Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

The Ama Dablam Base Camp trek is an 11-day guided walk in Nepal's Khumbu region, counting arrival and departure days in Kathmandu. You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then walk through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche. From Pangboche, a day hike leads to base camp at 4,570 meters. You return along the same trail, then fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu.

Ama Dablam Base Camp sits at 4,570 meters (14,993 feet) in the Khumbu Valley of Solukhumbu district, inside Sagarmatha National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. South Everest Base Camp is higher, at 5,364 meters, so this trek ends about 800 meters lower.

Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Nuptse (7,861 m) appear first, usually from the hills around Namche Bazaar and again at Tengboche. Everest sits behind the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge, so it looks smaller than most people expect. On the walk from Namche toward Pangboche, Thamserku and Kangtega line up ahead, and Ama Dablam (6,812 m) grows larger with every hour.

Yes. Expedition teams pitch their tents on the same flat ground the trek reaches, mostly in spring and autumn. Trekkers stop at base camp. Going higher means technical climbing on rock and ice, with ropes, high camps, a separate climbing permit, and an experienced team. The standard trek includes none of that, and you need no climbing skills to reach base camp.

Four spots work best: the ridge trail out of Namche, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche village, and base camp itself. Early morning is usually clearest, before cloud builds in the afternoon. In the evening, the peaks often turn pink over Pangboche. Spring and autumn give the cleanest skies. Keep your camera in your daypack between shots, since dust and cold drain batteries quickly.

The package runs for 11 days, counting arrival and departure in Kathmandu. Days 3 to 9 are on the trail, including one rest day in Namche. We don't advise cutting the rest day or the nights at Pangboche, because both help your body adjust to altitude. If you have less time, the 7-day Everest Panorama Trek is a shorter route in the same region.

You'll eat breakfast at the teahouse, usually around 7:00 am, and be on the trail soon after. Most days mean 5 to 6 hours of walking, with a few tea stops and lunch at a lodge along the way. You'll roll into the next village by mid-afternoon, with time to wash up and warm your hands by the stove. Day 3 is the easy one at 3 to 4 hours, and Day 9 is the longest at 6 to 7. By 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm, most people are asleep.

Namche sits at 3,440 meters, where the air holds noticeably less oxygen than in Kathmandu. A full day here lets your body adjust before the trail climbs higher, which lowers the chance of headaches and nausea later. Guides follow one rule: climb high, sleep low. Hike up toward Khumjung, at around 3,800 meters, or visit the Sherpa Museum, then sleep in Namche again.

Ama Dablam is the easier of the two, mostly because of altitude. Your highest night is at Pangboche, 3,985 meters. Meanwhile, during the Everest Base Camp Trek, the trekkers sleep at Gorak Shep, close to 5,164 meters. Daily walking times are similar, and the final climb to base camp is steep and rocky. We rate it as moderate, and the trail is much quieter.

Yes. You don't need any climbing skills, and many first-timers complete this trek. Steady fitness, a slow pace, and honesty with your guide about how you feel matter far more than experience. Begin training two to three months in advance and wear your boots in. If you can walk five to six hours with a daypack, you are in good shape to begin.

It depends on what tires you most. Day 7 is toughest on your lungs, with a steep, rough climb to 4,570 meters. Likewise, Day 9 is the longest, at 16 kilometers and 6 to 7 hours down to Lukla, and it wears on your knees. Day 4 is the first real test, with a steep two-hour climb into Namche. Trekking poles help on both Day 4 and Day 9.

From Pangboche, the trail climbs steadily over rough, uneven ground full of rocks and loose stones. The round trip is 10 kilometers, takes 5 to 6 hours, and gains 585 meters. Start early after a solid breakfast, and carry water, snacks, and warm layers, since the weather turns quickly up there. The walk down is faster, though your knees will notice it.

Build stamina, leg strength, and trail time together. Running, cycling, or swimming a few times a week builds your lungs, while squats and lunges prepare your legs for steep steps. The most useful session is a weekly uphill hike with a loaded daypack, building toward five or six hours. Wear your trekking boots on those hikes so they're broken in before Kathmandu. 

