Classical Jiri to Everest Trek- 18 days

The trip from Kathmandu to Bhandar is an adventure in and of itself. It's a long, bumpy drive that takes 9 to 10 hours and takes you from Nepal's busy capital to the peaceful foothills that mark the start of the classic Everest trek. The drive is about 211 kilometers long and starts on the Arniko Highway, which goes toward the Tibetan border. It then splits off onto smaller and more winding mountain roads. The journey is a vivid picture of life in Nepal, taking you through busy towns, terraced farms, and river valleys. The road changes from a paved highway to a rough, off-road track that needs a sturdy 4x4 jeep.

The small hill town of Bhandar (2,190 m/7,185 ft) is the end of this long journey and a big moment of arrival. Bhandar, also known as Chyangma, is a group of lodges and homes on a ridge that gives trekkers their first real taste of the trail. A big white stupa stands out in the village and gives you a great view of the rolling hills around it. Bhandar is more than just a place to sleep; it's the real start of the adventure. It's a quiet, traditional gateway where the modern world fades away and the rhythm of the Himalayan trail begins.

Highlight: A trip back in time through the countryside of Nepal, which is commonly called the "Switzerland of Nepal" because of its rolling green hills.

The hike from Bhandar to Sete is a challenging one that follows the classic Jiri route: a steep drop into a deep river valley, then an equally steep and long climb to a village on a ridge. The net elevation gain is 370 meters, but the total change is much bigger because of the steep up-and-down profile. This makes the 8-kilometer journey a long and difficult test of endurance that lasts 6 to 7 hours.

The day starts with a steep drop through terraced fields and small villages, losing almost 600 meters to the bottom of the Likhu Khola river valley. The best part of this section is crossing the dramatic suspension bridge over the roaring river, which is a symbolic halfway point. After that, the trail goes up sharply for a long, steady climb through peaceful rhododendron and oak forests. This climb is the hardest part of the day, but the beautiful, shaded path and the sounds of the valley below make it a great place to be. Getting to the small, rustic village of Sete (2,575 m/8,448 ft) on the side of the mountain is a big accomplishment. This remote outpost, with its simple teahouses and stunning views of the valley below, is an important stop on the way to the even bigger challenge of crossing the Lamjura La pass the next day.

Highlight: Walking through traditional Rai and Sherpa communities and getting a taste of warm rural hospitality.

The hike from Sete to Junbesi is one of the longest but most rewarding days on the classic Jiri route. It is known for its long, steep climb to the highest pass of the full trek. The net elevation gain to Junbesi is not very high, but the real journey is a long one. It starts with an 800-meter climb from Sete to the top of the Lamjura La Pass (3,530m, or 11,581ft) and then a long descent. This makes the 6- to 7-hour trip a test of endurance. As you walk up the trail, the air gets cooler and thinner with each step. You pass through beautiful, dense rhododendron and pine forests until you reach the top, which is decorated with prayer flags. The reward for this hard climb is a huge sense of accomplishment and stunning views of the Himalayan giants, like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, that stretch across the northern horizon.

The way down from the pass is just as long and winding. It goes through peaceful forests and finally opens up to show the beautiful Sherpa village of Junbesi (2,680m / 8,792ft), which is located in a wide, sunny valley. The whitewashed monastery, apple orchards, and traditional houses of Junbesi show that you have arrived in the Solu-Khumbu's cultural heartland. This day marks a significant milestone in the journey. It takes you from the lower foothills to the higher, culturally rich Sherpa valleys. It also gives you a deep sense of journey, which is what the classic Everest approach is all about.

Highlight: Crossing Lamjura La, a beautiful mountain pass that leads to the Khumbu.

A day off in Junbesi (2,675 m/8,776 ft) is an important and enjoyable break on the classic Jiri to Everest route. It's a great way to acclimate and learn about the culture. Junbesi is one of the biggest and most beautiful Sherpa villages in the Solu region. It's located in a beautiful valley and surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. It's a great place to get a real taste of local life away from the busier trails near Lukla.

