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.