Etymology: named after British surveyor Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India
    Nepali Name: Sagarmatha – goddess of the sky
    Tibetan Name: Chomolungma – Holy Mother 
    Distance: 130-185km
    Duration: 12-26 days
    Maximum Elevation: Kala Patthar, 5643 metres

    The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is sometimes referred to as the “classic trek to Everest” as Jiri has long been the closest roadhead to the Everest region. While many expeditions began here, all early expeditions departed by foot from Kathmandu. Jiri is 184 kilometres from Kathmandu with the bus ride taking 8 hours due to narrow winding roads. Lukla Airport was constructed in 1964 and since then has become the preferred starting point for Everest treks, cutting off the week long walk from Jiri to Lukla. Yearly of the 35000 people that hike to Everest Base Camp, fewer than 1000 begin in Jiri. 

    A couple of years ago a road was constructed to Phaplu/Salleri. From Phaplu/Salleri it takes a day to reach Junebesi or Nunthala on the main Everest route. This will save 2-3 days walking from Jiri, putting Lukla 3 days away. In 2019 a road was built to Jubing (5 kilometres from Nunthala), putting Lukla 2 days away. 

    Walk Times
    Jiri to Lukla: 5-7 days
    Phaplu/Salleri to Lukla: 3 days
    Jubing to Lukla: 2 days
    Lukla to Everest Base Camp: 7-9 days

    Elevations 
    Jiri: 1905m
    Lukla: 2860m
    Namche Bazzar: 3440m
    Tengboche: 3860m
    Dingboche: 4410m
    Gorak Shep: 5164m
    Everest Base Camp: 5364m
    Kala Patthar: 5643m
    Mount Everest: 8848m

    Variations + Side Trips
    Three Passes Trek (Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La)
    Gokyo Valley (Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri)

    How Much Will It Cost?

    How much the trip will costs depends on which hike we ultimately choose, and if we decide to hike the whole trek or fly parts of it. Daily expenses while trekking will be approximately AUD$25 per day.

    Fees + Permits
    Sagarmatha National Park: 3000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3390 NPR / AUD$44 (Everest)
    Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu: 2000 NPR / AUD$26 (Everest)

    Flights
    Kathmandu to Lukla – AUD$265

    Daily Expenses
    Budget Rs. 2000 (AUD$25) per person per day
    Dorm bed Rs. 300-700 (AUD$4-9)
    Water Rs. 120-450 (AUD1.50-5)
    Soft Drink Rs. 150-400 (AUD$2-5)
    Meals Rs. 500-900 (AUD$6.50-11.50)
    Hot Shower Rs. 200-400 (AUD$2.50-5)
    Battery Charging per hour Rs. 100-300 (AUD$1.20-3.80)

    What Should I Bring?

    • Beanie
    • Boots
    • Buff
    • Fleece
    • Gloves
    • Hiking Pants
    • Jacket
    • Shorts
    • Socks
    • Thermal Leggings
    • Thermal Top
    • T-shirt
    • Underwear
    • Backpack (maximum 35 litre)
    • Band-aids (for blisters)
    • Camera + Charger
    • Chlorine/Iodine Tablets or Steripen
    • Clippers
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Microfiber Towel
    • Passport
    • Phone + Charger
    • Playing Cards
    • Powerbank
    • Small Torch / Headtorch
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Toothbrush + Toothpaste