Amadablam Base Camp Trek in the Khumbu
- 10 days
- strenuous
- Up to 12
- Spring (Sep - Dec & Feb - Jun)
We guide you beneath the sweeping south ridge of Mt. Amadablam to an altitude of 4600 m in the Everest region.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eight-day itinerary brings us to the foot of Mt. Amadablam, widely regarded as one of the most striking rock and ice walls in the Himalaya. Rising to 6812 m, this peak anchors the Khumbu region and holds deep cultural significance for the Sherpa communities who inhabit its lower slopes. We designed this route to step away from the main trunk of the Everest Base Camp trail, offering a quieter approach while maintaining proper acclimatisation standards.
We begin our walking journey from Phakding after our flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, climbing steadily through pine forests and suspension bridges draped in prayer flags toward Namche Bazaar. Our acclimatisation day includes walks up to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung village before we push deeper into the alpine zone. Crossing the Dudh Koshi river and ascending past Tengboche Monastery, we base ourselves in Pangboche to launch our push toward the base camp.
The hike to Amadablam Base Camp reaches a maximum elevation of 4600 m, where we encounter international expedition teams preparing for technical ascents. We return to the comfort of teahouses each night rather than camping on the moraine, minimizing altitude risks while maximizing our time in the high alpine amphitheatre. This trek suits hikers with previous high-altitude experience who seek a rigorous shorter itinerary in the Sagarmatha National Park.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Amadablam Base Camp
We hike to 4600 m beneath the massive south face of Mt. Amadablam to observe expedition camps.
Tengboche Monastery
We visit the spiritual center of the Khumbu valley, set against a backdrop of Thamserku and Everest.
Sherpa Villages
We walk through Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Pangboche, interacting with local families and monastery keepers.
Acclimatisation Protocol
We include dedicated day hikes above Namche Bazaar to prepare our bodies safely for higher elevations.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to our hotel in Thamel. We host an evening briefing to review the trek plan and check your gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Lukla flight; Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Lukla flight; Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla airfield at 2860 m. From Lukla, our team descends past stone mani walls alongside the Dudh Koshi river to reach Phakding.
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. A steep, sustained uphill climb brings us to the trading hub of Namche Bazaar.
Day 4
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up toward the Everest View Hotel and visit the Sherpa settlement of Khumjung to view the local monastery before returning to Namche for the night.
Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Pangboche via Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Pangboche via Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
We contour above the river before descending to Phunki Tenga, then climb through rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche Monastery. Afterward, we continue onward to Pangboche.
Day 6
Pangboche to Amadablam Base Camp and return
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Pangboche to Amadablam Base Camp and return
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Pangboche early for a steady climb up the lateral moraine to Amadablam Base Camp at 4600 m. After taking in the views of the icefall and meeting climbers, we retrace our steps to Pangboche.
Day 7
Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the downward trail retracing our steps past Tengboche and across the Dudh Koshi, climbing back up to Namche Bazaar for our final evening in the mountains.
Day 8
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Our final day on the trail involves a long descent down the valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Monjo and Phakding before arriving back in Lukla.
Day 9
Fly back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Fly back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board the morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap, where our transport meets us for the transfer back to the hotel.
Day 10
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 10
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides a private airport transfer for your departure flight home or to your next destination.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Rural Municipality local tax
- Both-way domestic airfare (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide
- Porters for luggage carriage (one porter per two clients)
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on the trek
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi access in teahouses
- Tips for our guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We reach a maximum altitude of 4600 m at Amadablam Base Camp. Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar and gradual elevation gains to mitigate acute mountain sickness.
Accommodation on the trail
We house you in twin-share teahouses along the route. Facilities are comfortable in the lower valleys and become more basic as we gain altitude.
Flight delays in Lukla
Mountain weather frequently impacts flights between Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Lukla. We advise adding extra buffer days to your international travel schedule.
Drinking water
We recommend treating all tap or stream water using purification tablets or drops purchased in Kathmandu. Bottled water generates unnecessary plastic waste in the national park.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support and waterproof membrane required.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for freezing alpine temperatures.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Comfort rating down to -15°C.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Helps protect knees on long descents.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.
UV protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Category 3 or 4 lenses for high-altitude glare.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating local water sources.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 5000 m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected national park area.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Ticket
PermitLocal government fee collected for trekking in the Khumbu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
We reach a maximum altitude of 4600 m at Amadablam Base Camp on day six of the trek.
Do I need to carry a tent or sleeping mat?
No, we stay in local teahouses every night, so you only need a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
How difficult is the Amadablam Base Camp Trek?
We classify this trek as moderate. It requires good cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk 5 to 7 hours over uneven mountain terrain.
What permits do I need for this trek?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality local permit, both of which we arrange for you.
Can I leave excess luggage in Kathmandu?
Yes, you can store any non-trekking clothing and luggage securely at our Kathmandu hotel free of charge during the trek.
What happens if my Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can cause delays. We work closely with airlines to reschedule, but clients should carry extra contingency days in their schedule.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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