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Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Jiri Kalapather EBC Trek

Duration
27 days
Max. Elevation
5545m
Group size
Min 1+
Level
MODERATE
Transportation
Public Bus
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu. Lodge (Teahouse) Accomodation during Trek.
Meals
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
{ Kathmandu - Jiri - Deurali - Sete - Junibesi - Nunthala - Bupsa - Surkey - Phakding - Namche BAzaar - Tyangboche - Dingboche - Lobuche - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep - Kala Patthar - Pheriche - Tyangboche - Namche Bazaar - Surke - Bupsa - Nunthala - Junibesi - Sete - Deurali - Jiri- Kathmandu }

Highlights

Overview

Jiri Kalapthar EBC Trek follows on the original route used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Nogay Sherpa to reach Everest Base Camp. The trek starts off at Jiri (1905m), a picturesque town in Dolakha district, about 6 hours drive from Kathmandu.

Also called ‘Switzerland’ of Nepal, Jiri is home to Rai ethnic group, especially Jirel and Sunuwar, and is famous for its agricultural products including cheese. The trail here is less crowded and comparatively quiet until you reach Lukla (2860m), the gateway to Everest region. 
 
The trail ahead entirely passes through Sagarmatha National Park with major stops at Namche Bazaar (3440m), Tengboche Monoastery (3860m) before making an arduous climb to Kala Patthar (5643m). Kalapathar is the best vantage point for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and beautiful Himalayan glaciers. In addition you will also visit Everest Base Camp (5364m) sat beside the Khumbhu glacier. 
 
Along the way you will have plenty of time to  interact with local people and see and experience unique Sherpa culture and hospitality. You will retrace back your steps to Lukla, to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. 
 
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition organizes Jiri Kalapthar EBC Trek with experienced guides and excellent services. The best seasons for this trek are Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May). 

Important Note

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in. 

Trip Itinerary

Drive from Kathmandu (1350m.) to Jiri (1905) about 188 km which takes about eight hours. The first part of your journey drives eastwards from Kathmandu through passing Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Dolalghat, Lamasanghu, a part of the Araniko Highway and turn to right from Lamasangu for the Jiri road passing through Green Hills scenery as well as snow capped mountains. The road is quite narrow but it is smooth. Jiri is a town named after Jirel, the majority people inhabited in and around the town.

Trek from Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.) which takes about six and half hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for the first two hours to Mali Danda (2440m.) and then it follows gently descent path to Shivalaya (1800m.) where you could take lunch and hang around. After your lunch, the trail steeply goes up for an hour and rest of the day is gently up to the Deorali. You could enjoy the green scenery as well as some of the snow-capped mountains at a far distance.

Trek from Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.) and it takes about six and half hours. The starting of your trek is steeply descent for early an hour to Bhandar (2250m.) and then gently descent to Kenja (1600m.) where you could enjoy your lunch. After your lunch, your trek is steeply up to destination. En route, you could enjoy with agricultural farm scenery where locals work hard. In addition to this, you could pass through Sherpa villages with beautiful mountain views.

Trek from Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.) and it takes about six and half hours. To begin your trek, you should climb steeply for an early two hours passing through Dagchu, Goyem, a small Sherpa settlements. Then your trek starts gently up to the Lamjura Pass (3500m.) through rhododendron forest. After the pass, rest of the trek is gently descent to the destination. In this route, you could enjoy some of the snow capped mountains such as the "Goa of the Solu". Besides this, you could see some wildlife such as monkey and many species of birds.

Rest day at Junbesi and hang around or visit Thubten Chholing Monastery known as Nunnery Monastery on a two hours side trip after 3 days harassing working.

Trek from Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.) which takes approximately six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for early one and half hours to Phurtung (2900m.). From this place, you could see first view of Mount Everest including Thamserku (6623m.), Kantega (6780m.), Kusum Kangaru (6370m.) and Mera Peak (6650m.) Your trek is flat and gently descent to Ringmo Khola (2500m.). Immediately, your trail is steeply up for one and half hours to the Takshindo La Pass (3100m.). From this point, you could see excellent mountain views. At the end of your trek is steeply descent to the town Nunthala (2200m.) through small Sherpa settlement and forest.

