28 Dec 2020 Prakash Devkota
Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp is one of the best side treks of the Everest region. If you are already in the Everest region and searching for side treks then this trek is for you.
You will be hiking from Pangboche to the base of Mount Ama Dablam. Climbing Mount Ama Dablam is graded as one of the challenging peaks on earth under 7000 m.
Your trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp takes you through several traditional Sherpa villages. And lets you walk in some of the exotic and unspoiled routes of the Khumbu region.
You get to see several beautiful mountains from the Ama Dablam Base Camp. Such as Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Kangtega, and many more. You also get to visit one of the oldest monasteries of Khumbu in Pangboche.
You can combine this trek with the traditional Everest Base Camp trek as well. The side trek allows experiencing the unique culture of this region. So do not miss out on it.
When is the Best time to Visit Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp?
Spring and Autumn season is the best time to visit the Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp. During these seasons, the weather and temperature are very favorable for trekking on these routes.
The months from March to May and September to November fall under these seasons. They are the peak season of the year. During these times, the routes are packed with trekkers from around the globe.
These are the months when the skies are clear and the views are splendid. During these seasons, the days are sunny and bright making your walks comfortable. While nights are chill giving you a wonderful view of the starry sky.
Winter and Monsoon season are also suitable for trekking. But there are several weather complications during these times. So many trekkers do not choose these seasons.
The weather is very cold during winter but the daytime is warm and the skies are clear. But with proper preparation, you can do this trek. So, if you can handle cold climates you might find this season fun.
As for the monsoon, it is time for heavy rainfall. So, the routes are muddy and slippery in lower regions while dry in high elevation. Also, the routes are less crowded making the trek peaceful this time of the year. So, if you want privacy, monsoon is a great choice for trekking.
Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp Itinerary
As this is a side trek, the Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp itinerary begins from Pangboche. Written below is the detailed itinerary of this trek to give you a brief knowledge about its routes.
Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp and Back to Pangboche
Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 4600 m above sea level
Pangboche is one of the oldest villages situated at a high altitude in the Khumbu region. This beautiful village lies about 115 m higher than Tengboche village and is larger than it.
Located on a hill, this village is the rest stop for trekkers and climbers visiting the Aba Dablam. This village is quite popular for its ancient monastery. Also, the native village to a well-known guide (Sungdare Sherpa) who submitted Everest 5 times.
Waking up early, you visit the ancient monastery to see the morning prayer. Then returning, you have your breakfast and begin your Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp trek.
Walking out of the city, you make a steep descent towards Imja Khola. Then crossing a suspension bridge over the river, you climb the trails for about two hours or so.
The trail takes you to open yak pastures from where you walk towards a small lake. These routes are far less visited by trekkers making it exotic and unspoiled. Following the paths and making gradual climbs, you reach Ama Dablam Base Camp.
This base camp is one of the incredible places of the Khumbu Valley. On your way here, you will see several magnificent peaks. Such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, Thamserku, Cholatse, and many more.
Standing on the base of Ama Dablam feels you with joy and excitement. You can also see a stream flowing between the meadow. Have your lunch, viewing the beautiful mount Ama Dablam and scenarios around.
After that, you get ready to leave this beauty behind and head back to Pangboche. Retracing your steps, you arrive at your destination. Stay the night here.
Pangboche to Phortse
Trekking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3680 m above sea level
Today you will be trekking towards Phortse from Pangboche. The trails between these villages are filled with the marvelous beauty of nature. Let’s hope the weather stays clear this day for an outstanding experience.
You begin the journey by climbing past the ancient monastery in Upper Pangboche. Then making several up and down walks, you make a slight climb for about an hour.
Then from here onwards, you will be walking down steeply following the trail through a narrow cliff. Along the way, you get to see the stunning view of Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other.
Following the trails, you also see the 360-degree panoramic view of Khumblia and Kongde Ri. These peaks encircle the trails from across the valley. The walks in these trials are comfortable and easy this day.
Now you make a slight climb to a ridge that gives you a beautiful view of Tengboche Monastery, Namche valley, and several peaks. Viewing these scenarios, you walk down the trails and reach Phortse village.
Before arriving here, you will pass through several terraced fields. These fields are home to the bright colored pheasant known as Danphe which is the national bird of Nepal.
Phortse is an authentic Sherpa village that lies off the main circuit routes. This place gives a stunning view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. You stay here for the night.
Phortse to Monjo
Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2845 m above sea level
After a peaceful night, you will be heading towards Monjo from Phortse. This day’s trek is filled with stunning views of Mount Ama Dablam for the last time. So, enjoy your walk along with the beauty of nature.
You start the trek by steeply dropping down to Dudh Koshi River. Then crossing a suspension bridge over it, you enter a dense yet magnificent forest of rhododendrons.
Walking the forest path, you pass several waterfalls and cross small bridges over the river. Then after walking for some time, you again enter the forest of pines which is home to the musk deers.
Trekking onwards, you head to the junction of the trinity trails that lead to Gokyo, Khumjung, and Namche. From here, you follow the trail towards Namche Bazaar passing lowland porters, highland Sherpa, and Tibetan people.
Arriving at Namche, you descend the trail to Larja Dovan via pine forest. This is the final time you get a glimpse of Everest and Lhotse on this route. Crossing a small wooden bridge, you drop in the trails and walk on the banks of the river.
Again crossing the river, you continue your trek till Jorsale and make a slight climb in the trails. Then re-crossing a suspension bridge, you make a short gradual climb and arrive at Monjo.
If you are lucky you might be able to spot several endangered animals on this trail. During the evenings, you can explore the village and view the marvelous scenery.
Stay here for the night.
Monjo to Lukla
Maximum Altitude: 2860 m above sea level
This is your last day in the Everest region. Today you trek towards Lukla from Monjo. This day’s trek has more of ascending in it as Lukla lies about 1000 feet above Phakding.
You begin by making a slight descend in the trail. Then crossing over the Dudh Koshi river you make a short easy walk to Benkar. From here onwards, the trails have several ups and downs along the Dudh Koshi valley.
Then re-crossing the river via suspension bridge you arrive at Phakding. From here there is a short descend in the trail for some time. Then making gradual climbs you reach Ghat walking past several Buddhist setups.
Then continue walking on level ground and make a steep climb to Thado Koshi. From here, you make a short descend and cross a long suspension bridge over the river.
Moving forward, you make a climb on the trail and reach Chablung. Then walking through scrub forest, you make a final climb up to Lukla. You can see several inns and houses upon your arrival.
Lukla is the starting and ending point for most of the Everest region treks. You can explore the town and visit souvenir shops as well. Spend your time having fun and enjoying the moments.
Stay here for the night.
Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Today is your final day of the Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp trek. Today you fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Waking up early, you freshen up and head towards the airport.
Then boarding your flights, you soar into the blue sky. As you look out your window, you get to see several peaks and valleys lost in fogs below. Looking at these marvelous scenarios, you arrive at Kathmandu.
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel. We hope you had a wonderful time on this journey from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Saying farewells the journey ends here.
How Difficult is the route from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp?
This is a moderate level hike from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp. The routes are not very harsh nor too easy. However, they are suitable for both novice and professionals level climbers.
If this is your first trek at high altitude, then you might find the routes pretty hard. But it is quite opposite for the experienced trekkers. For beginners, walking for hours and making gradual climbs can be tiring.
Also, trekking in up, down, twist, and turn routes is a challenging task for newcomers. You need to be physically and mentally fit to trek in these routes. Doing this trek with any health complication can be fatal for one.
As for the professionals, it can be quite easy as they have prior experience at walking in high elevations. They might even reach the destination an hour or about minutes earlier.
Completing this trek requires huge stamina and a peaceful mind. So, you will be needing physical training to increase your stamina and meditation to calm your mind.
Various Other Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp Difficulty
Below are some of the factors that add up into the difficulty level of Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp.
Altitude Sickness
One of the common difficulties faced in Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp is Altitude sickness. When traveling at an altitude above 4000 m most trekkers suffer from it.
But you do not need to panic as it depends on each individual and not everyone gets it. Usually, acclimatization is held to low the chances of suffering from altitude sickness.
Some of the common symptoms are headache, vomiting, nausea, sleeping difficulty, breathing difficulty, and many more. If you notice any of these symptoms immediately inform your guide. But if you are traveling alone then quickly head down to lower elevations.
Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp Weather and Temperature
Weather and temperature are very unpredictable when trekking in high elevations. It can be sunny and warm during the mornings and windy by noon. No one can pinpoint the climatic changes of the Himalayas.
However, the weather and temperature play a major role in how your trek will turn out to be. If the skies are clear, bright, and warm you get to enjoy the marvelous view of the peaks and landscapes.
This difficulty is mostly faced during the monsoon season. As the views are clouded by dark skies for most of the days. It might be dry in high elevation but the obstructed views can be a disappointment for trekkers.
Food and water
Finding food and water in these trails can be quite a task for trekkers. As there are not many shops or hotels on these routes. You might find the next shop in about 2 to 3-hour duration sometimes.
Also, you might not find the drinks and foods of your choice in these trails. Western food is completely out of options. While soft drinks are also rarely found in a few of the shops.
You will find bottled water in every shop but they are very expensive in high regions. One bottle of water can cost you about 1$ each which is triple its price from the lower region.
So, always fill your bottle before starting your trek and carry two bottles if possible.
Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
