The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek offers an extraordinary journey that retraces the iconic footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the legendary pioneers who conquered the world’s highest peak. This trek presents an unrivaled combination of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Spanning a duration of 21 days, this trail encompasses immense contrasts in altitudes, showcasing a remarkable variety of vegetation and a captivating blend of lifestyles. Unlike the more popular routes to Everest Base Camp, the Jiri trail traverses classic middle hills country, which remains blissfully serene and untamed by the bustling crowds that often dominate the northern sections.
The trek commences at a modest elevation gradually ascending to reach the pinnacle of Kala Patthar at 5545m. Kala Patthar, a dark mound of mountain rubble, rewards trekkers with unparalleled views of the majestic Mt. Everest.
Throughout the 21-day adventure, trekkers will be enchanted by the pristine natural beauty that surrounds them. Towering snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque Sherpa villages create a picturesque backdrop that seems almost surreal. The encounters with the warm and hospitable local communities, steeped in their own unique traditions and customs, offer an insightful glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Himalayan region.
Embarking on the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that promises unparalleled beauty, cultural immersion, and personal achievement. It is a journey that follows in the footsteps of legends, allowing trekkers to forge their own path of exploration and discovery amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape.
Entry Permits & Requirements:
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek requires two permits:
1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
Unlike many Nepal Himalaya climbs, you won’t require a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card for this one.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.
The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.
You must complete the permission application and present your passport or a copy of your passport. You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement.
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
You must submit the following documents and data to get these permits:
Copy of your passport
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- Dates when your trek starts and ends
- Itinerary/route
- Entry and exit points
- Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
- Travel Insurance Details
Meals and Drinking Water:
In popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some places provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house have a well-trained cook basically attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water. If you buy water purification tablet from Kathmandu, you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Accommodation:
You will find local accommodations in the form of trekking lodges and teahouses, which are situated every hour or so along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, electricity, and clean rooms. The rooms generally have twin sharing beds and a single bed, with good quality mattresses that reduce the weight of your backpack. You can expect a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere at these accommodations. The dining rooms usually have a central heating system that uses firewood to keep you warm and cozy during your stay. This is also a great place to rest and connect with other travelers by sharing your stories. Additionally, campsites are available along the trail for those who want to experience camping in the outdoors.
Best Time to Visit?
The best time to go on Everest trek is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit as the weather conditions are better for exploring the high mountain terrain with good visibility.
During autumn, the weather is clear and warm, making it perfect for trekking on high Himalayan terrains. In spring, from March to May, the landscape changes with blooming trees of Rhododendron, mixed with Confers, Oaks, Orchids, and ferns, along with colorful wildflowers, making the region look stunning.
The monsoon season, with harsh weather conditions, is usually avoided by trekkers. The winter season, with heavy snowfall, covers most of the trail, making it challenging to access higher grounds in the region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, and torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands.
- anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
The flight into Kathmandu Valley is spectacular, with a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains and the valley below. Our agent will greet and welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, drive you to your hotel, and assist you with all of your travel requirements. You will have time to visit the city after you’ve checked in (depending on your arrival time). Meals: Welcome Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
From Kathmandu, proceed on a long drive towards Jiri, following the zig zag roads of the Arniko Highway. Along the way witness grand views of the Langtang and the Ganesh Himal peaks. Upon reaching Lamosangu you will be heading towards Jiri. The ride takes you various small villages and finally to Shivalaya. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Start the trek by crossing a bridge over the rapids of Khimti Khola River. After a brief walk eventually reach Shivalaya village perched on the riverbank. After Shivalaya, following a steep ascent reach Sangbadanda village. Next, following the trail for a while head towards Thodung and to Khasrubas. Traversing across the central hills cross streams and then again follow an ascending trail across Rhododendron Woodlands and reach Deurali. From Deurali after descending for one and half hours finally reach Bhandar. After a brief rest explore the two large chortens and a gompa nearby. Also head towards any vantage point to witness the sunset and views down the valley. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Following the descending tracks across filed head out of Bhandar. After about an hour walk reach Dokharpa. From here following the left trail proceed down towards the Surma Khola stream. Then following alongside, the rapids reach the pictorious Likhu Khola Valley. From here cross a suspension bride and following a steep ascent head towards Lamjura La begins from here. Along this section witness the grand views of the Himalayas and central hills. Next following the trail across deep wilderness reach Chimbu and finally to Sagar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the trek and head towards Dagchu nestled at 2,840 meters. From here following the uphill section reach Goyem. Next following the ridge sections reach Lamjura la pass perched at 3,530 meters. From the summit of the pass soak in the grand views of the Himalayas. Then following the descending trials reach a wide valley covered with fields and pasture lands and reach the settlement of Tragdobuk. Again, following the easy trail reach the large, picturesque village of Junbesi nestled below the mighty peaks of Karyolung and Numbur. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Head out of Junbesi, following the wide trails to Salung. Along the trail witness grand views of the snow giants including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu besides Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kanguru and Mera peak. From Salung following the ascending trail reach the village of Ringmo. Here visit various apple, peach, and apricot orchards. Then again following the descending trails reach the village of Trashingdo set amidst the grand view of the Kusum Kanguru peak. Next, following the downhill trail traverse across lush forests and then along terraced field, and finally reach Nuntala. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Start the trek following the descending trails to the river network and cross its rapids. Then following a steep climb reach Bupsa. From here traversing across lush woodlands reach Kharte and eventually head towards Khari La. Upon reach Kari La witness splendid views of the Khumbila and Gyachung Kang. Next after descending a while, reach Khari Khola. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea HouseKhari Khola (2,070 Meters/6,792 Feet) to Puiyan (2,770 Meters/9,088 Feet)
