Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek - 9 Days

Everest · 9 Days

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek - 9 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,570m (14,993 ft) at Ama Dablam Base Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

9 Days

Max Altitude

4,570m (14,993 ft)

at Ama Dablam Base Camp

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

Ama Dablam (6,812m) is widely considered the most beautiful mountain in the world - a sharp, asymmetric pyramid that dominates every photograph of the Khumbu valley. Most trekkers see it only in passing on the Everest Base Camp route. This 9-day side-trek goes to its base camp at 4,570m, a quiet meadow shelf with a direct, eye-level view of the south face that climbers attempt during October and April expedition seasons.

The itinerary follows the standard EBC trail to Pangboche (3,930m), then turns south up the small Mingbo valley to the rarely-visited base camp. You see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam from various viewpoints, but the headline experience is sleeping at the foot of one of mountaineering's classic objectives. Perfect for trekkers who want the Khumbu cultural experience and high-altitude scenery without the long base-camp commitment, with a unique side-trek that most other operators do not offer.

Highlights

  • Camp at Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570m) - direct view of the mountain's south face
  • See Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam from the Tengboche ridge
  • Visit Pangboche Monastery - the oldest in Khumbu (over 500 years)
  • Walk the famous Dudh Koshi suspension bridges
  • Sleep in Namche Bazaar - the Sherpa trading capital
  • Acclimatisation day at Namche with hike to Hotel Everest View
  • Tengboche Monastery puja ceremony if timing allows
  • Less crowded than EBC - a rarely-visited corner of Khumbu
  • Lodge-based with hot showers in Namche
  • All permits, flights and porters arranged in advance

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Phakding (2,610m)

⏱ 35-min flight + 3 hours ↔ 8 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning flight to Lukla and easy walk to Phakding.

Day 2

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Five bridges, park entrance, long climb to Namche.

Day 3

Acclimatisation at Namche

⏱ 4-5 hours ▲ 3,880m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning hike to the Hotel Everest View.

Day 4

Namche to Pangboche (3,930m)

⏱ 7-8 hours ↔ 14 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long day - climb to Tengboche, descend across the Imja Khola, then up to the ancient village of Pangboche.

Day 5

Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570m) and back to Pangboche

⏱ 6-7 hours ↔ 12 km round trip ▲ 4,570m 🍽 Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner

Climb up the small Mingbo valley to base camp. Lunch on the grassy meadow with the south face directly above. Descend to Pangboche.

Day 6

Pangboche to Phortse (3,840m)

⏱ 4 hours ↔ 6 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross to the quiet Sherpa village of Phortse on the opposite side of the valley.

Day 7

Phortse to Monjo (2,835m)

⏱ 6-7 hours ↔ 15 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent via Namche back into the lower Khumbu.

Day 8

Monjo to Lukla (2,840m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 12 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Final descent to Lukla.

Day 9

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

⏱ 35-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Morning flight back to Kathmandu.

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What's included

Included

  • Round-trip Kathmandu-Lukla flights including airport tax
  • All airport pickups and drops
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality permit
  • Senior government-licensed English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (max 20 kg load)
  • Twin/double sharing teahouse accommodation
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • First aid kit
  • All applicable government taxes

Not included

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver
  • Any cost arising from flight delays or weather

Trek guide

The World's Most Beautiful Mountain

Ama Dablam was first summited in 1961 by a New Zealand-American party. Its name means "Mother's Necklace" in Sherpa - the hanging glacier on the south face represents the "dablam" (an ornate pendant traditionally worn by Sherpa women). The peak is technically a climbing peak (NMA Group A, USD 400 permit) but reaching base camp is a regular trek.

The Base Camp Itself

Ama Dablam Base Camp sits on a wide grassy meadow at 4,570m, with the south face of the mountain rising 2,200m directly above. During the autumn climbing season (October-November) you will see expedition tents and watch climbers on the lower ridge. Off-season the meadow is empty and the silence is profound.

Acclimatisation

The standard Namche rest day plus a slower altitude profile (we sleep at Pangboche the night before base camp) handles acclimatisation well. Maximum sleeping altitude is 3,930m at Pangboche - you visit 4,570m only as a day trip.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

No special climbing permit needed (we are not summiting the peak).

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Warmer, rhododendrons in bloom
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest views, you may see climbing expeditions

Fitness

Moderate. 5-6 hour walking days, one big day to base camp and back, no high passes. Suitable for active adults with 2 months of cardio preparation.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 5 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, neck buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 35L daypack, 60L duffel for porter, -10C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, polarised sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance certificate, 4 passport photos

Medical: Painkillers, blister care, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

Is this better than EBC for first-time trekkers?
Shorter, lower altitude, quieter trail. EBC is the iconic destination. Ama Dablam BC is the connoisseur's choice - and many returning Khumbu trekkers do this as a second visit.

How close do I get to the mountain?
The south face is directly above base camp. You can see climbers on the lower ridge during expedition seasons.

How fit do I need to be?
Moderate. 5-7 hour days, no high passes, lodge comfort. 2 months of cardio is sufficient.

Is altitude sickness a risk?
Low. Maximum sleeping 3,930m. Day trip to 4,570m. AMS is uncommon at this profile.

When do climbers attempt the peak?
October-November is the main season. April is the secondary season. If you trek in these months you will see active expeditions at base camp.

Can I extend to EBC?
Yes - we offer a 12-day Ama Dablam BC + EBC combo. Add 3-4 days. Speak to our office.

Are the lodges in Pangboche good?
Basic but warm. The village has 6-7 lodges. We book the best one each season.

What about the monastery?
Pangboche Monastery is the oldest in Khumbu (500+ years). It used to display a "yeti skull" (now determined to be from a serow). Visit recommended.

Best month?
October for clearest views and active climbing seasons. April for rhododendrons.

How crowded is the trail?
Below Tengboche, busy (EBC traffic). Above Pangboche to base camp, very quiet.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1195

per person

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