Yes, six weeks can be enough if you already walk or run regularly. Six weeks is tight for someone coming off a mostly sedentary routine, but an active person can use it to add loaded uphill hikes and leg work. Be honest about your fitness when you book, and ask us about adding extra rest days if you have doubts. A slower pace with more days is better than a rushed one.

Possibly, but we look at each child individually. Children under 15 must trek with a legal guardian. Walking days run 5 to 8 hours at altitude, and young children can't always explain symptoms like headaches or nausea. Please check with a pediatrician first, and tell us the child's age and trekking experience when you inquire so we can suggest a slower itinerary.

Yes, for healthy people who prepare well. Fitness matters more than age. See your doctor before booking, and tell us about any medical condition when you reserve. Many older trekkers add a porter (USD 140, shared between two trekkers) to lighten the load, and a few extra days help with the altitude. Walk at your own pace, and let your guide watch how you respond.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, whatever their fitness, and the risk starts to rise above about 2,500 meters. On this trek, you sleep no higher than 3,985 meters, and you reach 4,570 meters only for a few hours on a day hike. That lowers the risk compared with higher routes, but it doesn't remove it. Mild headaches are common, and serious illness is rare when you ascend slowly.

The plan is built around where you sleep. Day 5 is a full rest day in Namche at 3,440 meters. The walk from Namche to Pangboche adds 545 meters, and the hike to base camp adds another 585. After reaching 4,570 meters on Day 7, you walk back down and sleep in Pangboche again. Your guide also keeps the pace slow, and the rest stops are frequent.

Watch for a headache, unusual tiredness, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep, or a loss of appetite. These are the common first signs of acute mountain sickness. Tell your guide as soon as you notice any of these symptoms, even if they seem minor, and don't climb higher while they last. Hiding a headache to keep up with the group can turn a mild problem into a serious one.

Many trekkers carry Diamox (acetazolamide) as a preventive, but whether you should is a decision for your doctor. Some people find it suits them, while others do not, and it can cause tingling fingers and frequent urination. Anyone with a sulfa allergy needs medical advice first. Diamox doesn't replace a slow ascent. Raise the question with your doctor a few weeks before you travel.

Tell your guide right away and stop climbing. Mild symptoms usually ease with rest, water, and time at the same altitude. If they get worse, you go down. Confusion, loss of balance, severe breathlessness at rest, or a persistent wet cough are emergency signs, and descent can't wait. Your guide carries a group medical kit and will arrange evacuation if you can't walk down safely.

Your guide walks with you the whole way and keeps track of how you are coping. Expect regular questions about headaches, sleep, appetite, and energy, so answer honestly. Guides also notice things you may not, such as a slower pace or hesitant steps. They can change the plan, from an extra rest to an early descent, if you are struggling.

If you can't walk down, your guide contacts our Kathmandu office, and we arrange the evacuation, usually by helicopter. Weather can delay it. You or your insurer pays, and a helicopter rescue can cost thousands of dollars. That's why you should get travel insurance: your policy must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, and we ask for proof before the trek begins.

Possibly, but talk to your doctor before booking, and tell us about any pre-existing condition when you reserve. Less oxygen puts extra strain on the lungs and heart, so your doctor may want tests first. Carry all regular medication in its original packaging, plus a few spare days' worth in case flights are delayed. Once your guide knows your health needs, they can adjust the pace.

Drink water steadily through the day, and avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you and can worsen altitude symptoms. Use purification tablets for tap or stream water, since bottled water gets harder to find and costs more as you climb. Clean your hands with sanitizer before eating, and choose freshly cooked meals like dal bhat. Pack anti-diarrhea tablets and rehydration salts.

October and November are the best months, followed by March to May. After the monsoon, autumn skies are at their clearest, and the trail is dry. Spring is milder and brings rhododendron blooms. Both seasons also give steadier weather for the Lukla flights. Mornings are crisp and bright in either season, and nights stay below freezing at the higher villages.

