Leave Pangboche after breakfast and drop to the river on a small trail east of the village, crossing the Imja Khola on a bridge. On the far side the path climbs steadily through scrub juniper and up grassy slopes used as summer yak pastures, with scattered stone herders' huts called kharkas. Ama Dablam rises above you, its south-west ridge, the standard climbing route, clearly visible. The climb takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours at acclimatisation pace.
Base camp is a wide, flat meadow at about 4,600 m with a small stream. In October, November and spring, climbing teams set up tents here for the three or four weeks they spend on the mountain, and you can see their route rising over rock towers to Camps 1 and 2. Turn around for a sweeping view back across the valley to Pangboche, Tengboche, Kangtega and Thamserku, and up the Khumbu to Lhotse and the top of Everest.
After lunch and a rest, descend the same way in about two hours. Sleeping back in Pangboche at 3,985 m after reaching 4,600 m is an excellent acclimatisation day, which is why we use it on longer itineraries and the luxury lodge trek. Carry plenty of water, sun protection and warm layers, as there are no lodges on the route. Avoid the hike if you have any altitude symptoms; rest instead.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How high is Ama Dablam base camp?
Ama Dablam base camp lies at about 4,600 m, on a meadow below the south-west ridge. From Pangboche (3,985 m) the hike gains roughly 600 m and takes 2.5–3.5 hours up and about 2 hours down.
Is Ama Dablam base camp hike hard?
It is a moderate-to-strenuous day hike because of the altitude and steady climbing, but there are no technical sections. Fit trekkers who have spent nights at Namche and Tengboche usually manage it well. Carry water and food, as there are no lodges.
Do I need a permit for Ama Dablam base camp?
No separate trekking permit is needed. The Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit cover it. Climbing Ama Dablam itself requires an expedition permit. Check current status before you travel.
