- 14 Days
- 5545m. Kala Patthar
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- Duration
- 12 Days
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- Max. Altitude
- 4600m
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate
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- Activity
- Trekking, Tours, Discovery
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- Group Size
- 10 People Maximum People Max
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek 12 Days
Those who are looking to explore the wonders of high-altitude trekking, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek can be an ideal choice. This journey through picturesque Sherpa villages in the Everest region will not only be thrilling but also be helpful in immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Buddhist culture.
First things first, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas is very captivating. Ama Dablam, which means ‘Mother’s Necklace’ in the local language, stands as the major attraction. Standing prominently at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), this peak is known for its unique shape, resembling a mother’s welcoming embrace.
This trek is a perfect alternative for those with time constraints who still wish to explore the Khumbu Region, including the awe-inspiring Mount Everest.
The adventure kicks off with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, serving as the starting point for the trek into the Himalayas.
We’ll take the usual Everest Base Camp Trail, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche. After Pangboche, we’ll divert from the EBC Trail and proceed to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
Guided Trek vs. Non Guided Trek To Ama Dablam Base Camp
When planning your trek to the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, it’s crucial to opt for a guided experience. Currently, Nepal’s Tourism Board and Government mandate that all trekkers must be accompanied by a certified professional guide. This regulation, effective since April 1, 2023, aims to enhance safety.
Solo or unguided treks in the remote landscapes of Nepal have historically led to injuries and missing persons. International trekkers, unfamiliar with Nepalese terrain and routes, face a heightened risk of getting lost. By requiring professional guides, this rule prioritizes the safety of trekkers and has been implemented to reduce the occurrence of such incidents.
The essence of the guide is very crucial because Ama Dablam Base Camp is situated in the high altitude location, 5,120m (16,797ft). Similarly, the trail is remote and rugged, which is physically demanding. And if any unpredicted circumstances such as injury or change in weather occurs, guides can really be helpful.
Do I Need Porters?
The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek in the challenging Himalayan mountains is made significantly easier with the assistance of experienced porters.
While traversing through rugged and uphill routes, these knowledgeable porters carry heavy loads of equipment, essentials, and personal luggage for trekkers. It allows them to fully enjoy the stunning views and challenging walks.
Porters play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of trekkers as they adapt to high altitudes, preventing altitude sickness. By hiring local porters, the trek also contributes to the economic growth of the surrounding communities.
This not only enhances the overall trekking experience by providing security and safety assurance but also supports and uplifts the local people economically. In essence, porters are integral to creating a memorable and enjoyable journey on the Ama Dablam Circuit Trek in the beautiful Himalayas.
Trekking Essentials & Preparations
Physical/Mental Preparedness:
Trekkers must prepare both physically and mentally for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. Engaging in cardiovascular and muscular exercises, training lungs for high-altitude conditions, and having prior trekking experience counts here.
Apart from physical demands, mental readiness is also very crucial. During your journey to the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, motivate yourself to reach the destination by pushing your limits.
Gear/Equipment Requirements
Trekkers must be prepared with the essential trekking gears and equipment before trekking to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. Here are some trekking gears you might need during this trek:
- Durable and comfortable backpack
- High-quality, waterproof boots
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating layers (fleece or down jackets)
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and pants)
- Quick-drying hiking pants
- Moisture-wicking socks and liners
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Lightweight gloves for warmer weather
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Sleeping bag suitable for the extremely low temperature
- Sleeping Pad
- Map and compass
- First Aid Kit
Trekking Permits
While exploring Ama Dablam Base Camp, trekkers must obtain Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Since the destination is located inside the restricted area of Sagarmatha National Park, it is mandatory to get this permit.
Make sure that you have all required licenses to avoid complications during your expedition. You can get it either from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from Monjo Checkpost in the Everest Region.
The cost of Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee is NPR. 3000 and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (Trek Card) NPR: 2000 for the international trekkers, while trekkers from SAARC Nations must pay NPR. 1000 and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (Trek Card) NPR: 2000 Nepalese trekkers are the most privileged ones with the cost of only NPR. 100 for this permit.
Itinerary
1
Arrive In Kathmandu
To embark on the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, trekkers must first arrive in Nepal via flight. The flight lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your home country. Upon your arrival, our staff will welcome you. From the airport, you’ll be escorted to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay, ensuring a comfortable and restful beginning to your adventure.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
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- Meal
- No
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- Max. Altitude
- 1400m
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- Time
- Rest
2
Explore Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be welcomed to a Meet and Greet event hosted by Magical Summits. Here, you’ll meet our guides and expedition crew who will assist you throughout the journey.
During your stay, explore Kathmandu Valley’s key attractions such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Immerse yourself in the city’s beauty.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
-
- Meal
- Optional
-
- Max. Altitude
- 1400m
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- Time
- Preparation
3
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Today, we will begin our journey by making all the preparations and making our way to Tribhuvan International Airport for a brief 30 to 35-minute flight to Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla Airport, the adventure begins.
From Lukla, we will start our trek to Phakding at 2610 meters. The scenic route takes us through several Sherpa settlements including, Nurning and Chheplung. After around four hours of uphill climb, we will finally Phakding, where we will stay at a tea house overnight.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2610 meters
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- Time
- 3 Hrs
4
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
On the fourth day of the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, we will start our journey to Namche Bazaar, a contemporary Sherpa town nestled at an elevation of 3,440 meters. The trek from Phakding spans 6 to 7 hours, guiding you through diverse and challenging terrain, necessitating the use of sturdy hiking boots for a comfortable experience.
