Jiri To Everest Base Camp Trek

Today marks the final arrangements regarding finances, and any remaining queries have been addressed in prior days. Our journey takes us to Jiri Bazaar, a scenic route passing through picturesque villages and mountainous terrain. Situated at an elevation of 6,546 feet, Jiri serves as a gateway for the 3 Passes Trek.

For an early start, Kathmandu offers regular bus services to Jiri Bazaar. Alternatively, tourists can opt for a more comfortable ride via a private car or jeep, available at an additional cost. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the vicinity of Jiri and spend the night at the Sherpa Hotel.

Initially, our hike leads us through the stunningly picturesque villages and lush green landscapes of Shivalaya. The Jiri to Shivalaya trek is relatively gentle and spans approximately 3 hours.

Upon reaching Shivalaya, you’ll encounter the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area checkpoint. Subsequently, the journey becomes more challenging with a strenuous and steep ascent to Deurali Hill, where we’ll spend the night.

We descend a steep trail leading downhill to Bhandar, a well-known location in the Everest region adorned with numerous shops and guest houses. Continuing onwards, we hike further to Kinja, where travelers are required to register at the police checkpoint. Kinja boasts pleasant restaurants and lodges, ideal for a lunch break before embarking on a challenging ascent of about 1000 meters uphill to Sete.

The day commences with a steady and extended ascent to reach the Lamjura La pass standing at 3,530m/11,543 feet. This summit rewards trekkers with frost and often snow-covered trails in the winter, while in the spring, the path is adorned with blooming rhododendrons.

Lamjura Bhanjyang, situated at 3,530m, serves as a pivotal point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar and provides an excellent spot for a satisfying lunch break. After reaching the pass, the descent leads to Tragdobuk at 2,860m, eventually guiding trekkers to the picturesque Sherpa village of Junbesi.

Today we climb to a ridge at 10,102 feet, from where Everest slowly begins to appear in front of your eyes, walk to Salung (2,650m). From Junbesi the trail leads to the hospital and airstrip at Phaplu and the district headquarters and bazaar at Salleri.

Leaving Salung, we make our way descending to the Ringmo Khola. We make a short climb from Ringmo Khola that takes us to the Trakshindo pass (10,073 feet) and to the Trakshindo Monastery en route before reaching Nuntala.

From the hill of Taksindo, the picturesque scenarios of Salleri can be explored. The monasteries of the village represent the mystical touch of Tibetan Buddhism. From another ridge, the views of Lukla, and Nunthala valley astound us.

Walk through the alpine forest, pass the Nunthala village, and continue trek downhill to cross the Dudhkoshi River to hike Jubing and ascend about 2 hours we reach Kharikhola.

From the hill of Taksindo, the picturesque scenarios of Salleri can be explored. The monasteries of the village represent the magical touch of Tibetan Buddhism. From another ridge, the views of Lukla, and Nunthala valley astound us.

We descend through the alpine forest, pass the Nunthala village and continue to trek down, cross the Dudhkoshi River, and get up to Jubing. After about 2 hours of ascending, we reach Kharikhola.

The trail climbs for about an hour after Puiyan to a ridge at 9,185 feet, up to another ridge. Pass through Lukla Airport, and follow a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River.

Along the way, you will have a superior view of Mount Nupla (5885m), Kusum Kanguru (6,367m), and Mount Kwongde Range. Take an easy walk for about five hours to reach Bengkar village to stay overnight.

We persist along the trail, navigating various inclines and declines, crossing streams, and passing through small villages en route to Monjo. Our trek extends to the Sagarmatha National Park office, where entry fees for the nature park are required.

Continuing onward, a brief walk along the valley’s riverbed unveils the convergence of major rivers. Crossing the Hillary Bridge, we embark on a steep ascent towards the lodges in Namche. The Jiri to Namche Bazaar trek offers a classic experience, providing vistas of the remarkable Everest summit (8,848m) towering above Lhotse Sar (8,516m).

Namche Bazaar stands as a central hub, offering provisions, trekking gear, and essential commodities amidst the surrounding hills and mountain ranges. For some luxury travelers, a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar becomes an enticing option to bypass the Khumbu hills and Dudhkoshi Valley.

The Namche Marketplace serves as a perfect spot for acclimatization to the higher altitudes before progressing towards Tengboche. Ascending to the Khumjung monastery, a quaint Sherpa settlement, we are greeted by the Sherpa community.

From this vantage point, a spectacular panorama of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde, and other peaks unfolds before us. On the return journey to Namche, visitors have the opportunity to explore the National Park Museum situated just above the town, offering insights into Sherpa culture and heritage.

Having breakfast trek heading towards Tengboche Monastery. The trail goes ahead leaving a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi.

Get the Himalayan vista such as Ama Dablam (6,812m), Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7,855m), and Tawoche (6,501m). Tengboche offers a good view of sunrise and sunset at Everest and Ama Dablam.

The trail condition from Tengboche Monastery to Dingboche village is generally well-maintained and moderately challenging. It presents a mix of gradual ascents and descents with scenic landscapes along the way. Trekkers traverse through diverse terrain, including rocky paths, meadows, and occasional forested sections.

This hike provides stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. However, caution is advised as the trail can be steep in certain segments, requiring careful navigation, especially during inclement weather or icy conditions. Overall, it’s a captivating trek marked by varying landscapes and panoramic vistas of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche Peak..etc.

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche Lodges, passing through Dughla Pass, offers a challenging yet rewarding trek. Initially, the path presents a gradual ascent with scenic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. As trekkers approach Dughla Pass, the terrain becomes steeper, marked by rocky and uneven sections, demanding careful navigation.

The ascent to Dughla Pass is notably steep and challenging, involving a strenuous climb over rocky terrain. Trekkers need to tread cautiously due to the rugged nature of the trail and the higher altitude. Once past the pass, the descent toward Lobuche Lodges involves a mix of rocky and sometimes icy pathways, requiring careful footing.

The views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks are breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop to the trek. However, it’s essential for hikers to be adequately prepared, both physically and with proper gear, as this segment of the trail demands moderate to high fitness levels due to the steep inclines and the altitude gain.

From Lobuche to Gorak Shep Lodge involves a challenging yet fascinating trek through the Khumbu region. Initially, the path features a relatively flat and gradually ascending terrain with rocky sections. As trekkers advance, the trail becomes more rugged, with rocky, uneven pathways that demand careful footing.

Trail to Gorak Shep includes a mix of rocky and sandy terrain, making the trek physically demanding, particularly as hikers ascend toward higher altitudes. However, it has well-marked but can be strenuous due to its steepness in some areas, requiring a moderate to high level of physical fitness and proper acclimatization to the altitude.

Along the way, trekkers will encounter awe-inspiring views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes, including glimpses of majestic peaks like Everest, providing a stunning backdrop to the journey. It’s important for hikers need to prepare adequately and equipped with suitable gear for varying trail conditions and possible weather changes.

Trekkers will encounter a mix of rocky, gravelly, and occasionally icy sections as they progress. It becomes steeper and more demanding as it approaches Everest Base Camp, with some rocky and uneven pathways that require careful navigation. Hikers need to traverse glacial moraines and rocky ridges, which might be physically taxing, especially due to the high altitude and varying trail conditions.

We embark on a morning trek from Gorak Shep towards Kala Patthar hill to catch the sunrise. This vantage point offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest, along with other majestic peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mount Thamserku, and more, especially on clear weather days.

After descending from Kala Patthar to Gorak Shep, we regroup with our entire crew and then proceed on a downhill hike towards Pheriche village. Pheriche hosts the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post, where dedicated foreign volunteer doctors provide essential medical assistance and support to trekkers and locals in need.

Today’s trek involves a downhill journey from Pheriche to Tengboche, known for its Buddhist research center. The trail continues from Tengboche to Namche, offering an easier route but a long day of hiking.

Descending through the vibrant rhododendron forest, you’ll encounter the revered Tengboche oldest monastery and pass by quaint villages. Lunch at Tengboche Hill provides a splendid view of Ama Dablam, lush green hills, and pristine rivers.

Later Lunch, descends from Tengboche to Phungki Tangka, crosses the river, and passes several tiny villages to reach Namche. Sanasa and Lagusasa are the most famous for locals as they are selling foods for locals. Catch the way descending from Gokyo Valley and continue to Khumjung village where one can visit traditional villages landscapes. You might also visit Hillary Hospital located in Khunde. And in the meantime, we follow the trail to the Monastery which offers Yeti Scalp [Optional tour] otherwise, continue to Namche Bazaar.

We’ll trek back to Lukla airport following the same trail used during the ascent. This marks the final day of our journey. Once we arrive in Lukla, we’ll check into a Buddha Lodge, a comfortable hotel where you can enjoy hot showers and take some well-deserved rest.

We catch an early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will assist in arranging your transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping or you can opt for a guided tour of Kathmandu at an extra cost. This marks the end of the trip, bidding farewell to Kathmandu. Wishing you a fantastic journey ahead!