Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Arrival and pre-trip meeting.

The morning starts with an exciting mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which takes about 30 minutes. We touch down at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, home to one of the world’s most dramatic airstrips. Upon landing, porters will take care of the gear, and we set off. The trail at first goes down through pine and rhododendron forests. We pass small Sherpa villages like Chheplung and Ghat. We cross the Dudh Koshi River on suspension bridges. Also, along the way you will see mani stones and prayer wheels which give a very cultural touch. The path is mostly stone-paved and easy to follow. It’s a pleasant walk of 4 to 5 hours, which brings us to Phakding, a quiet riverside village with many teahouses. At 2,610 meters, Phakding is a great first night stop, which also gives your body time to get used to the altitude.

This is a longer, more challenging walk which takes 5 to 6 hours. We go along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the high and very iconic Hillary Bridge. Also, we pass through villages like Monjo and Jorsalle, which are the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There, the permits are checked, and then the trail heads into a dense forest of pines and rhododendrons. The final climb to Namche is steep, and we constantly zigzag our way up. That section is tiring and slow going because of the altitude and the terrain. Namche Bazaar appears as a bowl-shaped town in the mountains. At 3,440 meters, it is a main Sherpa hub which has bakeries, gear shops, and internet cafes. The air is thinner here, and some may start to feel the altitude. Rest and hydration are key. We spend the night here in very comfortable accommodation. 

Today is for acclimatizing, which also includes a big hike to higher ground. We rise early for breakfast, then set off onto a steep trail that goes upwards towards Syangboche. It is a short but steady climb. The walk takes you to Everest View Hotel at 3,880 meters (12,729 feet), from where you may see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku on a clear day. The hike, which takes 3-4 hours round trip, also helps your body adjust to a higher altitude. Along the way, you may visit the small Syangboche airport and some local Sherpa homes. After taking in the views and perhaps having tea at the hotel, we head back down to Namche for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you may visit the local museum, the monastery, or just wander the village. It is an easy-going day but very useful for your altitude acclimatization.

From Namche, the trail is mostly flat to start with great views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and other snow-covered peaks. We walk through pine forests and by small villages like Kyangjuma. Then the trail heads on a long descent to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. After crossing the bridge, the trail goes back up again, zigzagging through forests and open fields. Also, you may see Himalayan tahr or a variety of birds. After a steady climb, you will get to Tengboche Monastery, which is the main sacred site in the area and one of the most iconic monasteries in the world. Many take the time to take photos and do short visits. After that, the trail drops a little before going up again to Pangboche. This is the highest village in the Khumbu region at 3,930 meters. It is a quiet and traditional place with old stone houses and a historic monastery. For the night, you will stay in a simple but very cozy teahouse.

Today is a peak experience of the trek. We take breakfast, then leave our bags at the teahouse and carry only the essentials we need for the day. The trail heads out of Pangboche steeply to the east over open alpine meadows and yak pastures. You climb fast in elevation. The views open with every step. The trail turns rocky with some sections of loose stones. You walk slowly to acclimatize to the thinner air. After 2 to 3 hours, you will get to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,600 meters. It’s quiet and peaceful and surrounded by high walls of ice and rock. Climbers often set up base camp here during expedition season. The views of Ama Dablam’s sharp ridges and hanging glaciers are breathtaking. You rest here, take in the scenery, and enjoy the peace. After spending time at the base camp, you head back down the same way and return to Pangboche for the night.

You retrace your steps today. The trail first leads downhill through the forest to Tengboche. If you missed the monastery before, this is your chance. From Tengboche, you drop very steeply to the river at Phunki Tenga, then climb back up through pine and rhododendron forests. The up slope is tiring but steady. At Kyangjuma, the trail levels out, which is great for viewing the distant Everest and Ama Dablam. Also, you pass prayer flags, mani walls, and small Sherpa homes. This part of the trek is more relaxing as you lose elevation and your body recovers. After 6 to 7 hours of travel, you will get to Namche. The rural comfort of the village is a welcome change from the remote high country. You may rest, enjoy pastries, and sleep in a cozy teahouse.

This is the last day of your trek, which is a long one. You go down from Namche via Jorsalle and Monjo. At Monjo, you leave the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail goes on to Phakding, where many trekkers take a break for tea or lunch. From there, it’s a steady walk that includes short climbs and descents. By now, you are familiar with the trail, which includes long bridges and riverside walking. You pass through Chheplung and other small villages before you get to Lukla. The walk takes 6 to 7 hours. Although it is downhill, it can be hard on your knees, so we recommend trekking poles. Once you arrive in Lukla, you check into a teahouse, return rental gear if you had any, and celebrate the end of the trek. In Lukla, you will find many lodges, bakeries, and shops to relax in before your morning flight.

After waking very early, you head out to Lukla Airport, which you will see after your breakfast, and board a small plane that takes you back to Kathmandu. The flight is for about 30 minutes. In Lukla, weather plays a great role in causing delays, so early morning flights are a better option. During the flight, you see stunning mountain views one last time, including the trail you just walked. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal for rest, to do some shopping for souvenirs, or to explore the city. The trip from the mountains to the bustling capital is very dramatic and rewarding. This is also a great time to reflect on the trek and to enjoy the city life.

Depending on your travel schedule, you may have some free time in the morning. Most people head to the airport a few hours early for departure. The journey has ended, but the memories of Ama Dablam Base Camp, Sherpa villages, and the Everest region will stay with you forever.