Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek - 24 Days

Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek - 24 Days
  • Duration24 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Moderate Trek
  • Maximum Altitude 5545m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 1- 16
  • Accommodation Teahouses
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
  • Best Season March-May and September - December

Trekking along the Jiri route presents an ancient path to reach Everest Base Camp, showcasing the breathtaking terrain of the Solukhumbu District. This journey unveils the mesmerizing Himalayan vistas, verdant forests, and lush valleys. The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek spans a day and offers panoramic views of notable peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amabablam, Pumori, and Thamserku, along with an opportunity to immerse in the Sherpa community's distinctive culture.

The adventure commences with a road trip from Kathmandu to Jiri, where lodging options like Lodge Jiri or Shivalaya await. Following the ancient Trans-Himalaya trade route via Solukhumbu and Gokyo Valleys, this route covers 175 kilometers from Jiri to Everest Base Camp via Namche Bazaar.

The trekking path is adorned with stunning mountain panoramas, revered Buddhist monasteries, lush valleys fed by glacial streams, and an earthly paradise. The advantage of starting at a lower altitude enhances acclimatization chances and offers exploration opportunities of Khumbu's communities and glaciers.

Passing through charming villages and diverse mountain views, the Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek offers both physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Encounter with local Sherpa residents and fellow global travelers enriches the experience. The presence of serene rivers and iconic peaks like Ama Dablam adds to the journey's allure. The fusion of amicable locals and Buddhist culture imparts a spiritual dimension.

The remarkable three-week expedition begins at Shivalaya, tracing the historic trail used during the 1950s Everest expeditions. The initial leg involves traversing undulating terrain across high passes and deep Solu Khumbu valleys. Nights are spent in modest lodges within tranquil Sherpa settlements.

Throughout the trek, you'll navigate established trails, ascending and descending through high passes, including the Lamjura Pass at 3530 meters. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, a well-acclimatized state prepares you for the classic route towards Everest Base Camp. This demanding trek showcases sustainability during the initial stages and challenges posed by high altitudes in the final week.

The 24-day Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek stands as a globally renowned route. While over 40,000 trekkers annually venture to Everest, merely 400 of them opt for the Jiri to EBC path via the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area. The segment between Jiri and Lukla remains less crowded, offering a unique encounter compared to the subsequent journey. Diverse landscapes, communities, and villages characterize the distinctive appeal of the Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek.

Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty 

The Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek is classified as a trek of moderate difficulty level, demanding participants to possess a certain level of strength and overall physical fitness. It entails daily walking sessions that span around 5 to 6 hours, involving traversing uneven, rocky, and often steep terrains. The trek does not necessitate any specialized climbing skills or specific talents. Notably, the route incorporates numerous stretches of stone staircases. As you journey through this path, you will find yourself spending significant periods at altitudes ranging from 3500 meters to 5200 meters, which consequently intensifies the physical demands of the hike. Given the elevation variations and the potential challenges posed by high altitudes, prior physical conditioning becomes essential. It's advisable to engage in preparatory training at least three months prior to embarking on this trek, ensuring your body is adequately prepared for the rigors of the journey ahead.

Accommodation during the Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek 

Accommodations throughout the duration of the Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek comprise well-maintained and contemporary tea house lodges, representing the finest available options in each village. The arrangement typically involves shared rooms, primarily twin-sharing arrangements and occasionally triple-sharing setups. For added convenience, these lodges are ensured to be orderly and clean. An added amenity is the availability of hot showers across all tea house lodges, albeit at an extra cost. This accommodation setup is designed to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of trekkers, offering them a suitable resting place after their daily journey through the trekking route.

Meals on Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek 

Throughout the course of the journey, trekkers will be provided with three main meals a day, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, a selection of snacks along with a variety of hot and cold beverages can be acquired for an additional charge. Anticipate a culinary array that encompasses both local and international flavors. Traditional Nepali fare like dal Bhat will be available, alongside Western-style offerings such as pizza, yak steak, chow mein, and Momo, among other dishes. It's noteworthy that the lodges along the route are equipped with power sources, featuring the standard Asian plug configuration characterized by two horizontal prongs, akin to nails. Furthermore, the lodges extend the facility to recharge electronic devices for a nominal fee, ensuring that trekkers can keep their devices powered up as needed throughout the journey. This catering arrangement, inclusive of diverse meal options and the provision for device charging, aims to enhance the overall trekking experience by catering to both sustenance and connectivity needs.