Autumn gives the sharpest, clearest views, because the monsoon rain has washed the dust from the air. Spring is warmer, and the forests around Tengboche fill with rhododendron blooms in red, pink, and white. Cloud and haze tend to build in the afternoons as May approaches. If peak clarity matters most, go in October or November. If you prefer flowers and milder days, choose April.

Yes, but expect some rain early in the month. September is the tail end of the monsoon, so trails can be muddy and clouds may hide the peaks. Conditions improve through the month, and by late September, skies are usually clearing. Flight delays are more likely in early September too, so keep a spare day or two. You'll also find far fewer trekkers on the trail.

Winter, from December to February, is possible, but only for prepared trekkers who are comfortable with serious cold. Temperatures can fall to around -20°C, strong winds are common, and snow may cover the trail. In return, you get crisp air, snow-covered peaks, and quiet villages. Pack a warmer sleeping bag, insulated layers, and microspikes, and tell us your plans so we can advise.

From June to August, heavy rain turns the trail muddy and slippery, and clouds cover most of the mountain views. Leeches appear in the lower, humid sections. Lukla flights are often delayed or cancelled, which can disrupt your whole itinerary. Landslides can also block routes. If your dates are fixed, read our advice on Lukla flight delays, but we'd suggest choosing a drier season.

In spring, days run about 10 to 15°C, and nights can drop to around -5°C. In autumn, days are usually 12 to 20°C, and nights fall between 0 and -5°C. Lukla and Phakding feel mild, while Pangboche, at 3,985 meters, gets properly cold after sunset. The weather can change from sunny to cloudy within hours, so bring layers. See our packing list for details.

Early morning, usually from sunrise until about 10:00 am. Clouds tend to rise from the valleys through the day and often cover the peaks by afternoon. That's why the Day 7 hike to base camp starts early and why photographers set their alarms before breakfast. Evenings can clear again, and at Pangboche the peaks sometimes turn pink in the last light.

October and November are the busiest months, but this route sees far fewer trekkers than the Everest Base Camp trail. Book early for autumn, since flights and lodges fill up. Festivals can add to the trip. Mani Rimdu, a Sherpa festival with masked dances, is held at Tengboche Monastery in October or November, and the dates follow the Tibetan calendar. Ask us for the exact dates for your year.

The weather on this trek changes with the season and with altitude. Lukla and Phakding stay mild, while Pangboche, at 3,985 meters, gets cold after sunset. The table below shows what to expect in each of the four seasons.

The price depends on group size: USD 1,590 for one trekker, USD 1,290 each for two to four, and USD 1,190 each for five or more. That covers all 11 days, from airport pickup in Kathmandu to your departure transfer. Taxes and service charges are already included. Prices can change, so confirm the current rate when you send an inquiry. 

The price covers airport transfers, round-trip Lukla flights, three nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast, seven nights in teahouses, and all meals on the trek. You also get a licensed guide, both permits, a group medical kit, and a borrowed duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket. Not included: travel insurance, a porter, Kathmandu meals beyond breakfast, excess baggage, tips, personal expenses, and costs from weather delays. 

The guide, permits, and arrangements cost roughly the same whether one person goes or five, so a group splits them. That is why a solo trekker pays USD 1,590, while each person in a group of five or more pays USD 1,190. Booking together with friends or family lowers your per-person price, since the rate depends on how many people book the trek together. 

Plan on USD 250 to 400 in cash for trek extras, not counting tips or Kathmandu meals. Charging costs USD 1 to 5 per hour, a hot shower USD 2 to 5, and Wi-Fi about the same. Add snacks, drinks, and laundry. Withdraw cash in Kathmandu before the Lukla flight, because ATMs are unreliable higher up and most lodges don’t take cards. Bring small notes. 

Tipping is optional, and tips are not part of the trip price. As a guideline, plan on around 10% of your trip cost, shared among the guide, porter, and driver. Give it in cash at the end of the trek. Many groups do it on Day 9 in Lukla, the last night on the trail, and your guide can help you split it fairly.

Start by sending your preferred dates through the inquiry form. We reply within one hour. When you are ready to go ahead, we will send you secure payment instructions for the booking fee. Once we check your payment, your booking is confirmed, and we will follow up with your trip details and next steps. Prefer a quicker chat? Message us on WhatsApp at +977 984-9294113.

To hold your spot, you pay a booking fee of 20% of the total trip cost. It’s non-refundable because we use it right away to arrange hotels, transport, and permits. You can pay the balance in Kathmandu before the trek starts, in cash or by card, or pay everything upfront if you prefer. Wire transfers work for the booking fee but not for the balance. 

We accept credit and debit cards, plus international wire transfers for the booking fee. Card payments carry a 4% processing fee, so a USD 1,000 payment becomes USD 1,040. Paying your balance in cash in Kathmandu avoids it. With wire transfers, your bank may add its charges, and you cover those. See our payment methods page for details. 

Tell us in writing as soon as you know. The booking fee is never refunded. If you have paid in full and cancel seven days before departure, 30% of the trip cost is kept as a cancellation fee. We will start your refund within five working days, using the original payment method, and you will cover any bank charges. Travel insurance with cancellation cover can protect you here. Read our full terms and conditions. 

Yes. If an emergency forces a change, postponing is usually the better choice than cancelling. You will cover the costs we have already spent on your booking, plus any difference if the price is higher on your new dates. Let us know in writing as early as you can, and we’ll work out the details with you.

No. Once the trek starts, the daily budget for your guide, meals, and lodging has already been handed over, and the arrangements are set. That’s why we can’t refund the unused days if you head back early, whether for health or any other reason. Any rescue or evacuation costs fall to you or your insurer, which is why it is wise to buy a travel insurance policy. 

It can. Prices may be revised if service costs, fuel, currency rates, or flight arrangements change, and any increase must be paid before the trek begins. The price you are quoted already includes government taxes and service charges. To avoid surprises, ask us to confirm the current rate when you book, and keep your written confirmation. 

Yes. Your trek runs even if you are the only one booked. A solo trekker pays USD 1,590, and your guide stays with you the whole way, so you never wait for a group to fill. We only cancel when something outside our control gets in the way, such as a natural disaster, a strike, or grounded flights. Then we offer a similar trip or refund your payments if there’s no alternative. Any card processing fee is deducted, and non-refundable flights, visas, and insurance aren’t covered.

Two permits cover this trek: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. The park permit runs about NPR 3,000. The municipality permit falls somewhere between NPR 2,000 and 3,000, depending on the current rate. Both are included in your trek price. Officials check them at the Monjo gate, so keep them handy.

No, we take care of it. You won't visit any office or fill out a single form. Our team starts the permit work on Day 2 in Kathmandu, while your guide goes through your gear checklist with you. Once you have the permits, keep them in your daypack, because they get checked along the trail.

No. TIMS isn't needed in the Khumbu region anymore. The local municipality permit replaced it, and that one is already in your package. Older websites still talk about TIMS, partly because other routes, like Langtang, do require it. For Ama Dablam, the two permits above are all you need.

Nepal's rules on trekking without a guide have shifted over the past few years, and they aren't enforced the same way everywhere. Khumbu has been treated as an exception so far, but check the latest rules before you travel. Our package includes a licensed guide anyway. The ground gets rough beyond Pangboche, and a guide can spot altitude sickness before you notice it yourself.

Most visitors need a tourist visa, and you can get one yourself. Many nationalities can apply online before flying or buy one on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fees and rules vary by country and length of stay, so look at our Nepal visa information page first. Your passport also needs at least six months of validity from the day you enter Nepal.

Put these in a waterproof pouch inside your daypack: your passport (the original plus a photocopy), your insurance papers, your permits, and printed copies of your flight details and emergency contacts. Printouts matter if your phone dies. Add some cash in small notes. Anything you won't use on the trail can stay in storage at your Kathmandu hotel.

Yes, it's required, and we ask to see proof before the trek starts. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost or damaged belongings. Check the details on altitude, because some policies stop covering you below base camp's 4,570 meters. We arrange the evacuation if necessary, but you or your insurer pays, and a helicopter rescue can cost thousands of dollars.

Only with official permission. Flying inside Sagarmatha National Park needs approval from several offices, including the national parks department and the park itself, and officials have taken drones away from trekkers who skipped that step. Ask your guide before you pack one. A good camera and an early start will get you most of the shots anyway.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 30 minutes and covers 138 kilometers. Lukla sits at 2,840 meters, and your trek begins from there. Your price includes round-trip flights, and we book the tickets for you. Your guide will tell you which airport your flight leaves from and walk you through the day's plan. 

It depends on the season. During busy months, flights to Lukla leave from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. In that case, you take a road transfer to Manthali first, which means an early start. The transfer is included in your package. Your guide will confirm which airport applies to your dates.  

Lukla’s weather can turn from clear to cloudy in minutes, and flights only go when visibility allows. A delay of a few hours is common, and cancellations can push you back a day or more. Your guide stays in contact with the airline and our Kathmandu office throughout. Extra hotel nights and meals caused by a delay are your cost, so keep your schedule flexible and your onward plans loose. 

Lukla’s runway is short and slopes uphill, so landings are quick and a little bumpy. Flights only operate when the weather allows, which is why delays are common. Most trekkers find the flight the most exciting part of the trip, with mountain views on a clear day. If the flight worries you, talk to your guide beforehand, and they’ll explain what to expect. 

The limit is about 15 kilograms in total, including your hand luggage. Pack only what you need for the trail in the duffel bag we lend you, and keep your daypack weight in mind. Excess baggage is charged by the airline and isn’t included in your trek price. You can leave anything extra at your Kathmandu hotel until you return. 

If your plans allow it, book your international flight at least one or two days after Day 11. Lukla flights can be delayed by weather, and a spare day or two protects you from missing your connection. Your trek ends with the flight to Kathmandu on Day 10 and a transfer to the airport on Day 11. If you’re unsure about your dates, ask us before you book. 

Helicopter flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are possible when the weather allows, and they can help if you’re short on time after a cancelled flight. Prices depend on the route and on whether you share the flight. Helicopters face weather delays too. Ask us about options and prices before the trek. See our helicopter services.

A Radiant Treks representative meets you just outside the arrivals hall at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your hotel. You stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included for two nights at the start and one more after you fly back from Lukla. Kathmandu traffic is slow, so the ride can take a while. Rest first, and meet your guide later in the day.

Day 2 is for getting ready. After breakfast, your guide goes through your gear checklist with you, and you collect the duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket that come with your package. Our team works on your permits at the same time. Once the checklist is done, the day is yours. An optional sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath takes four to six hours.

Thamel is the easiest place, with shops that sell and rent down jackets, gloves, boots, and trekking poles. On Day 2, tell your guide what you are missing, and they will help you sort it out at the gear check. You don't need to buy everything at home. Check your packing list before you fly, so you know what to carry and what to pick up here.

Yes. Leave anything you won't need on the trail at your Kathmandu hotel. Ask about storage when you check in on Day 1, and the hotel will keep your bags until you return from Lukla on Day 10. Pack only what you need into the duffel bag we lend you, since the Lukla flight has around 15-kilogram limit including hand luggage.

Yes, do both in Kathmandu. An NTC or Ncell SIM works in the lower villages, though the signal gets unreliable as you climb. Cash matters more. ATMs are rare at high altitude, and most lodges don't take cards, so withdraw what you need before the Lukla flight and ask for small notes, because change is hard to find on the trail.

You sleep in teahouses, which are simple family-run lodges, for seven nights between Days 3 and 9. They are basic, with twin rooms, shared dining areas, and a stove in the evenings. Don’t expect luxury, but the views from the windows are a highlight. In Kathmandu, you stay three nights in a 3-star hotel. If you want a more comfortable experience on the trail, just let us know about upgrades.

No. We arrange your teahouses before the trek, and your seven nights on the trail are already in your package, so you don’t need to find or pay for rooms yourself. That matters in October and November, when lodges in Namche and Pangboche can fill up. You will also share the teahouse dining room with trekkers and locals, which is part of the fun.

Rooms are usually not heated. The warmth is in the dining room, where a stove keeps things cozy through the evening, so most people stay there until bedtime. Beds come with blankets, but they often aren’t enough when nights drop below freezing. That’s why we lend you a sleeping bag. For extra warmth, bring a liner and a pair of dry socks just for sleeping.

Facilities are simple. Lower villages often have attached bathrooms, but higher up you’ll mostly share toilets, and many are squat style. Carry your toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Hot showers are available in many lodges for USD 2 to 5, though water can be cold or limited at altitude. On colder days, many trekkers rely on wet wipes between showers.

Three meals a day are included, plus fresh fruit after dinner. Dal bhat is the staple, and menus also list thukpa, pasta, potato dishes, gundruk, and Sherpa stew. Vegetarians are well covered. Some stops serve burgers, sandwiches, and pizza too. Tell us about any special diet before you travel, and we will let your guide know. Fresh food costs more as you climb, so bring a few snacks.

Don’t drink water straight from taps or streams. Use purification tablets to treat it, or buy boiled or bottled water at the lodges, though both get pricier the higher you go. Bring a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic. Keep sipping water throughout the day, because the air at altitude is dry, and being low on fluids can make altitude symptoms feel worse.

Power gets scarce as you climb, and teahouses charge USD 1 to 5 per hour to charge a device. Wi-Fi costs about the same and is patchy. An NTC or Ncell SIM works in the lower villages, but coverage fades higher up. Bring a power bank, and keep your charging cables and adapter together in a dry bag. Tell family at home to expect gaps in contact.

They are not reliable. Plan on cash only once you leave Kathmandu. Reliable ATMs are rare at altitude, and most lodges don’t take cards. Withdraw what you’ll need before the Lukla flight, and bring small notes, since change can be hard to find. Your cash covers charging, hot showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, tips, and anything else you decide to buy along the way.

Layers matter most. Bring base layers, a fleece, a rain jacket with waterproof pants, warm and sun hats, and two pairs of gloves. Add trekking boots, a 30- to 40-liter daypack, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, purification tablets, and a power bank. Keep your own first-aid basics too. 

We lend you a duffel bag, a sleeping bag, and a down jacket for the trek. You hand them back when you finish, so you don't need to buy a big bag or a heavy jacket for one trip. You collect all three on Day 2 in Kathmandu. Everything else on the list is yours to bring, and you can buy or rent missing items in Thamel.

Not unless you want one. The sleeping bag we lend you is designed for cold nights on this trek, and lodge blankets alone often aren't enough. If you'd rather bring your own, choose one rated for at least -10°C. A thin liner adds warmth and keeps the bag cleaner. Whichever bag you use, pack a clean set of dry clothes just for sleeping.

Pick waterproof boots with solid ankle support, since the climb to base camp crosses rough, rocky ground. Fit matters more than brand. Wear them on several long walks at home before you arrive, because new boots on Day 3 invite blisters. Pair them with thick, moisture-wicking socks, and pack a warmer pair just for evenings. Light sandals or sneakers let your feet relax at the lodge.

Most trekkers say yes. Poles take pressure off your knees on steep sections, and the long descents are where they help most, especially the climb into Namche on Day 4 and the 6- to 7-hour walk down to Lukla on Day 9. If you don't own a pair, you can rent or buy them in Kathmandu. Practice with them at home first, so adjusting them feels natural.

Think in three layers. Against your skin, wear quick-drying base layers. Then, for evenings in the dining room, add a fleece or a wool pullover over that. On top goes the shell, a hooded rain jacket, and windproof pants, with the down jacket we lend you for the coldest hours. Take layers off while you climb, then put them back on the moment you stop.

Every group treks with an English-speaking guide who is registered, licensed, and trained. Our guides have walked the Ama Dablam region many times, so we know where the ground gets tricky and can spot risky sections early. Your guide sets the pace, finds the route, watches how you cope with altitude, and tells you about Sherpa customs and the places you pass. Our guides also carry a group medical kit.

A porter is optional. One porter carries the bags of two trekkers, so you walk with only your daypack. The cost is USD 140 per porter, shared between the two of you. A porter helps most on the steep climb into Namche and the long walk down to Lukla. Ask us before the trek, and we will arrange it.

Group size varies by date. Many trekkers find that 6 to 12 people is a good balance, lively but still easy to manage. Smaller groups are quieter and give you more time with your guide. You can also book as a solo trekker for USD 1,590, and your guide stays with you the whole way. If you want a private trek for family or friends, tell us your dates.

Many women trek in the Khumbu region on their own, and the trail is busy with trekkers and locals through spring and autumn. Booking with a guide adds a lot of comfort, since someone is always with you and keeps track of your health and the route. You'll sleep in simple teahouses and share dining rooms with other trekkers. Ask us about a female guide, and we'll tell you what is possible.

Yes. We cover our guides' salary, meals, lodging, and insurance, and we don't pass any of it on to you. Our guides and porters come from the local area, so your trek supports the Sherpa villages you walk through. Tipping is optional, and it's a good way to say thanks at the end of the trek.  

Choose Ama Dablam if you want a shorter, quieter trek with a closer look at one mountain. The Everest Base Camp trek takes you much higher, past 5,000 meters, and the trail is busier. Ama Dablam tops out at 4,570 meters, and your highest night is 3,985. You still see Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Pick Everest Base Camp if reaching the foot of the world's highest peak is the goal. 

The Everest Panorama Trek runs for 7 days, so it suits people with less time. It reaches Namche and nearby viewpoints and gives wide views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The Ama Dablam trek takes 11 days and continues past Tengboche to Pangboche, then up to base camp, which puts you directly below the pyramid. If you have fewer days, take the Panorama. Choose Ama Dablam for the closer, longer walk. 

Yes, noticeably. The first stretch to Namche and Tengboche follows the same trail as Everest Base Camp, so you'll meet others there. Beyond Tengboche, far fewer trekkers continue to Pangboche, and the trail up to base camp is quiet outside the climbing seasons. Villages and viewpoints feel less rushed as a result. October and November are busiest, so book early for those months.

Yes. If you want to spend more days in the mountains, then add Gokyo, Everest Base Camp, or the Three Passes Trek to your plan. These routes go higher and take longer, so each one needs extra days for acclimatization and a higher level of fitness. Tell us which one interests you and when you can travel, and we'll adjust your itinerary.  

Ama means "mother," and Dablam is the “double pendant charm box” that Sherpa women wear on a necklace. The name fits the shape: two long ridges reach out like a mother's arms, and a hanging glacier on the southwest face looks like the pendant. Sherpas regard the peak as sacred, and it stands close to Tengboche Monastery. Climbers also call it the Matterhorn of the Himalayas.

Dress modestly, and ask before you photograph people or religious sites. Most villagers say yes, but a quick nod or a smile first shows respect. Always walk clockwise around mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels so the structure stays on your right. Don’t touch sacred objects or step over them. Take your shoes off before you enter a prayer hall. A cheerful “Namaste” opens doors, and “Dhanyabad” is how you say thank you. Pass and receive things with your right hand.

Yes, it's the main stop on Day 6, at 3,867 meters. Remove your shoes before stepping into the prayer hall, keep your voice low, and ask before taking photos inside. Many trekkers sit outside with a cup of tea and a long view of the peaks. If you visit in October or November, ask your guide whether the Mani Rimdu festival is on, since its dates follow the Tibetan calendar.

Sherpas are the Khumbu's people, known for their warmth, mountain skills, and Buddhist traditions from Tibet. You'll stay in their villages, eat in their lodges, and walk with guides who grew up nearby. Pangboche is the last permanent village before base camp, and climbers often stop there while preparing for Ama Dablam expeditions. You may share a dining room with a few.

Most of what you spend on this trek can stay in the villages you walk through. Sleep in locally owned teahouses, eat where the family cooks, and buy a souvenir or two from the people who made them. Our guides and porters come from the area too. On the trail, carry your rubbish out, keep wet socks and wrappers in a zip bag, refill one bottle with purification tablets, and stay on the marked path. We choose solar-powered teahouses where we can.