Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek 12 days to the base of the world's most beautiful mountain (6,812m). Reach 4,600m with classic Khumbu views of Everest, Lhotse, and the dramatic Ama Dablam.
- Duration
- 13 days
- Max altitude
- 4,600 m
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Group size
- Max 12
- From
- US$1,199
Region: Everest Region
Overview
The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is a 12-day moderate trek to the base of Ama Dablam (6,812m), often called the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalaya’ and widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful mountain. The trek follows the classic EBC route to Dingboche, then branches up the Imja Tse valley to reach Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,600m. From the base camp, the dramatic southwest face of Ama Dablam towers 2,200m above, with the hanging glacier (the ‘dablam’ or sacred pendant) clearly visible. The trek also includes the classic viewpoints of Namche, Tengboche, and the Everest View Hotel, plus an acclimatization hike to Island Peak Base Camp. The maximum altitude of 4,600m is significant but manageable with proper acclimatization.
Know Before You Book – Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Information
Trip Name: Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
Duration: 13 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 4600m
Group Size: Max 12
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 4600m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Everest Vs Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty Scenery, Renjo La Pass Vs Everest Base Camp Scenery Difficulty.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Read our seasonal guides: Everest Base Camp October Weather, Best Month Everest Base Camp Clear Views Weather.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Ama Dablam Base Camp Teahouse Or Lodge, Makalu Base Camp Tea House Or Camping.
Transportation
Transport: Flight. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Lukla Flight Buffer Days Everest Base Camp, Lukla Flight Delays Ama Dablam Base Camp Itinerary.
Required Permits
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Everest Base Camp Permits 2027, Gokyo Lakes Vs Everest Base Camp Once In Lifetime.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 4600m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Package Scenery Safety Value.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Week Training, Everest Base Camp Training Weeks.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 4600m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Travel Insurance, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Villages Culture, Api Base Camp Trek Villages Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
Highlights
- Stand at the base of Ama Dablam (6,812m), the world's most beautiful mountain.
- Witness the dramatic hanging glacier (the 'dablam' or sacred pendant) up close.
- Classic Khumbu views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
- Visit Tengboche Monastery with the iconic Ama Dablam backdrop.
- Acclimatization hike to Island Peak Base Camp for additional mountain views.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400 m
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 2: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
2,610 m
Scenic flight to Lukla. Short trek along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Phakding (2610 m)
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
3,440 m
Cross bridges and climb to Namche with first views of Everest.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Day 4: Acclimatization & Everest View Hotel
3,880 m
Rest day with hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views including Ama Dablam.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Namche Bazaar (3880 m)
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche
3,860 m
Trek to Tengboche Monastery with iconic view of Ama Dablam.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Tengboche (3860 m)
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche
4,410 m
Continue to Dingboche in the Imja Tse valley. Ama Dablam dominates the southern skyline.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Dingboche (4410 m)
Day 7: Acclimatization & Hike to Island Peak Base
5,100 m
Acclimatization hike toward Island Peak Base Camp for additional views of Lhotse and Baruntse.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Island Peak (5100 m)
Day 8: Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp
4,600 m
Branch off the main trail and climb to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Afternoon photography and exploration.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Ama Dablam BC (4600 m)
Day 9: Return to Dingboche
4,410 m
Descend back to Dingboche for a hot meal and proper rest.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Dingboche (4410 m)
Day 10: Trek to Namche
3,440 m
Long retracing descent through Tengboche to Namche.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Day 11: Trek to Lukla
2,840 m
Final trekking day. Celebration dinner with the crew.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Lukla (2840 m)
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
1,400 m
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Evening free for souvenir shopping and rest. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 13: Final Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Trip concludes. Optional extensions to Chitwan safari, Bhutan, or Tibet available on request. Thank you for trekking with Mount Everest Go – we hope to welcome you back to Nepal soon.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
Things to Carry / Packing
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
FAQs
How difficult is the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek and what fitness do I need?
This trek is rated Medium and requires good fitness, 5-7 hours of walking daily at moderate altitude. The maximum altitude is 4600m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.
Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Week Training.
What permits and documents do I need?
Required permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 4600m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.
Related permit guides: Everest Base Camp Permits 2027.
When is the best time to do the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek?
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?
Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.
Read our altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Package Scenery Safety Value.
What accommodation and meals are included?
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.
What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?
Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.
Packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear.