Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
Trip Duration:
13 Days
Trip Code:
EAD
Trip Grade:
Moderate to Strenuous
No. of Pax:
2 - 16
From
$ 967/person
Overview
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is one of the highly acclaimed short treks in the Everest region. Ama Dablam trekking in Everest offers a chance to get closer to the world’s highest mountains including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Literally, Ama Dablam means Mother’s Necklace. When we view Mt. Ama Dablam from Tengboche it seems to be an arm of a mother protecting her child on each side. And, a hanging glacier symbolizes the shape of a pendant worn by a Sherpa woman.
After arrival at Lukla, our trekking journey begins passing through the beautiful forest of rhododendron and Sherpa village up to Namche Bazaar with striking views of the area. We follow a good trail from the lodge to lodge through beautiful Sherpa villages. You will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest and many other Khumbu peaks from Tengboche.
From the Mt. Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,420 m) we can enjoy spectacular 360-degree mountain panoramic views of distinctive peaks soaring high above Mt. Nuptse-Lhotse massif. On the cultural aspect, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek gives us a chance to explore the traditional lifestyle of the highlanders, their religious practices, customs, and festivities.
We will visit through traditional Sherpas’ settlements, Buddhist Gumpas( monasteries) on the way, and also if we are lucky we can see the golden eagle, snow pigeon, yellow-billed and red-billed choughs flying over in the blue sky. Plants and flowers like rhododendron, magnolias, blue pine, chir pine, juniper, and hemlock are also seen in the high altitude that makes nature lovers more delightful. Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is recommended for those who want to do something extraordinary in terms of adventure and cultural exploration. We have graded this trek as moderate and can be arranged for a group of friends, families, and adventure seekers. It is possible to combine this trek with the most popular Everest base camp trek adding extra 2 days to the itinerary.
For more detail about Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, please contact us.
Itinerary:
Scenic flight to & from Lukla, Walk through Sagarmatha National Park, Stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam & Lhotse, Traditional Sherpa villages, Unique culture and Life style of Himalayan people, Buddhist monasteries…
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel if you have booked Airport Pickup facility at the time of booking your trip. Otherwise our representative will meet you at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Hotel Harati [or similar standard]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
Today our representative will work on all necessary permits and flight confirmation.
A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board a flight to Lukla. We take off to our destination on a 35 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla. If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the plane can be enjoyed.
After a cup of tea at local Lodge in Lukla our guide briefs on safety and introduction to our porters and begin the trek on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Koshi” or milk river (named after its milky color from glacial silt). We reach Phakding after an approximately 3hrs walk and end our first-day trek there. Overnight at Phakding
Today you will walk for almost 7 hours mostly uphill through the alpine valleys. You will be crossing Dudh Koshi River a few times before you reach Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. The walk starts to get a bit strenuous with an uphill ascent to Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Tawache on the way to Namche. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
Acclimatization is important before proceeding to higher altitudes. So, you will stay one more night at Namche bazaar so that you can properly acclimatize to the altitude. This is the first acclimatization day in Namche bazaar that everyone should have into their trekking itinerary. You can explore around and relax. Namche tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu has an abundance of lodges, tea shops, and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook.
For the acclimatization, you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or above the Bhote Koshi river valley towards Thame ( 3810m) or Everest View Hotel which is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, and Khumbu peaks. Overnight at Namche Bazaar
The trail goes ahead leaving a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Koshi. In this section too, you will have a panoramic view of the Himalayas such as Ama Dablam (6812m), Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawache (6501m). En – route you will visit Trashinga, Phunki Tenga and reach Tengboche. You will be greeted at the Tengboche Monastery. Visitors to Tengboche are permitted to walk freely about the monastery ground. This place offers a good view of sunrise and sunset over Everest and Ama Dablam. Overnight at Tengboche.
Today we trek through a beautiful rhododendron forest for about an hour and cross the Imja River. Then, we follow an open high trail to Pangboche. This village is one of the highest permanent villages in the Khumbu region and it is 115 m higher than Tengboche. In fact, this village is notably larger than Tengboche and it is built on a hill. We will visit the monastery which is the oldest monastery in the region. Overnight at Pangboche
We begin with a steep descent to the Imja Khola and after crossing the bridge we ascend steeply for about 2 1/2 to 3 hrs and walk through open Yak pastures. Before we reach the Ama Dablam Base camp, we will come across a small lake. Ama Dablam Base camp is one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Khumbu Valley. It is a large grassy meadow with a stream flowing from the middle of the meadow. Overnight at Pangboche
Our trekking today will be outstanding if the weather stays clear. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. It is a comfortable day’s walk, with time to explore these unique and more traditional villages. As we near the villages, we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Overnight at Phortse village
After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we trek onwards to the Kyanjuma, the junction of the trinity trails to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village and Namche Bazaar. Great view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache and Lhotse can be enjoyed as well as some species wildlife such as Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer, and wild goat can be found inside the rhododendron forest. In the evening we explore the small surrounding area with magnificent scenery. Overnight at Monjo
Today we head for Lukla. In the end, we spend more time ascending this day since the elevation of Lukla is at least 1000 feet higher than Phakding. During this day we see many new groups on the trail heading out to Namche. At a teahouse at Lukla we will toast over beers for the incredible trip we have just finished and spent some time reflecting on our experiences. Overnight at Lukla
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few postcards home or even go for a stroll to Thamel.
Final goodbyes.
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Trip Code
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Nitty Gritty
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General Information
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your trekking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the trek and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trekking trip.Tea House Lodge Trek
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the trek in family-run teahouse (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag.Meals
Trek Himalayan Nepal generally do not offer meals in the trip. There is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups can eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your trekking guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.Food Items
Most lodges/tea houses offer muesli, porridges, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner typical Nepalese dal, bhat, lentil soup and Sherpa/Tibetan cuisines and western food.
Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited.Bathroom facilities
Most lodges offer hot showers and a bucket of hot water with extra cost. Above Lukla we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.Small Groups
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.Trek Leader, Guide and Crew
All our trek leaders and crew come from different parts of Nepal with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, but we all share our valuable experience, accept each other beliefs and work together to give our clients the best experience in Nepal. Whatever the ethnical background they belong to, differ in sex or age all members of our team work together as a family that makes us what we are.A Typical Trekking Day
At 6.30 am your guide wakes you up. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the overnight. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow hikers or trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well-deserved night.Flora in the Everest region
Rhododendron and Magnolio give way to birch groves and conifers as you approach the tree line. At higher altitudes blue pine is usually more common than chir pine. You will see how the pines become shorter and stockier as you gain altitude. Junipers are also found in a dwarfed form in the sub-alpine region at altitudes to 4000m. Junipers in full sized tree form are found around Thame. Also, fleshy, berrylike fruit- Hemlock and silver fir are also found in the Everest region.Fauna in the Everest region
The Golden eagle, Eurasian Kestrel goshawk are the most common resident birds in the Everest region. Pheasants are probably the most spectacular birds seen on the ground while trekking. Around the Tengboche monastery you will see two different species of pheasants – Blood pheasant and the Impeyan pheasant digging for tubers in the stark winter fields in the Khumbu area. You can also spot the crimsonhorned pheasant with reddish legs. Tibetan snow cocks, hawk- sized raven are also visible on the ground around Gorakshep. The bark of Muntjak, a small, reddish mammal with short antlers is found at altitudes up to 2400m. The musk deer are sometimes visible in the areas between Phortse and Tengboche. The Himalayan tahr which look like a mountain goat are also visible in spring and autumn season.Possible views of Mountains
During the trek Everest(8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7896m), Pumori (7145m), Amadablam (6812m.) Thamserku (6800m), Khumbila (5751m), Kwangde Ri (6187m), Cho Oyu(8201m), Tawache (6542), Kangtenga (6645m), Kusum Kanguru (6369), Makalu (8463m), Island Peak (6189m), Chhukungri (5845m), Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Khumbuste (6640m), Cholatse (6640m), Cha Kung (7020m), & many other attractive snow-capped peaks.INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.Rescue/ Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.Domestic Flight Cancellation
If scheduled flight gets cancelled due to bad weather from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu. In such situation, we need to send chartered helicopter. Helicopter cost has to be borne by the clients as per the prevailing cost.Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you don’t need it while travelling. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggagePorter Welfare
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment.
Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.Equipment List: Here are some recommended Equipment’s List for trekking in Everest region
Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Day pack (Used for daily excursions)
First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
Fleece top/sweater
Sleeping Bag
Footwear Hat
Locks for bags
Long pants/jeans
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cell phone, etc.)
Reusable water bottle
Shirts/t-shirts
Sleepwear
Small travel towel
Sunglasses
Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Down Jacket
Note: It is possible to buy or rent the above gear in KathmanduHigh Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter she/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill. Doctor may provide temporary care with some medicines and oxygen but the patient must be brought down immediately in order to escape danger. For emergency purpose, one can contact doctors at Khunde and Pheriche hospitals in Khumbu trekking region.Weather Information
The main trekking season in Nepal begins from early October to mid-May. During this period temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC above higher altitudes. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main trekking season in Nepal. While trekking in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to minus 10ºC at the highest altitudes.
Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 12ºC to negative 20ºC at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year
Pre-monsoon/spring March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
- Cultural Tips to Khumbu Region
- Walk on the left side of Mani walls as you pass them. This practice signifies that you respect the Buddhist tradition and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never sit on Mani stones or Stupa.
- Don’t litter local springs as it is believed that this will anger the water god, Lu.
- Don’t put dirty items and food scraps such as meat in the fires of Sherpa hearths, as it is believed that offensive odors from such pollution angers the local mountain gods.
- Always make a small contribution to any temple or monastery that you visit. This is a time honored indigenous tradition.
- Ask permission to take photographs of people, and if you do extensive photography, it is polite to give the people a small gift.
- Don’t ask a Sherpa to kill an animal for meat. This is forbidden in Khumbu both by village custom and by the Buddhism religion.
- A Khata (white/yellow scarf) is used to welcome, bid farewell, and to show gratitude. It is traditional to put the scarf round men’s neck starting from the right hand and women from the left. Don’t put scarves around the neck of a lama simply offer it to his hand.
- Don’t give things to begging children, however, please do give as generously as possible to a begging monk or nun as this is a time honored religious tradition.
- The seat next to the fire hearth in a traditional Sherpa home is reserved for the main person of the family whether alive or death. Therefore, please do not sit there.
- Don’t forget to smile and try to remember the Sherpa word for thank you ‘Thuche Thuche’
Tipping(Local guide and porter)
Tipping is a tradition in tourism in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. We highly suggest you to allow some tips at your own discretion.
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
- Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. At least, you need to spend two or three nights in Kathmandu before and after your trekking trip. We can arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your pre-booking.
- This trek is suitable for any trekker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. You need to be moderately fit and normally healthy. It is good if you do some exercise before you come to Nepal for trekking.
- It is not necessary; you have to join with group. Please follow our group departure date because we organize private trip departures everyday upon client’s request and requirements. You can move at your own pace and set your own schedule by not being in group.
- In Kathmandu, we provide clean and basic standard hotel with breakfast. During the trek we provide Tea Houses which are more like hotels, with hot showers, local/western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). In our trekking trip we make overnight stay at tea-houses. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
- You have to choose from the menu and pay by yourself. Freshly cooked food is served in tea house (lodge). Generally, western, continental and Nepali meals are available in all places.
- Yes, our guide will brief regarding the trip. The briefing will cover the itinerary and introduction of your trek guide and porters before the trip departure.
- Yes, in most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (it may cost you extra at the lodge/teahouse).
- Optional Programs:Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting, Short excursion to Nagarkot / Dhulikhel, Meditation & Spa/Yoga, Bungee Jump
