Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri
The Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri follows the classic walk-in route used by the 1953 Everest expedition. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar, then trek for a week through the green hills of Solukhumbu, over Lamjura La (3,530 m) and through the Sherpa village of Junbesi, Rai villages and forests, to join the main trail at Phakding. Continue to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), then fly out from Lukla.
With no flight in and a long, gradual approach, it is perfect for trekkers who want to avoid Lukla delays on the way up, acclimatise naturally and see a side of the Everest region few visitors know. Graded strenuous for its length. Transport, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses, meals and the Lukla flight out are included.
Trip highlights
- Classic walk-in route of the 1953 Everest expedition
- Lamjura La (3,530 m) and the Sherpa village of Junbesi
- Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Flight out from Lukla
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Drive to Bhandar (2,190 m) via Jiri 2,190 m
- Day 3 Trek to Sete (2,575 m) 2,575 m
- Day 4 Cross Lamjura La (3,530 m) to Junbesi (2,675 m) 3,530 m
- Day 5 Trek to Nunthala (2,250 m) via Taksindu La (3,071 m) 3,071 m
- Day 6 Trek to Kharikhola (2,070 m) 2,070 m
- Day 7 Trek to Puiyan (2,730 m) 2,730 m
- Day 8 Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 2,800 m
- Day 9 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 10 Acclimatisation day in Namche 3,880 m
- Day 11 Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) 3,860 m
- Day 12 Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) 4,410 m
- Day 13 Acclimatisation day in Dingboche 5,083 m
- Day 14 Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m) 4,940 m
- Day 15 Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) 5,364 m
- Day 16 Kala Patthar (5,545 m), trek to Pheriche (4,240 m) 5,545 m
- Day 17 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 18 Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) 2,860 m
- Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 20 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri overview
Quick answer: the Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri takes 20 days from Kathmandu, walking in from Bhandar on the classic route and flying out from Lukla. It reaches 5,545 m at Kala Patthar and costs from US$1,790 per person. It is graded strenuous because of its length and altitude.
Before Lukla airport, every Everest expedition walked in from the Kathmandu Valley. This trek follows that route from the road head, climbing over ridges and dropping into valleys through some of the most beautiful and least-visited country in Solukhumbu. By the time you reach Namche, you are fit, acclimatised and ready for the high Khumbu. Read our guide to EBC without the Lukla flight.
Trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20 days (17 days of trekking) |
| Maximum altitude | Kala Patthar, 5,545 m |
| Grade | Strenuous |
| Start | Bhandar (by road from Kathmandu via Jiri) |
| Finish | Lukla, flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu municipality fee and local fees |
| Best time | October–November, March–April |
| Cost | From US$1,790 per person |
Why choose the classic route?
- No flight in, avoiding Lukla delays on the way up.
- Natural acclimatisation over a week of walking.
- History: the route of the 1953 expedition.
- Quiet villages: Sherpa, Rai and Tamang communities off the main trail.
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar as the grand finale.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Private jeep Kathmandu – Bhandar
- Flight Lukla – Kathmandu (or Ramechhap), with transfer
- Sagarmatha National Park permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee and local fees
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (17 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,600 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
This is a long trek with many steep climbs and descents on the lower route before the high Khumbu. You should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours a day for nearly three weeks. Train for three months with long hill walks, stairs and cardio.
Altitude sickness
You will reach 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, with nights at 5,164 m in Gorak Shep on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.
Weather and temperatures
The lower route is mild and green, with possible leeches in spring and early autumn. The upper Khumbu is cold, with nights of −10°C to −15°C at Lobuche and Gorak Shep in autumn.
Domestic flights and baggage
The Lukla flight out is weather-dependent; in peak season many flights go to Ramechhap. The last day in Kathmandu is the buffer; we recommend another spare day before your international flight.
Permits
The Sagarmatha National Park permit, the Khumbu municipality fee and local fees on the lower route are included.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.
Drinking water
Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.
Travel insurance
We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 5,600 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.
Visa
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Leech socks (spring and early autumn)
- Microspikes in winter and early spring
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Walk out via Salleri instead of flying.
- Gokyo Lakes via Cho La.
- Helicopter return from Gorak Shep.
Frequently asked questions
20 days from Kathmandu, walking in and flying out from Lukla.
Only the flight out from Lukla; we can arrange a walk out via Salleri instead.
At Bhandar, after a drive from Kathmandu via Jiri.
Strenuous because of its length and altitude, but the gradual approach helps acclimatisation.
From US$1,790 per person, including transport, the Lukla flight, permits, guide, porters, teahouses and meals.
Yes, broadly the route the 1953 expedition used to approach the Khumbu.
The lower route is very quiet; you join the busy main trail at Phakding.
October–November and March–April.
On the lower route in spring and early autumn; bring leech socks.
Yes, a licensed guide is required.