Classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek was the first trekking route to the Everest region. This route was the only way to access the Everest region before Lukla airport was constructed. Hence it is also known as the classic route to Everest Base Camp. Other routes to trekking in the Everest region start after a thrilling flight to Lukla. But the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek starts after a scenic ride to Jiri.
Jiri is a picturesque town in the eastern part of Nepal in Dolakha district. It has an altitude of merely 1905 meters. It lies in a lower altitude compared to Lukla. So, if you start your trek from Jiri, it is easier for you to adapt to higher altitudes in the Everest region. After trekking for 8 days from Jiri, you will reach Phakding. From Phakding, you will start trekking inside the premises of Sagarmatha National Park. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to many exotic species of animals like snow leopard, musk deer, and red panda.
Along the trail, you will get to various villages in the Everest region like Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. From these villages, you will get to see some spectacular views of mountains in the Everest region like Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu etc. The best vantage point for viewing the mountains in the Everest region is Kala Patthar. It is considered to be one of the best spots in Nepal for viewing sunrise amidst the mountains in the Himalayas. The total length of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is 23 days. An average of around 5-6 hours of the trek a day makes this trek more difficult to the Everest Base Camp trek.
There are also a few days for acclimatization in the trek. You will spend one day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar while another day for acclimatization is at Dingboche. These two places are located at altitudes of 3440 meters and 4358 meters respectively. Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is also a wonderful way to get to learn the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Everest region. The Tengboche Monastery is a serene location where the practitioners and adherents of the Buddhist culture some on a regular basis.
All in all, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is one of the best ways to explore the iconic Everest region.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.
- Visit the Namche Bazaar- the capital of Sherpas
- View the largest monastery in the Everest region- Tengboche Monastery
- Breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Tawache and others
- A trek inside Sagarmatha National Park- a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site
- Splendid views of the sunrise from Kala Patthar
- Comfortable stay in Guest houses with friendly owners
- Visit some picturesque villages like Phakding, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
- Learn about the culture of Tibetan Buddhism by interaction with guides, porters, and locals
