Jiri to Kalapatthar & Everest Base Camp - 24 Days

Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do’s and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day’s sightseeing tour. In the evening, you are free to do your own thing. Perhaps, it would be good to go out for a walk & get familiar with your surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

After your breakfast, you will proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kastamandap Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by private vehicle to the Buddhist site, Swoyambunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries.

Once you return at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before morning’s departure. Overnight at hotel.

Today, you will board a private bus in the morning and drive via the Arniko highway to Lamosangu. While passing the old Newar towns of Banepa and Dhulikhel, you will have an excellent panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Dorjee Lakpa. The road descends to Panchkhal, then climbs over a ridge behind Dolalghat and follows the Sun Koshi River north to Lamasangu. After passing several villages you will reach Jiri, and overnight at the best available hotel.

The first day of this adventurous trek starts with a climb to the ridge top at 2,370 m., then drops down to Shivalaya at 1,750 m. Offering beautiful scenery from each ridge top and winding through friendly villages and farm fields, the walk passes through serene forest of oak and rhododendron trees. From Shivalaya, the trail climbs again to Sangbadanda at Deorali Pass. From Deurali Danda it’s all downhill to Bhandar, a small Sherpa village with a huge, beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monument (chorten) situated on a vast meadow and terraced fields. Overnight at a lodge near the village.

This morning’s walk leads you down a hill at Linkhu Khola. After you cross bridge at 1,490 m., the winding path leads to the small, pleasant village of Kenja at 1,570 m. After lunch uphill climb takes you past numerous farmhouses and terraced fields with excellent views of the surrounding landscape and distant villages. After few hours of walking, you will reach Sete, a tiny, Sherpa village situated on a ridge in the middle of a rhododendron forest. Overnight at a lodge.

Today’s walk begins with a gradual climb on a good path, passing through a few small, scattered farmhouses and teahouses. After a few hours of pleasant walking through a beautiful rhododendron forest, you reach Lamjura Pass (3,530 m.), which is the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar. The trail then descends through fir and rhododendron forest and emerges after one and half hours at Taktor. You then traverse the north side of the valley before dropping down to the Sherpa village of Junbesi for the overnight stop.

The region around Junbesi is well worth exploring and a day spent here offers a variety of adventurous and leisurely alternatives. A two-hour walk to the north of Junbesi takes you to the village of Phugmochhe (3,100 m.), where there is a traditional Sherpa art Centre. En-route to Phugmochhe, a short diversion will allow you to visit Thubten Chhuling, a huge Tibetan Buddhist monastery, a one and a half hour walk from Junbesi. Alternately, you can relax and explore Junbesi itself. Overnight at the lodge.

Below Junbesi, the trail crosses the Junbesi Khola on a wooden bridge. Just beyond the bridge, there is a trail junction. The route to Khumbu follows the left-hand trail that leads uphill. This trail turns north, descending through Salung. From Salung, Mt. Everest can be seen on a clear day towards the northeast. Past Salung, the walk leads downhill to the stream; after crossing the bridge, a short climb brings you to Ringmo and then towards the Tak-Shidno Pass. From Tak-Shidno, the walk is mostly downhill through the alpine forest of oak, rhododendron, pine, and hemlock trees. On the trail, there are a few shepherds’ huts, but the route is mostly hidden in dense forest. The trail crosses several picturesque streams on wooden bridges just before reaching Nunthala (Manidingma) at 2,320m., an ideal spot for the overnight stay.

From Nunthala, the path descends and continues to the Dudh Koshi River in the warmer area at 1,480 m. You cross a bridge over the raging river; after the bridge, the trail is well-defined, although it sometimes meanders through terraced fields and farmyards. It then descends steeply through forests to a Chautara (resting place) overlooking the river before continuing through forest and climbing up terraced fields to reach the Rai village of Jibing (1,667 m). Depending upon the time, lunch can be taken here, the warmest area on this trek. From Jibing, the path meanders, slowly climbing to a village around a ridge before continuing to a prominent notch. From this notch, you walk to the village of Khari
Khola (2,004 m.) and push on up the steep hill to Bupsadanda, a small settlement perched on top of a ridge an hour climb from Khari Khola. Overnight at Bupsadanda.

