Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek - 18 days

Best Time for trekking from Jiri to Everest Base Camp

The ideal seasons for the Jiri to Everest Trek are Spring, from March to May, and Autumn, from September to November, offering stable weather and great clear mountain views. During this time, the chances of precipitation are low, which makes the terrain stay dry and easy to pass by without having to face slippery and icy trails. Since this adventure includes extra days, the early part of the Jiri route passes through lush green landscapes, while the dry terrain in other sections makes the journey easier to navigate.

During Spring, the whole forest area turns into a paradise, with blooming red rhododendrons, white orchids, and other colorful flora, with a high chance of encountering rare Himalayan species. The day sunlight also usually lasts for a longer time than on other days, letting the hikers trail along in ease, without worrying about early afternoon darkness; thus, it is a beginner-friendly season as well.

Whereas Autumn, on the other hand, stands out as the span of the year, where the trekking route experiences a heavy flow of trekkers, making it one of the peak and crowded seasons. As Nepal's major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall in between, one gets to immerse in the vibrant festivals of the himalayas, enriching the trip further with rich cultural experiences. The temperature in both periods stays moderate and mild, with chill humidity, ranging between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, and not dropping below -5 degrees Celsius at higher elevations, offering a smooth hike and a cosy overnight stay.

Meanwhile, this trek is also possible during the monsoon and summer seasons, though these are not the ideal times due to heavy rainfall, snowfall, and unpredictable weather conditions. In some cases, trail conditions in the higher sections may affect access to Kala Patthar, but with proper planning and flexible timing, the journey can still be enjoyed safely and meaningfully.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri falls under a moderately challenging hike, demanding daily long hours of hiking, diverse kinds of terrain, and high altitude gain. Every day, trekkers have to face distinct walking trails, from tricky tracks, like steep, rugged, rocky sections, landslide-prone areas, to the icy navigation and increasing elevation. It is not the distance that makes the trek challenging, since the daily walk is usually only 4-6 hours, but rather the frequent changes in terrain, with many uphill and downhill sections throughout the route. Thus, we suggest hikers engage in some kind of exercise, stay fit, and do proper preparations before commencing on this trek.

Another major factor affecting the trek’s difficulty is the unpredictable weather. As you gain altitude, the temperature drops, the air becomes thinner, and the climate can change quickly from one day to the next, so careful planning is important. However, with proper packing and good acclimatization on the lower trails, the trek remains manageable and safe. Keeping the challenges aside, the route does not include any technical sections or require prior mountaineering experience, making it suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness and preparation.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatisation

Altitude sickness is common in mountains above an altitude of 3000m. The trek starts from Bhandar (2250m), and the altitude rises to Kalapatthar (5,644.5m) during the trek. Namche and Dingboche are acclimatisation resting places to adjust to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting

Extreme: Primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness

Preventive Guidelines

• Immediately inform the guide
• Warm up and body stretch before the trekking journey
• Drink water and hydrate yourself at regular intervals
• Frequent urination throughout the journey
• Ascend slowly and gradually
• Take plenty of rest and sleep
• Avoid salty foods, alcohol, and smoking
• Descend immediately when it’s difficult/uneasy
• Take medicine after consulting a guide

Jiri to EBC Trek Starting Point

Bhandar is the starting point of the trek from Jiri. A drive from Kathmandu to Jiri commences. Then, a short jeep ride to Bhandar from Jiri commences. The trek journey officially starts from Bhandar.

Bhandar-Sete-Junbesi-Nunthala-Bupsa-Cheplung-Namche-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-EBC-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Lukla

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Himalayas is mostly teahouses or lodges operated by locals. They are comfortable and simple with basic facilities. Extra facilities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging of electronic devices, and laundries are available for an additional charge. Room sharing is common during the peak seasons and at high altitudes. So, be prepared for it. Washrooms are mostly outside the teahouse or lodge.

Meals

We provide only breakfast in Kathmandu, and 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) a day are provided during the entire trek. Meals are provided from the teahouses or lodges, which are simple but organic and healthy. Nepali Dal Bhat is a chief dish with fresh green vegetable curry. Besides, noodles, soup, bread, roti, Sherpa stew, and hot drinks are also available. You can try continental cuisine at Namche at your own expense.

Drinking Water

Drinking water in the Himalayas is pure and fresh. One can directly drink the natural freshwater stream from the Himalayas. Or fill up the boiled water in a water bottle in the teahouses, paying an extra charge. Always carry water purifying solutions for proper water treatment and to be safe. Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.

Internet connectivity & Mobile Network

Everest Link’s Wi-Fi card provides internet all over the Everest region. So, internet connectivity is easily available and stable in the lower regions. Mobile Network is also stable in the lower regions. You can also purchase a SIM and use mobile data from it. In higher altitudes, internet connectivity and mobile networks are difficult to find.

What permits are required for Jiri to EBC trekking?

Permits are mandatory in the Himalayas of Nepal. Our required permits are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNP).

• 1. Khumbu permit costs: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 3000 (SAARC)
• 3. Gaurishankar Conservation Park permit 
• 2. SNP permit costs: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1500 (SAARC)

"DH Treks issues all the required permits for its clients."

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is quintessential in the Himalayas. It must cover all emergency evacuations, medical emergencies, luggage loss/theft, flight cancellations, altitude above 4000m, etc. Thus, arrange travel insurance from a reputed agency as it is compulsory.

Safety and Guides

We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled, and acclimatisation rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your service.

Packing Lists

• Shoes: Trekking shoes, crampons, base camp shoes, and rubber sandals

• Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Base Layers, Fleece, long-sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks

• Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries

• Sleeping: Warm and lightweight sleeping bags

• Travel Bag: Duffel bag, a day pack, and a pack cover

• Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)

• Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars