Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

Ama Dablam captivates anyone who sets eyes on her.
Trekking into the Everest region will leave you fascinated and wanting more. This Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is designed for people who want to trek to lower altitudes and also maximize their experience in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
This trek into Ama Dablam has it all. Culture, adventure and world class mountain viewing. We have designed this trek for people who want to enjoy the best of the Everest region along with making the trekking days shorter.

You will see the itinerary at the bottom along with further information but just CONTACT US and start gathering all the information you need to make this special journey trekking to Ama Dablam Base Camp. This cost of the trip is $2,750.



Tips & Advice

1). Our Team

We have four guides for every group of ten trekkers on the trail!  This is not the norm in the region and we do this because we want to make sure all of our teams have the best chance at safely reaching their goal.  With more staff on the trail with your team, they will be able to more efficiently manage your safety on the trail and also give you a better experience along the way.

We do not outsource any of our treks and we have our own office in Kathmandu and our own staff who manage all of our trips.  Therefore, this gives us far more consistency in our service on the ground. We have world class climbing Sherpa’s working with us and therefore, this helps us offer you quality treks, climbs and expeditions on every trip. Why not join one of our sleeping at Everest Base Camp Treks.

2). Supporting the Community

We continue to support the local community and have helped to establish the Goli Village Trust in Nepal.  This was put into place after the earthquake in 2015, when the Village where many of our staff have come from was devastated.  We have built four schools in the Goli region and we have placed stoves in over 200 homes. We do need donations and help, therefore if you would like to donate, set up a trek to the village, give funds, clothes or school items, then get in touch. Please let us know and we can help you figure out how you can best help!

3). Quality Trips

We run only run quality treks with more staff, better lodges and better food. Read some REVIEWS from our trips. You can also watch our Food and Accommodation video for further information. A lot of times people are only given the same food each day for every meal, and we don’t do this.  You are allowed to pick what you eat for each meal to make sure that your dietary needs are met.

We pay our staff correctly and do not over load them with weight. Also, we use Yaks to carry all the loads where possible and we do not cut corners on any aspects of our treks or climbs. There will be a maximum of 10 people per group on our trips and we have 4 guides and support staff for 10 people.

4). Expert Training Advice

We offer personal service with training advice for our clients, 5 days a week. A lot of people underestimating trekking at high altitude, and rely on helicopters to get them out of the region when they become too tired to continue. We do not want to see this happen with our trips.  Therefore, we want to make sure that you have the best information on how to complete the trek safely and successfully.

There are some long 8 hour days, covering over 20km with over 700m/ 2,296 feet of up and down hill on steps or stairs while on the trail. We have professional training advice available to you 5 days a week. All you have to do is e-mail us at info@iantaylortrekking.com, and we can schedule calls with you as often as needed once you sign up to our trips.

5). 25 Years Experience

We have years of experience managing teams on the ground in Nepal. Our head guide has been at the forefront of tourism in Nepal for over 25 years. He is well connected on the ground with access to all the key organization and authorities. He is also passionate about the Sherpa culture, experience and preserving these traditions.

Anyone who has trekked with Dawa Chirri Sherpa will never forget it! Even if you just get to spend time in Kathmandu with him, you will love and cherish the experience. Dawa is married to Kay from Scotland, and they run our office together in Kathmandu.  All of our clients joining trips to Everest Base Camp will experience the hospitality and quality service  we have to offer.

6). Fully Trained Staff

All of our guides hold current Wilderness First Aid Certificates.  They are able to get you the help you need in case of an emergency. Also, our guides will carry satellite and local phones with them.  We bring oxygen on all our treks and climbs and the tea houses we use also house supplies of oxygen for emergencies. We lead climbs on Island peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche, Tent Peak, North Col, Cho Oyu and so many more. You need to have access to oxygen and team who have additional support staff members available to assist you while you are on the trek to Ama Dablam. Read some REVIEWS from our treks.

7). Quality Gear

We use quality, North Face Tents on all our trekking and mountaineering itineraries in Nepal. We do have the option for a single tent for your night sleeping in Base Camp, however all accommodation are on a shared basis.  Our Ama Dablam Treks are in the better lodges, however, if you are in a private group, you can chose to camp all the way if you prefer.

8). 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu

We include two nights in a hotel in four star hotel in Kathmandu.  One night before your trek and one night after.  All of our trips are on a shared basis, but if you prefer a single room, this can be offered at an additional cost. We use the encore hotel in Thamel, which is the main tourist district of the city.

9). Better Lodges

There is a wide range of accommodations in the Everest Region.  Some of these are of a very poor quality/standard and we stay away from those!  We use the better accommodations when available.  All of the tea houses we use come with a pillow and comforter on your bed.  You still need to have your own sleeping bag with you, but these better tea houses will provide a cleaner and more comfortable option along the way. We use Hotel Namche for the four nights we spend in Namche Bazaar. Three nights on the way up and one night on the way down the trail. Sleeping is a very important part of the acclimatization process and therefore getting to bed early and getting as much rest as possible is very important.

10). More Acclimatization

We have learned after years of experience that people need more time to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen, in order to have a safe and successful trip.  Therefore, we now include three nights in Namche Bazaar at 3,500m/ 11,500 feet.  This will help to give your body the time it needs to acclimatize correctly.  Most companies are not doing this and we have seen over the years that it is a main factor in why more people on our trips are making it to Base Camp!

Have the Right Acclimatization Process

Our trips to Ama Dablam Base Camp have three nights of acclimatization in Namche Bazaar, which is at the critical acclimatization point on the trail.  All research on high altitude says that if you acclimatize well at the critical point of 3,500m/ 11,500 feet, you will benefit higher on the trip.  You are giving yourself more time at that elevation,  producing more red blood cells, which then gives you the best chance of success higher up.  Having an additional nights acclimatization will give you the best chance at being successful, and give you a safer, more enjoyable experience in the Everest region. After all the training/preparations, why risk getting serious altitude sickness.  CLICK HERE for more information on our itinerary!

1). Pacing, Heart Rates and Attention to Breathing

If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp on an Ian Taylor Trekking trip, then you will have 3 nights in Namche Bazaar on the way up the trail, which will give you a safer and more enjoyable experience going to altitude. All we ask is you come in excellent physical shape. On the trail, you need to maintain a slow pace that our guides set. You need to focus on deep breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. If you do these things, then you should be able to keep your heart rate as low as possible.

2). Keep a Close Eye on your Surroundings

There are many objective dangers on different parts of the trek. People, porters, yaks, donkeys, rock fall and landslides are just a few of these dangers you may encounter.  In order to avoid injury, need to make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.  You also need to watch each step you take in risky areas. Your personal safety has to be your main concern at all times on the trail. Always stay on the mountain side of the trail and away from any drop offs.

3). Always Stay on the Mountain Side of the Trail

You need to be aware of your foot placement and stay away from the edge of the trail at all times. There are no railings, and with large numbers of trekkers, animals and porters carrying heavy loads, you never want to risk being pushed off the trail.  Therefore, you  always want to stand on the mountain side of the trail, NOT the drop off side. Stay well away from drop offs at all times. There are some serious and dangerous landslide areas on the trail. You need to move through dangerous areas very quickly, and our staff will help to manage you safely through them.

4). Walk in Single File in Risky Areas

Always walk single file as yaks and animals sometimes come out of nowhere and you need to be able to stay well out of their way. Using a trekking pole, placed out in front of you, can help steer yaks around you and your teammates. Just plant the pole out in front of you. Do not wave your trekking pole at any animal or hit them with your trekking poles.

5). Treat ALL Cold Water

When you get cold water in your bottle or bladder on the trail, you MUST treat the water with purification tablets before you drink it. Drinking dirty water can and will ruin your trip.   Therefore, you will want to make sure you have adequate amounts of water purification tablets with you on the trip.  You could also consider using a device like a SteriPen for the trip, however we have found that using the tablets is the easiest/most effective and cheapest option.  If you are served water that has been boiled for tea, coffee, hot chocolate, it will not need to be treated.

6). Exercise is an Important Part of the Acclimatization Process, but you do not want to Fatigue your Muscles

Once you have come on the trip prepared and trained, this should not be a concern. On the trail, you will be walking for twelve or thirteen days straight, with 30% to 50% less oxygen. This will put your muscles, heart and body under a lot of pressure. You do not want to be moving fast up the trail each day, unnecessarily using energy. Our pace will be slow and steady, with plenty of breaks, especially on the longer hills, which can last for 2 hours. You need to regulate your heart rate as you slowly move higher each day. The correct way to breath at altitude is in through your nose and out through your mouth. This technique will be very important to your safety and success on the trip.

7). Drink 4/5 Liters of Water Each Day

When you are training at sea level, you should be drinking a liter of water per hour of exercise.  Therefore, on the trail, you need to be drinking at least 4/5 liters each day. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.  The International Society for mountain medicine defines high altitude as between 1,524m/ 5,000 feet and 3,500m/ 11,500 feet. Very high altitude as between 3,500m/ 11,500 feet and 5,486m/ 18,000 feet. And extreme altitude as any height above 5,486m/ 18,000 feet. The higher you go on the trail, the greater the effects are on your body and therefore, the more important it is to stay hydrated. We dehydrate much faster at high altitude, and when you fail to stay hydrated, you run the risk of altitude sickness and ultimately ruining your trek.

Lower oxygen levels make you breathe in and out faster and more deeply, causing you to lose more water through respiration. According to the wilderness medical society, you lose water through respiration at high altitude twice as quickly as you do at sea level. High altitude can also make you need to urinate more often and can blunt your thirst response, putting you at even greater risk of dehydration.  So make sure you are drinking plenty of water on the trek.

8). Do not Ignore the Signs of Acute Mountain Sickness

Our treks to Everest base have 5 quality days of acclimatization on the trail.  We spend three days in Namche Bazaar at 3,440m/ 11,300 feet and 2 days at Dingbouche 4,400m/ 14,435 feet. You need to be able to manage your ascent safely and never be afraid to let your guide know how you feel. Altitude sickness can kill, so respect the mountains and respect the decisions our guides make. Our guides are trained to deal with altitude sickness, therefore, they have the final word if you need to descend.  If you do get altitude sickness, it will only get better by going to lower altitude.

9). You are Trekking as a Team

You need to look out for yourself and other people around you on your trek. Team work is essential for safe group travel.  Look out for each other and you will enjoy the journey a lot more. If people cannot keep our minimum pace on the trail, then they should be turned around before they become a risk to themselves and the team. Please let the guides know if  you or your team member is feeling unwell.

10). Have the Right Clothing, Gear and Equipment

There are too many people on the trail without the proper trekking equipment.  Wearing cotton clothing, poor quality hiking boots or having small, insufficient day packs and the wrong clothing with minimal water will ruin your trip. The Everest region demands respect. The conditions can be harsh, even in the main trekking seasons of March, April, May, September, October and November.

You must have a proper light weight day pack of approximately 35 liters, with a good waist strap.  It will need to hold 2/3 liters of water, water proof gear, spare layer, poles, sun cream, personal medication, liner gloves, your personal first aid kit and other personal kit you may need.  On any given day it could be hot, cold, rainy, hailing, snowing or windy during the trek. Therefore, you need to make sure you have the right gear each day as you walk up the trail.  We provide our clients with a 35 page Dossier with all recommended gear needed.

11). Manage your Personal Hygiene

There are more and more shower facilities, western toilets, sinks and mirrors than ever before on the trail. There is also better and well prepared food in most of the lodges. On our treks, we use the better quality lodges, however in some villages the lodges are still of lower standards.  You must assume that everything you are touching in the tea houses is dirty.  Therefore, you will need to use hand sanitizer, cut your nails, clean your body and make sure you are limiting the risk of getting sick from dirty hands or touching unclean surfaces. Be aware you are in a remote wilderness location with limited resources and services, so please keep clean for a more enjoyable journey up the trail to Everest Base Camp.




Preparation & Training

Day 1). Fly Into Lukla

The Lukla airport sits at a height of 2,850m/ 9,350 feet.  From there, you will walk through the town before going down hill for 315m/ 1,033 feet.  After that, you will then head back up 315m/ 1,033 feet over uneven terrain.  This hike today will take approximately 6 hours.  We always aim to reach Monjo on the first day of our treks. However, if we arrive late into the mountains, we aim for Phakding, which take 3 hours. There are lots of steps up and down on this part of the trail. Distance: 13km/ 8.8 miles

Day 2). Namche Bazaar

If we have made it to Monjo the day prior, then you will start the day with a hike up 740m/ 2,427 feet up hill, over suspension bridges on uneven terrain to reach Namche Bazaar. There are some short down hill sections on steps and it will take approximately 4 hours to reach Namche.  After crossing through Jorsalle and into the Sagarmatha National park, you drop down hill over another suspension bridge before hiking alongside the river and up steps to the high suspension bridge. From the high bridge you need to pace yourself as it will take two hours, uphill, to reach the village of Namche Bazaar. Distance: 8km/ 5 miles

Day 3). Acclimatization Day

We spend 3 nights in Namche Bazaar, which greatly aids in your acclimatization and therefore gives you a safer and more successful ascent to Everest Base Camp. You hike up 120m/ 400 feet to the Sherpa Museum to acclimatize.  This is just a short 30 minute hike each way.  The team will relax up at this elevation for a few hours, and learn more about the Sherpa culture, the national park and keep adapting to the lower levels of oxygen. Distance: 1km/ .6 miles

Day 4). Acclimatization Day

Today is our second day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar.  Having three nights in Namche gives our clients the best chance of a safe and successful trek to Base Camp. Today, the team will hike up 460m/ 1,500 feet up and 460m/ 1,500 feet downhill.  Today will be approximately three to four hours of trekking. The trail will take the team up and down steep steps up out of Namche Bazaar to Shangbouche Hill.  However, the views from Shangbouche Hill will be worth the effort! More acclimatization will help you as you move higher. Distance: 3km/ 1.8 miles

Day 5). Tengbouche

Today we will hike up out of Namche Bazaar and then traverse the side of the mountain gaining 260m/ 850 feet of elevation.  Then, you will drop down 300m/ 984 feet to the lunch spot.  After lunch, you will have the steep uphill Tengbouche Hill, which is 600m/ 1,968 feet. This hill alone takes 2 hours to get up to Tengbouche. The total time trekking today is about six hours.  This is another challenging day for a lot of people. Pacing, hydration and lots of prior training is needed. Distance: 12km/ 7.5 miles

Putting a Training Plan in Place

There are a few factors you want to consider when planning your training routine. Firstly, you want to look at the daily distances on the trek.  This will show you how far you will have to walk each day, back to back.  Then, start to look at the elevation gains you will have on each day of the trek.  This is going to show you how much up-hill and down-hill you will have each day.  Once you look at both of these factors, and consider the lack of oxygen at high altitude, and you can start to put a training plan in place. CONTACT US and let us help you figure out the right way to be training to build your strength and endurance. Read some REVIEWS from our trips.

What Does The Trek Involve

1). 12+ days of continuous hiking

2). Carrying a backpack with 6+kg/ 12+lbs for hours up and down hills

3). Hiking for a minimum of 4+ hours each day

4). Covering over 5,000m/ 16,000 feet worth of ascent and descent during the journey to base camp and back.

5). On the way back down you will be hiking 20+km/ 12.4 miles per day on uneven terrain up and down hills.

6). All of this will be done at high altitude You will be trekking where there is 30% less oxygen getting to your muscles.  Therefore, your muscles are missing valuable oxygen to help you move, recover and sleep.

Train with Weight on your Back

Essentially, you need to be able to walk 10 miles a day in your training on a multi day basis. Also, your training always needs to be done with a weighted backpack as you built up to the trek. On the trail you will need to have a proper backpack with a good waist strap, and you will carry 6kg+/ 12lbs+ in that pack. In your training, you will want to be comfortable with carrying double that amount of weight.

Daily Distances

Day 1

Arrive into Kathmandu airport. You will have beautiful views over the city as you fly into Kathmandu. You will see the mighty Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. After going through customs, a representative of Ian Taylor Trekking will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We have an early evening briefing to allow you to meet our ground staff and your Trek guide for the trip.

Day 2

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will make an early morning start for the Twin Otter flight to Lukla 2,853m/ 9,360 feet, the gateway to the Khumbu Region. This is an exciting flight, which should give a glimpse of Everest in the distance. In Lukla, we will meet our trek staff, porters or yak herders and set off straightaway for our first night’s stop at Phakding (2,600m/8,500ft). Or continue on to Monjo. Situated on the banks of the Dudh Kosi, which drains the whole of the Khumbu Region, this small hamlet is on the main trade route through the area and there are a number of clean, well-built lodges where we can spend the night.

Day 3

Trek to Namche Bazaar. We will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo where we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. We will then cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and climb steeply for about two hours up ‘Namche Hill’ to reach Namche Bazaar 3,440m/ 11,286 feet. This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region. Many Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares here, and the local market is a fascinating spectacle. This is a good place to buy genuine Tibetan artifacts. Just across the valley to the east stand the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega, both very impressive mountains.

Day 4

Today will be used as an acclimatization day as we need to adjust to the low oxygen levels. We will aim to climb high and sleep low. We will take a stroll up to the Sherpa Museum. The museum is just below 3,600m/ 11,800 feet. We will stay there for a while to gain the additional acclimatization needed for going higher. We will return to our lodge in Namche for lunch. The afternoon can be spent sampling the delights of the Namche bakery! or playing pool in Cafe Danfe. You can also visit Kancha Sherpa, he is the last remaining Sherpa climber from the 1953 Everest Expedition.

Day 5

After an early breakfast we gather our belongings and take a hike up to Shangbouche hill 3,900m/ 12,800 feet with stunning panoramic views of the whole Everest Region. After reaching the view point we make our way downhill to Khumjung 3,790m/ 12,434 feet. We go to our lodge, have time for lunch and then head out to explore the local area. We will visit the Kumjung Monastery famous for its Yeti Scalp. We may also be able to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary School. During this critical acclimatization phase, we will spend time resting and trekking to higher altitudes to aid in the process. This will allow our bodies to become more acclimatized at this critical point of the trip.

Day 6

We leave Khumjung after breakfast and move to Phortse. We walk through agricultural land and some rhododendron trees for about half an hour then we start ascending to the Mong La (2 1/2 hours) where we enjoy a relaxing tea break and the views of Tawache Peak, Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Kongde Peak, Kusum Kangaru. We then walk downhill for about an hour to Phortse Tanga where we stop for lunch. After lunch we walk uphill through forest to Phortse village 3,950m/ 12,960 feet where we stay for the night.

Day 7

Today we have a short trek of about 3 – 31/2 hours to Pangboche farther up the valley. The trail is on a gradual incline around the valley with the most beautiful views as we walk. After lunch we will go to visit the famous Pangboche monastery, this claims to have a Yeti Scalp and hand. We will let you decide. You might be able to get a blessing from the high Lama and relax in quieter upper Pangboche. We then have a short acclimatization walk for anyone up for it. There will be stunning views of Ama Dablam.

Day 8

After breakfast we head out on what must be one of the best days of the trek. We cross the Imja Khol river and then start the steep ascent toward Ama Dablam Base Camp. The trail we are on is much less traveled as we leave those on the Everest Base Camp Trek behind us. We have time to enjoy our packed lunch and hot drinks taking in the spectacular views before heading back to Pangboche where stay for the night.

Day 9

We will leave Pangboche, and cross the new bridge above the river and then walk uphill for about an hour into Tengbouche. We will have tea break here and it will be possible to visit the monastery before making the 1 hour decent back down the dusty hill toward the valley to our lunch spot at riverside. After lunch we cross another bridge and start a steep ascent back up the other side of the valley, passing some of the small villages and top out at the Ama Dablam view lodge. This should take 2 hours 30 minutes from the lunch spot. We will continue the traverse along the side of the mountain and drop back into Namche Bazaar. You can spend the rest of the day playing pool and celebrate your success in cafe Danfe. This is a 6-7 hour trek.

Day 10

Today we will leave Namche Bazaar by 9am for the trek back to Phakding. After 1 hour down hill to the famous high bridge. We will stay high above the river before crossing some more suspension bridges. We will retrace our steps through Jorsalle, Monjo and back to Phakding. This should take 4-5 hours. You will be seeing the Khumbu valley from a different view on the return journey.

Day 11

There is no rush this morning, you can rest and enjoy the morning sun before setting off back to Lukla. It should take 3 hours to hike from Phakding back to Lukla. We arrive back to Lukla for lunch. We will stay the night in Lukla and prepare for the early morning flight back to Kathmandu. You can do your tipping ceremony and enjoy the party.

Day 12

You will be up early for breakfast before your flight back to Kathmandu. Once you are back in Kathmandu you have options, you can go sightseeing, relax at the spa or catch up on some sleep. We will enjoy our final evening meal together to celebrate our achievements, say good bye to your fellow trekkers and your trekking team.

Day 13

You can spend the day at Leisure in Kathmandu before you transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Our staff return you to the international airport for your onward journey. Also possible to go white water rafting or visit Pokhara.

  • Ama Dablam is Deep in the Everest Region

    We will enter the Everest region by air, leaving from Kathmandu on a forty-five minute flight into the village of Lukla, which sits at 2,853m/ 9,360ft. The Sherpa people dwell in this region, living along the trails, welcoming you to their villages as you move up the valley towards Ama Dablam. All the research shows that extra acclimatization around the 3,500m/ 11,500 feet gives you the best chance at getting your body ready to accept the lower pressure higher up.

  • Come With the Right Physical Preparation

    Our Ama Dablam Base Camp trek is one of the best treks to do in the Everest region and one of the best treks in Nepal. We will help you get all the information you need to make your trip a success. We have 20 years experience preparing people for this type of physical trek. We want to make sure you are successful in safely reaching Ama Dablam Base Camp. Make sure you have the right training and bring the necessary gear and equipment that will make your trip to Ama Dablam is safe and successful adventure.

  • Why Join our Trek to Ama Dablam

    We only run high quality, all inclusive trips. We have 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers. We use the best lodges and we have our own full time staff in Kathmandu. We pay our staff above the normal rates and support the Goli village trust where we have helped add 200 stoves to homes and build 4 schools in Nepal.




FAQ

Depending on the service you are looking for, you will find a wide range of options on accommodation trekking to Everest Base Camp.  For me using the same lodges with the best food in the cleanest environment is really important. Your choice, but we like to have access to better lodges and food, this is so important for your enjoyment and success. We have helped over 3,000 people reach their goal. Read some REVIEWS.

Picking the Right Trekking Group

Ian Taylor Trekking have our own full time staff on the ground in Nepal. We have our own office in Nepal, giving us full control over the service we offer on the ground. Our Everest Base Camp treks have 95% success rate to date.  By having extra days acclimatization in Namche Bazaar at 3,440m / 11,300 feet, this gives you a safer trek.  By spending 3 nights at this elevation and climbing higher and sleeping lower we are giving you a safer and more enjoyable experience trekking to Everest Base Camp. Learn more on our Everest Base Camp Trek page.

Chicken Sizzler in Namche Bazaar

Picking the Right Lodges

There are good lodges and there are poor lodges on the trek to Everest.  We use the same lodges on every trek. The lodge owners know us and we know them. This helps us offer you consistency for your trek. We have been building relationships in the region for years to make sure you have the most comfortable experience on your journey to Everest Base Camp. Check out our food and accommodation video on the Everest base camp trek. Our video shows the rooms, food and service we offer. Our service is second to none. We don’t cut corners and give you the best service and experience on your journey to Everest Base Camp. Check out our TOP TIPS.

A view of Mount Everest

Quality Run Treks Through Experience

Ian Taylor Trekking have been working in the Everest region over over 15 years, building the best experience and service possible, because we want you can experience the journey of a lifetime. If you want a personal training plan, the best acclimatization and hang out with our amazing staff and team then get in touch today.Sign up and start getting prepared, we have years of Everest experience built into every trip. We are happy to share our knowledge to help you reach your goal of trekking high in the Himalaya’s.

Enjoying the comfort in Namche Bazaar

Safety on The Trail to Everest

Check out our Top 11 Tips for while you are on the trek to Mount Everest. Designing our itineraries our primary goal is to keep everyone safe. We want people to give themselves the best chance at successfully reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. We have 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers giving you a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trail.

Tea Break on the trek to Everest

Trek With Ian Taylor Trekking

We run about 50 trips a year across the Everest Region. We have sleeping at Everest Base Camp Treks, treks via Gokyo Lakes over the Cho La pass and we have different routes through the famous Everest region. CLICK HERE and check out our up coming treks. We always use the best accommodation on all our Everest Base Camp treks.

Trek to Everest with Professionals

Read our Top 50 Tips for trekking to Everest Base Camp. We have brought over 3,000 people to Everest over the past 15 years. We pride ourselves in working with the best staff and having the best food and accommodation on your Everest Base Camp Trek. You you would like to keep reading check out our Everest Base Camp Page or CONTACT US today and we can send you specific information on how you need to start preparing for your trek to Everest.

One of the most common questions we get is people asking if it is difficult to trek to Everest Base Camp? This is a relative question. For people who are used to hiking long distances, with a weighted back pack over years, they might find the trek relatively easy. However, for people who have no access to hills, or that are not used to hiking or training on a regular basis, they will need to train hard for this trip and will likely find it very difficult. Likewise, the older you are, the more training is needed.

Ian has journeyed to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar over 35+ times to date and climbed to the top of Mount Everest. Ian and other of our team members have made the journey many times, however, each time is different!  Doing the correct training and putting in the right preparations for the trek will be essential to your enjoyment, safety and success.

This Trek is NOT for Tourists

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an adventure of a lifetime.  This trek can be a life changing experience for many people. It can be achievable for most people, however, it is NOT A TOURIST TREK! The trail to Everest needs to be respected and prepared and trained for. There are a few key elements that we believe are essential to give you a safe and successful trek. Watch one of our Everest Base Camp video’s, read more below and then, GET IN TOUCH.

Picking the Right Itinerary

Some people do find the trek to Everest easy.  Generally, these people are used to back-packing, hiking up and down hills and have excellent strength and endurance.  Many of them have experience hill walking, climbing mountains and are generally active on a weekly basis. However, sometimes even that is not enough. You need extra acclimatization at the critical point of the trip. This critical point is the entrance to very high altitude at 3,500m/ 11,500 feet. Therefore, you need to spend more time at this elevation to give yourself more rest and ability to adapt better to the low levels of Oxygen.

Remember for most people, going on a trip like this is taking time out of their normally busy lives.  There are so many different factors that you can not control on a trip like this.  You are far away from home, with new people, in a new country, eating different food and doing different activities.  Make sure that with all of these things that you can not control, you do make the best decisions on things you can control. Picking the right itinerary for your trek is going to be SO important.  We have built in three nights in Namche Bazaar, at the critical point in acclimatization, before moving higher.  This is done to give you the best and safest route into the low levels of oxygen.

Heard the Trek is Easy?

Not everything you read on the internet is true!  Likewise, just because someone has one experience, one time, does not mean that it will be the same for others!  Therefore, you need to assess the information you read on the internet. If someone says it was easy, then look at their situation, age,  experience and hiking history. Likewise, if someone says it was the hardest thing they have ever done.  You will need to look at their itinerary, age, prior training, pacing and lodges they stayed in. You need an honest assessment of your fitness, age and how much preparation is needed to enjoy the overall experience. CONTACT US and we can help you get the correct information to make a safe and successful trek to Everest. Furthermore, you can read some REVIEWS from our trips.

Be Informed

You need to get all the right information before trekking to Everest Base Camp. Think clearly about how you should prepare. Learn about the elevation gains, plus the daily distances on the trek.  Then, factor in lack of oxygen and you get a training plan that will work. Remember muscle strength and specific physical conditioning for long days and distance walking at altitude is very important in your training. Find out everything you need to know about trekking to Everest.

The Acclimatization Trek from Dingbouche

Common Questions and Answers

1). How many days do I need for the trek into Everest Base Camp? You should be arriving into Base Camp on day 9 of your trek

2). How far do I walk on this 13/15 day trek? Check out our daily distances on our Everest Base Camp trek

3). What are the elevation gains on the Everest Base Camp trek? Read more about the elevation gains each day on the trek so you can develop the correct training plan.

Stunning Views in the Everest Region

4). What sort of training should I be doing? Training advice for the Everest trek

5). What gear and clothing to I need? Watch our packing video 

6). Is the trail steep? Watch all our Everest base camp video’s

7). When is the best month to trek?  March, April, May, late September, October and November. We prefer March, April, September and November. READ MORE.

8). What are the coldest months? January and February

9). How much should I be training per week? This depends, 7 to 10 hours per week at least 3 to 6 months before the trip. This depends on your experience and previous training.  GET IN TOUCH for more information on your training.

10). What height do I start trekking at? 2,850m/ 9,350 feet

11). What is the high point on the trek? 5,645m/ 18,520 feet

Reaching the Khumbu Glacier

You Need More Acclimatization Lower Down

We cannot stress how important it is to make sure you pick the right itinerary. You need to have 3 days acclimatizing to the low levels of oxygen around 3,500m/ 11,500 feet, around the town of Namche Bazaar. All altitude related research suggests that you need acclimatize well at this critical point. If you fail to acclimatize well at this height, then you run a serious risk of getting serious altitude sickness higher up the trail. Therefore, you need to pick the right Itinerary.

Apply an Effective Training Program

You need to have an effective training program at home that gives excellent physical conditioning. Add weight to your backpack gradually building from 6kg to 12kg / 12lbs to 25lbs over approximately 6 months of training. Building your hiking training from 3 – 6 hours once a week, on uneven terrain, both up and down hills. Also, you should be training an additional 4 times a week. If you are on one of our treks to Base Camp, then we are available to help you get specific information and preparations needed for this long trek to and from Everest.

Add Some Weight Training

Have a weights training program that gives excellent condition in your legs, calves, shoulders, back and core. You should also work on your balance as a key element of your training. You will be walking on mixed terrain, up and down hills and steep steps for 13 days.  Some of those days, especially on the way back down the trail, will be very long days. You will have three 20 km days on your way back to Lukla. You need excellent preparation before joining our treks to Everest base camp.

Conserving energy on the trail

When you start the trek to Everest Base Camp, you are at the elevation of 2,850m/ 9,000 feet and will be walking to 5,364m/ 17,500 feet, high in the Himalaya’s. Slow your walking pace drastically when on the trail. The key with climbing any mountain or trekking to altitude is to expend as little energy as possible moving from one village to the next. Yes, physical exertion is an important part of acclimatizing, along with hydration (4/5 liters per day), eating well and sleeping.  However, you have to make sure you keep your walking pace slow and keep your heart rate at a manageable rate. Therefore, if you conserve your energy lower down on the trail, then you will have stores of energy for higher up!

We are here to help you understand the pace on the trail, training and preparations needed to be successful. Furthermore, if you join one of our treks to Everest Base Camp, then you will have access to our expert advice!  CONTACT US today.

Make Sure you Have Professional Guides

We have four guides per group of ten trekkers. This is EXTREMELY important to your safety and success on the trail.  You will be learning to walk again and need to pace yourself as your body will have lower levels of oxygen to work with. Therefore the slow approach with an experienced guide will get results.

We have 95% success rate on our trek to Everest Base Camp. Firstly, if you can walk in the hills at home with extra weight building from 6-10+kg for approximately three to six hours a day.  Along with weight training and other endurance training four to fie days a week, you can easily build up the correct fitness in a 3 – 6 month period depending on where your starting point is.  Check out our Everest Base Camp Trek information and read more blog posts on Everest Base Camp.  Let us help you get the right training and preparation you need to get ready for your adventure.

Join One of Our Teams

If you would like to talk more about specific training required for mountain treks, then feel free to get in touch.  We have a wealth of experience in the Everest Region.  Our Everest Base Camp Trek has 95% success rate to date, and if you sign up with us, we will send you a 40 page dossier on the trek.  This will include training information, kit list, itinerary and general travel information on your trip to Nepal. Likewise, we are available 5 days a week to help you get trained up and have all the information you need to make this journey to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar a success!




Why Trek to Mount Everest with us

Firstly, we only run quality treks to Mount Everest with the best staff, service, acclimatization and itinerary.

Secondly, all our teams have 4 guides for every group of 10 people.

Thirdly, we have a great team of full time and trusted staff who deliver every time.

Finally, I have climbed Everest to the top and led 35+ Everest base camp treks and available to help you get the right advice for your trek to Everest.

Making the journey through the Everest Region is not only a visually stunning, you will discover amazing cultural diversity, Monasteries, adventure and not to mention the most genuine people you will ever encounter, the Sherpa people. Why not join one of our sleeping at Everest Base Camp Treks. We support the Goli Village Trust in Nepal.

Ready to go?

Does this information on our Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek excite you? Take the next step towards achieving your goals of reaching the base of one of the worlds most beautiful mountains? If so, get in touch today.

We pride ourselves on making sure that our clients have every opportunity to succeed in the mountains, including professional training advice, gear lists and video links on how to pack your bag, and much more.

We are always available to answer any questions you may have by email, phone or skype, so contact us today!

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