The trail ascends from Bupsadanda and heads onwards to Bhumsing (2,300 m.) before climbing through a tributary valley filled with prickly oak and rhododendron, where languor monkeys may occasionally be seen. You then descend 305 m. and cross the next tributary one hour later. You continue on the north side of the valley to reach Puiyan (2,796 m.), a small village midway on the trail, before plunging downhill on a winding trail with a few small ups and downs to Surkhe, an ideal spot for lunch. From Surkhe, you can view the Lukla airstrip and the town of Lukla, as it is an hour’s walk below Lukla.

After Surkhe, the trail climbs for about an hour before continuing on a ridge. The trail then leaves this tributary valley and heads more directly north towards the village of Chaurikharka. Before ascending to Chaurikharka (2,713 m.), the main trail crosses a spectacular deep gorge with a high waterfall (2,408 m.). Chaurikharka, a large scattered village with a monastery and a high school, is also the bread basket for the Khumbu area, as the land is fertile and bears crops like barley, wheat, and green vegetables. After this village, the trail from Lukla joins towards Phakding, making the path quite busy with trekkers, porters, and pack animals. A few hours of good, scenic walking brings you to Phakding for the overnight stop.

After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi, the walk is pleasant, with a few short ups and downs, until you re-cross the Dudh Koshi from the village of Benkar, taking in the magnificent view of Thermasarkhu (6,608 m.). You then cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River to reach Monjo, situated below the spectacular peak of Thermasherkhu and a few minutes walk from the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. At the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, your trekking permit (especially the park ticket) is checked, as the park keeps a record of all trekkers in the area.

From here, a short descent brings you again to another suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, after which you reach a bridge to Jorsalle village, the last village and the only place to shop until Namche Bazaar. The walk from Jorsalle village is pleasant, following the river until coming to the last bridge over the Imjatse River. The walk to Namche Bazaar traces a winding, uphill path, with a magnificent view of Kwangde Peak and its other sister peaks towards the east and with Kusum Kangru at your back. As you climb higher, you can view the Mt. Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse, and Taweche Peak, all the way up to Thop Danda, where there is a stone wall for porters and trekkers to rest on. From here, another 1-2 hour walk takes you to the destination of the day, the famed Namche Bazaar, where the colorful houses are situated in amphitheater style.

Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar, with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow- capped giants and the deep valleys way down below. There is also an interesting museum filled with various information on the history of the Himalayas, the geographic information of the area, cultural practices, mountaineering history, and flora and fauna of the region. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure.

After breakfast, the trail leads you down a good, winding path with spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse to the north east, Ama Dablam to the east, Kangtenga, Thermasarkhu to the southeast, and Kwangde to the south. After a few hours walk, the path descends towards Fungi Thenga, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you ascend through a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees before reaching Tengboche after two hours. Upon arriving in Tengboche, you will pay a visit to the monastery with your guide. Overnight in Tengboche.

After a rewarding time in Thyangboche, the trail descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron before it finally reaches Debouche, a lovely spot situated at 3,650 m., with magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. From Debouche, the trail meanders past a long prayer Mani wall. The path is gradual until you reach a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imjatse River. From here, it is a gradual ascent most of the way to Pangboche village. Lush vegetation vanishes as you gain altitude. After Pangboche, it is a short climb to Shomare for lunch. Shomare is a small settlement with a fantastic view of Ama-Dablam. From here, you can see the northern face of Kangtenga peak. After a pleasant break in Shomare, your journey continues gradually towards the east; after an hour of walking, just before a small wooden bridge, the road splits in two directions, going towards Pheriche or towards the east, which is the trail you will follow. From here, you can see a totally different view of Ama Dablam, its towering north face. From the bridge, the trail climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, until you arrive at a big Mani stupa. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as it enters the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse, with a view of the eastern snow-capped mountains, including Island peak or Imjatse (6,189m.). Dingboche is situated amongst beautiful patchwork fields enclosed by stone walls, which protect the crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Dingboche has about ten teahouses and it is also the gateway to Chukung.

Today you can take time to explore this part of the Khumbu region. If you have still energy, you can take an optional trek towards Chhukung, or simply hike to the top of the hill for the view of Makalu and other peaks. Explore the hidden Imja Tse Valley its awesome views. After Chhukung, you retrace your journey for 2-3 hrs. Back to Dingboche for the overnight stop. After 3 pm, the Himalayan Rescue Association will brief you about high altitude sickness.

