Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek – The Complete Guide

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek – The Complete Guide

For many, the hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp will be a clear highlight of their hike to Everest Base Camp or the three high passes in the Khumbu. I know for a fact that it was for me!

This trek takes you to an altitude of 4580 m at the foot of one of the most beautiful and mighty mountains in the Himalayas.

This blog post serves as a more detailed guide for those attempting the hike as a day trip.

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You can buy online and claim even after you leave home. WorldNomads.com travel insurance is available to people from over 130 countries.
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Ama Dablam

The thumb-like peak stands out in the Himalayan landscape from Namche Bazaar to Kallar Pathar. It is one of the most powerful and picturesque peaks in the entire world and my personal favorite.

The highest point of Ama Dablam is 6812 m, while the smaller western peak is 6170 m.

Ama Dablam is a climbing peak that requires a special permit and should not be attempted without a professional guide. It takes climbers several days to reach the summit of Ama Dablam and unfortunately many people have died in the attempt.

It is a powerful and humbling feeling to sit at the Ama Dablam base camp and know that human lives have been sacrificed in the pursuit of the mountain. It's hard not to feel a lot of respect for the climbers who give everything to reach these peaks.
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Arrival to Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Ama Dablam is about a day or two walk from Namche Bazaar or at least three to four days from Lukla. The trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp is usually done as a day trip or acclimatization trek for trekkers on the EBC or Three High Passes treks.

You must follow proper acclimatization principles when you reach the start of Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, remember to do your research and plan accordingly. If you are planning the Three High Passes hike,
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THE COMPLETE EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES GUIDE AND ITINERARY: DAY 1-3

The Ama Dablam Trailhead from Panboche

The trailhead begins and ends at the other end of Panboche, right next to Sonam Lodge. The map below gives you an approximate location. However, it is easy to continue along the trail through Panboche and look for signs pointing to Ama Dablam Base Camp near the lodge.

For unguided trekkers, I would recommend staying in Panboche and leaving your luggage at the lodge. The trail is quite steep and is much easier to enjoy with a light daypack.

It is important to have a physical Everest Three Passes Trek map when hiking in the Khumbu.

This guide should not replace a proper map and should be a supplement to individual research and trek preparation efforts.

Hike to Ama Dablam base camp

STARTING ALTITUDE: 3900 MAMA DABLAM BASE CAMP ALTITUDE: 4580 M TOTAL ASCENT: 680 M TOTAL DESCENT: 680 M TOTAL HIKING TIME: 5 HOURS

At Sonam Lodge, follow the sign along the ridge and make the comfortable and slow descent to a small bridge at the foot of the Dudh Kosi River.

A note: Completing the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek takes you to an altitude of 4580 m. Many trekkers, including me, may feel signs of AMS. It is important to monitor symptoms and level up slowly.
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RELATED: Three Passes Pack List – What you need for the Three Passes & EBC Trek

Section One – Steep

After the bridge, you may notice some herding yaks eating the dry Himalayan grass as you walk up the rocky path to the base of a grassy slope covered in boulders.

The path seems to disappear as you climb this steep hill. Soon, as you get higher, a line of prayer flags will be visible near the top of the cliff. Walk towards these for fantastic views of Panboche and the Dudh Kosi all the way to Dingboche.

From here you can also watch the eroding gorge on the other side and listen to the huge rockfalls falling into the valley below.
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Section Two – Apartment

After a short break at the Prayer Flag Viewpoint, find and pick up the path leading in the same direction along a flat plain.

This part of the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek winds through grassy and sandy sections and is mostly flat for about 45 minutes.

Although the path disappears in sections, a visible path will be clear and visible further and further in the distance. Make sure you only attempt this when conditions are good, as I imagine it would be easy to get lost in a snowstorm.
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Section Three – Steep

The final section is steep and starts near running water. This will most likely be frozen on the surface and sometimes covered in snow, so be careful not to climb through.

Follow this water flow and begin the final steep climb until you reach the basin valley, which is the base camp of Ama Dablam.

Ama Dablam base camp

Depending on the time of year, you may witness the expedition tents of climbers busily training and waiting to reach the summit.

Climbing season is from April to May and September to October. Ama Dablam is the third most popular climbing peak in the Himalayas, so expect lots of eager climbers during this time.

Unfortunately, when I completed the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek as an acclimatization hike on the Three Passes Trek, there were no tents set up. However, it was an amazing experience to explore the base camp and have the whole mountain to ourselves.

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More: Three Passes Trek Itinerary & Independent Trekking Guide

Return to Panboche

After resting for some time and admiring Ama Dablam, take the same route down to Panboche for a well-deserved portion of Dahl Baht and lemon tea.

It will most likely be a much faster ride downhill, but it might be a little hard on the knees.
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Three Passes: Independent Trekking Guide Ebook

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Since internet connection is limited in the Khumbu, I have written a comprehensive trekking guide to the Three Passes that you can download as an eBook for use on your phone, tablet or e-reader.

I currently have this eBook listed on Amazon at a discounted price of less than $6!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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