While doing Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri (also known as “the Switzerland of Nepal”), you follow the original route to Everest region. This route used to 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 foot prints of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Jiri Evesest region trekking is a noble experience of natural and cultural wonders for which trekking in Nepal is famous for.
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 going 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 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 vacation 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 Everest region trek giving you the unforgettable sight of 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 Everest Base Camp trek are Sagarmatha National Park and the best view point, Kala Patthar. Sagarmatha National Park, the natural site included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites gives you the wonderful sight of flora and fauna. Kala Patthar offers you the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, 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 down up to 1,000m. You go through some charismatic villages like Junbesi, Nunthala, Buspa and Surke in the midst of 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 which rewards you with the lifelong experience of the ethnic cultural villages. The most important benefit of teahouse trekking is that you don’t have to worry about the camping gears and camp sites. 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.
FAQs:
1. Where is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest, the highest peak of the world lies in the 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 the 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 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 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 USD3,000. Jiri EBC trek itinerary ramges from 10 days to 30 days depending upon your vacation, 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 not 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 a Everest Base Camp by Helicopter tour from Kathmandu.