The Ama Dablam Base Camp trek is one of the most highly regarded short treks in the Everest region. It allows you to get close to the world’s highest mountains including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam, which literally means Mother’s necklace. When we view Mount Ama Dablam from Tengboche it appears to be an arm of a mother protecting her child, whilst a hanging glacier resembles the shape of a pendant often worn by Sherpa women.

We begin our trek by flying into Lukla airstrip. From here we follow the trail through beautiful Rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages on our way to Namche Bazaar which allows us striking views of the area. On the following days we trek from lodge to lodge on a good trail passing through beautiful Sherpa villages. We will also enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest and many other Khumbu peaks with particularly good views from Tengboche. At Mount Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,576 m) we will be surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks.

This is the trek for anyone interested in Nepalese culture and nature. It gives us the opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of the hill tribes. We will visit traditional Sherpa settlements and find out about their religious practices, customs and festivities. We will also see Buddhist Gompa’s (monasteries). There are also possibilities of seeing the Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagles, Snow Pigeon, Yellow-billed and Red-billed Choughs flying over-head. Whilst at ground level we will find Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Blue Pine, Chir Pine, Juniper and Hemlock making this trek a real nature lover’s delight.

This trek is graded as moderate and can be combined with the Everest base camp trek by adding an extra 2/3 days to the itinerary.

Day to Day Activity:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m)
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,446m)
Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche
Day 05: Trek to Khumjung (3,790m)
Day 06: Trek to Phortse Village (3,800m)
Day 07: Trek to Pangboche Village (3,995m)
Day 08: Hike to AmaDablam Base Camp (4,576m)
Day 09: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m)
Day 10: Trek to Monzo(2,835m)
Day 11: Trek to Lukla(2,800m)
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 14: End Kathmandu

» Scenic flight to and from Lukla,

» Walk through Sagarmatha National Park,

» Stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse,

» Traditional Sherpa villages,

» Unique culture and Life style of Himalayan people,

» Buddhist monasteries,

• Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu(1,340m),
  When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport you’ll be welcomed by a Griffon Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to rest or explore. During the evening you will meet your guide who will give you a briefing about the trek followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight – hotel in Kathmandu.

  Day 02: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m),
  We have a very early start this morning, after breakfast we go to the domestic airport and board our flight to Lukla. The flight takes around 40 minutes and gives incredible mountain views. After a cup of tea at a local lodge in Lukla we begin our trek on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads down through the valley following the Dudh Koshi or milk river, named after its milky colour which comes from glacial silt. We reach Phakding (2,652m) after about three hours walking and end our first day here. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,446m),
  After breakfast we leave Phakding and continue along the western bank of the river, following a fairly level trail that leads into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monzo (2,835m). The journey takes us through a landscape of Pine, Rhododendron and Juniper forest, we cross the Dudh Koshi on a couple of occasions and climb to the village of Chomoa. After lunch we begin the long ascent to Namche Bazaar, a fairly strenuous 668m climb that should afford us our first views of Everest and Lhotse after passing through more Pine forest we arrive at a horse shoe shaped bowl where we find the most significant Sherpa village of Namche at 3,446m. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche,
  Namche village is situated high above the Bhote Koshi Gorge and is the centre of Sherpa life in the Upper Khumbu region. Its bustling market and steep, narrow streets provide plenty of colour and interest. We have an extra day here to help acclimatize to the altitude, which affords an ideal opportunity to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, as well as the nearby Sherpa Museum. There are some spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse from here and this afternoon there is a chance to enjoy an optional hike along the Bhote Koshi Valley towards Phurte (3,500m), a walk of some two hours that will involve an initial steep climb, but does present some superb views across the surrounding landscapes to the mountains beyond. Alternatively you might just like to enjoy the atmosphere of Namche itself, doing a little bit shopping amongst its myriad of tiny stalls, or watching the bustling chaos of street life as yaks, trekkers and Sherpa’s vie for space amongst its narrow lanes. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 05: Trek to Khumjung via Khunde and Everest view Hotel.
  Today we walk behind Namche Bazaar climbing steeply through Juniper bushes all the way to the, now unused, small airstrip at Shyangboche (3,730m). We continue to climb until we reach a ridge where we can take in the impressive views from the Everest View Hotel. Alternatively we can go via Khunde and see the Hillary Hospital, built by the Himalayan Trust, a charity established by Sir Edmund Hillary to assist the Sherpa people. Depending on our choice of route we may also pass the Government Yak breeding centre. Today we will have fine views of the great ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse, Everest,Thamserku, Kangtega, AmaDablam and Khumbila.

