Highlights
Ama Dablam captivates anyone who sets eyes on her. The Everest region will leave you fascinated and wanting more. This trek into Ama Dablam has it all. Culture, adventure, and world-class mountain viewing
Ama Dablam
GRADE
Strenuous
TRIP DURATION
21 Days
BEST SEASON
March to May & Sep. to November.
Maximum Altitude
6189 Meters
The Trek
A great combination and adventure with proper acclimatisation and orientation within the high Khumbu area, before the classic climb to the summit at 6,184 m and 22, 355 ft high peak of Ama-Dablam. Ama-Dablam in the Sherpa and Tibetan languages means “Mother with Jewel Box” certainly it looks like a Mother with great flanks of smaller peaks as the shoulder of the main peak with a huge Iceberg attached to the neck of the mountain, looking like a small jewel box. Ama Dablam (6,814m), situated at the top above the Imja Khola valley in the Khumbu, just above the summer settlement of Dingboche and on the southeastern area from the village of Pangboche, is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains in the whole of the Himalaya and probably in the world. It is slowly becoming popular among hardy adventurers and mountaineers to climb this beautiful peak, which is of high technical effort from either side of this mountain, perched near the Imjatse Valley and Panch Pokhari region. The Mt. Ama-Dablam expedition offers a superb climbing experience in a magnificent setting, with Buddhist culture and scenic diversion.
The mountain’s impressive beauty has made it a highly coveted prize for climbers. Since its first ascent in 1961 by an Anglo-American New Zealand team, it has been climbed frequently and by many different routes. White Hill Adventure route will be by the original southwest Ridge. This provides excellent climbing, sustained at a reasonable level of difficulty, and with good camp platforms at strategic points along the route. Mt. Ama-Dablam Climbing Expeditions starts with a short flight to Lukla, the start and endpoint of all adventure destinations around Khumbu and the Everest region. The walk begins through the lovely farm villages of Sherpas, visiting Ghat, Phakding, and Monjo to reach the famous Namche Bazaar. At Namche with a rest day for acclimatisation and a short excursion, our adventure continues, leading into enchanting rhododendron-pines and fir forest with views of Mt. Everest-Amadablam-Tharmarsku-Kwangde and many other close peaks. The trek leads to the famous Thyangboche Monastery, a beautiful place with mountain views and forest surrounding. From this area, the tree line declines as the walk leads to the windswept dry country towards Everest base camp through several nice villages of Pangboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche settlements. On reaching Everest base camp, enjoy the gorgeous views of mountains with Khumbu ice-falls and glaciers. Our adventure continues towards Ama-Dablam with a climb to Kalapathar for outstanding views of mountains with Everest at a mere distance.
Accommodation:
You will arrive in Kathmandu, where you will be greeted, and 3* hotel accommodation will be provided. On the trek, the accommodation will be in lodges or what is known as a teahouse (Mountain hut). All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and at an additional cost. Lodges in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, please note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations, but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded or downgraded in Kathmandu.
Food:
On your trek, you will experience authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as more common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Lodge, where we spend the night, and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided while trekking, while only breakfast will be provided in Kathmandu.
Electricity facilities in the trekking lodge:
Some villages will have hydropower lines, but most commonly there will be a solar power system. There are likely to be battery charging facilities in most of the Lodges, but for these facilities, there may be a separate charge (a cost of about 1USD for 1hour of charge).
Outline itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Adventure Magic Treks will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in and taking time to refresh, you’ll head out in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant, where you’ll receive a brief orientation about the journey ahead before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 02: Drive to Beshishahar, Jeep to Syange (830m)
This morning, you’ll leave Kathmandu and begin your journey toward the Annapurna region. A scenic drive through rural Nepal takes you to Beshishahar, passing terraced fields, hillside villages, and winding river valleys. From there, you’ll transfer to a shared jeep for the final stretch to Syange, where you’ll settle in for the night and prepare for the start of your trek.
Day 03: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m) – 5–6 hours
Leaving Syange, the trail climbs gradually toward Jagat before crossing a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. A steeper ascent leads you to Tal, a riverside village set in a dramatic gorge with waterfalls and wide, sandy riverbanks.