Upon reaching Namche, relish breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, featuring iconic peaks such as Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and more. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this high-altitude destination, offering a panoramic spectacle of some of the world’s highest and most majestic mountains.
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- Accommodation
- Guest House
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3440 meters
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- Time
- 5 Hrs
5
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
The Namche Bazaar is the acclimatization stop that you will have to make on the fifth day of our trek. By this stage, the exhaustion experienced after covering long distances and climbing in altitudes requires proper rest. That’s why this day is solely designed for rest.
Focus on eating nutritious foods and hydration to energize your body. Besides, you can also take advantage of the opportunity to explore the scenic surroundings of Namche Bazaar with a trek.
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- Accommodation
- Guest House
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3440 meters
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- Time
- Rest
6
Trek to Tengboche
On the sixth day, we will be heading towards Tengboche, navigating a trail of varying elevations. The landscape combines breathtaking views of the Himalayas with the opportunity to encounter high-altitude wildlife. The iconic peaks such as Everest (8,848m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Thamserku (6,623m) will soothe our journey.
As we progress, the trail leads us to the renowned Tengboche Monastery, aptly named the “Monastery on the top of the hill.” This Gompa stands as the largest in the Khumbu region, adding a cultural dimension to your unforgettable trekking experience.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3867 meters
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- Time
- 5-6 Hrs
7
Trek to Pangboche
We will leave Tengboche monastery behind and embark on a 5 to 6 hours long trek to Pangboche. While we hike uphill through the rugged terrains, we pass across many stupas and mani walls while enjoying the magical views of the Himalayas. We will witness the up-close view of Ama Dablam (6,812m) from the path.
Pangboche is a Buddhist settlement where we can visit Pangboche Monastery as well. The essence of this monastery gives us insights into the practice and significance of ancient Tibetan Buddhism in the region.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3908 meters
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- Time
- 4 Hrs
8
Day trip to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Today, we will reach the Ama Dablam Base Camp after hiking around 6 hours from Pangboche. First, we will start our hike by crossing the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge below Pangboche. From there, we will catch a trail that opens up to the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains.
We then walk alongside the Chholungche Khola trail and head straight towards the base camp. Situated at an elevation of 4,576 meters, Ama Dablam Base Camp rests in a yak pasture beneath the majestic west face of the mountain. The spot provides spectacular views of Kangtega (6,783m), Thamserku (6,618m), and Taboche (6,542m).
After sightseeing activities around the Ama Dablam Base Camp, the return journey follows the same trail back to Pangboche.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
-
- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 4600 meters
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- Time
- 5-6 Hrs
9
Trek to Phortse
On the ninth day, we will head towards Phortse at 3680 meters above sea level. There are a couple of trails but we will catch the route from the right side and head towards Phortse instead of Deboche.
As we leave the Buddhist settlement of Pangboche, we will be walking downhill through the rugged landscapes. Be prepared for the physical challenges here since the route is remote and rocky.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
-
- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3680 meters
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- Time
- 4 Hrs
10
Trek from Phortse to Monjo
We will begin our day with a hearty breakfast in Phortse before moving on to Monjo. First, we will explore Phortse Thanga, home to an ancient Tibetan Monastery and then continue through Khumjung Valley, progressing towards Namche Bazaar.
From Namche, we will walk downhill straight towards Larja Dobhan and Jorsalle. After around a couple of hours of walking, we will finally reach Monjo, where we will stay at a tea house overnight.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
-
- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2835 meters
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- Time
- 4 Hrs
11
Trek to Lukla
Today, we will leave Monjo early in the morning and then pass across the Sherpa settlements of Bengkar and Phakding. From there, we will continue our trek towards Lukla by passing across Nurning and Chheplung Village.
The average duration of today’s trek is around 6 hours. After reaching Lukla, we will stay at a guest house.
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- Accommodation
- Hotel
-
- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
- Max. Altitude
- 2800 meters
-
- Time
- 4 Hrs
12
Fly to Kathmandu
Day 12 marks the last day of our Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. We will catch a flight to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing Norgay Airport. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Tribhuvan International Airport from there.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner Lunch in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
-
- Meal
- Breakfast & Dinner
-
- Max. Altitude
- 1400m
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- Time
- 35 Mins.
13
Fly home
Time to say goodbye to Nepal. Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu with a city stroll or souvenir shopping.
Our representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.
Photo Gallery
What to Expect
What's Included
- Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
- Airfare both ways Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu ($434 p/p).
- Everest National Park entry park and local entry permits ($50 p/p).
- Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner during the trek.
- Tea/coffee three times a day.
- All accommodations during the trek.
- Transportations, accommodation, wage, food, insurance, equipment for the guide.
- English speaking native Sherpa trek guide.
- All necessary paper works and entry permits.
- Magical Summits duffel bag.
- Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
- Trek map.
- Farewell dinner /lunch at typical Nepali restaurant after the trip completion in Kathmandu.
What's Excluded
- International airfares and Nepal visa.
- Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur.
- International Travel insurance which included rescue.
- Tips for guide (tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Price Includes’ section.
US$
1185
per pax
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Your dream itinerary, crafted with you
I was born and raised in Nepal near the Everest region. I am a proud native Sherpa and have been a mountain guide for over a decade.
Following my passion, I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.
Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you “travel” it, we create it. We’re on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!
Trip Designer