  Khumjung is a traditional village lying below the sacred face of Khumbi-La which has been inhabited by Sherpas for hundreds of years. This remarkable village is home to the world’s highest bakery and also the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960, which has become an important centre of learning for children from the outlying villages and can hold up to 500 students. There will be a chance to visit both establishments today and also possibly encounter the brightly coloured Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird. You may wish to visit the monastery at Khumjung village (3,790m) where you will find a Yeti skull. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 06: Trek to Phortse Village (3,800m).
  Today we leave Khumjung and follow the trail to Gokyo valley. We climb steeply for a couple of hours to Mong La Chorten pass where we have a tea break. From here the trail switch backs down hill through Pine forests to Phortse Thagnakon the bank of the Dudha Koshi where we stop for lunch. After lunch we cross the river by a suspension bridge and climb steeply through Birch trees to the village of Phortse (3,800m). A walk to the top of the village will take you to an impressive monastery which has recently been re-built by local people. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 07: Trek to Pangboche village (3,995m).
  We begin today by following the trail high above the Imja Khola valley where we can look down to the impressive Thyngboche Monastery. After this we continue on a quieter path, with few steep sections, for a couple of hours until we reach the village of Pangboche(3,995m). Pangboche is the last and highest permanent settlement on the route to Everest Base Camp. We will stop here for lunch and also visit the monastery which is the oldest monastery in the region. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 08: Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,576m)
  Today begins with a steep descent to the Imja Khola which we cross by bridge. We then climb steeply for about three hours going through open yak pastures. Along the way you will get incredible views of the snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Lobuche, Tawoche and many more mountains. Before we reach Ama Dablam Base Camp we will find a small lake. Ama Dablam Base Camp is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Khumbu Valley. It consists of a large grassy meadow with a stream flowing through the middle. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 09: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m)
  We begin today with a steep descent back towards the Imja Khola. When we reach the river, we will follow a little known track called Saran’s secret trail. We follow this through a beautiful forest where we may see Musk Deer, Pheasants and other animals until we reach Tengboche.
  Tengboche is home to a monastery of great significance to the Sherpa people of the Khumbu region. Those involved in climbing expeditions to Everest stop at this monastery to give Puja (prayers) at this sacred place to bring them good luck during their expedition. During the afternoon you’ll have time to look round the monastery. Overnight- tea house.

  Day 10: Trek to Monzo (2,835),
  After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River we trek on wards to Kyanjuma, the junction of a trinity of ways, to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village and Namche Bazzar. Here we will get spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache and Lhotse. We may also see some wildlife such as Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk Deer and wild goat which can be found inside the Rhododendron forest. In the evening we can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2,800m),
  This morning we head for Lukla. We will probably meet many other trekkers as they head out to Namche. By the end of the day we will have climbed about 1,000 feet from Phakding. During our last evening on trek in Lukla we can reflect on our experiences over a much deserved beer. Overnight - tea house.

  Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu,
  Today we have an early start heading to the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free to rest or explore Kathmandu. Overnight - hotel in Kathmandu.

  Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu,
  Today is your free day in Kathmandu. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and can assist you if you wish to do some sightseeing. You may wish to visit the Boudhanath Stupa the largest Buddhist temple in Nepal, or see Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal where you may see Hindu Holy men, known as Sadhus or possibly view cremation rituals on Ghats along the banks of the Bagmati River. Overnight - hotel in Kathmandu.

  Day 14: End Kathmandu,
  Transfer to Kathmandu international airport for your onward destination.

Price Includes:

» Accommodation in Kathmandu - Twin share
» Sightseeing in Kathmandu
» Accommodation on the trek. Twin or multi share occasionally.
» All domestic transport as listed in the itinerary
» Domestic flights Kathmandu-Lukla return and applicable taxes.
» All National Park permits and entrance fees
» Porters and/or pack animals to carry personal gear
» Maximum 15 kg luggage allowance while on trek
» Duffle Bag for your gear
» Sleeping Bag and inner liner if necessary
» Trek Leader and guides
» Comprehensive medical kit

Price Excludes:

» Personal expenses such as soft drinks, beverage, postage, laundry
» Meals in Kathmandu
» International flights and departure taxes
» Visa and passport fees
» Travel insurance
» Emergency evacuation
» Tips and gratuities
» Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Griffon Travel