Trip Overview
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is one of the best timeless routes to the base of the world’s highest peak. Unlike the direct routes that start with a flight to Lukla, this Jiri to EBC Trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then to Bhandara. After reaching Bhandara, you start your walk, passing through beautiful hills, forests, and traditional villages before joining the main Everest route. Though the Jirit to EBC route might be longer and time-consuming, the journey offers you more time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the local culture and tradition.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Jiri takes you through quiet and less crowded paths, where you pass through beautiful areas like Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala, and Bupsa, where you can experience the real life of the Sherpa and mother mountain communities. The journey is completely filled with amazing nature, peaceful surroundings, and friendly people. As the journey continues, you reach places like Phakding and Namche Bazaar, considered the best places to enjoy the mountain scenery.
From Namche, the views start to open with jaw-dropping sights of high mountain peaks such as Ama Dablam and Thamserku, while making your way towards Tengboche, Dengboche, and Lobuche. The final part of the trek includes Everest Base Camp, with a short morning hike to Kala Patthar, offering some of the most incredible views of Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks the next day.
The Jiri to EBC trek is perfect for those who seek a more natural, less rushed, and culturally rich experience in the Himalayas. This trek is more challenging than the regular route, offering you time to enjoy every part of the journey. So, if you are someone looking for a quieter and more traditional way to reach Everest Base Camp, this Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is one of those adventures that you have always wanted.
Major Highlights of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
- Start your journey with a beautiful drive from Kathmandu - Jiri - Bhandara, passing through hills, rivers, and rural villages.
- Walk through peaceful paths that are less traveled by many of the trekkers.
- Begin your trek at a lower altitude, helping your body adjust to the higher surroundings and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Chances to see the impressive views of snow-capped peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
- Stay in traditional villages like Junbesi and Nunthala, offering you chances to interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle.
- Explore famous mountain towns like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, offering you modern facilities with chances to visit the important monastery, Tengboche Monastery.
- Take a short morning hike to Kala Patthar, offering you some of the unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains.
- Get a chance to stand at the base of the world’s highest mountain, which is considered a dream place for many trekkers around the world.
How is the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Route Different from the Lukla Route?
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp route is the main trekking route that was used by trekkers before the airport in Lukla was built. Before the Lukla airport, there were no flights possible, so trekkers used to take a short drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then continue their walk through low-altitude hills and traditional villages. This route is known to be longer and quieter, rewarding with a chance to explore local culture, nature, and experience the daily life in the rural areas of the Khumbu region.
But, as there is an airport in Lukla, the Everest Base Camp route has now become shorter and more direct. Now, trekkers take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, as they skip the lower region. This saves the time of long walking through the lower region, but increases the chances of altitude sickness, as you will be gaining altitude faster.
The Jiri to EBC route is perfectly designed for those who want a peaceful, culturally rich experience with proper acclimatization days before reaching directly to higher elevations. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla is the most ideal journey for trekkers with limited time, and mainly for those who want to reach the base camp quickly.
Why Choose the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek Over the Lukla Route?
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is a longer, quieter, and more traditional route that offers a unique Himalayan experience. Unlike the popular Lukla route, this path includes passing through charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and a chance to give your body time to adjust to the altitude. Here's why you need to choose the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek over the Lukla route.
- This is the main route that used to be the starting point for trekkers before the Lukla airport.
- Enjoy peaceful trails and quiet villages along the way.
- Start your trek from a lower altitude, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Pass through beautiful villages like Junbesi and Nunthala, offering you a unique experience of the Sherpa and Rai lifestyle.
- Walk through dense forests, terraced farmlands, alpine terrain, and alongside flowing rivers.
- Longer trek in comparison to the Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla, but fulfilling for those who enjoy long treks.
- Take a chance to connect with nature and the region, as you make your travel through beautiful landscapes.
Is the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek Harder than the Regular EBC Trek?
Yes, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp is a bit more challenging than the classic EBC trek via Lukla. What really makes the Everest Base Camp via Jiri harder is the extra 5 - 6 days of trekking through steep hills, long ascents and descents, where you will be passing through remote villages before joining the main Everest trail. The Jiri to EBC trek requires more physical demand because of the longer walking distance, as you will be starting your trek from Bhandara.
However, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek offers better acclimatization because of the gradual altitude gain from the start. While this trek requires more stamina and time, it rewards you with peaceful trails, deeper cultural experiences, and a wide range of beautiful scenery. If you are prepared and looking for a more authentic and peaceful adventure, the Jiri route is worth the effort.

