Jiri to EBC Trekking

Overview

• Discover Kathmandu by sightseeing at several UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world’s tallest mountains 
• Explore Namche Bazaar – the central hub for mountaineers & trekkers alike
• Hike through green landscapes, alpine meadows, valleys and glaciers 
• Visit Tengboche Monastery, which is renowned as one of the famous monasteries in the region 
• Witness panoramic views of the Khumbu region from Gokyo Ri
• Visit the high mountain pristine lakes in the Gokyo Valley
• Explore Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Glacier
• Hike up to Kalapatthar, a 5550m tall rocky hill to get a panoramic 360-degree view of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Thamserku (6623m) and Nuptse (7816m)
• Explore Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) and see the diverse floras and faunas

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative of our company at the arrival gate who will then transfer you to your hotel. If you have some spare time, you can either visit the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. Overnight, you’ll stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Trek preparation

After breakfast, there will be a seminar for you to attend to discuss the upcoming trekking plans. Overnight, you’ll stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar via Jiri

Early in the morning, you’ll drive from the north-east of Kathmandu towards Jiri. It takes about 6-7 hours of driving through mountain roads to get there. After reaching Jiri, you’ll continue driving to Bhandar- the starting point. The highway is a single lane road but its condition has improved compared to how it was a few years back. The drive is scenic and has views of Himalayan mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 4: Bhandar to Sete (2575m) [6-7 hrs]

After breakfast, the trek begins through deep forests. You’ll cross a few streams and go past small villages like Dokharpa and Baranda. The trail then climbs through a forest down to the Surma Khola and continues to Likhu Khola Valley. You will then climb a ridge to the small village of Kenja and steeply ascend to Chimbu. Eventually, you will reach Sete. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 5: Sete to Junbesi (2670 m) [6-7 hrs]

The trail takes you to Lamjura La through pine, magnolia, maple, birch & rhododendron forests. Along the way, you’ll pass the villages of Dagchu & Goyem. You’ll then cross the Lamjura La pass (3530m), the highest point between Jiri & Namche Bazaar. The pass offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and the mountains. Then, you will descend down the pass to Tragdobuk and towards Junbesi. In Junbesi, you can spend the afternoon exploring the village and learning about the local lifestyle. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 6: Junbesi to Nunthala (2220m) [6 hrs]

Today, the trek involves crossing a stream beyond Junbesi and then climbing up the forest slope. After an hour, you can see great views of Himalayan mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku, Mera Peak and many others. It is the first view of Everest that you get during the trek, although the lower peaks that are closer to you look higher than the distant eight-thousanders. Then, you will continue to Salung and descend to Ringmo Khola. The trail ascends to Ringmo, crosses the Trakshindo La pass and descends to Trashingdo. You will arrive in Nunthala after another hour of descening through conifer & rhododendron forests and terraced fields. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 7: Nunthala to Bupsa (2360 m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, you will continue the trek by descending down to the Dudh Koshi River and heading towards Khumbu. The trail then crosses a bridge and goes to Jubing before continuing straight to Churkha. You will climb the trail to reach Khari Khola and descend to cross a suspension bridge. After a steep climb, you will finally reach Bupsa. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 8: Bupsa to Surke (2290m) [5-6 hrs]

The trek starts from Bupsa. You’ll rise up through a forested stretch and pass Kharte. Then, after climbing uphill, you’ll reach the Khari La pass. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of mountains like Gyachung Kang & Khumbila. You will then descend to Puiyan and eventually you’ll reach Surke. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 9: Surke to Phakding (2,652m) [4-5 hrs]

The trail from Surke goes towards Chauri Kharka and then ascends to Chhiplung. You will then descend to reach Phakding. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 10: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440 m) [5-6 hrs]

You’ll start the trek by walking through a pine forest along the Dudh Koshi River and crossing many suspension bridges, such as the popular ‘Hillary Suspension Bridge’. Along the way, you will also get your first good view of Thamserku. Then, you will pass Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and reach the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. You will pass through the village of Jorsale before finally reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail takes you through past forests & bridges to get you to the confluence of the Dudh Koshi & Bhote Koshi rivers. After, you’ll ascend steeply for about 2 hrs & get to see Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse Nuptse ridge. We will stop at Chautara to look at the view. You will trek for about another 1.5 hours to reach Namche – the central hub for trekkers & mountaineers and also the main trade centre of Khumbu. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 11: Acclimatize at Namche Bazaar and hike to Everest View Hotel (3900m) [3-4 hrs]

Today is for acclimatization, which is very important whilst trekking in a high altitude. The full day is spent getting used to the high altitude and the environment of higher elevations. After lunch, you will go on a short hike towards the Everest View Hotel, from where you can see some great panoramic views of the Khumbu peaks including Mt. Everest. Later on, you’ll return back to Namche. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3500m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, you’ll start the trek while enjoying the scenic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam and the close up view of Thamserku. Along the way, you can spot wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Thar and colorful pheasants. The trail then ascends to Sansa via Kayangjuma, which is the major trail junction to the Gokyo Valley & EBC. You will then trek further through the Mongla pass (38758m), where you can see great views of Amadablam, Thamserku, Tawache and Khumbila. Then, you will descend down to the Duh Koshi River, cross a bridge, and ascend through rhododendron forests before you finally arrive at Phortse Thanga. It is located besides the peaks of Tawache and Cholatse. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 13: Phortse Thanga to Dole (4200m) [3-4 hrs]

Today’s trek to Dole is short. You will have a fairly easy walk with a few ascents & descents. The trail crosses a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you can again spot Himalayan wildlife like mountain goats, musk deer, and pheasants. You will then walk through forests, cross bridges and enjoy the waterfalls until you reach Dole. Dole is a beautiful mountain village. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 14: Dole to Machhermo (4470m) [3-4 hrs]

The trail today climbs through a ridge above Dole and ascends through Lhabarma. As you continue, you can see spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Kantega and Thamserku before arriving at the small village of Luza (4360m). Then, you will ascend through Luza to Dudh Koshi Valley, and walk along the roaring Dudh Koshi. After passing a few villages, you will eventually arrive in Machhermo. Machhermo probably is the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo. Here you’ll visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital where you’ll learn more about high altitude climbing and sickness. In the early seventies, it’s said that people sighted the yeti at Machhermo. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 15: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, you’ll begin to climb. The trek offers good views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho Oyu. The trail will take you to Pangka (4480m). Pangka is where a deadly avalanche killed forty people in 1995. The trail then passes by a riverbank and ascends to Ngozamba Glacier. You will get a glimpse of the first lake as you walk further. Ahead of this is the second lake which offers a mesmerizing view of sparkling blue water. The third lake is a little ahead of the second, and the two lakes are linked by a stream. Gokyo is by the third lake and upon reaching it, you will be stunned by the scenic view of Cho Oyu. You can explore the third lake as well, Dudh Pokhari. Gokyo has a lot more to offer other than just its natural beauty. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 16: In Gokyo (acclimatize & hike to Gokyo-Ri)

This day is for acclimatizing. You will hike up to Gokyo-Ri, which is a perfect viewpoint. The view from the top is simply mesmerizing and gives you panoramic mountain views of the Khumbu. You can also visit the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and the fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). The fourth lake is 3 km north of Gokyo and the fifth lake is a little further. You can choose to climb a hill at the edge of the lakes to get views of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. This viewpoint is called Scoundrel’s viewpoint. From the northern part of the fifth lake, you can see the base camp of Cho Oyu. The view of the world’s biggest glacier; the Ngazumpa glacier is yet another attraction of the trip. You can also choose to trek further to see the astonishing view of the sixth lake depending on how much time there is. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 17: Gokyo to Phortse (3950m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, you’ll follow the trail along the eastern side of the Gokyo Valley and enjoy the majestic view of Khumbila. You will then ascend to Pangka, turn east and climb the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier. The trail then continues before you finally arrive in Phortse. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 18: Phortse to Pheriche (4310m) [6-7 hrs]

The trek today involves trekking all the way down to Pheriche again while enjoying the view of some of the great peaks of the Khumbu region. Upon reaching Pheriche, you’ll check in at the lodge and you can spend rest of your time strolling around the Sherpa village and getting to know their culture & traditions or you can simply just rest at the lodge. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 19: Pheriche to Lobuche (4735m) [3-4 hrs]

Today, you’ll trek from Pheriche to Lobuche to set you off on the important goal of the trek, climbing to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathhar. It is a short trek and it will help you to acclimatize better. In Lobuche, you can spend the day hanging around the village and preparing for the next day’s expedition. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 20: Lobuche to Gorak Shep & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,320m) [5-6 hrs]

Today is the day where you’ll reach the ultimate destination of the trek – Everest Base Camp. The trail has many ascents and descents in a high altitude and you may feel tired but the journey is still worthwhile. It takes about 3 hours of steady hiking to reach the base camp. Upon reaching the base camp, you can enjoy the natural splendour of Khumbu Glacier and the icefall. This is the point from where expeditions to Mt. Everest begin. After this, you will return to Gorakshep. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 21: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5545 m) – Pheriche (4280 m) [7-8 hrs]

You’ll start the hike to Kala Patthar early in the morning to catch the dramatic view of Mt. Everest during sunrise. The temperature will be cold plus there’s always a chance of chilly winds which are quite common in this area. As you hike, peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse emergee and even Mt. Everest and Nuptse begin to reveal themselves. After several hours of ascending, you’ll reach Kala Patthar. At Kala Patthar, you’ll scramble to climb a rock outcrop near the summit, which is marked by prayer flags. From the top, you can see a majestic panorama of the mountains all around you. Take as many pictures as you like and then descend to Gorak Shep, have your breakfast and gradually go down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 22: Pheriche to Kyanjuma (3,500m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, you will walk downhill and cross Punki Tenga. Then you’ll pass Tengboche and continue towards Kyanjuma. The trail takes you across a suspension bridge over the Dud Koshi River and way through the rhododendron forest before you finally arrive in Kyanjuma. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 23: Kyanjuma to Khumjung to Monjo (2,850m) [5-6 hrs]

You’ll start your day by trekking past Khumjung- a village in the Khumbu, then crossing a bridge over the Imja River and finally arriving in Monjo. Along the way, you will visit Hillary Memorial School, ascend to Syangboche airport and descend to Namche Bazaar. You can explore Namche for some time before heading towards Monjo for the overnight stay. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 24: Monjo to Lukla (2800m) [5-6 hrs]

Today is the final day of the trek. It will be a lower altitude trek towards Lukla. The trail passes through various Sherpa villages and dense forested areas of beautiful rhododendron and pine trees. You can walk slowly today. Along the way, you will also encounter a few monasteries where you can witness the Buddhist culture & traditions. Finally, you’ll arrive in Lukla & check-in at lodge. Overnight, you’ll stay at the lodge.

Day 25: Lukla – Kathmandu

Early in the morning, you will get ready for your flight back to Kathmandu. Our representatives will meet you at the airport and then transfer to your hotel. The day is all yours. You can go shopping, stroll around the city or just rest at the hotel. In the evening, we’ll take you for a farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Overnight, you’ll stay at the hotel.

Day 26: Transfer to the airport

You will be escorted to the international terminal at the Tribhuvan International Airport by one of our representatives approximately three hours before your flight. You can bid farewell to this glorious country in South Asia. While waiting for your flight, you can make plans to venture to other destinations in Nepal in the near future.