The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek follows the historic path taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953, before Lukla airport existed and changed how trekkers reach the Khumbu. Rather than flying directly into the mountains, this 21-day route begins with a scenic overland drive to Jiri, often called the "gateway to Sagarmatha National Park," and continues on foot through the lower Solu region, a quieter, greener landscape of terraced farmland, pine and rhododendron forest, and traditional Rai, Jirel and Sherpa villages.
The week of walking from Jiri to Lukla crosses the Lamjura Pass (3,530m) and passes through villages such as Bhandar, Sete, and Junbesi, home to the Thupten Choling monastery, before joining the standard Everest Base Camp trail at Namche Bazaar. From there, the route follows the same path as the classic trek: through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the iconic viewpoint of Kala Patthar (5,545m), with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
This is the trek for travellers who want more than the destination: a slower, more gradual acclimatisation, a genuinely quiet first week away from the busier Lukla corridor, and the chance to walk the same trail used by the men who first reached the summit of Everest. For a faster route to the same destination, see our standard Everest Base Camp Trek, or browse our full Everest region trekking page for other route options.
Duration: 21 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar) | Trek Grade: Strenuous | Starts: Overland drive from Kathmandu to Jiri | Best Season: March-May, October-November | Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses on trek | Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast process for the UNISCO Heritage Sightseeing tour. Visit Swyambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan city, Khokana Village and after sight-seeing tour, transfer you back to hotel. Overnight Kathmandu.
The early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu passes through Araniko Highway to Jiri (1,905m) - about 187 km north-east of Kathmandu. Jiri is a very beautiful place hence it is also recognized as the Switzerland of Nepal. While in the bus drive, you cross the typical Newari villages of Dhulikhel and Banepa. After crossing these villages you can see the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorjee Lakpa. From Dolalghat, you head north following the Sunkoshi River to Jiri. From Jiri, you continue driving to Bhandar – the upcoming trek start point. Overnight at Bhandar.
This day also you walk uphill and downhill to reach Sete - a small village. Descending the trail from Bhandar through deep forests takes you to the small settlements of Dokharpa and Baranda. Next the trail passes through Surma Khola, Likhu Khola Valley, the small settlement of Kenja and eventually you prepare for steep ascent to Chimbu to reach Sete. Overnight at Sete.
From Sete you gradually ascend to the Lamjura Pass (3,530m) - the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazar. Enroute pass by the villages of Dagchu and Goyem. The climb of Lamjura Pass rewards with the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. While enjoying surrounding mountains descend to Junbeshi through the rhododendron, fir pine, magnolia, maple and birch forest. At Junbeshi, you can explore the village and the way of people’s life here. Overnight at Junbesi.
At first cross the Junbeshi Khola and then walk in the ascending slope through the forest. After some hours of climbing you can see the incredible view of the mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nupte, Makalu, Thamserku, Mera Peak, and many more. This is the first view of Everest on this trip. Next, continue the trail to Salung and descend to Ringmo Khola. Again, cross Trakshindo La Pass and finally descend down to Nunthala through the conifer and rhododendron forests, and terraced fields. Overnight at Nuntala.
This section of the trail is again full of ups and down. At first the trail climbs down to the Dudh Koshi River. Then the trial follows the Dudh Koshi River and makes upward journey to Khumbu. Next the trail climbs to Jubing. From Jubing the trek walks straight and then descends to cross a suspension bridge to lead you to make a final ascent to Bupsa. Overnight at Bupsa.
At first the trail from Bupsa Dada leads you towards Kharte to climb the summit of Khari La Pass. The Pass offers you the magnificent views of Gyachung Kang, Khumbila and many other mountains. Next, the trail descends to Puiyan and again passes through some ups and down to reach at Surke. Overnight at Surke. (BLD)
This section of the trip is short yet goes through some ups and down. At first the trek climbs toward Chaurikharka and then climbs up to Chhiplung. Eventually, the trail climbs down to lead you towards Phakding. From Phakding, your trekking route connects with usual route to Everest Base Camp from Lukla. Overnight at Phakding.
Walking through a pine forest, the trail leads you along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges. While on the way you catch wonderful view of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618m). Passing through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, you come to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Next, the trail climbs through the forests and bridges to reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Prior to reaching Namche Bazaar pass through Jorsale Village and while on the trail you will have first sight of giant Mt. Everest. Overnight in Namche.
This will be the proper acclimatization day with some excursion around the landmarks of Namche Bazaar the trading hub of Everest region. In the center of Namche you can visit the mountaineering museum and spend some quality time interacting with the fun-loving Sherpa. Next, you can visit to Sagarmatha National Park headquarter and the Tourist Visitor Centre as well. Beyond the centre of Namche Bazaar, you can hike to the Everest View Hotel, the ideal place to overview some of the outstanding mountains such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse etc. Besides, you can walk around the Khumjung valley, Hillary School and climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche before returning back to Namche. The flora and fauna found at Namche will be another must see landmark of Everest region. Overnight in Namche.
After breakfast in Namche, the trek begins to Tengboche. The wonderful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Aba Dablam (6,856m), Lhotse (8,511m), Nuptse (7,896m) and close up view of Mt.Thamserku make you breathless. While crossing wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, herd of Himalayan Thar, the trail gradually leads you to Sansa. Next you travel to Dudh Koshi River and then prepare for a little tough climb to Tengboche. Tengboche is popular for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in the Khumbu region. Overnight at Tengboche.
On this day, you reach at Dingboche enjoying beautiful scenarios of mountains, landscapes, several Chortens, Mani walls and small villages. While passing through north to Pheriche beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam (6,856m) you come to Imja Valley enjoying panoramic views of snow capped mountains and varied landscapes. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. From Lobuche River you trek the steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, you will see beautiful array of fields and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.
Today's trek starts from Dingboche and initially passes through the Khumbu Khola valley. In this section of the trail you will have awesome views of mountains on all sides. On the way to Duglha, you come across Dusa- a yak herder's place and Phulung Karpo-the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. As you trek on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7,161m) comes into view. Prior to reaching Duglha, you will be greeted with the fantastic views of Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks including the tip of Mt Nuptse (7,896m). Overnight at Duglha.
From Duglha, today's trek starts with climbing up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. While moving ahead you will find the memorials to Scott Fischer and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa. As the trail passes down to the Khumbu Glacier, you face several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. In addition, Mt Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. Overnight at Lobuche.
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. While trekking ahead to Gorak Shep you will see the crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. As you reach Gorak Shep, you will see snow-capped mountains looming all around you including the top of the world - Mt. Everest (8,848m). From Gorak Shep you move towards Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the base camp of top of the world you will have the views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori. Mt. Everest is not visible from the base camp. The experience of being at the foothill of world’s highest mountain cannot be expressed in words. Next, trek down to Gorakshep. Overnight at Gorak Shep.
Today's journey starts early in the morning to get Kalapattar. This is the place from where you can see the wide view of Everest. Your dream will come true here. During the trek to Kala Patthar familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower including Nuptse and Everest. While ascending to Kala Patthar, you can pause to catch several outstanding view points to snap pictures. As you reach the top, gigantic views of mountains and glaciers around you give a sense of heaven including close-up view of Mt. Everest, Amadablam and Pumori. You wander from one mighty massif to another at this junction. It will be a tremendous moment in your life that comes once in a lifetime. After taking photo shots of spectacular mountain massifs you again trek down to Gorak Shep. Overnight at Gorak Shep.
On this day, you trek back to Namche passing through Pangboche and Tengboche. The trail is pleasant with the views of impressive mountains and forests. From Pangboche the trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. While on the trial you come across Tengboche Monastery - the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The journey stops at Kyangjuma (3570 m) for a tranquil lunch. At this place you will have the chance to appreciate the stunning Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse. Next, the trail to Namche passes through pleasant valleys and pasturelands. Ultimately, you reach in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
The return journey passes through rhododendron and pine forests enjoying snow covered peaks in the distance. Adding to this you walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flags. It will be the day of accomplishment of trekking section of this adventure. Overnight at Lukla.
In the morning, we take the tiny aircraft to flight from Lukla to Kathmandu which is very interesting scenery flight journey on the earth. After arrival in Kathmandu airport we drive you to hotel.
Morning, you will be free. Afternoon we will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for the departure flight to home.
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Why trek to Everest Base Camp via Jiri instead of flying to Lukla?
The Jiri route follows the original path used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay before Lukla airport existed. It adds about a week of trekking through the lower Solu Khumbu region, allowing for more gradual acclimatisation, far fewer crowds, and deeper contact with Sherpa, Rai and Jirel village culture.
How long does the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek take?
This trek typically takes 21 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, roughly a week longer than the standard Lukla-start Everest Base Camp Trek.
How do you get to Jiri to start the trek?
Jiri is reached by a scenic 6 to 8 hour drive east from Kathmandu. The trek itself begins the following morning from Jiri at around 2,000 metres.
Is the Jiri route harder than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek?
It is longer and requires more overall fitness due to the extra week of walking, but the altitude gain is more gradual, which often makes acclimatisation easier rather than harder. See our standard Everest Base Camp Trek for the shorter Lukla-start alternative.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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