Best Time for Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek 

The most optimal periods for embarking on the Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek are during the Spring months of February, March, April, and May, as well as the Autumn months of September, October, November, and December. These time frames offer the most favorable conditions for the journey. While it remains feasible to undertake the trek in February and early September, it's important to note that these months usher in colder temperatures and increased precipitation, which can impact the overall trekking experience. On the other hand, the Summer season and the rainy period are not advisable for this particular trek, as they present less favorable weather conditions and may lead to challenges related to the trail's terrain and overall comfort. Therefore, selecting Spring or Autumn ensures a more enjoyable and manageable experience for trekkers on the Jiri Everest Base Camp route.

 

Highlights
  • The Tengboche Monastery
  • Zig Zag drive to Jiri and an amazing flight from Lukla
  • A glimpse into the life of the “mountain people” living in the heart of the Himalayas.
  • Remarkable views of the Khumbu Ice Fall on the slope of Mt. Everest. Adventurer Three Passes in Everest region, Climbing Mt. Kalapatthar (18,225 feet) the most accessible point from which to view Mt. Everest from its base camp to its peak.
  • The views from Mt. Kalapatthar include a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks.
  • Arriving at Everest Base Camp and walking on the Khumbu glacier.
Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by an All Nepal Hiking representative. They will assist you with your transfer to your chosen Kathmandu hotel.
 

  • Max. Altitude:1310m
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:40 mins from airport

You will have an early delicious breakfast. In the afternoon, you will have a trekking briefing and preparation for your upcoming adventure.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

You will start your journey to the Everest region by driving from Kathmandu to Jiri. The scenic drive takes around 7 to 8 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, rural villages, and terraced farmlands. Jiri is the starting point for the classic Everest Base Camp trek.

  • Max. Altitude:1,955 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your trekking adventure begins as you leave Jiri and start walking toward Shivalaya. The trail takes you through dense forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. After a walk of about 4 to 5 hours, you will reach Shivalaya, where you will spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude:2,200m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trek takes you to Bhandar. You will ascend through rhododendron and oak forests, crossing several small streams along the way. Bhandar is a small village known for its monasteries and beautiful landscapes.

  • Max. Altitude:2,190 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5 to 6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Bhandar, you will continue your trek toward Sete. The trail involves a steep climb through forests and terraced fields. As you ascend higher, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Sete is a small village located in a serene and picturesque setting.

  • Max. Altitude:3,220 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trek takes you to Junbesi, a Sherpa village with a rich cultural heritage. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. You will pass through charming villages, Buddhist monasteries, and rhododendron forests before reaching Junbesi.

  • Max. Altitude:2,700
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6 to 7 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You'll be trekking from Nunthala to Bupsa (also known as Bukusa) today. The track includes both ascents and descents, offering a variety of sceneries. After 6 to 7 hours of walking, you will arrive in Bupsa, where you will spend the night.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your journey from Bupsa to Chaurikharka continues. The route winds through rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa communities

Leaving Junbesi, you will descend through forests and cross suspension bridges over rivers. The trail passes through small villages and terraced fields before reaching Nunthala, a quaint village situated along the Dudh Koshi River.

s. After a 6- to 7-hour hike, you'll arrive to Chaurikharka, where you'll spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude:2,194 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6 to 7 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek continues as you walk toward Khari Khola. You will cross the Dudh Koshi River and hike through lush forests. Khari Khola is a small settlement where you can experience the local Sherpa culture and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  • Max. Altitude:2,040 m)
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4 to 5 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Khari Khola, you will ascend towards Paiya. The trail is relatively steep and challenging, passing through dense forests and terraced farmlands. Paiya offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

  • Max. Altitude:2,730
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the high altitude in Namche Bazaar. Explore the town, go to the local market, and take magnificent Himalayas views, including Mount Everest.
 

  • Max. Altitude:(2,652 m)
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6 to 7 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Village. The trail offers breathtaking mountain views and travels through rhododendron forests. After a 5-hour journey, you'll arrive at Phortse Village, where you'll spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude:3,440 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6 to 7 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To acclimatize properly, you will spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar. You can explore the town, visit the Sherpa Museum, hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views, or take a short hike to Khumjung village.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will hike to Tengboche, known for its famous monastery. The trail offers stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Upon reaching Tengboche, you can visit the monastery and soak in the serene atmosphere.

  • Max. Altitude:3,867 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4 to 5 hours walk
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will trek from Pheriche to Lobuche. The course becomes more difficult as you gain elevation, but the breathtaking landscape makes it worthwhile. You'll arrive in Lobuche after a few hours of walking, where you'll spend the night.
 

  • Max. Altitude:4,240 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will spend an extra day in Pheriche for acclimatization. You can take short hikes around the village, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association's clinic, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, you'll trek to the summit of Kala Patthar, which offers amazing views of Mount Everest, the Khumbu Glacier, and neighboring peaks. After admiring the vista, you'll go to Lobuche for the night.

  • Max. Altitude:(4,928 m) 4 to 5 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4 to 5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from Lobuche and go to Dingboche. The trail lowers, providing stunning views of the mountains and valleys. You'll arrive at Dingboche after a few hours of trekking, where you'll spend the night.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3 to 4 hour
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning, you will hike to Kala Patthar, a renowned viewpoint for close-up views of Everest, Nuptse, and other Himalayan giants. After enjoying the sunrise views, you will descend to Dingboche, a beautiful village with stunning mountain vistas.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3-4 hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Dingboche, you will retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar. The trail offers a combination of ascents and descents, with scenic views of the Himalayas. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you can relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.

  • Max. Altitude:3,440 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7 to 8 hours walk
  • Meals:TeahoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinneruse

This is the last day of your trek. You will descend from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail passes through forests and Sherpa villages, offering a final glimpse of the majestic mountains. In Lukla, you can relax, reflect on your journey, and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:2,652 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:8 hours.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the Himalayas one last time. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can rest, explore the city, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

  • Max. Altitude:1,310m
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:30 min flight
  • Meals:Dinner

On this day, you will depart from Kathmandu for your next adventure in Nepal or go on to your next destination. If you have extra time before your flight, you can go sightseeing or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Kathmandu.

  • Meals:Breakfast

Notes: The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is redirected to Ramechhap due to traffic congestion and a high influx of tourists during the high season. The high tourist season in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In the season of tourism, there are many international and domestic flights operating in different sectors which is more than capacities of the small Tribhuban international airport. Due to this reason, there is the problem with air traffic and delays in Lukla flights too. Lukla flights are only in the morning time and it does not fly during day time due to heavy wind and foggy weather on the way to Lukla. If the flights are from Ramechaap, there is no issue of air traffic and flight duration is also less than from Kathmandu. Flight to Ramechhap will add 5 hours approx. to your journey. It seems like an added inconvenience but let’s see the brighter side

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

During the Everest Base Camp Trek, we provide one porter for every two travelers to carry your trekking gear, with a maximum weight limit of 10 kg per passenger. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla has luggage restrictions of 10 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. While you can leave some of your belongings in Kathmandu, you must bring all your trekking gear with you. If needed, sleeping bags are available for the forest of 200 - 300 NPR per day.
 

For Cold Weather:

  • Long-sleeved shirts or sweaters
  • Scarf
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Layered clothing for warmth

For Conservative Dress:

  • Modest attire that covers knees and shoulders (long pants, long skirts, shoulder-covering shirts)
  • Shawl or scarf for temple visits

Important Documents:

  • Flight details (printed copies)
  • Insurance information (with photocopies)
  • Passport (with photocopies)
  • Necessary visas or vaccination certificates (with photocopies)

Essentials:

  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
  • Cash, credit, and debit cards
  • Day pack (for daily excursions)
  • Earplugs
  • First-aid kit (including various items like sunscreen, band-aids, medication)
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Fleece top or sweater
  • Suitable footwear
  • Hat
  • Locks for bags
  • Long pants or jeans
  • Money belt
  • Outlet adapter
  • Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Shirts and t-shirts
  • Sleepwear
  • Compact travel towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (preferably eco-friendly)
  • Watch an alarm clock
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Windproof rain jacket

Health and Safety:

  • Face masks (mandatory)
  • Hand sanitizer (mandatory)
  • Pen (for filling out documents)
  • Rubber gloves

For High Altitude Trekking:

  • Down jacket (recommended in winter)
  • Well-worn hiking boots
  • Pack liners for waterproofing bags
  • Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)
  • Sandals (for camp wear)
  • Sleeping bag and liner suitable for four seasons
  • Spare boot laces
  • Thermal base layer
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Whistle
  • Windproof rain gear
  • Wool socks

Laundry:

  • Laundry facilities are available at some tea houses and hotels for a fee. It's recommended to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you might need to do your laundry.

Passports: Generally, it's important to ensure that your passport holds a validity of at least 6 months before its expiration. Accurate passport details are essential for completing your booking, and any inaccuracies might result in additional charges for corrections. It's advisable to have copies of your passport's main pages and other significant documents during your travel, as well as leaving copies back home with trusted family members or friends.

Nepal Visas: All international travelers must possess a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained from foreign embassies in advance or upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu. For those opting for the on-arrival visa, it's important to be prepared for potentially long queues. You'll need to submit one passport photo and pay the visa fee in US dollars, strictly in cash. The fees vary according to the duration of the visa: USD 30 for a 15-day multi-entry visa, USD 50 for a

 

 

Cost Details
Includes
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
  • All accommodations and meals during the trek
  • Pickup and drop to start your trek and from the ending point to your Hotel In Kathmandu or your destination
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (6 trekkers:1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (National Park permit, TIMS)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
Excludes
  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • early check-ins and late check out
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and water, soft drinks, etc.
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Sleeping bags and down jacket ( can be rented)
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is respected but it is not obligatory)
FAQs

  • The Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek is an alternative route to reach Everest Base Camp that starts from Jiri, a town located approximately 187 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It involves trekking through the lower Solu region before joining the classic Everest Base Camp trail at Lukla.

  • The Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek typically takes around 24 days to complete. This includes the trek from Jiri to Lukla, the ascent to Everest Base Camp, and the return journey.

  • The Jiri route offers a longer and more gradual acclimatization process, which can be beneficial for trekkers who prefer a more leisurely pace and better acclimatization. Additionally, the Jiri route allows for a deeper immersion in the local culture and offers a more scenic and diverse trekking experience.

  • Yes, the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek is generally considered more challenging than the Lukla route. It involves longer trekking days, as well as more gradual ascents and descents. However, the slower pace and gradual acclimatization can make it a more enjoyable and manageable trek for some trekkers.

  • The total distance of the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek is approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) round trip. This distance includes the trek from Jiri to Lukla and the additional distance to Everest Base Camp and back.

  • Yes, there are teahouses and lodges available along the Jiri route. However, compared to the Lukla route, the teahouse infrastructure may be less developed in some sections. It is advisable to carry some camping equipment or be prepared for basic accommodations in certain areas.

  • For the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek, you need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, similar to the Lukla route. These permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.

  • The scenery along the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek is diverse and stunning. The trail passes through beautiful terraced farmlands, lush forests, and traditional villages in the lower Solu region. As you ascend, you will witness majestic mountains, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and many more.

  • ATMs are not readily available along the trekking trail. It is advisable to carry enough cash in Nepalese rupees to cover your expenses for the entire trek. Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and a few other villages may have ATMs, but they cannot be relied upon due to limited accessibility and potential technical issues.

  • Health and safety considerations for the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek are similar to those of the Lukla route. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, following a balanced diet, maintaining personal hygiene, and carrying a basic first aid kit are essential. It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and to take necessary precautions.

  • The weather during the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek can vary depending on the season. In general, the spring and autumn seasons offer more stable weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures. However, weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, so it is important to be prepared for variations and carry appropriate clothing and gear.

  • Yes, there are alternative routes and side trips possible during the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek. For example, you can take a detour to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes or explore the remote and challenging Three Passes trek. These options add extra days to the trek but offer additional scenic and adventurous experiences.

  • While you cannot see Mount Everest from Jiri itself, the views of Everest and other stunning mountains become visible as you trek closer to the higher altitudes. The best views of Everest are generally from vantage points like Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.

  • Mobile network coverage is available in certain areas along the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek. However, the signal strength and coverage may be limited, especially in more remote and higher-altitude regions. It is advisable to have a local SIM card if you need reliable communication.

  • Helicopter rescue services are available in case of emergencies along the Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek. However, it is important to note that helicopter rescues are expensive and should only be used in life-threatening situations. Travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical evacuation is highly recommended.

  • Yes, if you have the time and energy, you can extend your trek beyond Everest Base Camp via Jiri. You can explore the nearby valleys, visit other high-altitude lakes, or even attempt other trekking peaks in the region, such as Island Peak or Mera Peak. Make sure to plan and prepare accordingly, considering the additional time and permits required.

Price Per PersonUS$1700