Overview

Our Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek takes the same trail that was used by the pioneer Everest mountaineers – Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary – as they made their way to Everest Base Camp over 60 years ago.  The two were the first to successfully summit Mt. Everest (8848m) in 1953.  Join us on this memorable, historical trail to Everest Base Camp.

Most trekkers begin their Everest Base Camp Trek with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.  However, if you would like a bit more of a challenge and/or more time to acclimate to the altitude, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is the way to go.  The trip begins with an 8-9 hour drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, the gateway of this trek.  Jiri is a truly underrated paradise of Nepal.  Many early expeditions began here, thus it is also considered the “Gateway to Mt. Everest.”  The village is encompassed by agricultural fields and lush green forests. 

The first days of the trek are sparsely populated by other trekkers. It is a peaceful, serene chance in our journey to build energy for our high-altitude trekking. During this time, we pass through several villages, giving us the opportunity to explore the traditional Sherpa culture of these areas.  Sherpas are known around the world for their mountaineering abilities and remarkable hospitality. In Junbesi, we will visit Thupten Chholing, a massive Buddhist monastery with several hundred nuns and monks.  The natural and cultural beauty of this region inspires us throughout the trek.  After passing more villages, mani walls, and Buddhist monuments, we reach Namche Bazaar, the trading and tourism hub of the region.  From here, we take on the standard route to Everest Base Camp (5364m), the base of the tallest mountain in the world.  A visit to Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region, is a must.  It is recommended to travel during the Mani Rimdu festival (usually between October and November during the full moon).

At Gorakshep, we can see several 6,000+ meter peaks. Within a day of reaching Gorakshep, we experience two additional highlights of the trek, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5540m), where we enjoy the spectacular Himalayan landscapes.  EBC offers us views of the Khumbu Glacial Valley, while Kala Patthar gives us incredible views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Kangtega, Thamserku and others.  At each spot, we take our time, snapping photos and savoring our moments.  From here, we will head back down the trail and instead of taking a bus back, we take the scenic Lukla flight back to Kathmandu.

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Trip Highlights

Experience the historical route of the first mountaineers to summit Mt. Everest

A quiet, unpopulated trail from Jiri to Phakding

Explore Tibetan Buddhism, including the distinguished Thupten Chholing and Tengboche Monasteries

Experience Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar, Junbesi, and others

Witness incredible Himalayan views, including three of the world’s tallest mountains (Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu)

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then to Bhandara, 8-9 hours by bus.
  • Day 04: Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2500m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 05: Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2675m), 6 hours.
  • Day 06: Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala (2345m), 5 hours.
  • Day 07: Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2360m), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 08: Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2230m), 4 hours.
  • Day 09: Trek from Surke to Phakding (2610m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 10: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3441m), 6 hours.
  • Day 11: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.
  • Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m), 5 hours.
  • Day 13: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4450m), 5 hours.
  • Day 14: Rest Day at Dingboche for acclimatization and exploration around the valley.
  • Day 15: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m), 4-5 hours.
  • Day 16: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5153m) to EBC (5364m) and back to Gorakshep, 7-8 hours.
  • Day 17: Hike up to Kala Patthar (5545m) in the morning and trek back to Pheriche (4370m), 7 hours.
  • Day 18: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
  • Day 19: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
  • Day 20: Early morning fly back to Kathmandu. 30-minute flight.
  • Day 21: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.

Trip note

Accommodation

All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included during the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be a twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.  Our company provides you a sleeping bag, two-person tents with comfortable mattress for outdoor camping trek. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with a spectacular view. Ancient Route Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek - Breeze Adventure

Food

Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan and Indian at teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed guide will lead the trek.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek.  On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