After breakfast start the trek following the ascending routes. Along the way cross various villages and lush sections of woodlands. Along the way cross a cavernous canyon, at places as deep as 1000 meters where the rapids of The Dudh Koshi River flows down below. From here after a brief decent finally reach Puiyan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today as you traverse the trail, you will encounter various highs and lows, including a ridge crest offering stunning vistas of the Lukla airfield and the village of Surkhe nestled amidst terraced fields. Next, continuing your trek through cultivated lands, and reach Cheplung, where a French-run health post can be found in the village of Nachipang. Then further, the trail descends towards a sturdy steel box bridge that spans the tumultuous Thado Kosi, a tributary stream. Progressing ahead, arrive at the farming village of Ghat, situated on the riverbank. From here, the path descends almost to the river, offering a view of an unsightly scar caused by a past landslide. As the trail ascends sharply, you will reach the village Phakding village. If you not to tired later explore around the village and visit various monasteries and gomaps around. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today continue on the route, crossing through a pine grove and crossing the Dudh Koshi River, towards Monjo. As you reach the National Park gate get your permits checked. After your permits are checked at the park’s gate head towards Jorsale. As you ascend higher you will catch the first glimpse of the greater Himalayan range. As, you progress on the trail cross several suspension bridges and the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, the highest bridge in the Everest region. After a brief ascend from here will lead you to Namche Bazaar. Witness spectacular views of Mount Everest, Thamserku, Khumbila, Konde Ri, and Tawache from Tope Danda. Once you reach Namche head towards your tea house and rest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Proper acclimatization is very important as you gain altitude. As your body needs to adapt to the thin level of oxygen. The settlement of Namche Bazaar has various points ideal for acclimatization hikes. Head towards the Syangboche monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts. Next head towards Hotel Everest View and witness the majestic mountain range of the greater Himalayas. Mountain giants of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mount Everest, and Thamserku. Later head towards Khumjung and visit Hillary School. After a brief exploration head towards Khumjung Monastery and witness what is said to be the skull of, the abominable snowman Yeti. Later head towards Namche and visit the pubs and restaurants of the area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast head into the trail. The trail today is filled with changing landscapes. Start by traversing across dense woodlands of varieties of pine, rhododendron, and cider with views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other mountain peaks of the Mahalangur range. Traversing across dense woodlands and alpine grassland you will reach the settlement of Tengboche. Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts and prayers. The monastery is nestled in the center of the village with views of snowy mountain peaks on the backdrop. After exploring the monastery head towards your accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today head towards Pangboche. The first section of the trail takes you on a descent route after a short downhill trek across the Imja Khola. From here you will be traversing uphill, as you gain altitude the tree line disappears, and the landscape changes into the arid alpine territory. Following the trail, you will reach the settlement of Dingboche. From the settlement, witness close-up views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today start the trek traversing across the mountain country. On this trail we find ourselves truly in the lap of Himalayas with awesome mountains on all sides. From Dingboche take the trail that climbs slowly along the ridge through the village of Dusa. Along this section witness outstanding views of the twin peaks of Taboche and Cholatse and Ama Dablam appears as a perfect pyramid, while the summit Kantega is visible far to the left of the prominent saddle seen from Tengboche. Next following the descending tracks reach a glacial stream. From here after a brief walk reach Dughla. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
From Dughla, start early after breakfast. Today you will be traversing across high arid landscapes. As you progress on the trail stops by Thukla Pass. The ridge's peak is covered with prayer flags and stones that serve as memorial shrines for climbers who perished on Mt. Everest. From here as you progress on the trail come face to face with numerous huge peaks of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. Upon reaching Lobuche head towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore the area and witness the beautiful village in close proximity to the snowcapped Lobuche peak. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
The hike to Everest Base Camp is not extremely challenging, you do, however, have to traverse glacier trails. Start by traversing across the Khumbu Glacier, on rugged terrains, with a lot of meandering. On route observe the beautifully rounded ice towers on the top half of the Khumbu glacier. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, head towards your teahouse. After a brief stop for lunch head towards the Everest Base Camp. This section of the trail is filled with spectacular views of mountains, icefalls, and glaciers. As you progress on the trail you will walk among the highest peak of the world. Upon reaching base camp witness spectacular views of the Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori mountains, after basking in the mountains return to Gorak Shep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
From Gorakshep head towards the most famous vantage point of the region, Kala Patthar. The Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5,550 meters provides a 360-degree view of the highest mountains. Mountain giants of Mount Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Lola, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku with endless other peaks. After spending a brief time at the summit head down towards Gorakshep and retrace your steps back to Pheriche. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
From Pheriche the trail descends to Tsuro Wog after crossing the bridge across Khumbu Khola and great mountain views. From Tsuro Wog we again start the descending path retracing the way we came up proceeding through Orsho, Shomare and upper Pangboche and finally to a most beautiful place of Tengboche. The Tengboche monastery is Khumbu’s largest gompa. From Tengboche we move towards Phunki Tenga and now descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma and then finally to Namche Bazar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today start walking over rugged terrain, on a downhill trail along the Dudh Koshi River. Cross multiple suspension bridges and pass through various monasteries and settlements to Lukla. Spent the rest of the day exploring Lukla. In the afternoon celebrate your last night in the mountains. Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way we came up. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After an early breakfast head towards Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla is breathtaking with views of endless mountain ranges and lush hills. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later take a stroll around the city. In the afternoon join in for a special farewell dinner program to mark the success of your adventure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Three hours before your flight’s departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