From here, the path continues upstream along rocky terrain, crossing several bridges and passing small teahouses as you make your way toward Dharapani, one of the larger settlements on this section of the circuit. You’ll spend the night here in a local lodge. Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m – 04 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Chame (2,710m) – 6–7 hours
Today, the trail leads you steadily higher toward Chame, with the landscape, climate, and culture gradually shifting as you gain altitude. The path climbs through pine forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the route with distinctly Tibetan‑influenced architecture.
From here, the ascent continues through Danaque and into more alpine terrain, passing farms, orchards, and beautiful stretches of forest with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Following the Marshyangdi River upstream and passing the villages of Latamanang and Koto, you’ll reach Chame, the administrative centre of Manang District, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by impressive mountain scenery.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3,200m) – 5–6 hours
Today’s trail follows the northern bank of the Marshyangdi River, winding through pine forests and small villages before reaching the orchard settlement of Bhartang, known for its apple gardens. From here, a gradual path leads to a bridge, followed by a short, steeper climb through the forest to Dhukur Pokhari, a scenic ridge where you’ll stop for lunch.
Leaving the tree line behind, you’ll enjoy striking views of Pisang Peak and the Chulu range as the trail descends gently for about an hour into Pisang, a windswept village set beneath dramatic cliffs. In the evening, you can visit Upper Pisang to explore its Tibetan‑style houses and monastery, along with panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the valley below.
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,500m) – 4–5 hours
The day begins with a gentle walk through pine forests and open scenery before the trail rises to a ridge offering your first sweeping view of the Manang Valley. From this vantage point, you’ll see Humde’s small airstrip below and a stunning panorama of Gangapurna, Annapurna II and III, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East, and Pisang Peak behind you.
Continuing onward, the path leads to Humde and then to Braga, a village known for its traditional Tibetan‑style houses and impressive monastery filled with statues, thangkas, and ancient manuscripts. From Braga, it’s an easy final hour to Manang, where you’ll settle in for the night in this high‑altitude hub of the Annapurna region.
Day 07: Acclimatisation Day in Manang (3,500m)
Today is set aside for acclimatisation, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude while you explore the beautiful surroundings of Manang. This large village of flat‑roofed houses sits beneath an impressive panorama of Himalayan giants—Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range all rising dramatically around the valley.
You can spend the day wandering through the village, enjoying the scenery, or visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association for helpful information about high‑altitude travel. With time to rest, take short walks, or even catch a local movie screening, this acclimatisation day prepares you for the higher trails ahead.
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m) – 3–4 hours
After your time in Manang, the trail climbs gradually toward Tenki Manang, offering close‑up views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. From here, the path continues to rise gently through open terrain dotted with juniper bushes—the hardy vegetation that survives at this altitude.
With steady, scenic walking and ever‑expanding mountain views, you’ll make your way to Yak Kharka, a quiet high‑altitude settlement where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the approach toward Thorong La.
Day 09: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,400m) – 3–4 hours
Today’s walk is steady and unhurried as you make your way toward Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the crossing of Thorong La. The trail begins with a gradual ascent to Ledar, where the views of the surrounding peaks and rugged landscape remain as striking as ever.
From Ledar, the path continues along the eastern bank of the Jorsang Khola before descending to a wooden bridge and a small teahouse—an ideal spot for a short rest. The route then follows a narrow track across a loose, sloping hillside, requiring careful footing as you approach the cluster of lodges at Thorong Phedi.
Meaning “foot of the hill,” Phedi is a fitting name for this high‑altitude outpost, where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the long climb to Thorong La in the morning.
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La (5,416m) – 7–8 hours
Today is the most demanding and rewarding day of the entire trek. You’ll begin before sunrise, moving at a steady, comfortable pace as the trail climbs steeply toward High Camp. As the first light touches the surrounding peaks, you’ll continue the long ascent to Thorong La, reaching the pass after 3–4 hours of determined climbing. Standing at 5,416m, the views across the Mustang region and the distant Kali Gandaki Valley are unforgettable.
