Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek - 21 days

Welcome to the culturally and geographically diverse country, Nepal! Upon your arrival at the country's capital city, Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Gaurishankar Himal surrounding the valley. Head to the terminal after landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representatives from Third Rock Adventures are waiting for you. 

From here, you are transferred to your hotel based in the tourist hub of the city, Thamel. Relax at your hotel then visit our office located nearby. In the evening, you can take a stroll around the streets of Thamel to enjoy the lively market. A lovely welcome dinner is served at night with authentic Nepali dishes and drinks.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

You have an entire day to go on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu city and make necessary trek preparations. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, some of which we will visit today. We will guide you to the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square courtyards located in Basantapur/Freak Street. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, which was once the ruling Shah dynasty palace in the bygone Kingdom era. Age-old architecture in the form of shrines, statues, and temples are scattered around the vicinity.

Drive off to Swayambhunath stupa, situated on a hilltop in the western outskirts of the city. After enjoying the serenity and the wide-angle view, head to Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Explore the temples and shrines in the vicinity. If time permits, you can also visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's biggest Buddhist heritage sites, located in the city's northeast.

Also, during the day, your guide will assist in getting all the required permits and complete the documentation process from the authorized offices. You can hire or buy any trekking equipment or clothing required for the trek from the Thamel market.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, you will be heading to the northeast of Kathmandu with a long drive to Bhandar. The trip starts with a ride to Bhote Koshi River road connecting Nepal to Tibet. There are vast terraced fields and scattered houses along the way. Midway the route follows the Sun Koshi river on the side. The zig-zag road leads to a straight road passing by villages and towns of Mude, Charikot then crossing the Tama Koshi River.

In a short while, you reach Jiri at an altitude of 1,940m/6,364ft, referred to as the 'Gateway to Everest' and 'Switzerland of Nepal,' considering its proximity to Everest and the green hills, terraced fields, and views of mountains. This route was also taken by the famous duo Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay while making their expedition to Mt. Everest. You might have your belongings checked at an army checkpoint. Further ahead, the drive takes you to Bhandar for the stay. The town is filled with scattered houses among terraced fields and also a large stupa that you can visit later in the evening if time permits.

Overnight stay in Bhandar.

On the first day of your trek, the easy trail will lead to Sete village. The journey begins with a downhill pass along a rich green forest and crosses a few suspension bridges to Phedi. There are paddy fields and small streams along the way to distract you from the knee-bending hike. Beneath the ridge of Lamjura and Pikey Peak, there is a village called Kenja where you take a short break. Already, the sight of Numbur Peak welcomes you to the east.

The trail takes a steep climb towards Sete village. There are many lodges and tea houses here as it is a favored stop for many tourists taking the classic route to EBC.

Overnight stay in Sete.

Leaving Sete, today's trail passes by rhododendron and pine forest in the initial leg of the trek. In a short while, reach Ghurasey with a few houses in the middle of a lush forest. After a break, continue to Lamjura La Pass decorated with colorful prayer flags and stacked stones. Move amidst the fog to the forested area ahead. You will come across yaks grazing in the field near Toctoc village. Passing the tall pine and rhododendron-clad forest-covered densely with moss, take a descent now to a farming area, Junbesi.

Junbesi is a lovely village in the lower Solu inhabited mostly by the Sherpa community. It is known mostly for a school built by Sir Edmund Hillary during his stay here. After settling at a tea house, head out to visit the 16th century, one of the oldest monasteries in Solu, Junbesi Monastery. The ethnic people celebrate the Dumji festival in this monastery during April or May annually.

Overnight stay in Junbesi.

The initial leg of the trek to Nunthala begins with a descent to the river below before crossing the wooden bridge over Junbesi Khola. The well-trodden route goes downhill before taking a steep upward climb among pastures and woodland. In a short while, you reach the ridge of Phurtyang village from where the views of Everest are visible amidst the gloomy hamlet.

Beyond Phurtyang, pass another hamlet called Salung, then walk in the picturesque hillside villages towards a suspension bridge over Dudhkunda Khola. From there, it is a long and steep descent towards Trakshindu La pass. Before that, you will make a stop at Ringmo settlement to have some lunch. It is known best for the apple, apricot, and peach orchards grown during favorable seasons.

Leaving Ringmo, take the upper right route to Trakshindu La pass by making a 400m ascent. Depending upon the weather, you can see a vast picturesque view of the surrounding Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, and Kantega from the top. Visit the Trakshindu Gompa to the east of the pass, built in 1946, one of the biggest monasteries in the area. Continue to take a descent to Nunthala village, which is about two hours away. This village is the final stop for vehicle access; there are only walking and trekking trails from hereon. The locals get the supplies from hereon with the help of mules and yaks.

Overnight stay in Nunthala.

Trek begins with a walk alongside sloppy terrain leading to vast woodlands and fields. Giving way to a train of mules along the way, progress to the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River. From here, hike up to Jubing village filled with houses clinging to the mountainside and barley fields and terraced Kale. Reach Kharikhola settlement after a hard climb to have some lunch.

