Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek - 8 days

The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek lies in the eastern, Everest region. The trek offers scenic scenery and gorgeous mountain views. But the trail to this beautiful trek is not easy. The trail is made of rugged and rocky terrains. You will have to climb uphill and downhill. Some sections have steep sections that further add to the trek’s difficulty.

The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek duration is 8 days. It is a short trek duration. However, you will have to trek long hours. You may have to walk around 6 to 7 hours a day while on trek. Similarly, you have to cross several suspension bridges while on trek.

Another factor that can add to the trek’s difficulty is the high altitude. The base camp is situated at an elevation of 4600 meters. It is comparatively lower than many other trekking destinations in Nepal. But there is still the risk of altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar serves as an acclimatization stop. Some trekkers can be affected more severely by altitude sickness than others. At such times, trekkers may have to descend immediately to lower regions.

Despite the difficulty, the mountains and scenery will provide some comfort during the trek. Trekkers will need a good level of fitness to take on the challenge of Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. In addition to the physical preparation, trekkers have to be mentally prepared. It helps to make the trek more comfortable and enjoyable.

The accommodations generally found during Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek are tea houses, lodges, and guest houses. The locals run these accommodations. The facilities are basic but these lodges are cozy and comfortable. These facilities include shared rooms, mattresses, bedsheets, pillows, blankets, and a shared bathroom. These places have common dining spaces with large stoves for food heating purposes in the middle.

In Namche Bazaar, there are more selection of accommodations available. In addition to budget-friendly accommodations, there are also luxury accommodations. The luxury accommodations are pricer. But they provide wider rooms with attached bathrooms. The facilities can include heating blankets, hot water/shower facilities, heaters, etc.

It is important to intake carb and protein-filled meals during the trek. The nutritious food helps to keep the trekkers energized for the challenging trek. There may not be a variety of menus available at higher elevations. You will find the staple meal, the Nepali Dal Bhat at almost every teahouses and lodges. It is a high-carb and protein meal that includes steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickles, and sometimes non-veg items.

In addition to the local delicacies, you can also find Western cuisines. Some of the menu items may be porridge, pancakes, bread (Tibetan or chapati), momo (dumplings), pizza, soups, spaghetti, stew, sandwiches, dessert items, and more. The accommodations usually provide the meals. You can find cafes and restaurants at Namche Bazaar.

It is important to eat healthy and nutritious food. Likewise, it is important to stay hydrated. It helps to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Avoid excess intake of caffeine, alcoholic beverages, chocolate drinks, and smoking tobacco.

Hillary Step Treks’ 8 Days Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek package arranges your accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.

Trekkers need a few documents and permits for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. It includes the following:

Visa

Foreigners need a visa for trekking. You can get the visa before arriving in Nepal or on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your passport needs to have at least six months remaining before expiry.

You will also need a passport-size photo. It is possible to fill out a tourist visa form online before your arrival. But you can also fill out the form after arriving at the airport’s Kiosk machine. Major currencies like American dollars, Pounds, and Euros are acceptable for payment.

The cost for visas is as follows:

• 15 days (single entry): USD 30
• 30 days (single entry): USD 50
• 90 days (single entry): USD 125

Travel Insurance

Trekkers need travel insurance for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. The insurance should cover medical and emergency expenses. Likewise, it should also cover high-altitude medical expenses including altitude sickness and helicopter rescue. Travel insurance provides safety nets for trekkers.

Aside from the medical and emergency rescue expenses, travel insurance can also cover other expenses. It can cover baggage loss, damage or loss of electronics, trip postponement, and cancellation. It is important to understand the policy of travel insurance before getting one. The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the types and coverage it provides.

Permits

Trekkers need two types of permits for the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. You will need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.

The TIMS card is required by trekkers for any trekking destination in Nepal. It records the information of the trekkers to ensure their safety. It can be obtained through government-licensed trekking agencies. The card costs NPR 300 for SAARC nationals and NPR 1000 (USD 20) for non-SAARC nationals.

The Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek goes through the Sagarmatha National Park. Hence, you will need a national park entry permit to get access to the park trail. It is best to obtain the permit before your trek via a travel agency. However, it can also be obtained at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance. The permit costs around USD 28 per person.

Hillary Step Treks’ 8 Days Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek package includes the TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.