Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek – 19 Days

Have your morning meal at Bhandara and pack your backpack for another destination. The trek begins with a steady descent through terraced fields and forests toward the Likhu Khola Valley. After two to three hours of downhill walking, we’ll get to Kinja (1,630 m). It is a stunning village lying on the riverside where we’ll stop to have lunch. From Kinja, the route shifts as the pathway climbs uphill, first slowly and then more steeply.

The path winds through dense forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, and pines. After several hours of continuous ascent, the route finally reaches Sete. There, we’ll check into our lodge and freshen up. At around 7:00-8:00 AM, we’ll have our dinner at the same lodge and go to sleep early.

Day four starts with a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast at Sete. Afterward, we’ll be ready to continue our Jiri to EBC trek journey. The trek starts with a steep rise through dense forests of oak, magnolia, pine, and rhododendron. Similarly, the trek passes through the small villages of Goyam and Lamjura. As the trek continues, we make our climb towards Lamjura La Pass (3,530 m), the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar.

From the pass, the path descends through alpine meadows, conifer groves, and a Sherpa village, eventually showcasing first distant views of Everest, Lhotse, and Thamserku. The Sete to Junbesi section of the trek is quite challenging due to the long distance and the challenging sections. After a long and tiring day, we’ll spend our night at either Apple Garden Hotel or Sherpa Guide Lodge.

Junbesi, located at an elevation of 2,680 m above sea level, serves as our first acclimatization stop on the classic Everest Base Camp Trek from Jiri. The primary reason for including an acclimatization day here is to allow you to adjust to the changed temperature and feel comfortable for the high-altitude treks ahead. The risk of altitude sickness becomes a concern as we reach above 2,500 m, so Junbesi is ideal for staying an extra day and allowing our bodies to adjust to the changed temperature.

Trekkers often use the day to explore the village, as Junbesi is one of the most beautiful villages in the Solu-Khumbu region. We can also go for a hike to Thubten Chholing Monastery, a religious center in the area founded in the 1960s by Trulsik Rinpoche.

In addition, Phugmochhe (3,000 m) is a popular side trip on the acclimatization day at Junbesi. Phugmoche is a ridge-top viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Thamserku on clear days. After a day hike and visit, we’ll return to our accommodation point at Junbesi and spend another night there.

With the fresh energy of Junbesi’s acclimatization, we’ll continue our way to reach the Everest Base Camp. The trek begins with a crossing of the Junbesi Khola via a wooden bridge, followed by a gradual climb through pine forests and terraced fields. After a constant ascent, the pathway reaches a ridge near Phurteng (approximately 3,100 m), where we can enjoy our first full view of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Thamserku.

From Phurteng, the pathway continues through Sherpa settlements and small chortens, which slowly descend through rugged mountains towards Ringmo village. The village is famous for its apple orchards and delicious apple-based products, where we’ll stop to have lunch and rest. After leaving Ringmo, the trail takes us to the Taksindu La Pass (3,071 m). At the top, there is a beautiful monastery, Taksindu Monastery, an important spiritual site for local Sherpas, and it is worth a short visit.

The final part of the trek involves a steep descent through forests of rhododendron and pine. Similarly, we pass small streams and rural hamlets before reaching Nunthala (2,200 m). The day’s overnight and dinner are at the Shangrila Guest House.

We leave Nunthala and make our way towards Bupsa on the seventh day. The initial phase of the walk takes us downhill to terraced fields, forests, and small Rai and Sherpa villages that lead us to the Dudh Koshi River. Then, we’ll cross a long suspension bridge over the roaring river, which is indeed a thrilling moment. From the river, the pathway begins a long and demanding ascent.

The path passes Jubing (1,680 m), a large Rai village, and Khari Khola (2,050 m), a Sherpa village. At Khari Khola, we’ll stop for a while to have lunch. From Khari Khola, the route becomes steeper as it winds upward toward Bupsa. The climb is tough, but the views of forested slopes and distant ridgelines will motivate us. As we get to Bupsa, we’ll settle into Everest Guest House or a similar category for our night stay and dinner.

After having breakfast at Bupsa, we’ll leave the village and continue our way to the next destination. Leaving Bupsa, we’ll walk through a narrow forested section with rhododendron and oak forests, accompanied by birdsong. Continuing the trek, the path leads to Kharte, a small settlement where trekkers often stop for tea or snacks before continuing upward toward Khari La Pass (2,880 m). Views of rolling valleys and high ridges, along with Khumbu peaks, are astonishing from the pass.

After the pass, the trail descends through forests and villages and takes us to Puiyan, a Sherpa village with several teahouses. The final walk, a gentle descent, takes us to our final destination, Chaurikharka. There, we’ll settle in the Kusum Khang View lodge or similar category accommodation for an overnight stay.

The ninth day of the trek connects us with Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu region. We will leave Chaurikharka early after breakfast, traveling through cultivated fields and small villages until we reach Chheplung. The village officially joins the main Everest trail used by trekkers flying into Lukla. From there, the path follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through settlements like Ghat and Phakding.

As we continue, we’ll reach Monjo village, where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by checking in with our permit. After checking in, we’ll make our final walk towards Namche Bazaar, which includes passing through the village of Jhorsalle and the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. After a long day of trekking, we’ll reach Namche Bazaar, where we’ll settle in Khumbu Lodge or a similar category lodging point for the day’s stay.

It’s another acclimatization day on your Jiri to EBC Trek. Every trekker heading to Everest Base Camp spends an extra day here to help their body adjust to the higher altitude. On this day, you’ll hike uphill to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung village instead of relaxing at your accommodation point all day.

You’ll leave Namche Bazaar after breakfast. Within about 20 minutes, you’ll be high above the village, and the views of the Kongde peaks look amazing. After around 1.5 hours of climbing, the route takes you near Syangboche Airstrip. A short walk from the airstrip takes you to the Everest View Hotel at about 3,880 m, one of the highest hotels in the world. From the hotel, you can see Mount Thamserku, Kangtega, and the peak of Ama Dablam. In the distance, you’ll also see Mount Everest along with Nuptse and Lhotse.

From the hotel, the trail goes downhill through rhododendron bushes and juniper shrubs before reaching Khumjung. It is one of the largest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region. Khumjung is a peaceful village with stone-walled potato fields, yaks and dzokyo grazing, colorful prayer flags, and traditional Sherpa homes. There, you can visit Khumjung Monastery and Khumjung Secondary School. After exploring the villages, you’ll descend to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.

Today, you leave Namche Bazaar and head towards Tengboche. The walk is also the start of a new stage of the Everest Base Camp trek. As you walk, the crowds become smaller with wider and more stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail follows the hillside above the Dudh Kosi River via flat sections for the first hour. Along this section, you’ll get your first clear views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam lying side by side. Along the way, you’ll also pass colorful prayer flags, carved mani stones, and chortens, a sign of respect for local Buddhist traditions.

After hours of walking, you reach Sansa, a small junction with a few teahouses and shops selling yak wool products. After Sansa, you reach Phunki Thenga, a small riverside stop with numerous teahouses and a perfect spot for lunch. After lunch, you continue your trek and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Then, the route climbs towards Tengboche, winding through a dense forest on a series of switchbacks. At this section, especially after a full morning of hiking, the climb can feel challenging. But, it’s worth it once you get to Tengboche and find yourself surrounded by Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku. The day’s overnight stay is at Tengboche village.

Wake up to the sound of bells ringing and monks chanting Buddhist prayers at Tengboche Monastery. You can also explore the monastery and seek blessings before starting the day’s trek. After breakfast, take an easy downhill walk from Tengboche through a peaceful forest. The trail passes Deboche, a small village with a Buddhist nunnery and some of the last dense forest on the Everest Base Camp route.

Continuing the trek, you’ll cross the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. The trail then reaches Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu and home to a historic monastery. After Pangboche, the treeline disappears and the landscape changes into open, rocky terrain. Around this point, many trekkers begin to feel the effects of the thinner air. So, staying hydrated and maintaining a proper pace is necessary here.

The trail continues through Shomare and Orsho, two small groups of teahouses. After this, the route divides. Most trekkers take the higher path toward Dingboche instead of the lower route through Pheriche. You’ll also take the Dingboche route, which is also your day’s destination.

By the time you reach Dingboche, the journey starts to feel challenging. You are above the treeline where the air is much thinner, and breathing feels slightly more difficult than before. Thus, the thirteenth day on the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is the third and final acclimatization day. Like the acclimatization days in Junbesi and Namche Bazaar, you’ll follow the golden rule of high-altitude trekking: “climb high, sleep low” on this day.

You’ll have an early morning breakfast at Dingboche, then make a hike to Nagarjun Hill (also called Nangkartshang). It is a tough climb, with a steep trail, many switchbacks, and loose rocks underfoot. Within 2.5 hours of walking, you reach the viewpoint, located at an elevation of 5,083 m. Reaching the viewpoint is the achievement of the day, as you’ll get one of the most stunning views of the entire trek. For the first time, Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, comes into sight along with Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Taboche.

After spending some time at the viewpoint, you’ll return to Dingboche by lunchtime. At the village, you can explore bakeries and cafés and spend the rest of the day exploring around Dingboche. Overnight stay and dinner at Dingboche village.

After a pleasant acclimatization day, your body now feels lighter and fresher. You’ll have a hearty morning meal and leave Dingboche for the day’s hike to Lobuche. The path follows a wide, open valley with the Imja Khola flowing below. The view of Ama Dablam that has been accompanying you now slowly disappears, giving way to new views of Pumori and Cholatse.

As you continue the trek, you reach Thukla, a small group of teahouses that provide a good place to stop for tea or lunch. Here, you’ll cross a small wooden bridge over the stream. At the top of Thukla, the trail reaches an open, windy plateau filled with memorials and stone cairns dedicated to Sherpas and climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

Beyond the memorials, the trail becomes flatter and follows the side of the Khumbu Glacier. Here, the altitude makes every step more difficult, and breathing becomes harder. After a tough walk, you’ll arrive at Lobuche, where you’ll spend the night.

It’s a big day. The morning begins with a walk along the side of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail crosses uneven rocks and gravel, with parts of the glacier’s rough, broken ice visible below. As you walk, views of Pumori and Nuptse seem closer, encouraging you not to give up. After a few hours of walking, you’ll arrive at Gorak Shep.

At Gorak Shep, you’ll take a short rest, leave your backpack, and continue walking toward Everest Base Camp with a daypack. The walk from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is one of the toughest parts of the entire trek. The main challenge isn’t the climb itself, as the elevation gain is small, but the difficult terrain and the high altitude. The trail crosses onto the Khumbu Glacier’s rocky moraine, where the path is uneven and covered with loose rocks, so careful walking is necessary.

As you reach the base of Mount Everest, you might feel emotional. Reaching Everest Base Camp is not only about the mountain views but also about the overwhelming sense of achievement. After more than a week of walking through high mountains and thin air, you’ll stand on the same glacier that countless Everest expeditions have crossed before their climbs. Although Mount Everest is hidden from Base Camp, you’ll take a moment to admire Mount Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Icefall. Afterward, return to Gorak Shep via the same trail for an overnight stay.

After the long journey to Everest Base Camp, this day provides a different experience with the best mountain views of the entire trek. The day begins before sunrise with a climb up Kala Patthar using headlamps in the dark. The path is steep and uneven, with loose rocks, while the cold, thin air makes the climb harder. Once you reach the top, every effort is worth it.

Kala Patthar is the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek and the best vantage point for a close-up view of Mount Everest. As the sun rises, its first rays light up Everest’s summit, along with Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori, turning the entire mountain range golden. Capture an unforgettable sunrise and celebrate your achievement. Afterward, descend back to Gorak Shep, have breakfast, and leave the village.

From Gorak Shep, the trail follows the same path back toward Lobuche. Instead of returning through Dingboche like the route up, the trail takes you along the lower route toward Pheriche. The walk is long, but it feels easier after the tough climb to Kala Patthar. After spending several days at higher altitudes, reaching Pheriche brings a sense of relief as the air feels easier to breathe and your body begins to recover. Stay overnight at Pheriche.

As usual, the day begins with a filling breakfast before leaving Pheriche and descending toward Namche Bazaar. The path descends to the Imja Khola, then climbs back up to the junction near Orsho, where the upper and lower routes meet. From there, the trail follows the familiar route through Shomare and back toward Pangboche, with views of Ama Dablam.

This time, the walk feels much easier than it did on the way up. As you pass Pangboche, the route enters a forest of rhododendron and birch trees. The trail then climbs back up to Tengboche, where you can stop for lunch. From Tengboche, the trail descends through the forest to Phunki Thenga beside the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the river, there is a short but steep climb back up to the trail leading toward Namche. Overnight stay and dinner at Namche Bazaar.

The eighteenth day marks the final day of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek. Physically, this is one of the easier days of the trek, but emotionally, it’s the heaviest. The morning begins with the steep switchback descent from Namche. The path then drops toward the Dudh Koshi River and passes through the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, where permits are checked one last time.

Soon, the trail reaches the high suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi Gorge, including the famous Hillary Bridge. After crossing the bridges, the trail follows the route through Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding. The final walk to Lukla is busy with porters, mule trains, and trekking groups moving in both directions. Spend the final night in the Everest region.

Have breakfast at Lukla and prepare for your flight to Kathmandu. According to your flight schedule, our representatives will take you to the airport. As the flight takes off, the plane flies over the Dudh Koshi Valley, offering a final aerial view of the mountains you trekked through for about three weeks. Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport feels like a sudden change of world. It also marks the end of your adventure and our services. If you need any assistance, we’ll be glad to help you.