Continue on the challenging stretch to the Bupsa Danda on the hilltop, from where amazing views of snow-capped mountains and distant hills come to display. The small Sherpa village is a popular stopover for many tourists who take the classic trekking trail from Jiri. After setting down, visit the renowned monastery, built in 2005, which is packed during festivities. Interact with the school of Buddhist monks living there and understand their daily chores and rituals.

Overnight stay in Bupsa.

Leaving Bupsa, the trail descends to the Kari La Pass on the foot of Mera peak to Everest trail. Then cross a wooden bridge over the Paiya Khola towards Puiyan village. From thereon, take another ascent uphill to be welcomed by prayer flags and mani walls to Chutok La Pass (2,945m/9,662ft). On a clear day, you can see Gyachung Kang and Khumbila peaks. Continue with a decline toward Surke, a small village located on a riverbank below the hill.

The fertile land of Surke is best for growing food crops. This village is the final stop in the classic Jiri trail before meeting the famous alternative Everest trekking route.

Overnight stay in Surke.

After breakfast, the route stretched alongside a cliff towards a suspension bridge to Mushe before reaching the sparsely populated settlement of Chaurikharka. Yaks and mules graze in the wide grassland, which is filled with prayer wheels and mani walls. The trail takes you to a deep gorge towards a mesmerizing waterfall. Continue on the dwindling path climbing a flight of stairs to Cheplung village. Passing by the few lodges and teahouses in the area, take a downhill walk to Tado Koshi. Perhaps you get to enjoy the views of Griffon vultures and up-close views of Kusum Kanguru Peak.

After crossing a suspension bridge, Ghat settlement is just around the corner. After having lunch, head to Chhuthawa, a small settlement with a large prayer wheel and a small monastery. Continue on the easy downhill hike to Phakding village. Entering the village, you witness stone steps, mani walls welcoming you, and a painting of Guru Rimpoche on a rock to the right. If you are up for heading out after the long trek, then take a short walk to Rimishung Monastery in the evening.

Overnight stay in Phakding.

Kick off the morning with breakfast, then begin walking beside the Dudh Koshi River while passing by the pine forest towards Benkar. In this small village, witness views of the towering Thamserku peak. After crossing a long suspension bridge alongside mules and yaks, continue to Monjo village while enjoying views of Khumbila peak.

Monjo is the entry point to the Sagarmatha National Park; hence, you are required to show permits and an entrance ticket at the checkpoint. Take a quick descent towards the river, cross a suspension bridge, and head to Jorsale village for lunch.

Continue your trek to where the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers meet before taking a climb to Tope Danda. It is a ridge from which the view of Namche Bazaar is visible. After a short walk, you reach Namche Bazaar, adorned with restaurants, ATMs, tea houses, Cafes, Bakery and more.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. 

Today in Namche Bazaar, you will take a much-needed break after the long trekking days. As this is the heart of the Khumbu region, its busiest tourist and commercial hub, there is a lot to see. After having breakfast, and perhaps an espresso from a cafe, take a walk to the Khuda Hospital nearby, which Sir Edmund Hillary famously sets up during his visit. Explore the Namche Monastery of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. There are two other monasteries in the area that you can visit to understand the Sherpa traditions and culture. Hike up to the Everest Viewpoint, a popular tourist spot to observe Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest from the fancy balcony of the hotel.

Namche is also known for its popular Saturday market, where locals from across villages come to trade their produce. While you might not be interested in buying anything, you can still enjoy the rush hours and interact with locals.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

After two nights in Namche, leave the town by taking a northern trail on the sandy Dudh Koshi riverside. Take an inclination and walk past a flight of stone steps to a ridge from where views of the snowclad Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Nuptse are visible.

Walk into a plush forest towards a suspension bridge over the Phunki Tenga river. In the heights of the cliffs, beautiful Himalayan Griffons nesting in the high cliffs above. The uneven, steep rocky route progresses to the rhododendron-clad forest to an Army checkpoint. You might encounter rare musk deer and blood pheasant on your way. Walking then on flat land, you will eventually reach Tengboche village, our stop for the day.

One does not leave Tengboche without visiting the Tengboche Monastery, which is located at a nearby distance. After dropping your belongings at a tea house, take a walk to the largest monastery of the Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery. Instantly, your eyes will catch the towing views of the Ama Dablam sitting behind the monastery. Known locally as Dawa Choling Gompa, it has many buildings scattered across the vicinity and prayer wheels and mani walls. After witnessing the architectural grandeur and heritage of the Tibetan Buddhist Sherpa community, return to your tea house.

Overnight stay in Tengboche.

After breakfast, hike up to the Milingo nunnery at a higher elevation leaving behind Tengboche. From there, the trail takes you to the incredible Imja Khola gorge, followed by Pangboche village. If you hear hissing sounds from the meadows or cliffs, worry not, as mountain goats/rams climb on the cliff terrain to search for food.

After a while, you reach Pangboche village, known for the famous Pangboche Monastery, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. After taking some rest at Pangboche, take the trail alongside Lobuche river, proceeding to Sombare village to Dingboche, a few hours away. 

Stone walls welcome you to Dingboche, a popular stop for all trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp. There are many lodges and tea houses and, surprisingly, one of the world's highest billiards parlors for all enthusiastic billiard players.

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Today has been set aside for acclimatization as the altitude only increases from hereon. Your body needs to get acquainted with the rise in elevation and drop in air pressure. After breakfast, carry your day pack and head on to a small hike up Nagarjun Hill, located at an altitude of over 5,000m/16,404ft.

The hike begins with a steep climb on a route with loose rocks but non-technical sections. You will get familiar with the altitude and the rugged terrain, which will benefit the upcoming days. Nagarjun Hill is known locally as Nankartshang, which has been named after a Buddhist hermit. From the top of the ridge, up-close views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Imja glacier are glorious. After enjoying the hike, head back to your tea house in Dingboche.

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

The initial leg of the trek takes you to the foot of the world's highest and Nepal's largest Khumbu glacier on the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. The rugged and snowy trail leads to Dugla village, where you stop for lunch. A steep zig-zag climb takes you to the Thukla Pass. Also known as the Dughla pass, it is one of the saddest points in the trail as there are many memorial stupas built in honor of all the brave heated climbers who lost their lives during or after thor summit climb. Among them is a memorial stone of the departed crew members of the 1996 ill-fated dramatic expedition, turned into a movie titled 'Everest.'

From the pass, take a descent to Lobuche settlement which lies close to the Khumbu glacier. It shares the name with the popular Lobuche peak visible from the village.

Overnight stay in Lobuche.

Next up in the trek is reaching Gorak Shep, the final settlement before Everest Base Camp (EBC). Before dawn, make your way through the foggy trail taking small steps up to Gorak Shep, where you will leave your belongings at the tea house and make way ahead. In the 1952 Swiss expedition, Gorak was the original base camp. To get the route a little closer to Everest, later a new base camp was established.

Reaching the Everest Base Camp by walking on rugged terrain, loose stones, icy slopes is a huge challenge, but the camp itself is mesmerizing. Today is perhaps the most exciting day of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding eight-thousander mountains. Although you cannot see the top of Mt. Everest from the base camp, you can still enjoy the views of the dramatic Khumbu glacier and Khumbu Icefall. After the joyous hike, descend back to the tea house, taking the same route. As it is quite slippery, it is best if you take small steps and follow your guide.

Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.

Early in the morning, take a hike to the most famous viewpoint of the entire Khumbu region, Kala Patthar, at the highest elevation of 5,550m/18,209ft. To enjoy the views of the top of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks, all tourists visit this vantage point. Translated to 'black rock,' it is a ridge elevated on the southern edge of Pumori peak, offering expansive panoramic views.

The crest of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/ 29,031.7 ft), is finally visible. The eight-thousander peaks, such as Cho Oyu (8,188m/ 26,864 ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/ 27,940 ft), add to the beauty of the hike. Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, and countless other peaks are seen from here. After relishing the moment, retrace your steps to Gorak Shep tea house to collect your belongings and head to Pheriche.

The trail takes a downhill turn with an elevation drop, making the trek easier. Pheriche is a farming village above the Tsola river. The inhabitants are actively engaged in trekking and guiding the tourists during the peak climbing seasons to earn a living and grow potatoes and buckwheat to survive.

Overnight stay in Pheriche.

Leaving Pheriche, the initial phase of the trek, takes a downhill hike until you reach Tengboche. From there, take an uphill climb to the village. Tracing your steps back is easier and quicker. From the village, it is a descent to reach the valley floor.

Bid farewell to the Imja river valley as you cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. With views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam getting more distant and blurry, you will reach Namche Bazaar after a couple of hours. After the long trek, get settled at a tea house and take a much-needed hot shower.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla takes you on a new route. First, you trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsale village. Have your lunch either at Jorsale or further ahead at Phakding village. Continue your walk along with the stone steps, passing by mani walls and prayer flags. Head to a dense forest towards Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, the entrance to Lukla.

Lukla is a small but significant town with a small airstrip, a gateway for essential supplies, and tourists to enter the Khumbu region. Alternative to the Jiri trail, which takes about a week of trekking to reach Phakding, trekkers prefer to fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding in a day. At Lukla, there are clustered houses and lodges where you can accommodate yourself then take a stroll in the streets in the evening.

Overnight stay in Lukla.

On your final day in the Khumbu region, you can wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains and later have an authentic local breakfast. Pack Up your belongings, bid farewell to the locals, and take a flight to Kathmandu. Observe fleeting views of the scenic snow-capped mountains. Upon landing at the airport's domestic terminal in Kathmandu, you are transferred to the hotel in Thamel.

Enjoy the afternoon with some souvenir shopping or relish continental cuisine that you must have missed throughout the trek. Take home some memorable handmade Dhaka hats, Pashmina Shawls, Thangka paintings, and more.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After the amazing trek to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, it is finally time to say goodbye. Depending upon your flight time, you are driven to the Tribhuvan International Airport by our representatives to catch a flight back home.

If you wish to extend your trek or visit again for a similar tour in the Everest region of Nepal, feel free to contact us for the best experience of your lifetime.