· Classic Jiri Approach: Follow the historic trail to Everest, experiencing authentic village life and diverse landscapes missed by fly-in trekkers.
· Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri: Witness the world's highest freshwater lake system and ascend Gokyo Ri for a spectacular panoramic view of four 8,000m peaks.
· Cho La Pass (5,420m): Conquer a challenging, icy high pass that demands physical endurance and offers a true mountaineering feel.
· Everest Base Camp (5,364m): Stand at the legendary starting point for Everest expeditions, surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall.
· Kala Patthar (5,545m): Hike to the ultimate Everest viewpoint for sunrise, with the closest and most dramatic views of the world’s highest peak.
· Namche Bazaar & Sherpa Culture: Explore the vibrant hub of Khumbu, including the Sherpa Museum and a hike to traditional Khumjung village.
· Tengboche Monastery: Visit the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region, set against the majestic backdrop of Ama Dablam.
· Sagarmatha National Park: Traverse a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to rare wildlife like the Himalayan Thar and blood pheasant.
Region: Everest
Season: All season
Grade: Strenuous (due to length, altitude, and Cho La Pass crossing)
Accommodation: Hotel (Kathmandu), lodges & Tea house (during trek)
Max Altitude: 5,644m
Total Elevation Gain: Approx.9,378m
Total Walking Distance: Approx. 218.4km
Total Duration: 21 Days
Start Point: Jiri (drive from Kathmandu)
End Point: Lukla (fly back to Kathmandu)
This Everest classic trek combines the cultural immersion of the classic approach from Jiri with the stunning high-altitude lakes of Gokyo and the ultimate goal of Everest Base Camp. By beginning your journey in the mid-hills of Jiri, you follow in the footsteps of the early Everest pioneers, gaining a profound appreciation for the region's diverse topography, from lush subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to high-alpine yak pastures & high-altitude pass. The gradual ascent from a lower altitude significantly enhances natural acclimatization, making this an ideal route for trekkers seeking more challenging Himalayan experience.
The journey's centerpiece is the ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which offers arguably the most breathtaking panorama of four 8,000-meter giants: Everest (8,848.84), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,485m/27,838ft), and Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864ft) reflected in the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lake. From there, the route crosses the icy, demanding Cho La Pass (5,420m), a true test of endurance requiring careful steps and often crampons. This high pass connects you to the main Everest Base Camp trail, leading you past the memorials at Lobuche, the rugged outpost of Gorak Shep, and finally to the foot of the Khumbu Icefall at Base Camp itself.
The return journey is capped with a pre-dawn ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the most iconic close-up views of Mount Everest's southwest face. The descent allows for a cultural pause at the revered Tengboche Monastery before retracing your steps to Namche and finally Lukla. This complete circuit avoids backtracking through the lower Dudh Koshi valley, offering constant variety and a profound sense of achievement upon your flight back to Kathmandu, having conquered one of the Himalaya's most rewarding journeys.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our representative and accompany you to the Hotel at Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar city in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich culture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the evening, a detailed trip briefing will be held at the hotel.
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After having an early breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to Jiri. The journey traverses winding roads through foothills and river valleys, offering a gradual transition from city to countryside.
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Our trek begins from today with a steep climb through forests and farmlands to the Deurali pass, followed by a descent to the small village of Deurali.
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Leaving Sete, we will descend steeply to cross the Thado Khola river, then climb up through rhododendron forests to the hillside village of Sete.
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Today, we will cross our first major pass, Lamjura Pass (3,530m), through dense pine and rhododendron forest. And then, descend to the beautiful Sherpa village of Junbesi, home to a notable monastery.
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At first, we will descend to the Ringmo Khola, cross the Trakshindo La Pass (3,071m), and visit the historic Trakshindo Monastery before a long descent to Nunthala.
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Today we will descend through terraced fields to a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, then a steady climb to the hillside village of Bupsa.
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Leaving Bupsa, we will descend towards Surkhe, where we will join the main Everest trail and continue up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing through Chheplung to Phakding.
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Today, we will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and several other high bridges & then steady climb to the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar.
A rest day for acclimatization. We will hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village (3,790m). This day, we will also visit the Sherpa Museum and enjoy stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
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Following the less-crowded upper Dudh Koshi valley we will ascend to Mong La Pass (3,975m), descend to Phortse Thanga and then a steady climb through birch and rhododendron forest to Dole.
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First, we will gradually climb along the valley floor with outstanding views of Cho Oyu (8,188m), reaching early in Machhermo will be good for an additional acclimatization.
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Today, we will pass the first two sacred Gokyo Lakes, reaching Gokyo village beside the stunning third lake. In the afternoon, we will hike to Gokyo Ri to witness the stunning sunset views of Himalayan peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
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A short, easy walk towards north along the moraine of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest in the Himalayas) to the small settlement of Thangnak as we reach early to our destination so we do rest and prepare for the tomorrow.
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Our most challenging, demanding & rewarding day as an early start for a steep, rocky, and often icy climb to Cho La Pass. Crampons may be required. During Pass you will see the 360degree stunning panoramic close-up views of Surroundings Peaks. After spending some time there, we will descend through slippery moraine slope to reach the summer pasture village of Dzongla.
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Today, we will head towards Gorak Shep passing through Lobuche. At Gorak shep we will drop bags and trek across the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (seasonal rock pyramids) & then Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
From EBC you will see unforgettable panoramic views of snow-capped mountains including Everest (8848.86m) & Lhotse (8,516m).
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Today, we will hike towards Kala Patthar at early morning for iconic & memorable sunrise views of Everest & surroundings Peaks. Then, back to Gorak shep, have breakfast & trek towards Dingboche.
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Today will be a long descent towards Namche Bazaar, passing through Pangboche and visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery with its incredible Ama Dablam views.
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Today is the final day of the trail as we take steep descent to the Dudh Koshi River, followed by an undulating final climb to Lukla. Enjoy a last evening celebration with your staffs.
Distance: 17.7km|Duration: 6:39 hours |Ascent: +450m |Descent: -1,030m
An early morning scenic 30-minute flight to Kathmandu.
You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International airport according to your flight time for your final departure.
“It’s time to say goodbye, with lots of memories made for lifetime”
