Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek

After breakfast we depart for the spectacular drive through the foothills of the Himalaya. We pass the original starting point for the Everest approach at Jiri and reach the remote settlement of Shivalaya (1810m) where we check in at our simple lodge accommodation.

Today we trek to the Deurali Pass (2730m) with the option to take the detour via the cheese factory at Thodung. Beyond the pass, we make the steep descent to Bhandar (2110m). 5 hours walking (6 – 7 hours with the Thodung detour) with 900 meters of ascent and 600 metres of descent.

We descend through terraced fields and forest to the Likhu Khola (river). Crossing the river, we start the long climb towards the Lamjura Pass. We reach our lodge accommodation at Sete (2520m). 7 to 9 hours of walking, with 1050 metres of ascent and 650 metres of descent.

We continue the climb to the Lamjura Pass (3530m). In Sherpa country now, we descend through forests of fir and hemlock and open hillside to our lodge close to Junbesi (2580m). 6 to 8 hours of walking with 1280 metres of ascent and 1220 metres of descent.

Today we get our first views of Everest at Khurrtang. We pass Ringmo, famous for its apple orchards and cider and cross the Traksindo La (3071m) to reach Nhuntala (2220m). 6 to 8 hours of walking, with 900 metres of ascent and 1250 metres of descent.

We reach the Dudh Khosi River and cross on a suspension bridge. Heading north now towards Everest, we make a gradual ascent of the valley, stopping tonight at Bupsa (2360m). 6 to 8 hours of walking, with 900 metres of ascent and 800 metres of descent.

The trail travels high above the river and negotiates several side valleys, as we continue our trek northwards to Surkhe, where the side trail heads up to Lukla Airstrip. We overnight in Surkhe (2290m). 6 hours of walking, with 700 metres of ascent and 600 metres of descent.

After a couple of hours, we pass through Chheplung (2660m) and join the main Everest Trail from Lukla. Our trek continues through many small farms and villages to Monjo (2835m). 6 hours of walking, with 800 metres of ascent and 300 metres of descent.

Being well acclimatized from our trek, we can enjoy the short and steep ascent to our lodge in Namche Bazaar (3420m). 4 hours of walking, with 650 metres of ascent and 100 metres of descent.

A day to explore in and around the Sherpa capital. We will all wish to make the hike to the classic viewpoint for Everest above Namche at approximately 3800 metres. Another option is to visit the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Kunde. We spend a second night at our lodge in Namche.

Our trail now follows the Imja Khola (river) to reach Thyangboche (3860m), located on a ridge below the impressive north ridge of Kang Taiga. We check into our lodge close to the monastery, one of the most important in Nepal. 6 to 7 hours of walking, with 985 metres of ascent and 706 metres of descent.

We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the original permanent habitations in the valley and reach the seasonal settlement of Dingboche (4410m) at the entrance to the Khumbu Valley. Overnight in a lodge. 6 hours of walking, with 867 metres of ascent and 416 metres of descent.

We make a day hike into the upper Imja Valley, to Chukkung (4730m) below the tremendous south face of Lhotse. In the afternoon, having gained valuable acclimatization, we retrace our steps to Dingboche. Our second night in the Dingboche lodge. 5 hours of walking, with 440 metres of ascent and descent.

Continuing on the main trail we trek via Dugla and then beside the Khumbu Glacier to reach our lodge at Lobuche (4910m). 5 to 6 hours of walking, with 642 metres of ascent and minimal descent.

We walk beside the Khumbu Glacier and cross a tributary dry glacier to reach the yak pastures at Gorak Shep (5140m) at the base of the viewpoint hill known as Kala Patar. The lodges here are necessarily basic, but the warm dining room will be a welcome refuge from the cold evening at this altitude. 3 to 4 hours walking, with 295 metres of ascent and 71 metres of descent.

The big day as we trek to Everest Basecamp following first the lateral moraine then the Khumbu Glacier itself. During the spring season the basecamp will be busy with climbers and sherpas from multi national expeditions. After spending time at basecamp, we retrace our steps to our lodge at Gorak Shep. 5 to 6 hours of walking, with 174 metres of ascent and descent.

Our lodge is at the foot of Kala Patar and we make an early morning ascent of this classic Everest viewpoint to around 5500 metres. Afterwards, we make the long descent through Lobuche to Pheriche (4270m) where we check in at a lodge. 7 to 8 hours of walking, with 495 metres of ascent and 1395 metres of descent.

We follow the main base camp trail as far as Pangboche. Here, we climb to visit the monastery and then take an alternative high trail to the less often visited village of Phortse (3800m). 6 to 7 hours of walking, with 443 metres of ascent and 1254 metres of descent.

We drop steeply down to cross the river at 3600 metres, before climbing to the Mon La (3973m). We then descend and rejoin the main Everest Trail to Namche Bazaar and continue to the village of Monjo. 6 to 7 hours of walking, with 648 metres of ascent and 1323 metres of descent.

Mostly downhill today following the fall of the Dudh Kosi River, but there’s a sting in the tail as we make the final short climb to our lodge accommodation in Lukla. 5 hours of walking, with 665 metres of ascent and 580 metres of descent.

Flights out of Lukla are usually in the morning and we should arrive in Kathmandu with plenty of time for further sightseeing or shopping. We check in at our comfortable hotel and the rest of the day is free.

We have a free day in Kathmandu, with time to explore the Nepalese capital’s colorful streets, markets and temples. We spend a final night at our Kathmandu hotel.

Final transfer to Kathmandu airport to get your flight back to home.