Jiri to Everest Base Camp

Jiri to Everest Base Camp

Tanya Baker

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek: A Traditional Himalayan Journey

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a classic route following the footsteps of early Everest pioneers. This traditional trail offers a rich cultural experience and stunning Himalayan scenery, making it an incredible alternative to the popular Lukla route.

Overview

  • Start/End Point: Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Max Altitude: Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m)
  • Duration: Approximately 22–26 days. This trek is fully customizable for you so please use this as a guide only
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
  • Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit & the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

Why Choose the Jiri Route?

  • Follows the original route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
  • Gradual acclimatization with lower altitude gains.
  • Less crowded compared to the Lukla route.
  • Offers a more immersive cultural experience with traditional Sherpa and Rai villages.
  • More opportunities to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife.
  • Strengthens endurance and physical fitness with longer trekking days.

Trek Itinerary

  1. Kathmandu (1,400m) – Arrival and Exploration

    • Rest and preparation day in Nepal’s vibrant capital.
    • Points of Interest: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Thamel for last-minute trekking supplies.

  2. Kathmandu – Additional Acclimatization and Cultural Immersion

    • Explore more UNESCO World Heritage Sites or relax before the trek.
    • Points of Interest: Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams.

  3. Kathmandu to Jiri (1,905m) – 7–8 hours drive

    • A scenic journey through the foothills of the Himalayas.
    • Points of Interest: Tamang and Newar villages, lush hills, terraced farms.

  4. Jiri to Shivalaya (1,770m) – 4–5 hours trek

    • A pleasant start with gradual ascents and descents.
    • Points of Interest: Traditional farms, views of rolling hills, small suspension bridges.

  5. Shivalaya to Bhandar (2,200m) – 5–6 hours trek

    • A challenging climb over Deurali Pass (2,710m) before descending to Bhandar.
    • Points of Interest: Mani walls, Buddhist stupas, local markets.

  6. Bhandar to Kinja (1,634m) – 6–7 hours trek

    • A long descent followed by a climb towards Kinja.
    • Points of Interest: Rai and Sherpa villages, beautiful river valleys.

  7. Kinja to Dakachu (3,000m) – 6–7 hours trek

    • A steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests.
    • Points of Interest: Stunning forested trails, local teahouses, mountain ridges.

  8. Dakachu to Junbesi (2,700m) – 5–6 hours trek

    • A gradual trail with beautiful scenery.
    • Points of Interest: Junbesi Monastery, cultural interactions with locals.

  9. Junbesi to Ringmu (2,720m) – 6–7 hours trek

    • Crossing the Lamjura Pass (3,530m), followed by a descent.
    • Points of Interest: Everest viewpoint, mossy forests, Buddhist prayer flags.

  10. Ringmu to Nunthala (2,220m) – 5–6 hours trek

  • A pleasant downhill trek with Sherpa villages along the way.
  • Points of Interest: Mani walls, yak pastures.
  1. Nunthala to Kharikhola (2,040m) – 5–6 hours trek
  • A mix of ascents and descents through terraced fields and forests.
  • Points of Interest: Rai and Magar villages, terraced farming landscapes.
  1. Kharikhola to Paiya (2,730m) – 6–7 hours trek
  • A climb through lush forests, crossing small streams.
  • Points of Interest: Waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna.
  1. Paiya to Surke (2,290m) – 4–5 hours trek
  • A relatively easy trek leading to Surke, the gateway to the Khumbu region.
  • Points of Interest: Views of distant mountain ranges, traditional Sherpa homes.
  1. Surke to Phakding (2,610m) – 4–5 hours trek
  • A steady trail following the Dudh Koshi River into the heart of the Khumbu.
  • Points of Interest: Small Buddhist stupas, suspension bridges, riverside views.
  1. Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6–7 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Sagarmatha National Park entrance, Hillary Suspension Bridge, first Everest viewpoint.
  1. Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
  • Points of Interest: Everest View Hotel, Sherpa Culture Museum, Khumjung Monastery.
  1. Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5–6 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Tengboche Monastery, Ama Dablam viewpoint.
  1. Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5–6 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Pangboche Monastery, alpine landscapes.
  1. Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
  • Points of Interest: Nangkartshang Peak for acclimatization hike.
  1. Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m) – 5–6 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Memorial for fallen climbers at Thukla Pass.
  1. Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – 7–8 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Glacier views, reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp.
  1. Kala Patthar (5,545m) and descent to Pheriche (4,240m) – 7–8 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Unparalleled sunrise views of Everest.
  1. Pheriche to Namche Bazaar – 6–7 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Revisiting scenic mountain trails.
  1. Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 6–7 hours trek
  • Points of Interest: Farewell to the Khumbu region.
  1. Lukla to Kathmandu (flight) – End of Trek

Conclusion

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is a rewarding and challenging adventure that offers breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural immersion, and a sense of achievement. For those seeking a true Himalayan trekking experience, this route is an excellent choice, filled with adventure, history, and unparalleled beauty.

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