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Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

10 Days

Trip Highlights

  • One of the shortest treks in the Everest area
  • Visit ancient gompas and monasteries
  • Learn about ancient cultures and practices
  • Head towards the base of Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp (4,420m/14,502ft) of a highly technical iconic mountain peak named ‘Amadablam’’ that goes over 6000m. If you are looking to experience the Himalayas for a time that suits your executive timelines, then this Ama Dablam base camp trek is a perfect fit for you. ‘Ama Dablam’ stands for or means ‘mother & the necklace’ – because the perpetual glacier which hangs like a ‘Dablam’ is similar in shape to a piece of conventional jewellery worn by Sherpa women. Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek serves as a short Everest base camp trek which doesn’t exceed the elevation of 4,500m/14,760ft and yet give you the feel of mighty Everest and nearby mountains.

Our trail to Ama Dablam base camp swerves into the bustling Khumbu capital town of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest in the region and from both these areas we get fantastic views of the King Peak of Mt. Everest. Nevertheless, whilst bunking out in the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, getting awesome views of Everest and visiting the eminent monastery at Tengboche, we also wade out into far-flung areas that are so wonderful to discover on lesser-known trails that are so quiet and desirable in comparison to the more crowded trekking circuits in the Everest region. A further element to our journey is a stroll into the Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung where we get to see the late Sir Edmund Hillary’s projects of generosity through the Himalayan Trust for the development of Sherpa communities in the Khumbu. And we also have the opportunity to interact with the local folks which give us thought-provoking insights into their lifestyles & culture.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,800m) from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding (2,600m).
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) from Phakding 5-6 hours
Day 4: Hike up to Everest view hotel, and trek to Kyanjuma (3,500m)
Day 5: Trek to Pangboche (3,985m) from Kyanjuma 6-7 hours
Day 6: Base Camp (4,420m) and trek back to Pangboche, 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek back to Namche bazar (3,440) from Pangboche 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Lukla (2,800m), from Namche bazar 6-7 hours
Day 9: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m), from Lukla
Day 10: Drop at the airport for the final departure

All Inclusive cost
Join our trek Contact us to set up an itinerary as per your preference.

Group Size  Price per person
 Min 2 – Max 12  US$ 1035

Customization Option

If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.

Essential Information
Difficulty

Our Ama Dablam Base Camp trek is considered moderate to slightly challenging. Trails generally go above 4000 meters and on a daily basis, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. This trip is a perfect setting of introduction to challenging high altitude trekking in Nepal. Is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well.

Previous Experience

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not mandatory to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip prior to your trip by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking.

Best Season

The best seasons to trek to the Everest region are Autumn (latter half of September till December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May).

Autumn/Fall: Slightly colder than Spring but presents clear views of the mountains. The mornings are clear providing the best mountain views, days are warmer and nighttime will get cold and frosty. The temperature during Autumn varies from the lowest -10 degrees Celsius at Ama Dablam Base Camp to the warmest 20 degrees Celsius at Lukla/Phakding.
Spring: Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes during the month of the latter March to May. The temperature will be relatively warmer during this period of time but still, nights will be cold and frosty at a higher elevation. Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day.
Winter: Ama Dablam Base Camp trek can be done during the winter season (Dec to Feb). Weather will still remain clear offering views of mountains, trails will be less busy, a perfect time for photographers with fresh snow on the hills but the only significant downside is the cold temperature. Daytime temperatures can range between 5 – 9 ºC and evenings can drop to sub-zero temperatures.
Monsoon/Summer: Trekking during the monsoon/summer season has its own benefits (Less crowd, greenery and lush vegetation etc) but for high altitude treks like Everest base camp, we do not recommend this season. Due to the frequent rainfall, it makes the walk uncomfortable. The clouds develop most of the time blocking your views and the main problem will be the flight cancellation at this time of year.

Accommodation
Hotel: 2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 8 Nights

In Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will stay at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu. Situated at the foot, of the Great Swyambunath Stupa. The most peaceful Vajra Hotel in the Kathmandu valley, the hotel also boasts of close Swyambunath beautiful jungle where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
Teahouse/Lodge:
Trekking in the Everest region does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are now clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

All Meals On Trek

All meals are included during the trek. We will provide three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

Typical Day On Trek:

Daily wake up calls will be from 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. Wake up time and breakfast time will be arranged the night before the briefing time. The schedule for each day will depend entirely on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served as a wake-up call to your bed. After breakfast we went on a day hike. Before breakfast, you need to pack your duffel bag because the porter will load it while you are having breakfast. After the walk, we stop for a mid-day lunch. Afternoon walks are usually short and we usually arrive at our destination for afternoon tea.

Daypack For The Trek

You will only carry your day pack with the essentials you will need during the walk (water, camera, extra fleece, rain jacket, sunscreen, snacks, valuables etc.). The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We give you 1 porter for every 2 participants. Also, during the trek, we will also provide 1 support guide for every 6 trekkers, who will assist you during the trek.

Group Size:

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.

Safety On The Trek

Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our trek itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind, allowing proper adaptability, rest days and walking hours. On all our high altitude treks, we send a comprehensive medical kit. Furthermore, we also have a high staff to customer ratio on all our treks. Read more, Safety & Security

Our Approach to Treks

Our route to trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.

Baggage and Weight Limit

We request customers to ensure that the duffel bag weighs less than 15 kg. Baggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is only 15 kg (10 kg for duffel bag and 5 kg for backpack) but we can offer additional baggage allowance. Therefore, after arriving in Kathmandu, extra luggage or belongings that are not needed during the trek can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.

Airport Pickup & Drop:

We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.

Very important information for domestic flights to and from Lukla

In order to avoid air jam at Kathmandu Airport, Lukla flights will be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport during spring (April 1 to May 31) and autumn (October 1 to November 30). In this case, you need 1 buffer day to arrange all transfers from Manthali airport, i.e. you will have half day visit to Kathmandu and transfer to Manthali by afternoon drive. We suggest you drive to Manthali which is 4 hours away from Kathmandu and spend the night at a hotel in Manthali before taking a flight to Lukla the next morning. After the trek, you can fly to Manthali Airport and return to Kathmandu on the same day.

Detail Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Please look out for a placard of your name at the exit of arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip.

After an early morning we take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the mid-1960s. It is a most beautiful flight, with outstanding views of the eastern Himalaya (sit on the left side of the plane for the best views). When we arrive, after meeting the staff, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail.

From Phakding, we crisscross the river on high airy suspension bridges. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then do a sharp hike to Namche. If it’s a lovely weather day, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main commercial hub in the Khumbu and has an active Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have come through the glaciated Nangpa La. This is an ideal mountain town to bunk out for the night and good for acclimatization.

Today we take a morning walk to the Everest View Hotel where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen. When this is done, we then head down to the well-known village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. There will generally be the opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school. We will also be able to visit the monastery at Khumjung where we may have the opportunity to see the “scalp of a yeti”. After this, we make a beeline downhill as we descend to Kyanjuma, a pretty village where we overnight, before heading to Pangboche the next day.

After morning enjoying a hot breakfast, we start out for Pangboche enjoying fabulous views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and an upfront view of Thamserku. Our trek follows a gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking brilliant views of the awesome Himalayas. Along the routes, we come across some wild fauna that include pheasants, musk deer, and sometimes a herd of Himalayan Thar. The stunning views of Ama Dablam are the primary attraction of today's walk.

Today we make our way up to a crest high in a sheltered valley. We may see climbing expeditions on our arrival in the base camp as Ama Dablam is one of the world’s most striking mountains. It means “Mother’s necklace”; the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother (Ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier seems to be the dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women. There are much of ups and downs in this area, with another crossing of the Imja Khola on a steel suspension bridge. We will back to Pangboche along the same trail in the afternoon.

After breakfast, we say our byes to Pangboche and descend steeply through beautiful forests of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Kosi, and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and its then a gradual walking to Namche Bazaar.

Today is our last day of trekking. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. Who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains.

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our breakfast and get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our staff representative will help you pack your luggage, drop you off at the international airport. And we wish you a safe flight. Likewise we hope to see you soon again!

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included during the trek with tea & coffee
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Hotel Vajra for 2 night in Kathmandu
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses/lodge on the trek
  • All required permits for the trek (TIMS card & National park fee
  • Internal flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with airport taxes)
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high-altitude medicines
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
  • Group welcome or farewell dinner at Kathmandu

Cost Exclusion

  • International Airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason).
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks and hot drinking water or mineral bottled water, cold drinks, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery re-charge charges, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal clothing and trekking gear.
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage.
  • Tips, gifts, souvenirs for involved trekking staff.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses, which are not listed in "What is included" above will be counted as excludes.

Equipment checklist for trek

The gear listed below is recommended. We encourage you to get all the equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every piece of equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops.

Head:
— Sun hat or scarf
— Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
— Sunglasses
— Head Torch
— Suncream (40+) and Lip Balms

Upper Body:
— Cotton t-shirts and thermals
— Fleece jacket
— Waterproof jacket
— Down jacket

Lower Body:
— Lightweight cotton pants (long)
— Waterproof pants
— Inner thermals

Feet:
— Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
— Thick, warm wool hiking socks
— Comfortable hiking boots
— Shower sandals

Hands:
— Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
— Creams
— Sanitizer

Accessories:
— Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
— Trekking bag (Rucksack)
— Duffel bag
— Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
— Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
— Water bottle or camel bag
— Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits:
— Personal Regular Medicines
— Knee Caps
— Bandages
— Ointments
— Blister Tape

Miscellaneous:
— Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
— Light-weighted Towel
— Swiss Knife
— Passport and extra passport photos
— Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Documents:
— Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
— 2 copies of passport-size photos (For sim card and travel purposes)
— Credit cards in case of emergencies
— Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport
— Flight tickets
— Travel Insurance
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Trip Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
From $1,035.00
/ per person

Trip Facts

  • 9 Nights, 10 Days
  • Moderate
  • 4,420m/14,502ft.
  • Spring & Autumn
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Flights & Private car/van
  • Teahouse/Lodges
  • Min 2 - Max 12

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