Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek

You will arrive from your respective destinations to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu today. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel whereby you can relish the exquisite Nepali cuisine. The afternoon is free for exploration around the capital. No meals included.

Kathmandu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites that give you a clear picture of the artistic history of Nepal. This day is dedicated to sightseeing around the exotic locations of the Kathmandu valley, and also to brief about the trekking journey to follow. Explore the cultural hub of Nepal by visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Patan Durbar Square. Breakfast included.

We start off on the journey with excited hearts quite early in the morning. Drive via the Araniko highway to Lamosangu via Banepa and Dhulikhel. With the views of the exotic mountain peaks of the Ganesh Himal range and the Langtang range cheering us on, we descend down to Panchkhal. From here, we cross over a ridge to Dolalghat and continue beside the Sunkoshi River to Jiri. From Jiri, we continue further to call it a day at Bhandar. Approximately 10 hours of drive. BLD included.

The trek commences today. With the determination to see the trek to the end, and to explore the remoteness exuded by the Khumbu region, we set off early morning towards Sete. We descend down to the Linkhu Khola and follow the trail to Kenja. A steep ascent brings us to Chimbu, followed by reaching Sete at the end of the day. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

We start the trek early morning today too. We gradually cross the Lamjura Pass (3530m), which offers the perfect views of the mountain peaks all around, it is the highest point standing between Jiri and Namche Bazaar. We descend down through forests of rhododendron and fir in order to reach the beautiful village of Taktor. Continuing north to the valley, we drop down to the Sherpa village of Junbesi. We will have some time to explore the surrounding villages and breathing in the lifestyle of people residing here. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

After an early breakfast, we set off in a descend below Junbesi. After crossing a wooden bridge over the Junbesi Khola, we come across a route to Khumbu, we follow the left-hand trail uphill and descend through Salung, the views of the sky-high mountain peaks becomes better with each passing step, and the excitement of getting close to the main trial of the Everest Base Camp is surely set to lead us on the path. Cross the Dudh Koshi River, ascend to Ringmo and the Tak Shindo Pass to explore the huts of shepherds situated beside the trial. We continue through several picturesque streams to reach Nunthala. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

We descend in the first part of the day, in order to reach the Dudh Koshi River. We cross it to reach the other side of the bank and cross a well-defined trail through meandering terraced fields and yards of houses. We descend steeply below to reach Chautara. Following the side of the river, we cross a ridge to aim for a prominent notch. The trial takes us to Khari Khola, and upwards through the hill to Bupsa Danda. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

By this day, we will be a bit accustomed to the warm and welcome inhabitants that this region houses with pride conversing with anyone we find on the way, we breathe in the views of the herculean peaks as we ascend to Bupsa and on to Bhumsing. Climb a tributary valley dignified with rhododendron forests and prickly leaned oak. The beauty of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek comes alive as we witness views and people we would not have experienced in the normal route to the Everest Base Camp. We descend downwards, cross the tributary and continue upwards to reach the picturesque village of Puiyan. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

It is finally time to join in on the normal route to the Everest Base Camp. The trail climbs gently upwards before descending to a ridge. We descend slowly to Sukhe, situated beside the tributary of the Dudh Koshi river. The trail now leaves the tributary towards Chairkharkha. Before this point, we will come across a spectacular gorge with a high waterfall. The day ends as we reach Phakding, and we will possibly be joined with more trekkers than we will have met on our way here. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Today, we will reach the entry-way to the Everest, Namche Bazaar. Walk northwards along the Duh Koshi River, through forests of magnolia, fir, and rhododendron, to reach Jorsale. A steep 300-meter ascent will bring up the views of the magnetic Everest high above us. With this view embedded in minds, and appearing in full view before us, we continue further on a steep ascent to finally reach Namche Bazaar. Approximately 7 hours of trek. BLD included.

Namche Bazaar was once a trading spot for Tibetans and Nepalese and has now tranformed into a prosperous village with all kinds of goods and facilities available in abundance. This Sherpa settlement, its warm and welcoming inhabitants and the “haat” or “bazaar” that we witness here, is surely set to improve our enthusiasm, any folds. Acclimatization is key to success in this trek, and hence we acclimatize with this high altitude by hiking to the nearby villages of Khunde and Khumjung, situated below the Khumbila Peak. Magnetizing views of the Everest and Ama Dablam can be witnessed from the vicinity of these villages.

Descend downwards to reach the village of Trashinga. From here, we cross the settlement of Phunki Tanga and reach Tengboche. The trek is a short one today, allowing us ample time to sample the beauty and Buddhist influence exuded beautifully by Tengboche.

We visit the Tengboche monastery after lunch, a major attraction of this village. The sunset views over the monastery, offering the glimpse of the sun setting its warm glow over the illuminating white peaks, is sure a picturesque moment that will make you forget your tiredness of the journey. Approximately 4 hours of trek. BLD included.

We start off with a descend down to the Imja Khola and cross lush forests and beautiful meadows to reach Deboche. After visiting the Buddhist nunnery here, we continue upwards through the north bank of the Imja Khola. From here, the views of the Ama Dablam mountain are worth painting a canvas. We cross the confluence of the Imja Khola and Khumbu River and reach Somare. The day ends as we steeply climb to the summer settlement of Dingboche, surrounded by exotic mountain peaks all around. Approximately 7 hours of trek. BLD included.

We explore the Imja Khola valley up to Bibre today. We walk through several yak huts to Chukkung. This location offers the perfect views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Another option is to hike up north to the Nnangkatshang Gompa. This place is also a perfect place to explore the views of the mountain peaks. BLD included.

We move closer to the Everest Base Camp with each passing day, and the excitement builds up as we move closer to the highest peak on earth. Today, the trail follows a steep path out of Dingboche. We are now well above the tree line and the green trees are replaced by dry shrubs. We walk past a chorten to reach Dusa. From here, we reach the settlement of Dugla, followed by a ridge up to Chukpo Lari. The panorama of the white peaks of Everest region come to full view at this point.

The trek becomes a bit easier after this point, and we move on to the tiny hamlet of Lobuche the sunset views over Nuptse appear in full glory from this village. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Today is the day we had been waiting for. A strenuous day indeed, as we start off very early in the morning with packed lunches and with hearts full of excitement. Start off with a gentle upwards trail, followed by steep undulating ascents. Upon reaching the lateral moraine of the famous Khumbu Glacier, we reach the rocky village of Gorakshep. Gorakshep offers two trails, one reaching out to Kalapatthar and the other one to the Everest Base Camp.

We take the path leading to the Everest Base Camp and climb the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier in order to reach the Base Camp through fascinating ice figurines. The happiness of being on this point and witnessing the views of white mountain peaks all around is something that is indescribable in words. After capturing the panorama of Khumbu Ice Fall, Nuptse towering above us, Pumori rearing up behind us and other peaks surrounding us, we return back to Gorakshep. Approximately 10-11 hours of trek. BLD included.

This is yet another strenuous yet highly rewarding day. We take the path to Kalaptthar from Gorakshep today. Climb steeply above Gorak Shep and climb the “black rock peak”. On a clear day, Kaaptthar offers the magnificent view of mountain peaks like Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Lhotse, Pumori, Tawache, and Thamserku along with the Khumbu Ice Fall. The various camps of Everest are visible from the top of Kalapatthar too. After witnessing this fabulous view, we retrace the path back to Gorakshep and continue down to Lobuche. From here, we continue down the Imja Khola valley and end the day in Pheriche. Approximately 10-11 hours of trek. BLD included.

It is time to retrace our path back to Namche Bazaar. This descent is easier and passes through forests of rhododendron. Approximately 5 hours of trek. BLD included.

This is the last day of trekking in the awesome Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek. The trek is a pleasant one, except for a few uphill climbs and down to the Bhote Koshi River. We climb up the plateau to Lukla before calling it a day. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

It is time to fly back to the capital in one of the most exhilarating flights around the world. Witness the views of the snow clad peaks all around as you fly back to Kathmandu in a 45-minute flight, bidding goodbye to the wonderful memories of the past days. Approximately 45 minutes’ flight. BLD included.

Today, we visit the most important Hindu temple in the world, Pashupatinath and the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal; Boudhanath.  We will spend the better half of the evening in exploring the architectural magnificence of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Breakfast included.

After a wonderful journey to the lap of the Himalayas, and the chance to mix up with ethnic inhabitants, it is finally time to bid goodbye to this nation, only with a promise to come back for more. You will go home content; for you have not only experience a wonderful journey, but your journey has been a way to help some needy people residing in this beautiful Himalayan country. No meals included.