Everest Base Camp & Ama Dablam Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with a dedicated day beneath Ama Dablam, the stop most itineraries skip.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Everest Base Camp & Ama Dablam Trek: What to Expect
Stand at 5,545m above Everest Base Camp with the southwest face of Everest directly ahead
A dedicated half day beneath Ama Dablam at 4,570m, the stop the standard 14-day route skips
Our own licensed guides, not contractors. The same team from start to finish
Fully serviced teahouse route all the way to Gorakshep, no tents or camping required
This is the standard EBC route plus one day that most people wish they had taken. The extra day goes to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,570m, a half-day side trip from Pangboche that puts you directly beneath a mountain most trekkers only ever see from a distance. Everything else follows the classic Khumbu trail: Lukla, Namche, two acclimatisation days, Dingboche, Lobuche, EBC at 5,364m, and Kala Patthar at 5,545m before the descent.
This is a Level 4 Hard trek. Four nights above 4,400m, 6 to 8 hour days at the highest points, and a 4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar. You need prior multi-day trekking experience and genuine preparation. If you want EBC without the Ama Dablam extension, the 14-day EBC Trek is the right route. If you want to add a peak climb on top, look at EBC with Island Peak.
MountainKick runs this route with our own licensed guides. No middlemen, no contractors brought in from outside.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. That evening we run a pre-trip briefing covering the full 15-day route, gear check, permits, and Lukla flight logistics.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the most dramatic airstrips in the world. The trail drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest to Phakding. An easy first day by design. During peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2:30am.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a steep sustained climb into Namche. On a clear day you get your first view of Everest above the ridge before reaching town.
Acclimatisation Day in Namche
Rest day built for altitude adjustment. We hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m with clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche to sleep lower. Time to explore the Saturday market or the Sherpa Culture Museum.
Trek to Tengboche
The trail climbs out of Namche through forest, drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then ascends through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline on the approach. Tengboche Monastery sits on a ridge with a full panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Trek to Pangboche, Day Trip to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Descend from Tengboche through rhododendron forest to Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu. After lunch, the trail climbs through rocky terrain and glacial moraines to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,570m. You may find expedition teams here preparing for the technical climb. The close-up view of the mountain from this angle is what separates this itinerary from the standard EBC route.
Trek to Dingboche
The trail follows the Imja Valley with views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Vegetation thins out as you climb above the tree line into open pasture. Dingboche sits on the bank of the Imja River, surrounded by the stone walls that terrace the fields through and beyond the village.
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Second acclimatisation day. We hike to Nangkartshang Peak above Dingboche for panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam, then return to sleep low. This is the last full rest day before the high-altitude push to Lobuche and EBC.
Trek to Lobuche
The trail climbs gradually to Thukla at 4,620m, then steeply up the Thukla Pass to the Everest Memorial site at 4,830m, where stone cairns mark climbers lost on Everest and surrounding peaks. From here the route crosses glacial moraine to Lobuche at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier.
Trek to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep
The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, a settlement on a frozen lakebed at 5,164m. After lunch, continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, the starting point of every Everest summit attempt. Return to Gorakshep before dark.
Summit Kala Patthar, Descend to Pheriche
4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the highest point on this trek and the best elevated view of Everest’s southwest face. Time the summit for sunrise if conditions allow. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast then descend via Lobuche to Pheriche, dropping over 1,100m through the afternoon.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
A long descent day through Pangboche and Tengboche back to Namche. The air gets noticeably richer as you drop in altitude. By the time you reach Namche you will feel the difference in your breathing, your appetite, and your energy levels.
Trek to Lukla
Final day on the trail. Descend steeply from Namche through Monjo, past the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, and through Phakding back to Lukla. The trail is familiar and moves fast. Arrive in the late afternoon with time to sort gear and get an early night before the morning flight.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Weather-dependent, MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. Evening farewell dinner included in the package.
Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle Both directions, all internal road transport included
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2 nights hotel in Kathmandu 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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12 nights teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout
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Lukla flights often via Ramechhap in peak season, with ground transfers included
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Government-licensed guide Full time, from arrival to departure
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Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 10kg per trekker (20kg per porter)
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Sagarmatha National Park entry permit Arranged by MountainKick
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit Local entrance fee, checked at Lukla
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by your guide throughout the trek
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on your return night
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Duffel bag Yours to keep
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All government taxes and official charges Nothing hidden
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All meals during the trek Budget $25 to $40 a day, more above Lobuche
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Wide range of restaurants near your hotel
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Travel insurance Must cover high-altitude trekking to 5,600m and helicopter evacuation
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International flights to and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125. Bring cash
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Personal trekking gear and equipment Can be bought or rented in Thamel before departure
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Extra nights if flights are delayed Hotel and meals in Lukla or Kathmandu if weather holds your flight
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Helicopter rescue Paid by your travel insurer, or by you if your policy doesn't cover it
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Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, bottled water, alcohol, phone calls, laundry
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Tips for guide and porter Customary but optional, usually around 10 to 15% of the trip cost
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.
On the trek you stay in teahouses every night. RRooms are simple: a bed, blankets and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers are available at an extra charge of $3–5 at Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Above Lobuche facilities are basic but fully operational during trekking season. Gorakshep teahouses are the most basic on the route — cold nights, thin walls, and limited hot water. In peak season (October–November and March–May) book ahead through your guide, rooms in Namche and Dingboche fill fast.
Breakfast included in Kathmandu and on the return night farewell dinner. All trek meals are on your own account, ordered from teahouse menus.
Dal bhat is the best option at every stop — filling, reliable, and free refills. Pasta, noodles, soups, and eggs are available everywhere. Prices rise and portions shrink above Namche. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $25 to $40 a day, more above Lobuche.
| Breakfast | $6 to $10 |
| Lunch | $10 to $14 |
| Dinner | $10 to $14 |
| Hot shower | $2 to $5 |
| WiFi (where available) | $3 to $5 a day |
| Hot drinks | $2 to $4 each |
| Bottled water | $2 to $4 above Namche |
| Battery charging | $2 to $5 per device |
What Our Trekkers Say
“An unforgettable Himalayan trek”
Hari was a fantastic guide for our Everest Base Camp and Ama Dablam trek, experienced, easygoing, and always checking in on how we were doing. The scenery was incredible, especially the views of Ama Dablam along the way. Reaching Base Camp was a huge moment, and the whole trek was…
“Beautiful route and great organization”
Balram was very patient with our group and clearly knew the trail extremely well. I loved the sections around Ama Dablam and the quieter villages along the way. By the time we reached Everest Base Camp, it felt like we'd experienced far more than we expected. MountainKick organized everything really…
“Great trek with Kumar”
Kumar looked after us the whole way through and was genuinely a pleasure to travel with. Some days were tough, but he kept a comfortable pace and was always checking that everyone was okay. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam were unbelievable, a really memorable trip.
“A special experience in Nepal”
Our trek with Gopal was excellent, calm, knowledgeable, and always helpful whenever we needed anything. We enjoyed the whole journey, from the villages and suspension bridges to the huge mountain scenery. Ama Dablam was the standout for me, but finally arriving at Everest Base Camp was just as special. Happy…
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the EBC and Ama Dablam Trek?
The trek is 15 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 12 days on the trail. It’s the standard EBC route plus one extra day for Ama Dablam Base Camp. Most days are 5 to 7 hours of walking, with a few longer days near the top.
How difficult is the EBC and Ama Dablam Trek?
This is a Level 4 Hard trek on our scale. The longest days are 6 to 8 hours, and you spend four nights above 4,400m. The hardest days are Day 10, up to Base Camp, and Day 11, the Kala Patthar sunrise climb and long descent to Pheriche. There’s no technical climbing, so the challenge is the altitude. Prior multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. See our full difficulty guide.
What is the Ama Dablam Base Camp section?
On Day 6 you walk from Tengboche to Pangboche, then take a side trip up to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 4,570m, and come back to Pangboche to sleep. Ama Dablam (6,812m) is widely seen as the most beautiful mountain in the Khumbu, and from base camp you’re right beneath it. It’s a long day, 7 to 9 hours in total, but the climb also helps your acclimatisation before Dingboche. Most people on the standard EBC Trek only see Ama Dablam from a distance.
How is this different from the standard EBC Trek?
