Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp – 15 Days

Overview (Ama Dablam First)

The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek takes you to the foothills of Mount Ama Dablam itself, a one-of-a-kind journey. It is often referred to as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and even compared to the Matterhorn of Europe, it is truly a sight to behold. 

The name Ama Dablam is derived from the Sherpa-Tibetan language, which translates to “Mother’s necklace.” The long ridges on either side are thought to be the arms of the mother (ama), which are protecting her child. The hanging glaciers, which are on the southwest face, are thought to be the “Dablam,” which is a traditional double pendant with the god's picture on it that Sherpa women in Nepal wear a lot.

As it is known to be the third most popular Himalayan peak permitted for expedition, a huge number of people line up to scale the said mountain every season. But even so, in comparison to the Everest Base Camp, there are far fewer people who divert here as a trekking destination. 

The journey entails the same route as the Everest Base Camp until the Pangboche village, which then diverts toward the Ama Dablam Base Camp. But in this case, the EBC comes as a bonus extension of the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek, and you will be able to experience the best of both worlds! 

Why Ama Dablam Base Camp Is the True Highlight

This trek is the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. While reaching the base of one of the world’s most beautiful peaks, Mount Ama Dablam, you can also cross the Everest Base Camp Trek off your list. 

While Mount Everest is known as the highest point on Earth, Mount Ama Dablam is known as “Mountaineer’s Mountain” due to the technical abilities required for its difficult terrain. This trek allows you the perfect opportunity to view the full mountain from the Base Camp itself. 

Trek Highlights of Ama Dablam base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp

Uninterrupted close-up views of Ama Dablam from its base camp, where the mountain rises almost vertically above the trail, offering one of the most dramatic single-peak perspectives in the Himalaya.

Panoramic views of three 8000-meter peaks, Mount Everest, Mount Cho Oyu, and Mount Makalu, and many 7000- and 6000-meter peaks from various points of the Ama Dablam Base Camp. 

A dedicated side trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp, away from the main Everest Base Camp highway, providing a quieter and more immersive high-mountain experience.

Classic Sherpa villages and culture, including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Phortse, with ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and traditional stone houses.

A visit to Tengboche Monastery, which is the biggest monastery of the Khumbu region and a site of sacredness where different Sherpa festivals and rituals are performed. 

Pangboche Monastery visit, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, set beneath Ama Dablam’s south face and deeply connected to local Himalayan spiritual life.

Fewer trekkers beyond Pangboche, creating a stronger sense of solitude and authenticity compared to the standard Everest Base Camp route.

Balanced altitude acclimatization, allowing proper adaptation while exploring both Ama Dablam Base Camp and Everest Base Camp safely.

Everest Base Camp as an added extension, giving trekkers the opportunity to stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain without making it the sole focus of the journey.

Kala Patthar viewpoint, offering sunrise or sunset panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier.

Ever-changing Himalayan landscapes, from pine forests and rhododendron valleys to alpine terrain, glaciers, and high-altitude moraines.

Ideal trek for photographers and mountain enthusiasts, combining dramatic vertical peaks, cultural depth, and varied scenery in a single itinerary.

How This Trek Is Different from Standard EBC

There definitely will be certain impressions of both trekking destinations, because Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations not only in Nepal but also in the world. Fueled by the desire to reach the base of the world’s tallest peak, the route of Mount Everest sees quite a number of people during the peak seasons. 

At the same time, the Ama Dablam Base Camp is like a much more composed version of Everest Base Camp when it comes to crowd comparison. This appeals more to people who prefer a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. And when it comes to visual impact, both have their own unique features. 

But when destinations are combined to form one complete package, the trekking experience is like no other. Seeing the same mountains from different perspectives shows how location can impact the visuals of certain things. For example, the view of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest from Everest Viewpoint in Syangboche is nothing like the view of them from their respective base camps. 

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Reaching the Ama Dablam Base Camp itself wouldn't be considered a difficult trek; it can be rated as moderately difficult, whereas adding the Everest Base Camp does increase the difficulty. 

But whether it's one or both of these places, good physical and mental health is vital. It is not the technicality of the trek but rather the long hours of consistent trekking for 15 days and altitude that make it challenging. 

So, training your body with appropriate physical exercises such as hiking, cardio, running, etc., is recommended at least four weeks before the trek. 

Altitude Profile – Ama Dablam vs. Everest Base Camp

There is, of course, a difference between the altitude of Ama Dablam and Everest, no matter if it's a comparison between two base camps or mountains. 
 

Name 

Altitude

Ama Dablam Base Camp

4,600 meters (15,092 feet)

Mount Ama Dablam

6,812 metres (22,349 ft)

Everest Base Camp 

5,364 meters (17,598 feet)

Mount Everest 

8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)

With this trek, the highest elevation is actually Kala Patthar, at 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), so taking precautions with the elevation is crucial. Specifically to avoid altitude sickness during the trek. 

The itinerary is perfectly molded to require acclimatization during the trek to avoid getting altitude sickness. The ascent is gradual with perfect locations for stops, and especially once reaching the Ama Dablam Base Camp, it will be let the body acclimatize for the Everest Base Camp, but being physically fit will be of great help

Maintaining a good diet throughout the trek is as important as maintaining physical fitness. Avoiding meat, unfiltered water and any food that might impact your health should be the priority. 

Best Season for Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

When it comes to trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, the majority of the locations are best travelled during spring and autumn. This is the best window for good weather, great visibility, and avoiding rain and extreme cold when trekking. 

That being said, particularly for this trek, spring (March-May) would technically be the best time, as you will get the opportunity to see the team of mountain climbers in action. Both of these seasons have their own selling points when it comes to visibility. 

Autumn offers more crisp and clear views of the Himalayas under the vibrant blue sky, but the spring season offers the eye-catching views of the blooming rhododendron flowers of multiple colors. 

The summer season can be trekked with proper preparation, but due to the monsoon, visibility is low, and there will be frequent rain with muddy and slippery trails. But winter is one of the best times for views, though one must be ready for extreme cold. 

Temperature during the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp

The temperature of the Everest region depends on two major factors: season and altitude. Each season has its temperature range, where one can expect warm to mild temperatures during summer and spring, cooler temperatures in autumn, and extreme cold during the winter season. 

The average temperature during the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp, based on altitude variation and different seasons, is shown in the table below: 

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Route

This particular Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp features a pretty intriguing trekking route. Not only can you retrace the footsteps of the first successful and famous mountaineers, but you also have the opportunity to deviate from the trail and explore completely different trails and villages

Route:

Kathmandu–Lukla–Namche–Khumjung–Phortse–Pangboche–Ama Dablam Base Camp–Dingboche–Lobuche–Gorak Shep–EBC–Kala Patthar–Pheriche–Tengboche–Namche Bazaar–Lukla–Kathmandu

Additional Information

Is Ama Dablam Base Camp suitable for first-time trekkers?

Yes, the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp is suitable for first-time trekkers. But training and preparation should be done before the trek. Many people have done this trek as their first, but good preparation beforehand makes it easier and increases the success rate. 

How crowded is Ama Dablam Base Camp compared to EBC?

In comparison to the Everest Base Camp, the Ama Dablam Base Camp is very sparsely crowded. The trail to Ama Dablam diverts from Pangboche, and the difference will be prominent. Very few people go for the Ama Dablam Base Camp, allowing for an intimate experience where, in many instances, you can have the trail to yourself. 

Photography & viewpoints along the Ama Dablam route

For photography enthusiasts, this particular route offers the absolute best views, especially with Ama Dablam Base Camp, where you can see the closest view of Ama Dablam that no other location offers. 

Cultural importance of Pangboche & Tengboche

This particular route from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Everest Base Camp passes through many Sherpa settlements, providing the opportunity to visit four different monasteries in the Everest region. 

Can this trek be done without going to Everest Base Camp? 

Yes! The Ama Dablam Base Camp trek can absolutely be done without going to Everest Base Camp if that is what you prefer. Removing the EBC trek will only leave the Ama Dablam Base Camp part of the trek, which itself is incredible. 

Cost for the Ama Dablam Base Camp with Everest Base Camp of 15 Days

Permit Cost for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek 

There are two main permits required for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ($30) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit ($20).

Guide and Porter Cost for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek 

The cost for a guide and porter for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Everest Base Camp is ~$30-$35 and ~$20-$25 per day, respectively. 

Note: 

The cost for the package depends on group size and level of service.

When you purchase the package, the costs for the guide, porter, flights, permits, and staff are included.