Trekking guide to help you hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp in the Nepalese Himalayas.
For many, the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek will be a clear highlight of their Everest Base Camp or Three High Passes treks in the Khumbu. I certainly know that it was for me!
This hike will take you to an altitude of 4,580 m at the base of one of the most beautiful and powerful mountains in the Himalayan range. This blog post will serve as a more in-depth guide for those attempting the trek as a day trip from Panboche based on my experience doing this trek.
About Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam is a mountain peak located in the eastern region of Nepal in the Himalayas. It is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas, if not the world. With a height of 6,812 meters (22,349 feet) Ama Dablam stands prominent in the Himalayan landscape from Namche Bazaar to as far as Kala Patthar.
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 peak of Ama Dablam, and unfortunately, many people have died in the attempt.
It's a powerful and humbling feeling sitting at Ama Dablam base camp and hard not to feel a huge sense of respect for the climbers who give everything to these peaks.
Insurance for Trekking & Climbing in Nepal
Read the fine print– Most travel insurance companies void coverage as soon as you step over 5,000 m. That's why I use and recommend Global Rescue, as the best high-altitude trekking insurance (no altitude caps).
Booking a Guide to Ama Dablam Base Camp
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This is a small but very professional company run by my good friend Sandip, with who I do all my trekking and climbing in Nepal. Use the code OLLY5 at checkout and he'll give you a discount of 5% off any of his trips.
Starting the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
Ama Dablam is located roughly one or two days' walk from Namche Bazaar or at least three to four days from Lukla. The Ama Dablam Base camp trek is usually completed as a day trip or acclimatization hike for trekkers on the EBC or Three High Passes treks.
You'll need to follow proper acclimatization principles in reaching the start of the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek, remember to do your research and plan accordingly. If you're planning the Three High Passes Trek,
Pick Up the Ama Dablam Trailhead from Panboche
The trailhead picks up and ends at the far end of Panboche, just next to Sonam Lodge. The map below will give you an approximate location. However, it's easy to simply keep walking along the trail through Panboche and keeping an eye out for signs pointing to Ama Dablam Base camp near the lodge.
For unguided trekkers, I'd recommend staying in Panboche and leaving your bags at the lodge. The trail is pretty steep and much better enjoyed with a light day-pack.
Tip: This guide should not replace a proper map and should be a complement to individual research and trekking preparation efforts.
My Experience on the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
- Starting Elevation: 3,900 meters (Panboche)
- Ama Dablam Base Camp Elevation: 4580 meters
- Total Ascent: 680 meters
- Total hiking time: 5-6 hours return to Panboche
At Sonam Lodge, follow the sign along the ridge and make the comfortable and slow descent to a small bridge at the base of the Dudh Kosi River.
Looking to Step it Up?
Why not check out my guides to climbing Mera Peak (6476m), or Island Peak (6,189 m), two of Nepal's best trekking peaks? These are great entry-level summits in the Khumbu requiring no prior mountaineering experience.
The First Section - A Steep Ascent
After the bridge, you might notice some herding yaks eating the dry Himalayan grass as you continue up the rocky trail to the base of a grassy slope covered in boulders.
The trail seems to disappear as you ascend this steep hill. Soon, as you progress higher, a row of prayer flags will be noticeable near the top of the bluff. Head towards these for a fantastic view of Panboche and the Dudh Kosi all the way to Dingboche.
From here, you’ll also get to witness the eroding ravine on the other side and listen to huge falling rocks as they crash down into the valley below.
Second Section - Flat
After a quick rest at the prayer flag viewpoint, look for and pick up the trail leading in the same direction along a flat plane.
This part of the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek snakes itself through grassy and sandy sections and is mostly flat for about 45 minutes.
Although the trail disappears in sections, a visible path will be clear and always visible further in the distance. Make sure to only attempt this in good conditions, as I’d imagine it would be easy to get lost in a snowstorm.
Section Three - Steep Again
The last section is steep and begins near some flowing water. This will most likely be frozen at the surface and sometimes covered in snow, so take care not to step through.
Follow this water flow and begin the last steep climb until you reach the bowl valley that is the Ama Dablam Base camp.
Arriving at Ama Dablam Base Camp
Depending on the time of the year, you might get to witness the expedition tents of climbers that are eagerly training and waiting to tackle 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 during this time expect to see many eager climbers.
When I completed the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek as an acclimatization hike on the Three Passes Trek, there was, unfortunately, no tents set up. However, it was an amazing experience exploring the base camp and having the entire mountain to ourselves.
Returning to Panboche
After spending some time resting and admiring Ama Dablam, take the same trail down towards Panboche for a well-deserved serving of Dahl Baht and lemon tea.
It will most likely be a much faster trip downhill, but it might be a little wearing on the knees.
Three Passes: Trekking Ebook
Since internet connectivity is limited in the Khumbu, I've written a comprehensive trekking e-book to the Three Passes which you can download as an eBook for use on your mobile, tablet, or e-reader.
Before you head off, take a peek through some of my other guides for more tips and inspiration for treks in the Himalayas.
- Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu - discover 21+ unmissable highlights in Nepal's capital.
- Kathmandu Itinerary - how to spend 3 days in Nepal's capital.
- Everest Three Passes Trek - my guide to the ultimate Everest trekking experience!
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - get off the beaten path and discover the Himalayan region of Manaslu.
- Climbing Island Peak - guide to my favorite 6,000 m+ trekking peak in Nepal.
- Climbing Mera Peak - my experience climbing Mera Peak (6,476 m).
- Hotels in Kathmandu - read my helpful guide to where to stay in Kathmandu city.