Trek from Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.) and it takes about six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently descent to the Dudh Koshi river (Milk River) for an early two hours passing through agricultural farming land and small Sherpa and Rai settlements. From Dudh Koshi river, your trail is gently ascent all the way to Kharikhola (2050m.) passing through Juving (1680m.) a pretty big Rai village and farming lands. From Kharikhola your trail follows flat path for 45 minutes and then steeply up to the camp (Bupasa) where you could visit Buddhist Monastery in ruined state.

Trek from Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.) which takes about six and half hours. At the beginning of the day, you should ascend steeply for the early two hours to Khari La Pass (2880m.). While trekking you pass through rhododendron and oak forest including a small Sherpa settlements and teashops. From this point, you could see excellent view of different mountains such as Numbu (6960m.), Cho-oyu (8201m.), Gyangchung Kang (7922m.) and Thamserku (6629m.). Now, your trail is gently descent and flat to Chaubar (2730m.) passing through Bamboo forest and Puiyan (2770m.) with view of Khumbu Valley as well as beautiful mountains. At the end of the day, your trail steeply descends up to the destination. Surkey is a small Sherpa village at the bottom of the Lukla.

Trek from Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.) which takes about four hours. The first part of the trek is gently ascent for early 2 hours to Chhiplung (2700m.), a junction road to Jiri and Lukla passing through Mushe (2650m.). From this place, the road is quite broad and busy. Now, your trail is almost flat and gently descent and ascent to Phakding. This is a short trek after 3 long days trek. You could hang in and around Phakding village.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five and half hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo(2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.) and it takes about five hours. Leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. Make your way around a branch ridge, and Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawetse (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. Descend past two tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Kosi and soon you descent to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3860m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. There are a lodge and hotel managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful

Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.) and it takes approximately five and half hours. Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Pass a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Deboche. Go on to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) appears on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m) Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Today is a very important acclimatization day. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as we explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon.

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) which takes about six hours. The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until you come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m) Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After 1 ½ to 2 hours walk, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. Stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, continue (1 ½ to 2 hours) of trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.

Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) via Gorakshep (5180m.) and back to Gorakshep which takes about seven hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m.) Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now the trail winds through rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appears at the front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen on the way. After a great moment, you retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche.


Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and back to Pheriche (4250m.) and it takes about fivehours. Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. You can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people.

Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (12,687 m.) which takes approximately. Enjoy a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest, continue walking Tyangboche. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.

Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (11,286 m.) which takes about four and half hours. The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. Enroute you will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde, an opportunity to visit one of its monastery, the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for the overnight.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Surkey (2400m.) and it takes about six hours. The trails descend gently for some distance. En route you pass few villages, terraces and mountain views. From Chhuplung the trails again move down until Surkey via Chaurikharka, a relatively big village mainly inhabited by Sherpa. Moreover, you find mani walls, chorten, monastery and significant Sherpa culture. To describe Surkey, it is apt to mention that it lies at the bottom of hill. It is surrounded by forests covered with pine and oaks.

Trek from Surkey to Bupsa (2350m) via Phuiyan which takes about five and half hours. To reach Phuiyan La you follow ascend path passing through few trees. The trail now stretches at flat level until you reach Phuiyan. There are human settlements of Rai and Sherpa people. It is surrounded by forests. Leaving this village, you move gently ascend crossing a small stream to reach Kharte Danda. En route, you pass through bamboo and oak forests. Then your journey starts descending until you reach Bupsa. On the way, you find some tea houses and feel exhilarated at the sight of natural vegetation.