Domestic Flights

Insert a cushion of a couple of added days on your travel schedule, advised as a margin of security for your flight from Nepal. We advise that you schedule an extra two days cushion in your itinerary. Breeze Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
    Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    Have breakfast and start sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle. We will see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will learn about each site’s historical, religious, and cultural significance. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then to Bhandara, 8-9 hours by bus.
    An early bus ride through the scenic hilly region takes us to the trailhead in Bhandar. Although the eight-hour bumpy bus ride is exhausting, the landscapes distract us and make it pass by quickly. Upon arrival in Bhandar, we check into the guest house and wander around to stretch out our stiff legs. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 04: Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2500m), 5-6 hours.
    We start out going downhill for about three hours or so. We cross a few suspension bridges, a exhilarating experience, though a bit frightening. We check in to Sagarmatha National Park in Kinja and stop for a tasty lunch. Feeling energized, we are prepared for the sharp uphill trial to Sete. We have gained a bit of altitude since Kathmandu, so take it slow. When we arrive in Sete, we check-in and settle for the night. The sunset here is a beautiful sight. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 05: Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2675m), 6 hours.
    After breakfast, we continue through the always-captivating Everest region landscape. Soon after leaving, we have a steep climb to Lamjura Pass, which takes about three hours. The thin air and the packs on our backs add difficulty to the strenuous ascent. When we cross the pass, downhill we go. The trail is covered in rocks, large and small, causing a bit of strain on our legs. After the pass, it takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours. Though today is a bit challenging, you will be delighted to simply be in the presence of such grand, pristine natural beauty. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 06: Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala (2345m), 5 hours.
    We set off today after a filling breakfast on a soft, but steady uphill for about an hour. After turning a corner, we find ourselves turned to the north, face to face with the Everest region Himalayas. The awe-inspiring panorama also includes the world’s tallest mountain: Mount Everest (8848m). Next, we follow the trail downhill to a river and then an uphill of about 45 minutes brings us to Ringmu, where we stop for lunch. We go an uphill to one more pass, followed by yet another steep downhill before arriving in Nunthala for the night. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 07: Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2360m), 6-7 hours.
    Leaving Nunthala after breakfast, we start downhill on a path shared by mule and other mammal caravans. We stop for lunch somewhere on the way. We always recommend trying the national dish of Nepal, Dal Bhat. This dish will give you the power to trek for hours on end. We move on and arrive in Bupsa after a final ascent of about 1.5 hours. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 08: Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2230m), 4 hours.
    We start out the day hiking through mixed forests, still side by side with the mules and their packs. Once we pass Kharte, the uphill leaves us at the Khari La Pass, a nice place to rest, snap some photos, and enjoy life.We see spectacular mountain views, including Ghyachung Kang and Khumbila among others. Descending and going past Puyan, a few more ups and downs bring us to Surke, our destination for the day. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 09: Trek from Surke to Phakding (2610m), 5-6 hours.
    After breakfast, we make an ascent until a settlement known as Chiplung. We break for lunch here and go downhill to Phakding, where we will be connected with the usual Everest Base Camp Trek path. Once we finish our lunch in Chiplung, our walk now is a downhill all the way to Phakding, a pretty large and more developed village. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 10: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3441m), 6 hours.
    After breakfast, we begin to head to Namche Bazaar. We cross several suspension bridges, enjoying views of Thamserku. Following the Dudh Koshi River bank, we pass other small Sherpa villages, reaching Monjo and officially entering Sagarmatha National Park. We stop at Jorsalle village for lunch and continue along the riverbank through pine forests. We cross the highest suspension bridge of the Everest region, and trek upwards. We catch our first glimpse of Mt. Everest and continue to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a guest house.
  • Day 11: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.
    Wake up with a pleasant view of Mt. Kongde Ri as we have our breakfast. Today is our acclimatization day. In higher altitude, there is less oxygen in the air. We must take time to let our bodies adjust to the difference. To help acclimatize, we take a short day hike up to Sagarmatha National Park Museum and Khumjung Village. The supposed Yeti scalp at the monastery, and the Everest Viewpoint are memorable moments of the hike. Also, from the museum, we can see a perfect view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many more pristine peaks. On the way down, we can stop at the world’s highest 5-star hotel and enjoy a cup of tea. Afterwards, we explore Namche Bazaar. Namche is a major trade center in the Khumbu region and is densely populated by the Sherpa people. The city is bustling with trekkers who have finished or are preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Bakeries, cafes, equipment stores, jewelry shops, and restaurants line the streets of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m), 5 hours.
