Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Real Journey Nepal. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa, etc) you will be then transferred to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a typical Nepali welcome dinner that will include a cultural dance performed by the local women. You then return to your hotel for your first overnight stay at the hotel (D)

Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influences in the valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full-day guided tour to the historic sights such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath). In the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip. Stay overnight at hotel. (B)

Early morning transfer to a domestic 40-minute scenic flight to the tiny airstrip at Lukla (2,800m), the destination where our trek will start. After reaching Lukla, you will have time for tea and to relax before we start. We begin our trek through the Sherpa village and cross several tributary streams with beautiful views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2650m). When you arrive, you can take an optional short hike to a nearby monastery or just explore the area. Overnight stay at Lodge. (B, L, D)

From Phakding, you will trek through beautiful forests along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the river on high suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. For here, you will ascend pretty steeply to Namche. If the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Kongde-Ri and Mt. Tawache peak from this point. Option to visit some of the village monasteries while trekking to Namche Bazaar. Namche is the capital of the Khumbu Region (3440m). We stay overnight at Lodge. (B, L, D)

Acclimatization is important before proceeding higher to avoid altitude sickness. This is first of two scheduled “acclimatization” days”. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, a bakery, and local markets. Namche is an ideal place to spend a day for rest to acclimatize with the higher altitudes before heading off towards Khumjung. To prepare you for the tough climbing in the days ahead, you can spend the day taking a day walk hike to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary or you can take a one hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding views of the Everest Mountain range. Stay overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Today, we continue to trek along the rushing glacial Dudh Kosi River with magnificent views of the majestic Himalayas that become more dramatic as you approach the holy place of Tengboche. A traditional site with a beautiful monastery, it is the spiritual center of the Khumbu region where the Rimpoche (Lama Re-incarnate) exists. The monastery is home to ornate wall hangings, a twenty feet sculpture of Buddha and musical instruments from the Lamas. Maybe you will be lucky enough to experience the Lamas performing their rituals and hear their divine chanting and music. Tyangboche is known as the best place for panoramic views of Mt. Kwangde, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kangtega, Mt.Ama Dablam and among others. We stay overnight at Lodge (B, L, D)

Today, we will trek with the view of Ama Dablam soaring directly overhead – a breathtaking experience! Spend the rest of your day exploring Pangboche and one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. Mingle with the locals who are the highest year-round settlement in the region. Stay overnight at Lodge (B, L, D)

Today we make our way up the ridge in a sheltered valley. We may see climbing expeditions on our arrival at the base camp as Ama Dablam is one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. Ama Dablam means “Mother’s necklace” in Nepali. The long ridges on each side are like the arms of a mother (Ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier is thought of as the Dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women. We will have lunch in the Base Camp while we soak in the views before walking back to Pangboche along the main trail in the afternoon. A lot of up and down on this trail, with another crossing of the Imja Khola on a steel suspension bridge. Stay overnight in Pangboche. (B, L, D)

This morning, we’ll make our way down through the beautiful forest, where we’re sure to hear the familiar bells of yaks grazing nearby. Keep an eye out for musk deer as we head through the forest as they’re often seen here. As we descend, the air becomes richer, the air temperature warmer and the sounds of raging rivers louder. We’ll stop for lunch beside the Dudh Khosi River before ascending towards the picturesque village of Khumjung and past a tree nursery established by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalaya Trust. We stay overnight at Lodge (B, L, D)

Today we descent first to Namche Bazaar for lunch and then continue our way back down the valley steeply to the Dudh Kosi river and continue our way past the national park checkpoint at Monjo. From Monjo, we will go through forests of magnolia, giant firs, and rhododendrons to Chomoa, the site of an agricultural project. We cross the Dudh Kosi River to its west-bank and continue our way down, arriving at Phakding. We stay overnight at Lodge (B, L, D)

After breakfast, our trail moves downward through many small Gurung villages along with Dudh Koshi River. Once again you can see the lush greenery with panoramic views of the mountains and local Sherpa villages. Upon arrival at Lukla, you can explore Lukla and enjoy a nice dinner and maybe a beer to celebrate! We stay overnight stay at Lodge (B, L, D).

This is an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 40 minutes. After having breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu. The rest of your time here is free for shopping and sightseeing. In the evening; you will be invited to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of authentic Nepalese cuisine. Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu (B, D)

Our driver will escort you to the airport or bus stop for your onward travel. We will send you on your way with good luck and gratitude that you chose us for your adventure of a lifetime. (B)