Today’s walk leads you uphill to a small prayer monument (chorten) and past the village down below, from where you commence trekking on the gradual uphill path with awesome views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After a good two hours of trekking, you reach Thugla (Dugla). From here, the path climbs towards a small ridge (4,600 m.), where you can observe a memorial for climbers who died on the Everest expeditions. From this spot, the walk to Loboche is an hour or two on a good trail. Loboche, situated just below Loboche peak, is well-sheltered from the strong Himalayan wind. Loboche has about six to eight lodges. Overnight in Loboche.

Today you will wake up early and, after tea, continue with the trek to Gorekshep, crossing through an area with huge boulders and glaciers. The walk is pleasant and not overly strenuous, except for the high altitude gain. The trail is gentle for an hour, with only a few short, steep parts before reaching the moraine and glacier portion of today’s trek. It offers great views of the Khumbu glacier down below, with striking scenery of the high, snow-capped mountains right before your eyes. After going through the moraine section, there is a short descent, which brings you to Gorakshep. You will take a break here, and then continue towards Everest Base Camp. For another two hours, the path is quite rough in s some sections. Everest Base Camp is very lively in the high climbing season! After being here, at the foot of Number One, you will retrace the trail back to Gorekshep.

In the early morning, you begin the hike to Kalapathar. It’s a few minutes of easy walking on a sandy field; then a steep climb of 45 minutes brings you to a near level field. The walk from here is gradual until you reach a rocky spot after an hour, after which another steep half-hour climb brings you to the top. On reaching at the top, you will be exhilarated, having achieved the accomplishment that you have been dreaming of since the beginning of the journey. The top of Kalapathar is a small, rocky ridge on the southwest of Mt. Pumori; the view from here is beyond imagination, as Everest appears to be a stone’s throw away, between the summit of Nuptse and Lho-la and Lhotse at the back. The panoramic view. From this spot is something to cherish, and it’s worth the hard climb. It is truly a magnificent place to be on a clear, sunny day, viewing an array of mountains up to the far horizon. To the south, the Khumbu glacier sweeps below you and you can also see Everest Base Camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier. Afternoons can be very windy here, and after taking in the panoramic view, you will descend towards Gorakshep for breakfast before trekking to Pangboche. Overnight at lodge in Pangboche.

After crossing a bridge, the trail from Pangboche descends towards the Imja Khola. Following the gradual trail to Debouche for an hour, you continue to walk for forty minutes to Tengboche. From Tengboche, the route steeply descends to Phunki Thangka, again through the pine and rhododendron forest, and then ascends the ridge, passing some small villages before joining at Sanasa and Kyanjuma. After two more hours of walking, you reach Namche Bazar. Overnight at Namche.

It’s a long, downhill walk with some short ascents to reach Phakding. You will cross several suspension bridges and, after 3-4 hrs. Reach Phakding for lunch. The trail then has a few ups and downs. Just before Lukla, you will pass through Choplung, before climbing another 45 minutes. You will take time for leisure and some refreshing snacks in Lukla before confirming your flight to Kathmandu the next morning. Tonight, you will stay in Lukla, with time for a final dinner and party with your guides, porters, and fellow trekkers. Enjoy yourself! You deserve it after your accomplishment!

The flight to Kathmandu is usually scheduled to depart in the morning because of the windy conditions in the afternoon. Due to bad weather, sometimes the flight might be delayed. After receiving your boarding pass, you make your way to the terminal for the security check. The scenic flight from Lukla takes about 45 minutes, and is a wonderful opportunity to view a panorama of snow-capped peaks from the window of the plane. Our staff will receive you at the airport and escort you back to the hotel.

Please let our staff know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around the Kathmandu Valley or if you would like to extend your stay for few days and join in on one of our extension trips, including white-water rafting, paragliding, or bungee jumping. In the evening, to take you out to a famous Nepali kitchen for a farewell dinner. As you enjoy your dinner, you will be entertained to a thrilling cultural dance performed by the local belles. It will be an outing to remember. This is a complimentary treat provided by Higher Limits Trek & Expedition for the good welfare of our guests.

Keep the departure time of your international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket, and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.