a sharing basis or dormitory-style. In the lower region, you may find teahouses that provide single rooms with attached bathrooms. However, they are very rare. The higher you go, the more basic the facilities become.

During the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, you need to maintain your stamina with healthy and nutritious meals. Dal Bhat is a basic staple meal that is readily available. It includes rice, lentil soup, curries, vegetables, pickles, and salad. This high-carb and protein-rich meal will keep you energized throughout the trek. You will also find many varieties of staple Nepalese as well as international cuisines.

Some other meals that are available during the trek include cornflakes, porridge, Tsampa, oatmeals, salad, soup, momo (dumpling), chow mein, thukpa, Sherpa stew, thenduk, Tibetan bread, roti, curries, sandwiches, fries, burgers, spaghetti, pasta, and more. For the drink option, you will find tea (black/ milk/ green), coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, juices, etc.

The HC Treks Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek package includes standard accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and drinks (tea or coffee)

FAQs For Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

How Difficult is the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek?

Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp is an extraordinary and moderately challenging venture. It requires reasonable health and fitness to conquer the challenging trails of Ama Dablam Base Camp. The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you will start your trek on varied trails on diverse terrains. You must hike uphill and downhill on steep and narrow pathways. Similarly, the terrain is rough and rocky, and you must cross several suspension bridges. The average trekking hours is 4 to 6 hours per day on average.

Aside from the challenging trails and terrains, the high altitude also makes the hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp a physically demanding trek. It exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers can experience various symptoms, from mild to severe, which can even be fatal. Ascending to a higher altitude is also more physically strenuous. The weather also becomes more unstable and unpredictable at higher elevations. It can create further difficulties for trekkers.

The moderate trails of the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek do not require prior experience. They are suitable for all levels of trekkers, including beginners. However, all trekkers must make adequate physical and mental preparations. Acclimatization is also crucial during the trek. Hence, trekkers must also plan their itinerary carefully to meet their requirements and fitness requirements.

Why Book With Us

HCTreks, a trusted name in Nepal’s tourism, offers unforgettable Himalayan adventures with expert guidance and 24/7 support. From Everest treks to hidden trails like Upper Dolpo, we ensure your journey is seamless and memorable.

Expert Travel Guides

Himalayan Challenge Treks believes no journey will be safe and smooth without a good travel team. Thus, we are proud of our expert travel guides, who make our clients' expeditions remarkable. Likewise, our guides are highly experienced, government-licensed, and trained in first aid and emergency responses.  Trekking with HC's guide is like walking with a companion who ensures your safety and makes a journey memorable and extraordinary.

Safety First

The Himalayan Challenge trek ensures that your safety is our top priority. When you made a booking with us, you became our family member. And we won't let our family be in any trouble. Thus, from the beginning of the trek to the time you fly to your home country, we'll take care of every detail and get in touch with you. Similarly, our well-planned itinerary, acclimatization strategies, and emergency support ensure a smooth and safe trekking experience.

Customizable Trips

Himalayan Challenge Trek knows that even one coin's two sides are not the same, so how can two different clients be the same? Considering the fact that everyone is different and has unique preferences, we offer customizable trekking packages. This personalized option allows trekkers to tailor their itinerary to suit their preferences, fitness level, and time availability.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices set us apart from other trekking agencies. We don't just make you explore the Himalayas but also train you to protect nature for future generations. We take different steps to ensure that your journey in the mountains has a positive impact. For suitable and eco-friendly tourism, we follow a zero-waste approach to support local and organic products.

Competitive Price

HC Treks's top-notch service at a competitive price ensures that even tight-budget trekkers get the best value for their money. Likewise, we maintain 100% transparency with no hidden costs. We arrange itineraries that maximize the trekking experience without unnecessary expenses, as everything required is included in the package. Further, we offer group discounts and assist trekkers with rental gear to help them reduce costs. 

Route Updates

We believe that staying updated on the weather and providing updates to trekkers are crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Thus, we provide daily weather forecasts and route updates, ensuring trekkers are prepared ahead. For weather updates, our guide monitors official meteorological sources and local reports, ensuring a safe journey and no interruption due to changes in weather during the trek.