Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
Trek beneath the most beautiful peak in the Himalaya
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek overview
Ama Dablam (6,812 m) is often called the Matterhorn of the Himalaya — a soaring pyramid of ice-fluted ridges crowned by the hanging glacier, or 'dablam', that gives the mountain its name. This ten-day trek walks the classic Khumbu trail through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, then branches off the Everest Base Camp highway for a rewarding side trip to the grassy meadow at the mountain's base camp, where the peak's southwest ridge rises almost straight overhead. The base camp itself sits on a broad alpine pasture at 4,600 m above the village of Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu. It is a remarkably peaceful spot — most Base Camp-bound trekkers march straight past the turn-off — and in the autumn climbing season the meadow fills with the bright expedition tents of teams attempting the famous ridge. From the ridgelines nearby, the views open out to Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, with Ama Dablam's hanging glacier glittering directly above you. With a maximum altitude of 4,600 m reached on a day hike — you sleep no higher than Pangboche at 3,985 m — this trek has one of the friendliest acclimatization profiles in the Everest region. It suits fit first-time Himalayan trekkers who want the full Khumbu experience of Sherpa villages, monasteries, and giant peaks in a shorter, gentler package than the Base Camp trail.
Country
Nepal
Duration
10 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
4,600 m (Ama Dablam Base Camp)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Moderate
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Evening trek briefing and gear check, with time to rent or buy any missing equipment in Thamel.
Price includes
- Airport transfers and hotel pick-up/drop-off in Kathmandu
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights including airport taxes
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter per two trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation
- Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide, including pulse oximeter
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your travel insurance)
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with coverage up to 5,000 m (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Bottled and boiled drinking water, hot showers, and battery charging at lodges
- Wi-Fi and personal communication costs on the trail
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from