• Duration:21 Nights 22 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5545m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking

For anyone with sufficient time, this is the ultimate way to trek to Everest Base Camp. The lowlands have a unique beauty which is well worth exploring. This trek starts at Jiri and follows the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgey on their first summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Between Jiri and Namche you will experience the pristine beauty of nature and culture yet unchanged by tourism.

Instead of flying into Lukla, Jiri is only a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. The Jiri route covers a much wider range of elevation; not only is this ideal for acclimatization, it results in a wider variety of vegetation, scenery and culture as well. The trail begins in lush, fertile fields of the lowlands, climbs into rhododendron and pine forests until, higher up, it is beyond the tree line altogether. The nearly constant ascending and descending between the lowest point of the trek, Kinja, 1100m and the highest point, Kala Patthar, 5545m, allows gradual acclimatization and eliminates any risk of altitude sickness.

The lowland inhabitants are predominately of Brahmin-Chhetri caste and followers of Hinduism. They depend on agriculture. At higher elevations the population is primarily Sherpa, followers of ancient Tibetan Buddhism. Traditionally traders, who traversed the rugged mountains between Tibet and Nepal with yak herds, these days, they depend on the seasonal income from the trekking industry.

The Lamjura Pass, 3500m, high above the Solu Valley, provides the first of many breathtaking views of Mount Everest. From Namche Bazaar, we join the Traditional Trail to Everest Base Camp where, during peak season, you will meet many expeditions and trekkers and Sherpa guides. Going deeper into the Khumbu Valley there are awesome views of Mount Everest. On the way to EBC we get an excellent view of the Khumbu Glacier icefall; the ice appears to spring from the head of the Khumbu valley.

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking passes through the some of the most magnificent scenery on earth including splendid views of the world's highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and many others.

Many Sherpa families have converted their homes into a lodge, and as you enjoy tea from their hearths you will realize there is a mutual advantage to their warm hospitality.

Ready to challenge yourself with an interesting climb of a 6000m peak? We organize exciting adventure climbs of Island Peak 6189m and Lobuche East Peak 6119m as an add on climb to any of the Everest region treks. We recommend our guests to do the Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek or Khumbu Three High Passes Trek before attempting for either Island Peak or Lobuche East Peak.

Highlights of Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking

  • ideal alternative to Classic EBC for those with time
  • more gradual acclimatization than Classic EBC trek
  • more variety of culture and scenery than Classic EBC trek
  • includes less travelled part of Khumbu
  • accessible by road

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip. 

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

The time it takes to cover this 200-kilometer journey is an indication of the twisting turning road. The beautiful panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung 7227m and Dorje Lakpa 6996m help the time pass quickly. Reaching the beautiful Sherpa village of Jiri, we will spend the night before heading into the Khumbu valley. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

The terrain leaving Jiri is much different than you will experience higher in the Khumbu. The trail passes through a deep pine forest before opening into farm land and Villages mainly inhabited by the Tamang and Sherpa tribes.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

From the village square at Bhandar the trail descents through the lower fields of the village, passing the small settlements of Doharpa and Baranda before crossing the Tharo Khola river on a steel bridge at 1480m. As we follow the east bank of the river, we climb towards Kenja (1600m), a settlement inhabited by Newars and Magars. As we leave Kenja, we start to ascent steeply towards Chimbu (2170m) en route, you could enjoy with agricultural farm scenery where locals work hard. In addition to this, you could pass through Sherpa villages with beautiful mountain views

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Trek from Sete (2400m) to Junbesi (2675m) and it takes about six hours. To begin your trek, you should climb steeply for an early two hours passing through Dagchu, Goyem, a small Sherpa settlements. Then your trek starts gently up to the Lamjura Pass (3500m.) through rhododendron forest. After the pass, rest of the trek is gently and steeply descent to the destination. In this route, you could enjoy some of the snow capped mountains such as the " Goa of the Solu".  Besides this, you could see some wildlife such as monkey and many species of birds. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

The journey to Taksindu pass goes over several ridges and crosses the Junbesi Khola river, heading south through more forests to reach the village of Phurtang, 298 0m, from where you will have another tantalizing view of Everest, as well Thamaserku, 6623m and Mera peak 6476m. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

From Taksindu La we descend to the village of Nunthala, continue down until it crosses the Dudh Kosi via a steel suspension bridge. Theheadwaters of the Dudh Kosi are high in the Himalayas. After we make the crossing, we ascend through several Sherpa and Rai villages until reaching the Khari-Khola village.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

We continue up the Dudh-Kosi valley, through rhododendron forests until we reach the village of Puiyan. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

the journey continues up the Duhd Kosi river valley, through the large village of Lukla, where the airport is. Most trekking journeys begin in Lukla, but we will only pass through the village on our way to Phakding. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our bodies a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights and smells on this trail into the heart of the Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hilary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through forests of pine. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colourful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848m. Other spectacular peaks. We can see Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at the Khumjung monastery.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Today, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy one of the most scenic days of the trek. We start with a short, steep climb out of Namche up to a ridge which meanders above the Imja Khola. As we hike along, we get spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and also the beautiful Ama Dablam. We descend through rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga near the Dudh Kosi where we will have our lunch. A suspension bridge takes us across the river and we start an ascent of about 1 hr through pine and rhododendron forest. We will likely spot some wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and pheasants while passing through the forests. The trail becomes less steep after leaving the forest. We climb for another 1.5 hours through grassy meadow to reach the Tengbuchhe monastery on the crest of a long ridge which stretches to the summit of Kantega. Sir Edmund Hillary helped to re-build this famous monastery after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. From Tengbuche, the views of the Everest massif as well as all the other major peaks of the area will be totally astounding.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

The trail descends through a beautiful forest then crosses the Imja Khola (river) and passes through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures where the yak graze, to Dingboche, 4400m which is the second place to stop stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

We continue our trek through the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier to Dugla. The trail goes through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. We continue to climb to Lobuche, 4910 m from where you will see the awesome Mt. Pumori Peak, 7220m, very well.

NOTE: Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness rest and plenty of water is necessary. You will crave some Chocolates or Snickers at this point. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Today, we trek on past Gorak Shep 5130m, to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Gorak Shep.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the sunrise and enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains. We descend for lunch at Lobuche and continue down to Pheruche

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Gradually, we trek down to Pheruche and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengbuche. After taking a good break there, we'll walk continuously to Namche.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla's footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. In Lukla, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House

You will take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu . 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 17 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid & medicine kit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • Transportation Kathmandu – Jiri by Bus
  • Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Useful Info

Best Seasons for Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking:

The best seasons for the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek are from September to November and from March to May. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and outstanding views. The summer months from June to August are also beautiful, but the trek can be affected by the monsoon rains.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp is a Tea House/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Meals:

Three meals a day are included during your Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About on the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Travel Insurance for Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If flight cancellations at the start of your trek delay your trek to the point of disturbing your onward travel schedule, you will be free to choose an alternative trip; there are many excellent options in the Annapurna, Langtang and other regions. If you do not wish to take an alternative trek, and wait in Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla, your original trek may be shortened due to the days lost in waiting. In such case, the client will be responsible to bear all additional expenses including food and accommodation.

If the client wishes to make an alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover the cost of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned client, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

In an emergency, or upon request by our clients, a heli-rescue can be organized. The helicopter costs around USD 3500, and can lift 4-5 persons per flight.

If flight cancellations at the end of your trek delay your return to Kathmandu, you will be responsible for all your expenses during the wait in Lukla.