Jiri to Everest Classic Trek – 22 days

After breakfast we spend a lovely day visiting many of the cultural and world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. We visit the pilgrimage site of Hindus Pashupatinath, we pay a visit to the worlds biggest Stupa at Bouddhanath Stupa and visit Swoyambhunath Stupa one of the oldest religious sites in the valley. After lunch we visit the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square temple complex with unique architecture and home to the Kumari (living goddess).In the evening there is a pre-trip discussion and introduction with our fellow trekking staff before an evening meal at a local restaurant.

This morning we leave Kathmandu by bus to Jiri for our long trek to Everest. We drive through beautiful Nepalese countryside on the way. Jiri is small town and also a hill station, there is time to explore the surrounding area and overnight at the hotel.
 

Today we start our trek, the trail offers us beautiful country side scenery from one ridge top to another, passing through friendly villagers and farm fields. There are many down and up hills today till we reach small settlement of Bhandar and overnight.

After breakfast the trail leads down hill to a small river at Likhu Khola, after crossing the bridge, there is a winding path that leads us to a small village named Kinja where we take lunch. After lunch we ascend a slow long up hill climb passing through numerous farm houses and terraced fields with some excellent views of the surrounding landscape and distant villages before finally reaching Sete, a small Sherpa village situated on the ridge in the middle of the rhododendron forest.

Today there is a gradual climb passing through small scattered farm houses and teahouses and a beautiful rhododendron forest to eventually reach Lamjura Pass which is the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar. The trail then descends through a forest and emerges after one and half hrs at Taktor. We skirt the north side of the valley round a notch before dropping down to the beautiflul Sherpa village of Junbesi for an overnight stop. Time to explore the old monastery and local surroundings.
 

The region around Junbesi is well worth exploring it is a fascinating and interesting Sherpa area. There are a variety of alternatives today, a good one is to walk north of Junbesi to the village of Phugmochhe, where there is a traditional Sherpa art centre.On the way a short diversion allows us a visit to Thubten Chhuling, a huge Tibetan Buddhist monastery about one and half hour’s walk from Junbesi. Overnight in a Lodge.

From Junbesi the trail descends and crosses the Junbesi Khola on a wooden bridge. Just beyond the bridge there is a trail junction. The route to Khumbu is to the left and leads uphill. From the top of the hill a distant view of Mt. Everest can be seen on a clear day towards the north east. We trek down past shepherds’ huts into dense forest crossing over several streams on wooden bridges before reaching Nunthala at 2,320m for our overnight stop. Nunthala is an ideal spot to stop.

From Nunthala our path descends down to the Dudhkoshi River Bridge through terraced fields and the yards of small village houses. We continue on through a forest then climb along terraces to reach the Rai village of Jubing (1,667m/5467ft). From Jubing there is a slow climb to a ridge, and then down to the village of Khari Khola before a steep push up to Bupsa.

From Bupsa we descend at first and head on to Bhumsing village (2,300m/7544ft) walking north of the valley to reach Puiyan village (2,796m/9170ft). After Puiyan we take a winding trail with a few small ups and downs to Surkhe and overnight.

After breakfast we to climb northwards to Chaurikharka(2,713m/8898ft) a large scattered village with a monastery and a high school. Chaurikharka is known as the breadbasket for the Khumbu area because the land is very fertile and where they grow a lot of barley, wheat and green vegetables. We have a steep climb up to the airstrip at Lukla to join the main Everest trail. After lunch here we trek on towards Phakding, the path is a lot more busy with more trekkers, porters and pack animals after few hours on a good scenic walk we arrive at Phakding and overnight.

After breakfast we will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. After entering the park we descend and a gradual walk brings us to a suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river and on to Jorsalle village, the last village before Namche Bazaar. Namche is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region.
 

This trekking day is planned as an acclimatization day to allow  yourself some time to adjust to the high altitude. We will plan a day hike for adjustment rather than resting. Namche offers you  internet cafes, good restaurants, laundries, with chance to experience Sherpa culture. Our guide will lead you to Tourist Visitor Center where you can get a lot of information regarding Sherpa life along with various plants and animal life of Everest region. 

After breakfast we continue our trip on the way you will get g Namche Bazar-Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) 5 to 6 hrs walkood views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku on the way before we reach Sansa, the major junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. On reaching Phunki Thunga we take lunch. After lunch there is a tough climb to Tengboche. 

After leaving monasteries and villages on the way. Our lunch stop provides a fantastic view of Amadablam said by many to be the most beautiful mountain in Nepal. We cross over Lobuche River before a climb up to Dingboche. 

We climb Duglha through the Khumbu Khola Valley. This provides some fantastic views of mountains on all sides. At a yak herder’s place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow, we continue on through Phulung Karpo one of the camp sites used during the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. As we continue our trek, a majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view,the trail descends to cross a roaring stream before we ascend to Dugla. From here there are views of Mount Nuptse as well as Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks.

From Duglha we trek through Khumbu Glacier. The trek is quite rough as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge there is an array of stones with prayer flags laid as memorials to Scott Fischer (an American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest around ten years ago.
As the trail descends to the Khumbu Glacier moraine we are suddenly “in front of” several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal.
We begin to truly feel in high mountain country, although Everest the greatest of them all still remains hidden. Mount Nuptse towers to the right as we travel across the Khumbu Glacier along a murmuring stream. It is often around here that you begin to feel a little out of breath due to the high altitude.

Today on our way to Gorak Shep we still need to negotiate more of the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.
Ahead of us we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with other peaks Mt. Pumori,Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse.
A small ascent takes us to Thangma Riju where there is a 360 degree vista the mountain giants .Carrying on we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar our Everest View point destination, Kala Patthar is a grey-green knoll situated beneath the Mt. Pumori.
On arrival at Gorak Shep we are surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including mighty – Mount Everest.
After a brief lunch and rest, we continue on the trail to Everest Base Camp on the way there are many memorials to those that never returned from their journey.
At Everest Base Camp the tents of mountaineer’s planning to summit stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings. Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are clearly visible from here although not Everest.

Today is the climax of our trip and perhaps the main reason for the journey to Nepal. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views of the highest mountain in the world from Kala Pa Gorak Shep- Kala Patthar- EBC- Pheriche (8-9 hrs)
Today is the climax of our trip and perhaps the main reason for the journey to Nepal. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views of the highest mountain in the world from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on it in all its glory.
It is a day to be prepared early morning at this altitude is, dark and cold with temperatures (-10 to -14 C) and there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common.
Familiar peaks by now are all around us as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse.
During the ascent to Kala Patthar we break to catch our breath at several outstanding view points that provide perfect photo opportunities.
After several hours ascending we reach Kala Patthar. We scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags.
From the top our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama that wanders from one mighty massif to another, it is at this time we realize the true reason for all the hard work.
Time now to trek back to Gorak Shep for a second breakfast, before we start our descent to Pheriche.tthar witnessing the first light of day shining on it in all its glory.
It is a day to be prepared early morning at this altitude is, dark and cold with temperatures (-10 to -14 C) and there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common.
Familiar peaks by now are all around us as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse.
During the ascent to Kala Patthar we break to catch our breath at several outstanding view points that provide perfect photo opportunities.
After several hours ascending we reach Kala Patthar. We scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags.
From the top our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama that wanders from one mighty massif to another, it is at this time we realize the true reason for all the hard work.
Time now to trek back to Gorak Shep for a second breakfast, before we start our descent to Pheriche.

The journey back follows the same route, the trail is blanketed by rhododendron trees. If it’s spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga.
After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River the trail follows the river gorge descending rapidly through pine forest.
The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We take lunch at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft). There are good views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite.
After lunch we continue towards our destination, Namche Bazaar along a steep and winding wooded slope wild life is good here mountain goats colorful pheasants and even Snow Leopards have been seen.
After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche.
On reaching our lodge it’s time for a well earned hot shower a hearty meal and a relaxed sleep.

The final day starts with a steep descent over rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail levels out.
The air is a lot warmer at this altitude and any remaining sore throats and colds are soon gone. There is more time now to take in the wonderful culture of these hardy mountain people as we walk through Sherpa villages it is hard not to fully appreciate their impressive faith in Buddhism with the many prayer stones and prayers flag along the way.
On arrival in Lukla it is time to chill out and reflect on the experiences of the last couple of weeks, a culmination of a fantastic trek and experience to last for many years to come.

We will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. on arrival we are picked up and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping and relaxing and a farewell evening meal is arranged hosted by ourselves.