After a short break to take in the panorama, the trail descends steadily into the Mustang side of the mountains. The long downhill leads you toward the sacred village of Muktinath, where you’ll arrive after 7–8 hours of trekking and settle into a lodge for a well‑earned rest.
Day 11: Visit Muktinath Temple & Drive to Tatopani (1,800m)
In the morning, you’ll visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. After exploring the temple complex and its peaceful surroundings, you’ll begin the scenic drive toward Tatopani, a journey of around four hours.
Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs, a welcome reward after days of high‑altitude trekking. You’ll have time to relax in the warm pools, wander the village, and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m) – 5–6 hours
After enjoying the hot springs of Tatopani, the trail begins with a descent to a suspension bridge crossing the Kali Gandaki River. Once over the bridge, the path follows the river briefly before reaching a junction where the wider trail continues toward Beni. Here, you’ll turn left and begin a long uphill climb.
The first section is steep, rising through terraced farmland and small villages before easing into a more gradual ascent for the rest of the day. As you gain height, the landscape shifts into dense rhododendron forests—one of the most beautiful sections of the lower Annapurna region.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ghorepani, a colourful village known for its sweeping mountain views and its position below the famous Poon Hill viewpoint. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse surrounded by forest and high peaks.
Day 13: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Chuile – 6 hours
Before dawn, you’ll begin the 40‑minute ascent to Poon Hill (3,210m), walking through rhododendron forest as the sky begins to glow. From the summit, you’ll enjoy one of the most celebrated viewpoints in the Annapurna region—an unobstructed sunrise over a sweeping panorama that stretches from the distant Dolpo peaks to Dhaulagiri, the full Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and all the way toward Manaslu.
After taking in the sunrise, you’ll return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing your trek toward Chuile. The trail winds through forested ridges and small settlements, offering changing views and a peaceful atmosphere as you make your way to this quiet village for the night.
Day 14: Trek to Sinuwa (2,100m) – 5–6 hours
From Chuile, the trail descends toward the Kimrong Khola, offering beautiful views of the upper Modi Valley. After crossing the suspension bridge, the path climbs steadily to Gurjung, a small village where you can pause for a break before continuing the ascent.
A further uphill stretch brings you to Chhomrong (2,210m), the largest Gurung settlement in the region and a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. After lunch here, the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola before rising again through forested slopes to reach Sinuwa, a quiet ridge‑top settlement where you’ll spend the night.
Day 15: Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,840m)
After breakfast, the trail leads you deeper into the upper Modi Khola Valley, following a forested path toward the higher reaches of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You’ll descend through thick bamboo and rhododendron forest to Bamboo, then continue to Dovan, where you can pause for lunch in this quiet, shaded gorge.
From Dovan, the route climbs steadily through lush, uninhabited woodland, with the sound of the river echoing below. After a final ascent, you’ll reach Himalaya Hotel (2,840m), a peaceful stop nestled beneath steep valley walls, where you’ll spend the night before continuing toward the heart of the Sanctuary.
After breakfast, the trail continues upward through the upper Modi Khola valley. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hinku Cave and cross a ravine beneath an avalanche-prone slope before reaching Deurali (3,000m). From here, the valley opens as you follow the path toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch surrounded by dramatic views of the sacred Fishtail Peak.
In the afternoon, the trail leads you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. A steady ascent across a windswept moraine brings you to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), a breathtaking natural amphitheatre encircled by towering peaks. With 360‑degree views of snow‑covered giants, this is one of the most spectacular settings in the Himalayas.
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore, take photographs, and simply absorb the immense beauty of the Sanctuary before settling in for the night at ABC.
Day 17: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m) – 5 hours
Wake early to watch the sunrise illuminate Annapurna I, a breathtaking moment as the first light spills across the peaks of the Sanctuary. After enjoying the morning views, you’ll begin retracing your steps down the valley.
The descent takes you back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and the forested gorge toward Bamboo, where a handful of lodges sit tucked among dense bamboo and rhododendron. After the long but rewarding walk, you can relax in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the evening views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free for last‑minute shopping, relaxing, or enjoying any remaining time in Kathmandu before your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore the nearby markets or simply unwind at your hotel. When it’s time to depart, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Himalayan adventure.
Contact
For any inquiries please email
