The Jiri to Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is a remarkable journey, blending culture, adventure, and stunning natural beauty. Spanning about 20-22 days, this trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes. The trek is strenuous and best undertaken during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable, and the views are clear.
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a hub for trekkers with shops offering gear, souvenirs, and local delicacies. In the evening, attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide to discuss the itinerary and finalize preparations.
The day starts with an 8-10 hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jiri. As the vehicle winds through hilly roads, you’ll pass lush green landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional villages. Jiri, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is a small town surrounded by rolling hills. Spend the night in a cozy teahouse, preparing for the trek ahead.
The first trekking day begins with a steady ascent through forested trails and small settlements. The route offers glimpses of rural Nepalese life as you pass through terraced farms and traditional houses. After a steep descent, you’ll reach Bhandar, a quaint village nestled amidst the hills. The trek takes about 6-7 hours, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery.
From Bhandar, the trail descends sharply to a river before climbing through forests of rhododendron and pine. As you ascend, you’ll encounter small settlements and suspension bridges. The climb to Sete is challenging but rewarding, as the village offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere to relax after the day’s trek.
This day’s trek involves ascending to the Lamjura La Pass (3,530m), the highest point of the trek so far. The pass is known for its stunning views of snow-capped peaks and its dense rhododendron forests that bloom vibrantly in spring. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Junbesi, a charming Sherpa village surrounded by serene landscapes.
Leaving Junbesi, the trail offers the first distant glimpse of Mount Everest on a clear day. The path continues through forests and traditional villages, eventually leading to the Taksindu La Pass (3,070m). After crossing the pass, descend to Nunthala, where you’ll rest for the night.
Today’s trek involves a mix of descents and ascents as you cross the Dudh Koshi River and climb up to Kharikhola. The route passes through terraced fields and charming villages, offering a closer look at the daily lives of the local people. The trek takes about 6 hours.
The trek continues with a gentle ascent through lush landscapes and forested trails. You’ll cross small streams and encounter local farmers and herders along the way. Paiya, a quiet village surrounded by hills, is the perfect place to relax and recharge for the days ahead.
Today, the trail connects with the classic Everest Base Camp route. After crossing the Chutok La Pass, you’ll descend to Phakding, a popular stop for trekkers heading to Everest. The trail becomes busier, with fellow adventurers sharing their stories and excitement for the journey ahead.
This is one of the most exciting days of the trek. You’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags over the roaring Dudh Koshi River. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep but rewarding, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Namche, the bustling gateway to Everest, offers modern amenities and a chance to acclimatize.
Acclimatization is crucial at this altitude, so you’ll spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Take a short hike to Syangboche Airport or the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. You can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about the region’s rich heritage.
The trek from Namche to Tengboche takes you through a scenic trail with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. The path gradually ascends, passing through rhododendron forests and small villages. Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region, where you can witness Buddhist rituals. The serene environment and breathtaking mountain backdrop make this a memorable stop.
From Tengboche, the trail descends through lush forests before crossing the Imja Khola river. You’ll then ascend gradually, passing the villages of Pangboche and Shomare. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more barren, with fewer trees and more rugged terrain. Dingboche, your destination for the day, is a picturesque village surrounded by fields protected by stone walls to shield crops from the wind.
At this altitude, an acclimatization day is essential. A popular activity is a hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m), which offers panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and other peaks. This short but steep hike helps your body adjust to the thinner air. Spend the rest of the day exploring Dingboche or relaxing in the teahouse.
The trail to Lobuche begins with a gradual ascent, passing through alpine meadows and crossing the Thukla Pass. At the pass, you’ll find a memorial site with stone cairns dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The path continues along a glacial moraine, offering stunning views of Nuptse and other peaks, before reaching Lobuche, a small settlement with basic teahouses.
This is one of the most anticipated days of the trek. You’ll start with a gradual climb to Gorak Shep, where you’ll drop your gear before continuing to Everest Base Camp. The trail to EBC is challenging, with rocky terrain and thin air, but the sight of the Khumbu Icefall and the base camp itself is incredibly rewarding. After spending time at EBC, soaking in the surreal environment, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Wake up early for a pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek. The steep climb is worth the effort as you witness a magnificent sunrise over Everest and the surrounding peaks. After taking in the views, descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast before continuing down to Pheriche, a village at a lower altitude that offers a welcome respite from the thin air.
Retracing your steps, you’ll descend to Namche Bazaar. The trail is easier now, with a mix of ascents and descents through familiar landscapes. The lower altitude and warmer temperatures make the trek more comfortable. Arriving in Namche, you can celebrate your journey with a hot meal and some rest.
The final trekking day takes you back to Lukla. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through forests, villages, and suspension bridges one last time. Reflect on your incredible journey as you reach Lukla, where you’ll spend your last night in the mountains.
Weather permitting, you’ll take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. The short flight offers a last glimpse of the Himalayas. After arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest, enjoy the city, or explore some of its historic sites.
On your final day, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of the trek, the breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people.
