Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

Spend the day exploring Kathmandu’s timeless cultural treasures. Visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Absorb the spiritual aura of ancient architecture and bustling streets. In the afternoon, prepare your trekking gear and supplies, ensuring everything is ready for the first steps toward the Himalayas.

The adventure officially begins with a scenic drive of approximately 8–9 hours from Kathmandu to Jiri (1,910m), passing through rolling hills, rivers, and traditional villages. This route, once the gateway to Everest expeditions, offers glimpses of rural Nepali life with terraced fields, bamboo groves, and rustic villages. Overnight stay in a teahouse in Jiri, soaking in the charm of a peaceful Himalayan town.

The trek starts gently through lush forests, suspension bridges, and small villages, gradually climbing through terraced fields and rhododendron-lined trails. Today’s journey introduces trekkers to the traditional lifestyle of the Rai and Sherpa communities. Shivalaya (2,530m) is a quiet village offering first views of the higher mountains.

The trail continues through dense forests and rural settlements. You pass streams and bamboo thickets, feeling the Himalayas draw closer. Bhandar (2,500m) is a charming stopover, where local tea houses offer hearty meals and an opportunity to interact with villagers who have kept the trekking traditions alive for decades.

As the altitude gradually increases, the scenery changes. The trail meanders through cascading waterfalls, rhododendron forests, and terraced farms. Sete (2,600m) provides a glimpse of the spectacular peaks of the Everest region in the distance. The village, perched above a river gorge, offers peaceful surroundings to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

The trek enters the heart of Solu-Khumbu, climbing through pine and rhododendron forests. Junbesi (2,670m) is a historically significant village, home to a beautiful monastery and the oldest nunnery in the region. The day offers cultural immersion with local Sherpas and traditional architecture, while distant views of Kusum Kanguru hint at the grandeur to come.

The trail follows serene forest paths and river valleys, gradually ascending toward the high Khumbu region. Nunthala (2,100m) is a quiet village, ideal for rest. The scenery is a mix of lush greenery, scattered mani stones, and glimpses of snow-capped peaks. The day emphasises acclimatisation while still offering moderate trekking challenges.

The journey continues along ridges with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Crossing multiple suspension bridges and passing small settlements, you arrive at Bupsa (2,600m), a traditional Sherpa village. The trail here begins to show the transition from mid-hills to higher Himalayan landscapes, with towering peaks emerging on the horizon.

After days of steady trekking, Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the Sherpa capital, welcomes you with bustling streets, cafes, and shops. The climb is rewarding: panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam unfold as you enter this vibrant mountain hub. Evening walks through the village streets reveal local markets, bakeries, and glimpses of Sherpa life.

A vital day to acclimatise at altitude. Trekkers hike to the Everest View Hotel for unmatched vistas of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Exploring Namche Bazaar provides insight into Sherpa culture, local crafts, and the history of Himalayan mountaineering. The evening is relaxed, enjoying tea houses and panoramic sunset views.

Today, the trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forests to the monastery village of Tengboche (3,867m). The village offers one of the most striking views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks. Attending the evening prayer ceremony at Tengboche Monastery is a profound spiritual experience, with chants echoing through the mountains.

The trek continues through Pangboche village, past terraced fields, mani walls, and ancient monasteries. The landscape gradually opens into alpine terrain as you reach Dingboche (4,360m), framed by Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Stone walls protect the cultivated fields, and prayer flags flutter against the backdrop of towering mountains.

A short climb to Nangkartshang Peak allows further acclimatisation. The reward: panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Dingboche’s tranquil valley offers an immersive Himalayan experience, where you witness high-altitude farming and local Sherpa hospitality firsthand.

The trail becomes more rugged, following moraines and sparse alpine vegetation. Crossing Dughla and Thukla Pass, you reach Lobuche (4,910m). Chupki Lhara, a memorial site for climbers lost in the Himalayas, provides a solemn yet inspiring stop. The day culminates in breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks.

A long but unforgettable day as you trek to Gorakshep (5,164m) and onwards to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Walk past the Khumbu Icefall and rocky ridges, feeling the proximity of Everest’s towering summit. Base Camp is a bustling yet serene high-altitude environment, where climbers prepare for their ascents and the magnitude of Everest is fully felt. Return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Rise early for a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m). The view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori bathed in golden light is unmatched. Descend through Lobuche back to Pheriche (4,371m), reflecting on the remarkable journey and marveling at the landscapes along the way.

Begin the long descent through Pangboche and Tengboche, retracing the trail toward Namche Bazaar. The descent allows reflection on Sherpa culture, villages, and Himalayan vistas now seen from a new perspective. Spend the night in Namche Bazaar enjoying local hospitality.

Retrace the trail along the Dudh Koshi, crossing suspension bridges and passing the villages you first encountered. The walk down seems quicker but is no less beautiful; the light is softer and conversations more reflective. Arrive in Lukla in the late afternoon and relax over a farewell dinner with your trekking team, sharing stories from the trail.

Take the short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On a clear morning you will have a final, sweeping mountain panorama from the plane before the bustle of the city returns. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel where you can rest, shop, or reflect on the quiet grandeur of the majestic trek through Solu and Khumbu Regions of Solukhumbu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your team and new friends — a gentle close to a luminous journey.

It is the end day of your Nepal tour vacation. An Iconic Himalaya representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Kathmandu International Airport for your home flight. 

Safe travels, and Namaste!