Jiri – EBC trek 23 days

Day to Day Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m)

  Accord warm welcome at the airport then transfer to hotel, introduce your trekking guide and briefing about the trip

• Day 02: Full day Kathmandu City excursion

  After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. The visit covers the Durbar Square, the Krishna temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the Golden temple and many more.Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple, Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak Street and more.

• Day 03: Kathmandu – Shivalaya (1,767m): 8-10 hrs bus drive.

  Morning drive along with Kathmandu/Kodari (overland Tibet entry point) highway in the beginning 3 hours and cross Sun Koshi river toward Mude(3540 m) following crumble ascended bumpy road . It’s a scenic drive along with terraced field, typical villages and panoramic view of eastern Himalayan including Ganesh Himal, Lantang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and many more snow-capped ranges. Finally, a long picturesque bus journey arrives a little river bank town Shivalaya. Overnight at Hotel in Shivalaya.

• Day 04: Shivalaya – Bhandar(2,200m): 5-6 hrs trek.

  From Shivalaya the route crosses a stream, then starts a steep climb toward the next pass Sangbadanda at 2150m) Climb continue less steeply pass several isolated , but large and prosperous houses. The trail climbs steeply in the forest to another tea shop at Mabhir, cross another stream and final climb to pass at 2705m Deurali. This pass signifies now we are entering an area donated by Tibetan culture because of an impressive array of long mani wall including beautiful mountain range though on distance. There is sweeping view of the Likhu Khola valley and Bhandar, a large Sherpa settlement far below in a hanging valley. Trail drops about two hours to arrive our day destination Bhandar. Overnight at Hotel in Bhandar.

• Day 05: Bhandar – Sete (2,520m): 5-6 hrs.

  From the village square of Bhandar the trail descends through the lower fields of village, then follows a small stream. It cross the stream and descends through deep forest. Leaving the forest, the trail drops into a canyon, passing Barandas, where local kids sell walking sticks to help you out on the steep descent toward another riverbank little Sherpa town Kenja. (1570m) Trail ascends steeply toward Lamjura pass , the first part of ascend is very steep, then it become less severe as you gain elevation. After about two hours of climbing you reach Chimbu, at 2140m. There is a trail junction, take right hand fork to Sete. Overdnight stay at Hotel in Sete.

• Day 06: Sete – Junbesi (2,680m): 6-7 hrs.

  It’s a long day, but fairly gradual climb although in spots it gets steep from Sete to the top of Lamjura Pass (3530m) The way is scenic and varied through the rhododendron, magnolia, maple and birch forest long ranges of Himalayas on the background. In spring the ridge is alive with blooming rhododendron – white, red and pink blooms over the entire hillside. The day also delightful for bird lover, some of most colorful ones are found in this zone. Since you probably be crossing the pass about noon or early afternoon, it will be cloudy, cold and windy. The route descends down steeply eastern side of the pass about 400 m through fragrant fir and hemlock forest to the stream and small wooden Hotel. Trail climbs again to the huge painted mani wall at the head of the valley, then climbs over the ridge to a vintage point overlooking Junbesi a splendid Sherpa village amidst beautiful surroundings at 2680m.

• Day 07: Explore Junbesi surrounding include Thubten Choling Monastery

  With its attractive lodges and bazzar atmosphere, Junbesi is a good place to take a rest day and there are some interesting side walk to Buddhist monasteries in the surrounding hills. Away to the north, Numbur (6959m), known in Sherpa as Shorong Yul Lha (god of Solu), over the large green valley. In the middle of Junbesi, the Tashi Thongmon Gompa was founded in the sixteenth century butt the monastery building destroyed several times by fire. By the large yellow- topped Stupa in the middle of the village, the Junbesi school is one of the largest Hillary school, with more than 300 pupils attending classes primary to higher secondary. In the opposite direction the valley of Junbesi Khola runs toward Thubten Choling monastery (300m)a large Tibetan monastery founded by the revered Trulsuk Rinpoche who fled to Nepal from Rongbuk Gompa in Tibet with large group Anis (nuns)and monk in the 1960s. Since then, many more refugees have fled to Thubten Choling en-route to join the Dalai Lamaat Dharmashala in India. It makes worth to visit either before lunch or after on the rest day.

• Day 08: Junbesi – Nunthala (2,250m): 5-6 hrs.