One extra day and one extra destination. The EBC route itself is identical: Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, EBC, Kala Patthar. The difference is Day 6, which adds the dedicated afternoon at Ama Dablam Base Camp that the 14-day itinerary cannot fit. If you want EBC only without the extension, the 14-day EBC Trek is the right booking.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable hiking 6 to 8 hours a day carrying a 5kg daypack. An 8 to 10 week preparation plan makes a real difference: cardio 3 to 4 times a week, leg and core strength work twice a week, and at least 3 to 4 practice hikes of 5 or more hours with a loaded pack. Kala Patthar and the EBC approach day are the hardest back-to-back days on the route. Arrive fit.
What about altitude sickness?
Two acclimatisation days are built in: one in Namche (Day 4) and one in Dingboche (Day 8). Four nights are spent above 4,400m. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or loss of appetite. Descending 300 to 500m usually brings fast relief. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave home. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full breakdown.
What about the Lukla flights?
Your return Lukla flights are included. In peak season (March to May and September to November), most flights leave from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport, about 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. That means a hotel pickup between 1am and 2:30am. Off-peak, flights usually leave directly from Kathmandu.
Lukla flights depend on the weather, and delays happen. We rebook your flight at no charge, but extra nights and meals are paid by you. Keep at least one spare day, ideally two, before your international flight home. See our Ramechhap flight guide.
What permits do I need?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. We also arrange a TIMS card. All of these are included and arranged by us. We just need your passport details and two passport-sized photos.
Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to have a licensed guide. In the Khumbu, local authorities have pushed back on the rule and checks vary, but every MountainKick trek includes a licensed guide for the full trip.
Can I join a group if I’m travelling alone?
Yes. Our group departures run on set dates with up to 8 trekkers, and every date runs even if you’re the only one booked. Group dates are $1,200 per person. If you’d rather go on your own dates, a private solo trip is $1,510.
How much should I budget for personal expenses?
Budget $25 to $40 a day for three meals, more above Lobuche. Hot showers are $2 to $5, wifi about $3 to $5 a day, and charging $2 to $5 per device. The last reliable ATM is in Namche, and teahouses don’t take cards. For 12 days on the trail, most people spend around $400 to $550 in total, depending on habits. Carry it in Nepali rupees, in small notes.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is compulsory, and you need to buy it before you arrive. It must cover trekking to at least 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Many standard travel policies don’t cover high altitude trekking, so check the small print. If your insurer doesn’t confirm a rescue in time, you pay the rescue company directly and claim it back later.
When is the best time to do this trek?
The best times are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). October and November usually have the most stable weather. Early December is still good, with clear skies and fewer people, but it’s colder. Avoid the monsoon from June to August.
Can I fly back by helicopter instead of walking down?
Yes. You can add a helicopter return from Gorak Shep after Base Camp and Kala Patthar, for $550 per person. It saves about three days of walking down. Flights depend on weather and seat availability, so we confirm it with you on the trail.
Can I extend this trek or combine it with a peak climb?
Yes. For EBC combined with a guided summit of Island Peak (6,189m) see EBC with Island Peak (20 days). For the complete Khumbu circuit crossing all three high passes see the Everest Three Passes Trek (20 days). For Gokyo Lakes combined with EBC via the Cho La Pass see EBC via Gokyo Valley (17 days).
Departure Dates & Pricing
Can't find a group date that works? Run this trip privately on any date you choose. Same route and guides, just your own group. The price depends on how many of you there are.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,510 |
| 2-3 | $1,200 |
| 4-9 | $1,060 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
"*" indicates required fields
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Do not bring new boots. Break them in on at least 3 to 4 long walks before you fly.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ The layering system is everything on this trek. Temperature swings 20 degrees between midday and evening above 4,000m.
Head, Hands and Neck
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel. Your daypack is for daily essentials only. Keep it under 5kg.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. It is available in Kathmandu but better discussed beforehand. We do not provide or recommend it ourselves.
Toiletries
ⓘ Laundry services are limited on the trek, but you can hand-wash quick-dry clothes during acclimatisation days.
Documents and Money
ⓘ No ATMs exist past Namche. Carry all cash from Kathmandu in small denominations.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for the EBC and Ama Dablam Trek. Trails above 4,000m are hazardous, the Ama Dablam Base Camp approach becomes dangerous in wet conditions, views disappear for days at a time, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently.
Leave at home
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Jeans Heavy, zero insulation when wet, takes days to dry
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat, stays wet, causes chills at altitude
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No need and you will regret the weight
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Excessive toiletries Wet wipes are your friend above 4,000m
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Valuables and jewellery Unnecessary risk. Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Everest Base Camp & Ama Dablam Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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