From Jiri to Everest Base Camp

This extra day in Kathmandu provides a margin in case the international flight is delayed or permit formalities drag on, before the long drive to Jiri. If all goes to plan, it suits a relaxed visit of the capital — the Boudhanath stupa, Durbar Square or the Thamel district — and a final check of your equipment for this long trek. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

The adventure begins with an early start for the long but scenic road journey that takes you out of the Kathmandu valley and into the foothills. The road winds through terraced fields and along river valleys, where you see villagers at work and get a fascinating glimpse of rural Nepalese life. Night in Jiri (1,905 m).

The first day of walking feels like stepping back in time. Leaving the road behind, the trail climbs gently through forests where you will be greeted by the shy smiles of villagers working their fields. Today is a day of gentle ups and downs, letting you find your rhythm. You arrive in the small market town of Shivalaya, where you can relax by the river, lulled by the sound of the water during the evening. Night in Shivalaya (1,770 m).

The trek begins in earnest today, with a steady climb to the Deurali pass (2,705 m). Among the prayer flags of the pass, you take in the scale of the hills you are about to cross. Then a long descent through wooded hillsides, which works the legs, leads to the Sherpa village of Bhandar, a charming place with its walls of mani stones carved with prayers and a strong cultural atmosphere, your first real introduction to the Sherpa world. Night in Bhandar (2,190 m).

The day starts with a long descent to the Likhu Khola River (1,580 m), where the air is warm and the trail can be scorching under the midday sun. After crossing the river, a long climb rises through terraced millet and maize fields to the village of Sete. The stage is demanding, but the village lights appearing at dusk reward the effort. Night in Sete (2,575 m).

Today, you cross the Lamjura La (3,530 m), the highest pass between Jiri and Namche. The trail climbs through a magnificent ancient forest of rhododendron, oak and magnolia, where the air is cool and damp. The pass itself can be cold and windy, but the long descent to the hidden valley of Junbesi is pleasant and ends in a beautiful Sherpa village tucked away from the world. Night in Junbesi (2,700 m).

Junbesi, a charming village in the Solu region, lends itself to a well-earned rest day. You can visit the local monastery, where the deep chanting of the monks sometimes rings out, or walk to Thubten Choling Monastery, a major Tibetan Buddhist centre. You can also simply relax, sip tea on the terrace and let your lungs get used to the thinner air. Night in Junbesi (2,700 m).

The morning mist lifts to reveal the trail climbing from Junbesi to a ridge that offers, on a clear day, the first distant, unobstructed view of the Everest massif. From there, you descend to Ringmo, then climb again to cross the Trakshindo La pass (3,071 m). The trail then drops steeply through the forest to the Rai village of Nunthala, where the culture and architecture are clearly distinct from the Sherpa lands you have left behind. Night in Nunthala (2,200 m).

From Nunthala, the trail makes a long descent to the Dudh Koshi River, fed by glaciers, which you will follow for much of the trek. After crossing the river, a sustained climb, under a sun that is often generous, rises through Rai villages to the small hamlet of Bupsa. This day is a reminder of the physical demands of the foothills; on arrival, a cold drink and a well-earned rest await you. Night in Bupsa (2,360 m).

The trail continues its undulating course, crossing the Khari La pass before descending to Puiyan. The landscape is a mix of forests and terraced fields, and the villages, remote, have kept their traditional character. Tomorrow, you join the main Everest trail. Night in Surke (2,290 m).

A relatively short day's walk brings you onto the main trekking route, just below Lukla. You will notice the change at once: the roar of the Dudh Koshi River grows louder, the lodges become brighter and the menus more varied. The Khumbu valley comes alive as you continue to Phakding. Night in Phakding (2,610 m).

Today, you make the famous climb to Namche Bazaar. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail descends to cross the Hillary Bridge before beginning the steady climb. Already well acclimatised thanks to the long approach, you will probably find this climb more manageable than those who have just landed at Lukla. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

A day to further consolidate your acclimatisation. A hike up to the Everest View Hotel offers a superb panorama of the high peaks. The afternoon is free to explore Namche's remarkable market, where you will find bakeries among other things, or simply to settle in around a pot of tea and watch the world go by. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

The trail winds along a balcony above the valley, with fine glimpses of the surrounding peaks, then descends to the river. After lunch, a demanding two-hour climb through the forest leads you to Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual haven in an unforgettable mountain setting. Night in Tengboche (3,860 m).

Today, you pass above the tree line, into a landscape of low vegetation and fields edged with low stone walls. Ama Dablam towers over you as you walk towards Dingboche. Every breath now becomes deliberate, slower and sharper, as the valley narrows towards the high peaks. Night in Dingboche (4,410 m).

Another acclimatisation day, essential to climb higher safely. You can spend it resting or set off on a hike along the ridge behind Dingboche, towards Nangkartshang Peak, from where the views of Makalu, Lhotse and the surrounding peaks are magnificent. Night in Dingboche (4,410 m).

The trail climbs to the Thukla pass, a plain ridge dotted with memorials dedicated to climbers. From there, you make your way along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the small highland hamlet of Lobuche, where the nights are truly cold. Night in Lobuche (4,910 m).

Today, you reach the goal of the trek. A 3-hour walk along the moraine leads to Gorak Shep. After lunch, you make the return trip to Everest Base Camp. At the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, you discover a place that is emblematic of mountaineering history. Night in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).

Early start for the climb to Kala Patthar. This small summit offers the most iconic sunrise view of Mount Everest. After breakfast, you begin the long descent to denser air, ending at Pheriche. Night in Pheriche (4,371 m).

A long day of descent takes you back down the valley. You pass again through Pangboche and Tengboche to reach Namche, the lively crossroads of the region, where a well-earned rest awaits you. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

The last day of walking. You descend the Namche hill, then follow the Dudh Koshi River, passing through Phakding again, to Lukla. In the evening, you celebrate the end of the trek with the whole team that accompanied you, guides and porters. Night in Lukla (2,860 m).

An early flight is taken from Lukla, watching the mountains recede through the aircraft window. Depending on availability, known at booking, the flight from Lukla lands in either Kathmandu or Ramechhap. At Ramechhap, our vehicle is waiting for the 4 to 5-hour road journey to your hotel in Kathmandu. A well-earned rest and a hot shower await you at the hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner celebrates the success of your trek. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

This day is a necessary margin in case of flight delays out of Lukla. Delays are common, and this day is a wise precaution. If you return on the planned schedule, the day is free for sightseeing or shopping on your own. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

A representative of our local partner accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. You leave Nepal after this long trek on the trails. We hope the pioneers' route, its villages and its passes will stay with you for a long time. We will be glad to welcome you again soon.