"Climb high, sleep low" is the main idea of this day. A great way to acclimate to the area is the steep hike up to the Thubten Choling Monastery. This large and active monastic complex is home to hundreds of monks and nuns and has a deep spiritual atmosphere and great views of Junbesi below. Another option is to walk to the nearby traditional village of Phurteng to see more of the valley. The day is for more than just hiking; it's also for exploring and relaxing. You can visit Junbesi's own beautiful monastery, walk through apple orchards, watch traditional woodcarving and carpet weaving, and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. This important day off gives your body time to get used to the higher altitude and lets you experience the culture in a way that is unique to the longer, classic trekking route.

Highlight: Experience the culture and find peace in one of the oldest Sherpa villages.

The hike from Junbesi to Nunthala is full of dramatic changes. It takes you from the peaceful, high-altitude Buddhist atmosphere of Junbesi to the lush, subtropical river valleys where the Rai community lives. The trail has many ups and downs, going steeply down into the Ringmo Khola river valley and then back up again. This makes the 13-kilometer journey feel harder than the elevation loss of 240 meters over the course of 5 to 6 hours. The path goes through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, past waterfalls that flow down rocks and terraced farms. It gives you different views of the peaks all the time. 

One of the best parts of this section is crossing the dramatic suspension bridge high above the river. After that, the climb to the historic Trakshindo Pass, which is marked by chortens and prayer flags. The old Trakshindo Monastery is just beyond the pass. It is a peaceful place with a lot of history. The last part of the descent goes down to Nunthala (also called Manidingma, 2,440 m/8,005 ft), a lively village on a steep mountainside. Nunthala is a cultural crossroads where the Sherpa traditions of the higher valleys start to mix with the Rai culture of the mid-hills. The village has beautiful views of the valley at sunset and is a nice place to stop and rest before the next day's hard climbs.

The hike from Nunthala to Bupsa is lengthy but very beautiful. It goes deep into the forested foothills of the Solu-Khumbu region. The 12-kilometer trail has a small net elevation change, but it is a long, unending series of steep climbs and descents that will really test your legs over the course of 5 to 6 hours. The path goes through lush, terraced hillsides, dense rhododendron and oak forests, and over several suspension bridges that cross the powerful Dudh Koshi River. The river's roaring waters are always with you.

One of the best parts of this section is how deeply you get to know the culture as you pass through traditional villages like Jubing and Khari Khola, where you can see how the Rai and Sherpa people live every day. The last climb from the river valley to Bupsa (2,360 m/7,742 ft) is a steep, narrow path that seems never-ending, but when you get there, you'll feel a great sense of achievement and see beautiful views of the terraced slopes and distant peaks. Bupsa is a small but friendly group of teahouses on a hillside. It's a great place to stop and rest before continuing on the trail to the high altitudes of the Khumbu.

Highlight: Crossing the powerful Dudh Koshi River, which is the lifeblood of the Khumbu region.

The hike from Bupsa to Chaurikharka is an important and rewarding day on the classic Jiri route that takes you deeper into the Solu-Khumbu region. This 11-kilometer hike takes 6–7 hours and gains 350 meters in elevation. It doesn't have steep climbs, but long, rolling traverses across the forested mountainsides that give you a true sense of Himalayan exploration. The path winds through quiet rhododendron and pine forests, past traditional villages and mani walls with prayer flags on them. It's a peaceful and culturally rich experience that's far away from the busier trails near Lukla.

One of the best parts of this section is getting to the famous Suspension Bridge over the Dudh Koshi River near the village of Surkhe. This long, dramatic crossing shows that you are getting close to the main Everest trail. From here, the last part of the journey to Chaurikharka (2,710 m/8,891 ft) is a gentle climb through scattered settlements and terraced farms. Chaurikharka is a wide, beautiful area on the side of the mountain that gives you some of the first truly amazing views of the peak Kongde Ri (6,187m) rising above it. This day is a great way to get ready for the busy gateway of Namche Bazaar and the huge Himalayan mountains that lie beyond.

Highlight: Getting on the famous Everest trail and feeling the thrill grow.

The trek from Chaurikharka to Namche Bazaar is a lengthy but very rewarding trek you do to enter the high Himalayas officially  . This 9-kilometer/5.5-mile hike, which takes 5 to 6 hours and gains 730 meters in elevation, is a test of your body and mind, as well as a feast for your eyes and ears. The trail goes up steadily through fragrant pine forests and across suspension bridges that sway over the rushing Dudh Koshi River. With each step, the air gets crisper and the views get more dramatic. The last steep climb is one of the best parts. It's a long series of switchbacks that seems to go on forever, but there are some amazing views along the way, like the breathtaking view of Everest peeking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Getting to the colorful, horseshoe-shaped center of Namche Bazaar, which is high up in the mountains, is a huge accomplishment. It also gives you access to the rich Sherpa culture, busy markets, and the tallest peaks in the world.

Highlight: The view of Mount Everest on the way there and the excitement of getting to Namche.

Namche Bazaar is the high Himalayas' heart and Everest's trade hub. This stepped-down village is in a natural circle and receives the first light that comes over Kongde Ri. From the teahouses, you can smell the fresh-baked Sherpa bread. You might hear the quiet singing of monks from a monastery on a hill in the morning, along with the chatter of hikers getting ready to hit the trail. Namche is more than just a stop. It's where cold and warm meet, business and culture mix, and strangers become part of a mountain story.

You can enjoy walking through the surrounding markets, visit Hillary School, explore Sherpa settlements, and see a yak farm. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of Mt. Everest.

The Everest View Hotel sits at an altitude of 3,880 meters (12,729 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest-placed luxury hotels in the world. It looks out over Khumjung like a watchful eye. It doesn't feel like a building; it's more like a platform with a view of the sky. In the morning, the soft crackle of frost under your feet gets you up. The panoramic windows let in a lot of light that makes Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest look beautiful. Inside, only the soft clink of teacups can be heard. Each sip feels like a toast to the mountains. "It's not just a place to stay; it's a front-row seat to a work of art that changes with every cloud.

(Note: According to your choices, we have multiple options of hikes during the acclimatization day, such as visiting the Sherpa Culture museum, Yeti Sculpture, and Everest View Hotel.)

The trail leading to Tengboche begins once you have had the opportunity to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. The trek takes you through a rhododendron and pine tree forest. You will also cross the Dudh Koshi River again and walk along the trails of the Imja Khola. You will reach Tengboche. This is the home to the ancient Tengboche Monastery. Tengboche is a sherpa village on the way to Everest Base Camp, located at 3,860 meters above sea level. Take in the magnificent views of the mountains as you prepare to spend the night here.

Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual and cultural center of the Khumbu. As the largest Buddhist monastery in the area, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse. Founded in the early 20th century, it remains a vital place of worship, meditation, and learning for Sherpa communities. Visitors can observe morning prayers, explore intricate murals and statues, and, during autumn, witness the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival—a celebration of masked dances and sacred rituals.

The trip from Tengboche to Dingboche is a simple and beautiful change from the forested valleys to the dry, high-altitude landscapes that are typical of the upper Khumbu region. This 11-kilometer trek takes about 5–6 hours and involves a steady climb of 490 meters that will test your lungs. The trail has some of the best close-up mountain views of the whole trek, but the air gets thinner at over 4,000 meters, so you have to go slowly and carefully.

The day starts with a steep drop from Tengboche through rhododendron forests to the Imja Khola river, where the oldest monastery in the Khumbu is located. The trail starts to go up steadily after you cross the river. As you enter a rocky valley with strong winds, the thick green trees slowly give way to scrub juniper and dwarf rhododendron bushes. The views are truly breathtaking. To the south, the huge peaks of Ama Dablam rise above the skyline in front of you. Lhotse and the icy wall of Lhotse Shar come into view. The last hike to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft) is through a wide, terraced valley with stone walls around it to keep the barley crops safe from the strong wind. Getting to this remote and beautiful village, which is surrounded by tall mountains, means you've made it to the high Himalayan desert. It's also a very important stop to get used to the altitude before continuing on to Everest Base Camp.

A rest day in Dingboche (4,410m / 14,468ft) isn't a day off; it's a crucial strategic break for your body to get used to the thin air.  The oxygen level at this height is only about 60% of what it is at sea level. If you don't acclimatize properly, your chances of getting Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) go up a lot as you climb higher toward Lobuche and Gorak Shep.  This day is very important for keeping you safe and making it more likely that you will reach Everest Base Camp.

 The most important rule for getting used to high altitudes is "climb high, sleep low."  This means you should go on a short, slow hike up to a higher elevation during the day and then sleep in Dingboche, which is at a lower elevation.  This process increases the production of red blood cells in your body, which helps improve its ability to carry more oxygen.  The acclimatization hike that most people love and find most rewarding is to the top of Nangkartshang Peak (also known as Dingboche Ri). From the top, you can see all around you, including Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, and the Imja Valley.  In addition to the hike, the day is also for drinking a lot of water and resting. This gives your muscles a chance to recover while your body makes this important internal change to get ready for the challenges ahead.

The trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,940m) is challenging but amazing. It takes you deeper into the high Himalayas, where the air gets thinner and the landscape gets more stark. The trek is 11 kilometers long and has a steep rise of 580 meters over 5–6 hours. You need to go at a slow, steady pace to handle the altitude. The trail goes up slowly through the dry, windy valley, giving you breathtaking views of tall peaks like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and the Tawoche wall. The climb past Thukla (Dughla) is a sad highlight because the trail suddenly gets steeper and goes by a memorial site for climbers who died on Everest. This is a powerful reminder of how dangerous and revered the mountain is.
The path rises higher from Thukla onto the Khumbu Glacier's lateral moraine, revealing a strange, rocky landscape with glacial streams and icy views. The last part of the trip to Lobuche is a slow climb along the glacier, with the peaks of Lobuche East (6,119m) and Khumbutse (6,665m) standing out in the sky. Getting to Lobuche, a small group of lodges at almost 5,000 meters, feels like entering a high-altitude outpost for adventurers. The village is an important acclimatization stop before going to Gorak Shep or Everest Base Camp. The thinner air and colder temperatures make it clear that you have arrived in the world of mountaineers.

This is the day of the pilgrimage, which constitutes the conclusion of weeks of hard work and preparation for the journey. As you leave Lobuche and begin the final push toward the sacred land of Everest Base Camp, the morning begins with a strong sense of anticipation. You are about to embark on the culmination of your journey. On your left, the Khumbu Glacier is a daunting and continuous companion. The trail itself is a rocky, bumpy path that goes across the glacier's lateral moraine. In this strange terrain of rock, ice, and thin air, every step needs intentional effort and a slow, steady pace. This high-altitude landscape will surprise you.

You will leave your primary pack at the lodge when you get to Gorak Shep, which is the highest settlement on your route and the final outpost of civilization. With a lighter load, you will then begin the final trek to your ultimate goal. The trail that goes to Base Camp is a treacherous and unpredictable path that winds along and over the glacier itself. It takes you closer and closer to the base of the tallest mountain in the world.

A tremendously touching experience is having the opportunity to arrive at Everest Base Camp. You find yourself standing at the actual source of the notorious Khumbu Icefall, which is a stunning amphitheater made of ice and rock. The experience is both chaotic and magnificent. Even though the peak of Everest is still concealed between the West Shoulder and Nuptse, the sheer magnitude of the landscape and the powerful force it possesses are astounding. As you make your way among the brilliant prayer flags and, during the climbing season, the colorful tents of international expeditions, you will have the opportunity to take in the magnificent atmosphere. Once you have captured memories of this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, you will retrace your steps back across the moraine to Gorak Shep. There, you will find a well-deserved rest waiting for you after a day that was long, successful, and completely unforgettable

This challenging but very rewarding day includes the famous hike to the top of Kala Patthar (5,545m) and a long descent to Pheriche (4,240m), which takes about 7–8 hours and covers about 15 kilometers. The trek starts before dawn from Gorak Shep, and the trekkers climb steeply to the top of Kala Patthar in the cold, thin air to see the sunrise over Mount Everest. This is an amazing view that includes the whole Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori. This climb is challenging, but it gives you the best view of Everest's summit without any climbing gear.

After breakfast in Gorak Shep, the trail goes down to Lobuche and then splits off toward the wider, windswept valley of Pheriche. The trail goes down a lot—1,305 meters in total—along the side moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and through Thukla (Dughla), where there are moving memorials to climbers who have died. The descent is easier on the lungs, but it's hard on the knees and joints because it goes down many rocks. Getting to Pheriche is a big relief and a great sense of accomplishment. The lower altitude means thicker air, and the village has friendly teahouses, making it a great place to rest and think after one of the most beautiful and memorable days on the Everest trail.

Highlight: The most famous vista of Everest at sunrise from Kala Patthar.

The hike from Pheriche (4,371m / 14,340ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) is one of the longest and most important days of descent on the Everest Base Camp trail. This 6-7 hour trip takes you from the stark, high-altitude world of the Khumbu to the more comfortable and lively energy of the Sherpa capital. It covers a lot of ground and loses about 930 meters (over 3,050 feet) of elevation. The trail is mostly downhill, but it is known for being lengthy because of the many short, steep climbs that break up the descent and test your knees and your strength one last time.
The day starts with a slow descent down the wide Pheriche valley, where it meets the main trail at Pangboche. From here, you go back down through the Deboche forests, past the peaceful Tengboche Monastery, and then start the long, steep descent to the river confluence at Phunki Tenga (3,250m). This is where the hardest part of the day starts: the famous hour-long climb up the switchbacks to Kyangjuma or Sanasa. This steep part, which comes late in the day, is a challenge but a final reminder of how uncomfortable it is to walk in the Himalayas. The last stretch from Sanasa to Namche is a welcome, mostly flat path along the mountainside that gives you the last breathtaking views of Kongde Ri and Thamserku. When you get back to the busy streets of Namche Bazaar, it feels like you're back in civilization. The cafes, stores, and thick air are a luxurious and well-deserved reward after the long trip from the high mountains.

Highlight: Going back to busy Namche Bazaar with a sense of achievement.

The final segment of your adventure across the Himalayas is a long but very rewarding hike that takes you back to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu, from the busy metropolis of the Khumbu. This day is a mix of looking back on the past and trekking with purpose. You walk 13.5 miles from the high Himalayas to the lush, green valleys of the lower Everest region. The trail is mostly downhill, but it is notable for having many small, steep uphill sections that make the mountains work hard until the last step.

Before we start our day, you get one more amazing vista from the Namche cliffside. Then you go down the steep switchbacks to where the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers meet at Larja Dobhan. The track mostly follows the river valley after you cross the huge suspension bridges, where you can have adventures like bungee jumping. 

On the Everest Bungee, you don't just jump; you fall into the Himalayas. The platform is 3,600 meters above sea level and hangs over a wild mountain river. This makes it one of the highest bungee adventure spots in the world. It seems like time slows down when you step off. As you look around, snow-capped peaks rush by, and the wind howls in your ears. For a brief yet exhilarating moment, you experience a sense of weightlessness between the sky and the rock. It energizes you, but you feel like you're losing it in the mountains' serene beauty.

It winds through lovely pine forests and past settlements, you know, such as Phakding and Ghat. The trail is like a roller coaster. Every time you go down to the riverbank, you have to climb back up the opposite side, which tests your strength one last time. The air becomes thicker and richer in oxygen, which makes it easier to breathe, but the continuous changes in the ground still make your legs work harder. It is a good thing to see Lukla's airport on the side of the mountain, because it means the end of an epic. Getting to Lukla is a huge accomplishment. You can finally enjoy finishing one of the world's best journeys by sharing experiences with other trekkers before your trip down to the world below.

This day is when you will go back to Kathmandu if all goes as planned. Your flight destination will be either Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the season. If you plan to walk in March, April, May, September, October, or November, you should arrive in Manthali by plane and then drive to Kathmandu, which will take around five hours. The months of December through August are the only ones when you may take a direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
We hope your hike will be peaceful, and you'll undoubtedly think back on your time in the Everest area. On this day, we shall have a farewell meal.