  The trail cross the Junbes Khola on the wooden bridge at 2610m. The route to Nunthala follows the left hand trail that leads steeply in the trees looping in and out of side ridge to Khurtang at 2980m which has first view of Everest (8848m), Thamserku (6608m) and Mera Peak (6461m). Everest seems like dwarfed by its much lower neighbors. The trail turns north, still climbing, then descend down to suspension bridge over the Ringmo Khola and ascends to Ringmo village toward Takshindo La at 3071m. marked by large chorten. A few minutes below the pass, on the eastern side, the trail passes the isolated monastery of Takshindo., a superb example of Sherpa monastic architecture at 2900m. The trail descends through conifer and rhododendron forest alive with birds through dense forest. Trail crosses many picturesque streams on wooden bridges just before it reaches Nunthala (Manidingma) at 2250. Overnight at Hotel in Nunthala.

• Day 09: Nunthala – Bupsa (2,360m): 5-6 hrs.

  From Nunthala the descends continues to Dudh Koshi (milk river), cross large suspension bridge then trail ascends through terraced field and yard of houses Jubing a Rais settlement to Kharih khola at 2010m. From Khari Khola you can see your next destination a cluster of building above on the ridge Bupsa. The trail descends from the village and crosses the Khari Khola on a suspension bridge near some water-driven mills at 1930m, then makes a steep climb to Bupsa(Bumshing) at 2300m. Overnight at Hotel in Bupsa.

• Day 10: Bupsa – Ghat (2,590m): 5-6 hrs.

  Today, our trail climbs steadily, but gently, through forest inhabited by monkeys. Climb to the ridge, pass mani wall, which has the view of Mt. Khumbila and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) Keep climbing up to a clif in the rock, then into another canyon on the ridge at 2840 overlooking Paiya (Chitok) a Sherpa settlement completely surrounded by forest at 2720m. from the ridge, the trail turns almost due east as it descends into the deep canyon of Paiya Khola. The trail climb up and down for an hour after Paiya toward small tributary next to Dudh Koshi at 2290m Surkhe. After Surkhe trail climbs about 15 minutes to trail a junction where stone staircases on the right leads to Lukla and north up the sleep canyon leads to Chauri Kharka a large green Sherpa village at 2630m. A gentle flat trail along the middle of village encounters another trail from Lukla to Everest Base camp. The trail continues along the side of the Dudh Koshi valley passing villages and crossing Thado Koshi before to Ghat Overnight stay in Ghat.

• Day 11: Ghat – Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5-6 hrs.

  Our trail ascends to ridge and trough rocky path of Phakding. Cross long suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi river and trek leads through a beautiful pine forest, along Dudh Koshi River crossing many suspension bridges via Sherpa villages Benkar, Chimoa, Monjo and Jorsole. National Park permit check point with the tranquility view of glistering Mt. Thamserku (6618 m) Trail continues through the Dudh Koshi riverbed to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. Trail climbs steadily crossing high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge. On the way inspiring glimpse of Mt. Everest right up next Nuptse- Lhotse ridge. About 3 hours ascend through the wonderful pine forest finally reach a prosperous trading and administrative village Namche Bazar. Overnight at Hotel.

• Day 12: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: (3,440m)

  It’s a scheduled acclimatization day of the trek.Namche Bazar has ATMs, cyber cafés, finger licking delicious restaurants, bakery, colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. There is day trip starts visiting Sagarmatha (Everest) National park visitor centre on the hillock where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plants and animal life of the Everest region. Then take entertaining acclimatization side trip to large traditional Sherpa village Khumjung with the view of Thamserku, Khaantaiga, Ama Dablam, Mt, Everest aqnd many more. Evening back to Namche Bazar for overnight.

• Day 13: Namche Bazzar – Tengboche (3,870m): 5-6 hrs.

  The trail leads moderately flat with superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku, Khangtaiga. The trail continues wild lives spot of musk deer (a herd of Himalayan Thar) colorful pheasant (Danphe, National bird) Trail descend to Dudh Koshi river where few lodges and series of picturesque water driven prayer wheels. Cross suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River a steep climb through pine and juniper forest, walk about 2 hours bring you to Tenboche. The famous Gomba (Tengboche Monastery) with the background of Ama Dablam, Nupte, Mt. Everest and many more peaks. During October/November in full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with masked dancing and Tibetan opera in the monastery courtyard.

• Day 14: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,360 m): 5-6 hrs.

  The trail descend to Deboche a small village with Chortens and Mani stone walls and nun monastery. Cross suspension bridge over Imja Khola (Imja Strasm) and gradually ascend to pangboche with the towering view of Ama Dablam (most beautiful mountain in Everest region) Trail follows upstream closer to Imja River fairly moderate up toward Imja valley. The trail fairly seen open to the confluence of Lobuche river and begin last part of the day to Dingboche the last Sherpa settlement with the beautiful terraced field enclosed by stone wall to avoid barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. Overnight at Hotel.

• Day 15: Acclimatization day in Dingboche

  It’s another scheduled rest day of the trek. This increases your fitness and oxygen level into thin air. A day hike returns 4/5 hours up to Imjatse valley to Chukkung (4730m /15600ft) is perfect destination to acclimatize. Trail leads with the breathtaking landscapes, marvelous view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Imja glacier onwards east of the Imjatse Valley. Although the trek is gradual ascend, you will feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly towards Chhukung. Lunch in Chukung observing tranquility of Imjatse valley, glacier and Himalays. Afternoon retrace to Dingboche and overnight.

• Day 16: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940): 7km, 5-6 hrs

  Trail climbs to ridge with the towering view of Tawache peak & Cholatse. Trail continues through the Yak grazing pasture to Dhukla (4620 /15158ft) crossing a wooden bridge on roaring stream. Trail leads steep up to gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier for about one hour, then bears left to the group of memorialsto lost climbers and Sherpas, including Scott Fischer who died in the 1996, Everest disaster. This place has awesome view of Khumbutse (6623m), Lingtren (6697), Pumori (7145 m) and Mahalangur Himal.Everest is hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse an Lhotse. Follow the valley upstream about an hour to Lobuche. Overnight at Guest House.

• Day 17: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,160m) – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m): – Gorak Shep, 15km, 8-10 hrs

  The trail follows windy and rocky path with crest of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. Trail continues along side of Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. Check in to Hotel, Lunch and afternoon set out to visit world’s highest base camp Everest Base Camp. Base Camp has no view of Mt. Everest but fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and colorful camp site of Everest expedition during expedition season. Trek back to Gorakshep for overnight.

• Day 18: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m) – Pheriche (4,280m): 15km, 8-10 hrs

  The trail climbs 2/3 hrs. up to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) early in the morning to see first day sun light from top of the world (Mt. Everest) This is milestone of the trek to inspect panoramic view with the fantastic sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nupte, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more After accomplish Kala Patthar, trek down to Gorakshep and retrace down to Pheriche to the warmer and better night sleep. Overnight in Pheriche.

• Day 19: Pheriche – Phortse (3,750m): 4-5 hrs.

  Trail descend down through the highest Sherpa permanent settlement whole year around. It’s believed Pangboche monastery is the oldest in Khumbu region built in 16th century. The trail continues over Imja Khola (Imja river) along the hillside with wildlife site of musk deer, mountain goat(Himalayan Thar) and many species of birds including colorful Pheasant (Danphe- Nepal National Bird) Trail alternatively offers Sherpa Cultural Heritage and more quite as most of the tourist follow Everest Highway route to Namche Bazar. Overnight in Phortse. (Gateway to Gokyo lake)

• Day 20: Phortse – Monjo (2,800m): 5-6 hrs.

  Trail leads to the confluence of Everest Base Camp trek and Gokyo Lake trek. Then follow the wider trail round aside the hill to Namche Bazar. Descend down to National Park check point to lower green valley. Jorsalle then right up next is final destination Monjo. Overnight in Hotel.

• Day 21: Monjo – Lukla (2,780m): 5-6 hrs.

  Trail follows down steam of Dudh Koshi river retracing to Phakding. Trail leads to Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above Thado Kosh. Last section of the day, about 45 minutes ascend to accomplish entire trek. Reconfirm flight Ticket and see off to local porters. Overnight in Hotel.

• Day 22: Lukla – Kathmandu by Air (1,300m): approx., 35 minutes

  Fly Back to Kathmandu (35 minutes) in the morning and transfer to Hotel. Free in the afternoon.

• Day 23: Final Departure

  After breakfast, transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination with beautiful memory back