While doing Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri (also known as “the Switzerland of Nepal”), you follow the original route to the Everest region. This route used to be the ultimate trekking trail until the 1950s, before the opening of Lukla (Tenzing Hillary) Airport. Therefore, trekking to Everest Base Camp via Jiri lets you follow the footprints of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Jiri Everest region trekking is a noble experience of natural and cultural wonders.
Jiri Namche Bazaar trek directs you through the hills covered with dense forests enjoying the ancient monasteries and mountain views. The journey from Jiri to Everest Base Camp takes you along the high passes: Lamjura La (3,500m) and Thasindo La(3,070m). The less frequented trekking trail goes along the ethnic villages of Sherpa people from low to high altitude variation. From Jiri, the most popular tourist destination of Nepal, the route moves ahead following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.
Most of the trekkers to the Everest region fly to Lukla Airport and start the adventurous journey to the Khumbu Valley region. However, this trip is good enough for those having long vacations and desiring to experience the least crowded trekking trail. The trail from Jiri ascends by giving you the experience of variation in altitude until it reaches the final destination, EBC. This off-the-beaten path joins the main trail of the Everest region trek giving you the unforgettable sight of the Khumbu region.
After you reach Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub of the entire Khumbu area, you can witness the blend of nature and culture. The wonderful panorama of the snowcapped peaks like Kwangde, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Kantega including Mount Everest. The most remarkable attractions of the Everest Base Camp trek are Sagarmatha National Park and the best viewpoint, Kala Patthar. Sagarmatha National Park, the natural site included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites gives you wonderful sight of flora and fauna. Kala Patthar offers you a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Cho Oyu with Mt. Pumori peeping from behind.
Enjoying the stunning view of beautiful scenery, the trail descends up to 1,200m and descends up to 1,000m. You go through some charismatic villages like Junbesi, Nunthala, Buspa and Surke amid green hills. The dense rhododendron, magnolia, and alpine forests inhabiting rare animals and birds are also notable during this trek. This classic trekking route of Nepal rewards you with lush valleys, glacial rivers and gorgeous mountains, terraced farmlands and natural waterfalls.
En route EBC trek, you can find the Hindu, Buddhist and Kirant villages maintaining the best example of religious tolerance. Interacting with the indigenous Sherpa people to get knowledge about their unique culture and tradition is a lifelong memory. Likewise, you can explore the beautiful dense forests which are the abode of diverse flora and fauna. Besides, terraced farmlands in the high-altitude landscapes, ancient monasteries, and mountain villages are the other attractions of this trek.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is completely a teahouse trekking that rewards you with the lifelong experience of the ethnic and cultural villages. The most important benefit of teahouse trekking is that you don’t have to worry about the camping gear and campsites. Although you can do this Nepal trekking all around the year, the best time for EBC trekking via Jiri is spring and autumn. In winter, the heavy snowfall in the higher elevation may block some sections of the trekking route whereas in summer, this region is wet. February, March, April, September, October, and November are the most favorable months for doing this trek.
We do have some alternative treks of Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek i.e. Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Short Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
FAQs:
1. Where is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest, the highest peak of the world lies in eastern Nepal bordering with Tibetan Autonomous Province. It is in Solukhumbu district which is known as the homeland of the Sherpas, the mountain conqueror. Located in the Khumbu Himalayan region of the Himalayas, Mt. Everest is accompanied by two other eight-thousanders: Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu. Everest Base Camp with an elevation of 5,364m is the highest elevation to be reached during Everest region trekking. Other packages of this trekking are Everest Three High Pass Trek, Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek, Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek, etc.
2. Which is the most interesting place during Jiri Everest Base Camp trek?
There are many interesting places famous for cultural and natural beauty during the Jiri Everest Base Camp trek. During Jiri Namche Bazaar trekking, Junbesi is the most fascinating place for cultural sites, myth, and natural prettiness. Junbesi has a quite fantastic story associated with it, especially, about its name and meaning. ‘Jun’ means ‘the Moon’ and ‘besi’ means ‘the lowland’, which together means ‘the place where the moon comes down for rest’.
There are three monasteries to visit Junbesi Monastery, Ngagyur Segon Lungrig Sedrup Monastery and Thupten Choling Monastery, the largest monastery in the region. Junbesi is the village that has a connection with Phaplu and Salleri via road networks. You can find the hotels and lodges serving varieties of food in their menu, WiFi facilities, and telephone services. You can taste dairy products made up of yak milk and kiwi fruits farming in this Sherpa village.
3. What are the permits required for this trek?
The permits required for Jiri Everest Base Camp trek are:
- TIMS card
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
4. What is the cost of EBC trek via Jiri?
Talking about the cost of Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek, it ranges from USD1,000 to USD 3,000. Jiri EBC trek itinerary ranges from 10 days to 30 days depending upon your vacation, the budget you spend, and your desire. For the detailed cost of this trekking package, you can contact Orbit Alpine Adventure via email, WhatsApp, phone call or online booking facilities.
5. How far is Everest Base Camp from Jiri?
The distance between Jiri and Everest Base Camp is approximately 185 kilometers. You have to walk for 17 days with two days’ acclimatization at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to reach Everest Base Camp.
6. Can I reach Everest Base Camp by roadway transportation?
No, you cannot reach Everest Base Camp by roadway transportation because there is no road access. You have to walk from Jiri or fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and start the trekking to reach Everest Base Camp. Also, you can make an Everest Base Camp by Helicopter tour from Kathmandu.