Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depends on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: Kathmandu (1,302 m), Mulkot (493 m)

Tour Duration:  Approx. 4 hours

Driving duration: 3 hrs. Approx. (KTM-Mulkot)

Accommodation: Hotel

9:00 AM: Today you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will take a short drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: You take a drive to Mulkot in the afternoon. Mulkot is a small settlement, from where Manthali Airport is just 37 km away (1 hour’s drive).

Altitude above sea level: Lukla (2,840m), Phakding (2,610m)

Driving duration: 1 hr. approx. (Mulkot-Ramechhap)

Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ramechhap airport for a spectacular flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Lukla is Nepal’s busiest domestic airport and, for the trekker intent on seeing Mt. Everest, flying here is an essential part of the adventure.

During the flight, you get to see the world’s soaring mountains including  Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Gauri Shankar (7,145 m), Menlungtse (7,181 m). After an exhilarating landing at Lukla, you will set off on the hike to Phakding. You follow the ridge on the bank of the milky Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding. Dudh Koshi, or Milk River, is named for its chalky color that emerges from all the glaciers up above.

You will follow this river the rest of the day, passing through picturesque hamlets filled with tea houses, suspension bridges, shops, carved Mani stones, prayer wheels, and packed animals. After passing through the small villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat you arrive at the Phakding which is located right next to the Dudh Koshi River.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m) Namche

Hiking time: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today after a hearty breakfast, you will cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named “Dudh” (milk) Koshi (river) because of its color. Sections of today’s walk are through pine forest and cleared areas to reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. You pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. The trail passes through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale then climbs steeply the 2000′ feet to the market town of Namche.

Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region, surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. This vibrant village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. Also, it is the main trading village in the Khumbu region, is the historic meeting point for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans.

Altitude above sea level: 3,962 m

Hiking duration: 2-3 hrs. Approx. (Hotel Everest View)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche is an ideal place for acclimatization. The places of interest around Namche are remarkable and beautiful. There is plenty to do in and around Namche.  You can take a short walk above the town to get a view of Everest. The trail leading to the hotel is a pleasant walk across a hill. You might spot yaks grazing nearby, or a Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) balancing perfectly on the cliffs.

Hidden on a ridge overlooking the Everest range, Hotel Everest View is an incredible establishment that blends gracefully with its remarkable surrounding. Appreciate the panoramic view of the Everest Region from the iconic Hotel Everest View.

There is also an interesting Sherpa Culture Museum which is well worth a visit.  After exploring, you take a downhill trail back to Namche. Spend the afternoon at leisure.  You can either relax or visit the colorful Namche Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (3,770 m) Debuche

Hiking duration: 5 – 6hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you hike to Debuche. Debuche is 30 minutes away from Tengboche, where the largest monastery in the region can be found. The monastery hosts the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival, celebrated every year after the full moon of autumn with religious gatherings, songs, dances, performances of legends. Visitors are also welcome to participate in the festivities.

To reach Debuche, you pass through the forests of rhododendron trees and along the Dudh Koshi River.  The trail is steep but the view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse are incredible! Passing multicolored prayer flags and smaller gompas on the route simply adds to the flavor.

Altitude above sea level: (3,875 m) Pangboche

Hiking duration: 2 – 3hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast, you follow the meandering trails along roaring rivers and through verdant forests before the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. The scenic trail, from Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes you to Pangboche.

In the afternoon, spend your time at leisure. You can either rest or explore nearby monasteries in Pangboche. The atmosphere of the Pangboche village appears soothing and provides a wonderful view over the Everest trekking region. The scenery of highest peak Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thameserku, Kangdeka and Amadablam looks marvelous from Pangboche village.

Altitude above sea level:  (4,800 m) Ama Dablam Base Camp

Hiking Duration: approx. 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Set off after breakfast to reach Amadablam Base Camp. You will cross the Imja Khola River before starting the ascent toward Ama Dablam. As you trek further, Ama Dablam appears closer and becomes vividly stunning.

Upon reaching the Ama Dablam Base camp, you get to see the eye-popping view of the world’s highest mountain. Savor the spectacular view of Mt. Everest (8,848 m) along with Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Cho oyu (8,201 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,816 m) and the hanging glacier. After spending time basking in Nature’s glories, you trek down to Pangboche.

Altitude above sea level: (3,970 m) Khumjung

Hiking duration: 6 – 7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Pangboche Monastery, the sacred trail is undulating with magnificent views of Kantega, Thamserku, and Cho You.  It is a comfortable day’s walk, with time to explore unique and traditional villages. Nestled at the foot of the sacred mountain Khumbi la, Khumjung is known as the “Valley inside the Clouds”.

You will visit Khumjung Monastery, a historical monument is built around 400 years back. It’s a monastery where a preserved skull which the locals believe to be that of a Yeti can be witnessed upon request.  Then you visit Khumjung School, a historic school built back in 1960 by one of the first Mount Everest climbers, Sir Edmund Hilary. On the trail, you get to encounter the Sherpa people and their unique culture, get a chance to be close to these charming mountain people, and experience their hospitality.

Altitude above sea level: (3,750 m) Thame

Hiking duration: 5 – 6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you continue your trek to Thame.  Today’s trails reward you with a superb Mountain View as it winds in and out of the forest on the side of the canyon.

From the village of Tesho, the path is wide and mostly easy to walk all the way to the village of Thame. Thame is unique in many aspects and perhaps one of the most beautiful villages in Khumbu. It has a scattering of houses, stone-fenced fields, and a backdrop of enormous snow and icy summits. Thame is the home to numerous famous Sherpa mountaineers, including Apa Sherpa, who holds the world record for summiting Everest 21 times. It was also a childhood home of Tenzing Norgay, who was with Sir Edmund Hillary.

It is also where the famous Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Lawudo Lama, head of the FPMT, was born. The Thame monastery is one of the oldest in the Khumbu region and is well known for the yearly Mani Rimdu festival.

Altitude above sea level: (2,850 m) Monjo

Hiking Duration: 6hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you leave Thame behind and head towards Monjo. Before starting the descent down to Monjo, it is worth visiting the Laudo monastery. This monastery is 15 minutes above Mende. The main temple is only 40 years old and was used until recently as a meditation school for western Buddhists students. Thereafter, you will re-trace and continue to Namche where you will take a break for lunch.  After lunch, the rest of the trail is an easy descent to Monjo.

Altitude above sea level: (2,840 m)  Lukla

Hiking Duration:  approx. 5hrs hike

After having a hearty breakfast, you leave Monjo behind and trek toward Lukla. The return trek to Lukla follows a slightly different path to avoid walking the Sherpa village of Phakding again. Keeping to a trail high above, on the other side of the Dudh Koshi, you visit the Gumila monastery.

This monastery is one of the region’s most famous gompas and home to monks of the Gelugpa sect, the youngest school of Tibetan Buddhism.  Thereafter, you trek down to the main trail and have lunch at Ghat. Further, rejoin the main trail and continue on to Lukla overnight.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Flight Time: 6:45 AM (25 minutes approx.)

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx. (Ramechhap-KTM)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

You will have an early breakfast and fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302m)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the incredible experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours before your scheduled flight.