Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

January- February 

Because there isn’t always a lot of snow in January, it is possible to walk to Everest Base Camp, but it will be cold. This is the coldest time of year, especially from early January to early February. This happens when there is a lot of snow in the mountains, which can lead to extremely cold temperatures. Though the daylight may be warm and impressive with clear skies, the nighttime would be extremely cold; however, it is perfectly fine to trek during these months because discovery world trekking ensures every possible safety during the trek; however, if you are allergic to extreme cold, you should not trek during these months; otherwise, people trek 12 months of the year and leave their footprints all over the world.

March- April 

This is one of the best times of year to visit the Ama Dablam Base Camp. This month’s weather is spectacular. There will be breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and glaciers. March marks the start of the spring season, and the weather begins to warm up during these months. You can get to see the crimson rhododendrons blooming in these months. It’s the busiest month of the year on the Everest Region trails. Although the skies aren’t as clear in March and April as they are in the winter, the warmth to visibility ratio favors you.

May-June 

This is also an excellent time for trekking, as it is just before the rain. Rainfall in Nepal begins at the end of June and lasts until mid-August. The trek is much more enjoyable during the spring and summer seasons. During this time, you can see red, blue, purple, and yellow rhododendrons beyond the trek from Namche. For nature lovers, May and June is the best time to trek.

July- August 

Rainfall is at its heaviest below 3500 meters during this time. Flights to Lukla may be canceled due to heavy rain at the start or end of the trek, but trekkers can be seen trekking towards Ama Dablam base camp during those months. If you choose to trek during these months, it will be difficult but not impossible. Our guide will take care of your safety to the fullest, as it does every month, but because the route is not as favorable, it is not highly recommended to trek in these months, but the rainfall also provides spectacular views of the waterfall and avoids crowds, as it does in other months. The most important festival of Sherpas, “Dumji festival” falls during the end of June or early July.

September-October 

This is also one of the best times of year for the EBC Trek. Because of the pleasant weather, this is the busiest season for tourists. As the monsoon fades, a perfect trekking climate emerges. The temperature rises to 20 degrees during the day and falls to 5 degrees at night. This is the season when trekkers enjoy the most trekking, with a clear sky and an amazing view of the mountains. In late Oct or early Nov the full moon, people in the Everest region celebrate the famous 19 days long colorful festival “Mani Rimdu” in Tengboche Monastery, but only the last 3 days are open for public.

November-December

As winter approaches, snowfalls begin in the Himalayas region, making trekking difficult. The nights become colder. November is the busiest month for visitors from all over the world, as it is the clearest month with sparkling days and breathtaking views of massive mountains. The temperatures during the day are very stable and consistent.

Almost every trip begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, a small single-landing runway airport high in the Himalayas. As it is the easiest way for your trek to Everest region.

•  Lukla Airport is also known as the most dangerous airport in the world. This airport, which is only open when the weather is calm, and visibility is excellent.
• The Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 min and the flight from Manthali to Lukla is about 20-25 min. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla through helicopter is about 45 min.
• It’s impossible to say whether your Lukla flight will be canceled. If this occurs, your trip may be extended by one or two days. So, plan and add buffer days to your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss your international flight.
• Flights to and from Lukla are currently operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rush hours at Kathmandu Airport during the high season (spring and autumn). Kathmandu is 132 kilometers (4 hours and 30 minutes) away.
•  Helicopters have a little more flexibility when it comes to arriving at Lukla and can frequently make the flight in weather or visibility that a small plane would not be able to make. It is sometimes doable to switch your flight to a helicopter, but this can be expensive and there is no guarantee that you will arrive on time.

Beyond 2500m (8000ft), Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. These demands do everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and take things carefully throughout your Everest region journey. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness. Ama Dablam base camp is located at an elevation of over 5,000 meters above sea level, where the atmosphere contains low oxygen, the wind gets stronger, and the air is thin making breathing difficult.

The Ama Dablam trek is a high-altitude trek that needs proper acclimatization. Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

•   Increased breathing.
•   Increased urination.
•   Restless sleep.
•   Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
•   Dehydration.
•   Shortness of breath.
•   Extreme fatigue.
•   Respiratory failure.
•   Cerebral edema.
•   Coma.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, several other precautions you may take while trekking in the Everest region to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can modify their bodies by walking and ascending gently, as our bodies need time to adjust to the level of oxygen. For high altitude trekking, at least one day of acclimatization rest is essential, and you should ascend as high as possible before returning to a lower altitude for the night.
• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and going to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.
• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Everest region trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.
• Avoid sleeping pills to treat insomnia because they suppress breathing,
• If symptoms get worsen, do not travel any higher and consider descending to a lower altitude (approximately 300-600m). But if descent is not possible, a portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag) can be used to simulate a lower altitude.

Drinking-Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).

Throughout the trek, you will come across tap and spring water, but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. You can buy the plastic bottle water in the teahouses but get expensive as you climb in the higher altitude, and it causes pollutes the local ecosystem, therefore we recommend you to use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

During this trek, you might have to pay 0.50$- 3$ for a sealed bottle of water. Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-2$ per liter and 3$- 5$ for a large pot.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water, purified by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended method of purifying water.

Electricity facility.

Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Everest region has been providing electricity and access to the Internet.

The lower part of the Everest region (Lukla, Phakding, Namche) is hydroelectrically powered, thus you can enjoy free electricity and internet service but as you climb up to the higher part of Everest Region, they rely on solar power electricity so there will be no charging socket in your room. There is a commonplace for charging, and you will be charged extra from the use of electricity for charging on different bases and voltages of your device.

Charging a mobile phone cost 1.5$- 5$ per hour (from Dingboche onward)

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is needed to contact your family, friends, and employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.

Everest link has been providing an internet facility throughout the Everest region.

You can purchase an Everest Link WI-FI card at the lodges and use the Everest Link hotspots to connect to the internet anywhere on the path within Everest Region.

Cost of Everest Link WI-FI card:

-10GB= NRP 2000/ 17$

-20GB= NRP 3000/ 25$

(Valid for 30 days)

NCell and NTC cellular service has been providing the network and internet facilities in Everest Region. You can buy the NCell or NTC sim card from the stores either in Kathmandu for 1$ or in Lukla and Namche Bazaar for 3$-4$. By taking data packages you can use the internet from NCell and NTC up to Tengboche. So, it’s better to take the Everest link Wi-fi card if you want an internet facility up to Ama Dablam base camp.

NTC cellular service is most preferred over NCell. NTC provides good service and signal connectivity, in comparison to NCell.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID Lamp).
• As possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and WI-FI off.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu. In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar we will stay in lodges. For the rest of the stop, we stay at teahouses.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Bread butter, Eggs, Oatmeal, Porridge, Tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- from Kathmandu airport to hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.

By Air- Flight to Nepal.

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. We will do all the escorting. We are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed local Sherpa guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication skills. We will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you to Ama Dablam Base camp. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged for 2 people.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with us throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. We need to start our trek early to avoid the scorching sun as in midafternoon the wind gets stronger compared to morning in higher altitudes.

You’ll wander along the trail enjoying the scenery, clicking photos, creating memories, passing by other travelers, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.

On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse where we stay has a large common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet many travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give a short briefing about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk and so on.

You will walk for a minimum of 3hrs to maximum 7hrs during this trek in a day. During the acclimatization day, hike around the small peak or viewpoints. At night enjoy the view of sparkling stars floating in the clear sky above the cold wind. Every stop might not be iconic but these 12 days trek to Ama Dablam Base camp will give you unforgettable emotions. Your hard walk will be paid off on reaching each destination with lifelong memories.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 2 months because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR 2, 00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note: 15 days visa cost USD 30. Our trip is for 12 days, so you can apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50 so that if you want you can spend more time in Nepal.

Entry permits and Requirements

The Entry permits that you need for the trekking in the Everest region are;

Note A Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit must be obtained from the Rural Municipality desk at the Lukla checkpoint.

Permits for the Sagarmatha National Park can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu, and from the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate at Monjo. To save time, we recommend that you obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit in Kathmandu.

For more information about Trekking Permit here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get these Trekking permits.

• Complete the form with your passport details.
• 2 Passport size photo.
• 2 Photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months.

For more information contact us.

Trekking in Nepal is not less than an adventurous and sometimes dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. So, before visiting Nepal for trekking trekkers need to have travel insurance.  During this 12 days Ama Dablam Base Camp trek you might come across some physical injury, illness, sudden accident during the trek and all the medical expenses and loss has to be bear by yourselves.

So, you need to have a travel insurance that will cover all your risk up to the altitude of 4,600 m (Ama Dablam base camp).

Choose an insurance policy that cover all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen of baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 5,600m.

You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You can get your travel insurance in either your home country or Nepal.

As the Everest region is not only the gateway to Mount Everest but is also the homeland of Sherpa. Besides being called the mountainous region, the Everest region is also known for the Sherpa’s traditions; cultures, Tibetan culture, and eco-friendly environment. Mt. Ama Dablam means “Mother’s Necklace”. In the country where mothers are worshiped, Mt. Ama Dablam has its importance in the heart of the Sherpa people. Majority of People in the Everest region practice Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

You have to respect the local people, their culture, religion and try to limit any negative activities that will impact their local culture and environment. You can learn some Nepali greetings words to greet them respectfully. We expect you to dispose of the plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles) properly. You might encounter many rare species (Lophophorus, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Blood Pleasant, Himalayan Monals, Martens, Tibetan Snowcock, Golden Eagle, and some others) during this trek, you rather not disturbed them. All travelers should travel responsibly in these regions. While visiting the monasteries you have to follow the rules of the monastery. Ask for permission before entering and to click the photo in any monasteries.

Your one small step towards them can make a big impact and change on them and their daily life. Your responsible travel will lead to sustainable tourism in Nepal.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• 2 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• 3-4 pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• 2 pairs of hiking shorts and pants.
• 2 fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and pants.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 4-5 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses and eyeshade.

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50 liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 1-2litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Crampons (if you are trekking in the Winter season, Jan-Feb).
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID lamp).
• Stuff sacks, plastic bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Deodorants.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Bandage.
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets.
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the rainy season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded trekking clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Note– Kathmandu- Lukla flight has a luggage allowance of 15 – 20 kg per person. For extra baggage, they charge 2$ – 3$ per kg. So, you can wear your trekking boots and jacket to reduce the weight. Have a hand carry bag for your passport, money, medicine, and pair of clothing. You can leave some unnecessary items in a hotel in Kathmandu also.