Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return to Kathmandu – 9 Days

Upon arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assist you to check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Later, join in for a welcome dinner program.

Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, head on for a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. First head towards Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with glorious old Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess.

Afterward, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Thereafter proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa which is one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and human prosperity. After exploring the valley head towards your accommodation. Later join in for a brief orientation regarding the trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast catch a flight towards Lukla. The flight takes you past lush woodlands to the hilltop settlement of Lukla with views of the greater mountain range. Upon reaching Lukla after a brief rest start your trek towards the beautiful settlement of Phakding.

Descending above farmlands you will pass through Sherpa villages of Chheplung, Ghat, Sano, and Thulo Gumela. On route visit, the ancient Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa with breathtaking views of sacred mountain Kumbila and sister summit Kusum Kanguru peaks on the backdrop. Following the trail covered with lush woodlands, you will reach the settlement of Phakding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will be heading towards the Sherpa capital and the economic hub of the region. Start by traversing through the villages of Zamphute and Tok Tok. Along this section witness dazzling views of Thamserku glistening in the morning sun, which stays with you in most of the sections. Next pass through the scenic Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo. On route visit the Utche Choling Gompa located on the bluff abutting the Dudhkoshi river. From here a further trek will lead you to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO declared a world heritage site. After your permits are inspected head on to the other half of the trek.

Traversing across steep slopes head towards Namche Bazaar. As, you progress you will cross through the last village of Jorsale and to an amazing high bridge over the Dudh Koshi River gorge, and just before this bridge, the Dudhkhosi is met by its tributary, the Bhote Koshi. As, you gain altitude catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, and finally after about 1.5km/0.9mile) you will reach the settlement of Namche Bazar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Due to thin air at higher altitudes, proper acclimatization is very crucial to let your body adapt. Namche Bazar is the biggest market of the Everest region situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range at an altitude of 3420 meters and is the major regional trading center accommodating the headquarters of the Everest National Park.

Before dawn head out to any vantage point to savor the views of the snowy peaks dancing with the rays of the sun. After lunch head toward the Army post which is also the Sagarmatha National park Headquarters. From here, witness the astonishing views of the great Mahalangur range. In the west, the Kwangde range and on the southeast succession of high peaks: Kusum Kanguru with its three summits, Thamserku standing tall, and Kangtega. Similarly, the Khumbila peak rises in the north while Change Ragi and Pharchamo soar to the right of Kwangde.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

After breakfast head towards the picturous settlement of Khumjung nestled at an elevation of 3,790 meters on the laps of the holy Mountain Khumbila. The settlement is widely known as the “ Valley inside the clouds”.

Traversing across the ridge section you will reach the settlement. The village is marked with Mani stones and Stupas. Upon reaching Khumjung head towards the Khumjung Monastery which houses what is said to be a yeti scalp. Next head towards the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. After that head towards the Khunde Monastery nestled at the backdrop of Kunde Khumjung and Khumbiyela Mountains. After exploring head back towards your tea house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Start the trek descending gradually to the village of Teshinga. From there following the steep descent cross the river network and head towards the tiny settlement of Phunki Thangkha nestled at an elevation of 3250 meters. Next head on an uphill section covered with the deep wilderness of the region, as you progress past a series of Mani walls, you will reach Thyangboche at an elevation of 3867 meters. From here witness a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Thyangboche has long been a sacred place for the people of Khumbu. According to the legends Lama Sange Dorje, who first established Buddhism in the region, is said to have flown from his monastery in Tibet over the Himalayas, landing here at Pangboche.
From Thyangboche descending through lush cider and rhododendron forests with miles of undergrowth, you will cross a high suspension bridge over the rushing icy waters of the Dudh Koshi. Next following an uphill climb, you will reach the settlement of Pangboche at 3985 meters providing perfect views of the Ama Dablam ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will be traversing exotic and unspoiled trails of the Khumbu region. Wake up early and head towards the ancient monastery to witness the morning prayer. Then after breakfast head towards the base of Ama Dablam. Following the downhill trail head towards the banks of Imja Khola. After crossing the bridge head traverse on an uphill section for a couple of hours. As, you progress the trail takes you to high Himalayan pasture lands, and a small lake. . Following the trail and making a gradual climb, you will reach Ama Dablam Base Camp.

From the base camp witness views like never before. Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, Thamserku, Cholatse, and endless other peaks standing on its grandeur. Also, witness glacier streams flowing between the green meadow. After having your lunch, and exploring the base camp retrace your steps back to Pangboche.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will have leisure time till your departure flight. The Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight departs.

If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as National park visits, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India, or Bhutan tours, etc.

If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.