    After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, we head to Tengboche. We warm up quickly on our steep ascent towards Tengboche. After about 25 min., we pass the museum once again and take in the views. We hike on the gentle flat trail to Kyanjuma, which is being built by Pasang Sherpa, and stop for lunch at Phungi Thanga. Now we reach a junction, and continuing on the EBC path, we hike up the steep trail. The rhododendron and pine forests, distract us during the strenuous hike. After a couple of hours, we arrive at Tengboche, which gives us awe-inspiring Himalayan mountain views. At the Tengboche monastery there is a daily ritual at 6am and 3pm, which we can observe. The sunset over Mt. Everest from this little village is something you will never forget. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 13: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4450m), 5 hours.
    After breakfast, we continue along the gorgeous trail through the day at a leisurely pace. We do not walk for too long, though the altitude takes its toll, so it’s best to take it easy. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 14: Rest Day at Dingboche for acclimatization and exploration around the valley.
    Wake up face to face with the beautiful mountain Ama Dablam and have breakfast.With our day packs, we head up to Nagarjuna viewpoint. As we climb, the village in the distance looks beautiful, and we also have anawesome view of the Mt. Khangtega, Mt. Thamsherkhu and many more. Though the viewpoint looks close,it normally takes about three hours one-way. At the top, we have the most incredible views. On the left, we see Cholatse Peak and Lake, and on the right, we see small blue glacier lakes at the bottom of Mt. Ama Dablam, as well asamazing views of Mt. Makalu, Island Peak,Chopolu (Holy mountain), Baruntse and Mera Peak. The six-hour roundtrip hike is well worth it. After the day hike, we have lunch and hang out around Dingboche. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 15: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m), 4-5 hours.
    We start our day and warm up our bodies with a 15 minute uphill hike towards Dhukla. The distance from Dingboche to Lobuche is short, but in the high altitude we walk a bit slower than the previous days. After walking for a couple of hours on the gentle flat trail with views of the gorgeous Tawache and Cholatse Peak, we arrive at our lunch spot in Thukla. It is located at the bottom of the Khumbu Glacier tongue from where we can see the fresh glacier water flowing as a little river.After lunch, the trail is steep up to the Everest Memorials. These are monuments of those people who have lost their lives during Everest expeditions. After we visit this legendary place, we head to Lobuche through the gentle flat trail. The sunset view of Mt. Nuptse in the evening is splendid. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 16: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5153m) to EBC (5364m) and back to Gorakshep, 7-8 hours.
    We wake up full of energy today, excited to make it to Everest Base Camp. We have breakfast earlier than previous days and head up to Gorakshep via Khumbu Glacier. The trail to Gorakshep is mostly uphill and rocky. Sometimes we can see avalanches on Nuptse mountain (from a safe distance) and hear cracking sounds from the Khumbu Glacier while we are heading up to Gorakshep. After having lunch and dropping our bags off at Gorakshep, we head to Everest Base Camp with our day pack. The trail is a steep, rocky incline.Everest Base Camp is located on the Khumbu Glacier, where we can see deadly Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori, though we cannot see Mt. Everest. In March and April,Everest Base Camp isfull of colorful tentsbecause of the different summit expedition groups. It is quite a sight seeing some of the best mountaineers preparing to take on the world’s highest mountain.
  • Day 17: Hike up to Kala Patthar (5545m) in the morning and trek back to Pheriche (4370m), 7 hours.
    After waking up early in the morning, we begin our climb to Kala Patthar. The breath-taking view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and many others right in front of us isincredible. After enjoying the view and taking some photos at Kala Patthar, we come back to Gorakshep and have our breakfast.After the breakfast, we head down to Lobuche. The trail to Lobuche goes downhill via the Khumbu Glacier. On our way, we can visit the solar house. Eventually, we arrive to Pheriche. Overnight at guesthouse.
  • Day 18: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
    After a nice,comfortable sleep in Pheriche, we have breakfast and head down to Namche Bazaar.After walking about one hour, we are back on our previous trail that we took on the way up to Everest Base Camp. The trail to Namche Bazar is mostly downhill to Dibuche and from there it is a 25 min walk up to Tengboche. After a quick revisit to Tengboche monastery we go down to Phungi Thanga for lunch.After the lunch climb up to Kyanjuma for one and half hours and enjoy the gentle flat trail to Namche Bazaar. Tonight, we celebrate our successful Everest Base Camp Trek!!
  • Day 19: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
    After having breakfast with gorgeous mountain views, we start head down to Lukla. We head down for half an hour while enjoying the last view of Mt. Everest and say bye to the mountains. We will cross six suspension bridges and pass several Sherpa villages today before arriving in Lukla.After crossing the highest bridge, we walk another 3 hours to Phakding and stop for lunch. We arrive in Lukla after 2.5 hours of walking the beautiful trail through Sherpa settlements. Time to enjoy the last night of the Himalaya in Lukla!
  • Day 20: Early morning fly back to Kathmandu. 30-minute flight.
    Have breakfast and then walk to Tenzing-Hillary airport and fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 21: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
    Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  •  Transportation for the trek, including flights to and from Lukla.
  • Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
  • Government-authorized experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps
  • Service charge and government taxes
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary