Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Tengboche Monastery

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – introduction to the trip, equipment check and welcome dinner

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner with your guide. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

  

• Day 2: Morning sightseeing in Kathmandu and afternoon drive to Ramechap (474 m) – 4 hours of driving

  Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular places and attractions are the Pashupatinath temple complex — with one of the most important Hindu temples (the main temple is accessible only to Hindus) — and the Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa. From around 1:00 p.m. we are driven to Ramechap, in order to fly from there to Lukla the following day. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2,840 m) – hike to Phakding (2,610 m) – 4–5 hrs, approx. 8 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 380 m

  We are transported to the airport for the early-morning flight to Lukla and its adventurous mountain runway. This is a truly spectacular start to the hike as we fly over the gentle foothills of Nepal, with the great Himalayan peaks visible to the north. After arriving in Lukla we meet our porters and begin our hike. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Hike to Namche Bazaar (3,445 m) – 5–6 hrs, approx. 11 km, ↑ 1,050 m, ↓ 220 m

  We hike to the trading town of Namche Bazaar; halfway, however, we climb a hill and are rewarded with our first sight of Everest and Lhotse. Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region and has a magnificent view of Thamserku (6,648 m), Kwangde (6,220 m) and Khumbila (5,700 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Day hike to the Everest viewpoint and trek to Khumjung (3,780 m) – approx. 5 hrs, approx. 7 km, ↑ 550 m, ↓ 220 m

  Today is an important acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar, so that your body can adjust to the increasing altitude and the associated reduced oxygen content in the air. We start the day with a morning walk along the ridge high above Namche Bazaar. During the ascent on the mountain path, beautiful views of the main route to the Everest Base Camp open up time and time again. On the ridge we round the mountainside and reach the viewpoint overlooking Mount Everest. The views during the ascent and descent are simply spectacular. On the way back we take our lunch and walk to Khumjung. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Hike to Deboche (3,770 m) – visit to Tengboche Monastery – 5–6 hrs, approx. 10 km, ↑ 450 m, ↓ 460 m

  From Namche Bazaar the path winds high above the Dudh Kosi River through a rhododendron forest with magnificent views of the valley, of Everest (8,849 m) and Ama Dablam (6,814 m). After crossing the river at Phunki Tenga we begin the climb through the forest to Tengboche. The main monastery of the Khumbu is located here and is worth a visit. The Tengboche Monastery is the most important gompa in the Sherpa region and home to the abbot and about 80 monks and novices, who are followers of Nyingmapa Buddhism. There is a good view of Everest from here. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 7: Hike to Pangboche (3,875 m) – 2–3 hrs, approx. 5 km, ↑ 200 m, ↓ 100 m

  After leaving Deboche, our path passes individual trees, small monasteries, houses and ‘mani’ walls, while the trail continues along the river valley between the trees. After crossing a bridge over a picturesque gorge, the path gradually climbs with a magnificent view of Ama Dablam. There are numerous fantastic photo opportunities in both directions; chortens and mani walls mark our way as we gain altitude and finally reach Pangboche. This is a very photogenic village with fields bordered by stone walls, and a very interesting monastery, which is surrounded by trees in the upper part of the village. The walk to Pangboche only takes about 2 hours, so in the afternoon we will arrange a walk to explore the village. It is certainly worth going up to Upper Pangboche to visit the gompa and walk to the viewpoint. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Hike to the Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m) – approx. 7 hrs, approx. 10 km, ↑ 850 m, ↓ 850 m

  Today we leave the main route to the Everest Base Camp and switch to a quieter area, on the other side of the Imja Drangka River. This is followed by a truly enjoyable hike that leads us up to the 4,600-metre Ama Dablam Base Camp. The way there and back takes about 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 9: Hike to Khumjung (3,970 m) – 6–7 hrs, approx. 12 km, ↑ 400 m, ↓ 1,030 m

  Via a different route, today we hike back to Phunki Tenga. From Pangboche we take a magnificent trail across the Imja Drangka River. This path winds along the side of the valley and we have an overwhelming view of the mountains and of Tengboche, which sits on the ridge. Finally, after about 2 to 3 hours through the forest and past isolated fields, we descend to Phunki Tenga far below us. After crossing the Dudh Kosi bridge, a steep ascent to Tashinga awaits us. After leaving this hamlet, the small path winds its way to Khumjung. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Hike to Thame (3,750 m) – 7 hrs, approx. 12 km, ↑ ~400 m, ↓ ~620 m

  We leave Khumjung along the high path that leads out of the village above the Bhote Kosi River through rhododendron forests. Then we hike through the small hamlets of Phurte, Mende and Samde, all of which present a beautiful sight with their traditional Sherpa houses and green, terraced fields and pastures. This easy, broad path makes the hike comfortable all the way to the village of Thame. Thame has preserved many of its original buildings and its culture, and is perhaps one of the most beautiful villages in the Khumbu. The house of the famous Sherpa Tenzing Norgay is located near the upper part of the village, where he once lived with his first wife. Sherpa Apa, who climbed the summit of Mount Everest twenty-one times, also lives in the village of Thame. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 11: Trek to Monjo (2,850 m) – 6 hrs, approx. 13 km, ↑ 300 m, ↓ 1,200 m

  Today we retrace our steps back to Namche Bazaar, which we reach after about 5 hours of walking. At Namche we are back on the main route to the Everest Base Camp and, after lunch, we descend, cross the Sir Edmund Hillary Bridge, and walk to the village of Monjo. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Hike to Lukla (2,840 m) – 5 hrs, approx. 13 km, ↑ 650 m, ↓ 660 m

  From Monjo we continue our descent from the Dudh Kosi Valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat and Cheplung. At Chaurikharka we climb the last hill of the hike to reach Lukla. After arriving at the lodge you can relax and enjoy your last evening with your guide and the wonderful porters. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Ramechap and drive to Kathmandu – approx. 4 hours of driving

  You will be picked up at the airport and driven to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu

  Today is at your leisure, which you can spend relaxing, with further sightseeing or shopping in Thamel. A good last chance to pick up a few souvenirs. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 15: Flight back home

  Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport. End of the trip (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner