Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
The Ama Dablam Base Camp trek is a 12-day trek in the Everest region to the foot of Ama Dablam (6,812 m), the sharp, elegant peak that dominates the Khumbu skyline. Fly to Lukla, walk up the Dudh Koshi to Namche Bazaar, visit the monasteries of Tengboche and Pangboche, and climb to the base camp meadow at about 4,600 m, right beneath the mountain's south-west ridge.
It gives you the best of the Everest trail, Sherpa villages, views of Everest and Lhotse, and a quiet day off the main route, without sleeping above 4,000 m. Graded moderate, it suits first-time high-altitude trekkers and anyone short on time. Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and all meals on the trek are included.
Trip highlights
- Base camp meadow at the foot of Ama Dablam (6,812 m)
- Scenic flight to Lukla
- Namche Bazaar and the Everest View Hotel hike
- Tengboche Monastery and the old Pangboche gompa
- Lower altitude and fewer crowds than Everest Base Camp
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 2,860 m
- Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 4 Acclimatisation day in Namche 3,880 m
- Day 5 Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) 3,860 m
- Day 6 Trek to Pangboche (3,985 m) 3,985 m
- Day 7 Hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m) and back 4,600 m
- Day 8 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 9 Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) 2,860 m
- Day 10 Fly to Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 11 Spare day in Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 12 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek overview
Quick answer: the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek takes 12 days from Kathmandu, including the Lukla flights and a spare day for weather. It reaches about 4,600 m at the base camp, with the highest night at Pangboche (3,985 m), and costs from US$1,290 per person. It is graded moderate.
From Namche onwards, Ama Dablam is the mountain everyone photographs. Its name means "mother's necklace", after the charm box worn by Sherpa women, which the hanging glacier below the summit resembles. This trek follows the classic Everest Base Camp trail as far as Pangboche, then turns off to the base camp meadow, a peaceful place most trekkers walk straight past. In autumn you will often find climbing expeditions camped there.
Ama Dablam Base Camp trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days (8 days of trekking) |
| Maximum altitude | Ama Dablam Base Camp, about 4,600 m |
| Highest night | Pangboche, 3,985 m |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start and finish | Lukla, by flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee |
| Best time | October–November and March–May |
| Cost | From US$1,290 per person |
Why choose this trek?
- Close-up views of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
- Namche, Tengboche and Pangboche, the cultural heart of the Khumbu.
- Everest and Lhotse views from above Namche and Tengboche.
- Lower and shorter than EBC, with no nights above 4,000 m.
- Quiet base camp day away from the main Everest trail.
How difficult is it?
Walking days are 5–7 hours on good trails, with a steep, open climb on the base camp day. The altitude is the main challenge, but the itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Namche and you sleep low after visiting base camp. If you are fit enough to walk all day in hilly country, you can do this trek.
Ama Dablam Base Camp or Everest Base Camp?
EBC takes about 14 days and has you sleeping at 5,164 m at Gorak Shep. This trek takes 12 days and keeps your nights below 4,000 m, which means better sleep and a lower risk of altitude sickness. You get most of the same scenery and culture. If you have the time, you can also combine them: ask us about adding the base camp hike to an EBC itinerary.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla, with transfers
- Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (8 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly.
Altitude sickness
This trek reaches about 4,600 m at Ama Dablam Base Camp, with the highest night at 3,985 m in Pangboche. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you.
Weather and temperatures
Autumn days are clear and mild, around 8–12°C in Namche, and nights at Pangboche drop well below freezing from late October. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom and more afternoon cloud.
Domestic flights and baggage
Lukla flights are weather-dependent and are often delayed. In peak season many depart from Ramechhap, about 4–5 hours' drive from Kathmandu. The baggage limit is about 15 kg including hand luggage. The spare day in Kathmandu covers most delays.
Permits
The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee are included.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.
Drinking water
Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,000 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.
Visa
Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Snacks for the base camp day (no lodges above Pangboche)
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Everest Base Camp extension via Dingboche and Lobuche (3–4 extra days).
- Mingbo valley day hike beyond base camp.
- Helicopter return from Pangboche or Namche.
Frequently asked questions
12 days from Kathmandu, including 8 days of trekking and a spare day for Lukla flights.
About 4,600 m. Ama Dablam itself is 6,812 m.
Moderate. Days are 5–7 hours, and the highest night is at 3,985 m.
From US$1,290 per person, including Lukla flights, permits, guide, porters, teahouses and meals on the trek.
Yes. It is two days shorter and you never sleep above 4,000 m.
Yes, from the hike above Namche and from Tengboche on clear days.
No, but you should be fit and comfortable walking all day on hilly trails.
From Kathmandu or, in peak season, from Ramechhap. Transfers are included.
There are no lodges there. We return to Pangboche the same day; a camping night can be arranged on request.
October–November and March–May.
The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, both included.
Yes. Adding EBC via Dingboche and Lobuche takes about 3–4 extra days.