Trek from Bupsa to Nunthala (2200m.) and it takes about five and half hours. The early part of your trek upto Kharikhola is steeply descent. Kharikhola is a big village mainly inhabited by Rai, Sherpa and people of other castes. You find terraces, schools and way to Mera Peak used by climbers. The trail now goes downwards to Jubing and cross Dudh Koshi over the suspension bridge. Now you begin to follow ascending path passing through forests covered with rhododendron, oaks, pine and other natural vegetation. As cross forests you see the fields where villagers cultivate wheat, millet, oat, maize, soyabeans and vegetables. These areas are mostly inhabited by Rai. To reach Nunthala, you follow the same ascent path. It is a village occupied by Sherpa, Rai and other castes. There is a handicraft factory where the trekkers can visit.

Trek from Nunthala to Junbesi (2675m.) and it takes about seven hours. This day you begin your trek following steeply ascent path till Trogsindho through forests. There is a beautiful and old monastery here. You can enjoy mountain views of Thamserku (6623m.), Kantega (6780m.), Kusum Kangaru (6370m.) and Mera Peak (6650m.). While ascending, you cross Trogsindho La. Here you see chorten, mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. You can enjoy at few tea shops available here. The green scenarios compel you to fall in love with nature. Leaving this place, you descend to Ringmu where there is an apple orchard and terraces. Passing through this village, you reach Sallung Danda. Here is situated a cheese factory and you can enjoy views of Everest, Thamserku, Mera Peak, Makalu, Kusum Kantega and local villages at some distance. To reach Junbesi, you have to go down way through bare hill and pine forests before you cross a small stream. Junbesi is a big village and rich in Sherpa culture. Having monastery, school, hydro power project, communication facilities and fruits and vegetable garden, it has become the remarkable resident area.

Trek from Junbesi to Sete (2400m.) which takes about six hours. The early part of the trails goes upward and then stretches at flat level till Tractor. You enter a village here with monastery, chorten and terraces. To reach Lamjura pass you follow steeply ascent path crossing forests covered with rhododendron, pine and oak trees. There are few tea shops in and around this area. Now you descend all the way to Sete through rhododendron and oak forests. En route you cross scattered villages. Sete is to be described as small village with chorten, prayer flags and terraces.

Trek from Sete to Deurali (2705m.) and it takes almost six hours. You walk downwards all the way to Kenja (1600m.) passing through villages, terraces and green hills. The Solukhumbu district ends at Kenja and Ramechhap district starts from here. The inhabitants belong to different community. The trails now turn upwards till you reach Bhandar, a beautiful big village with good sceneries, monastery, tea garden, terraces, weekly market and communication facilities. To reach Deurali, you ascend all the way passing through forests covered with oak and other natural vegetation. From here, you enjoy the spectacular view of Gaurishankar. Deurali, a Sherpa village is surrounded by forests. There are chortens, mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Trek from Deurali to Jiri (1905m.) which takes approximately six hours. The beginning part of your trek is steeply descent upto Shivalaya through forests, villages and terraces. There has reached motorway upto Shivalaya but there occurs some disruption during monsoon season. This village is densely populated by mixed community. As you cross a stream over a suspension bridge you head upwards for Mali Gaon (Mali village). From here you see green hills and fields where people grow wheat, millet, maize and green vegetables. To reach Mali Danda you walk uphill through forests. From here you can see few mountains at a far distance. Leaving Mali Danda you begin your trek to Jiri following ups and down way. Jiri is a town named after Jirel, the majority people inhabited in and around the town.

Drive from Jiri to Kathmandu which takes about nine hours.

Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
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Includes

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or Van
    • Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
    • Entry permit for Gaurishankar Conservation Area
    • Trekking guide
    • Porter (One porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including fresh fruits, 3 times tea/coffee every day and drinking water 
    • Accommodation in lodges during the trek
    • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking sticks if required
    • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
    • All land transportation: from Kathmandu to Jiri and Jiri to Kathmandu by regular deluxe public bus
    • Insurance and equipments for the guide and porters
    • First aid kit
    • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
    • One farewell dinner with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.)

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses
    • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips
    • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal