Ama Dablam Base Camp Itinerary

So here are the plans, they are just that, plans, and they usually change as we trek.  We never go on group treks since we typically deviate from the typical itinerary and like to play it by ear as we go.  We may go all the way to Everest Base Camp (EBC), Island Peak Base Camp, but probably not the 3 passes.  We've found that private treks really are not any more expensive than group treks if you get qualified guides and porters from Nepalese companies rather than the big western owned trekking outfits.  We have gone on many treks with Happy Treks and will always use them in the future because of the quality of their guides.  We can't wait to get on the trail with Salik again.  

Whoever you use, make sure you get a certified guide that speaks your language.  All certified guides will speak english, are trained in first aid and have extensive knowledge of the trekking routes.  They all started out as porters and wanted to expand their skills.  Quite a few outfits will quote you a cheap price with a "porter guide", which I don't recommend.

Day 1:  Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Monjo (2,835m, 6-7 hours) - Stay at Mountain Lodges of Nepal - Monjo, not the cheapest, but has ensuite with hot showers.

Day 2:  Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazar (3,443m, 4-5 hours) - Stay at Stay at Mountain Lodges of Nepal - Namche for the same reason as above... I really like a hot shower.

Day 3:  Acclimation Day in Namche Bazar - Hike up to Hotel Everest View (3,880m, 3-4 hours) for acclimation, and then hit a good bakery back in Namche.

Day 4:  Trek from Namche Bazar to Tengboche (3,860m, 4-5 hours) - Stay at Hotel Himalayan.  Not too many choices here, and this was the best rated.  One of the other lodges claims hot showers, but the reviews said it was usually not available.  This hotel (according to the reviews) has better insulated and warmer rooms.

Day 5:  Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,000m, 3-4 hours) -Stay at Everest Summit Lodge, why you might ask....  Ensuite hot showers.

Day 6:  Trek from Dingboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,800m, 5-6 hours) and back to Dingboche.

Day 7:  Trek from Dingboche back to Namche Bazar (6-7 hours).

Day 8:  Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla (7-8 hours) - Stay at Shangri La Lodge, mainly because I want to see the air operations and this is at the end of the runway so I can have a cup of coffee or tea and watch...

Day 9:  Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu.