Overview
Embark on the timeless and iconic journey from Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp, a route steeped in history as it was first traversed by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. This path, leading to the world’s highest peak at 8848 meters, is not just a trek but a pilgrimage for adventure seekers. Alternatively, one can opt for a quicker route by flying directly to Lukla. The Jiri Valley, often dubbed the “Switzerland of Nepal,” is a marvel in itself, home to approximately 16,000 people. The seven-day trek from Jiri, situated 183 km northeast of Kathmandu, has become a favored route for climbers aiming to reach the summit of the world.
The adventure begins at Shivalaya (1,700m), fondly known as the gateway to Everest. This trail, with its shimmering hills and ancient culture untouched by modernity, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The journey from Jiri to Everest Base Camp provides a panoramic experience of the Himalayas, making it a dream trek for every avid mountaineer.
The trek from Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp passes through Ramechhap and Solukhumbu, offering scenic views of hills and mountains and insights into the local culture. Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirants have coexisted harmoniously in these high hills for centuries. As you ascend, you’ll encounter predominantly Buddhist villages, especially those of the Sherpas, who have adapted to mountain life over generations. Thus, the Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp trek not only allows you to experience the Himalayas but also to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of its indigenous people.
We recommend a 19-day Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp trek for those who are enthusiastic and fit enough to follow in the footsteps of the first climbers in the 1950s. For those seeking a longer adventure, you can extend your trip to include Cho-La Pass and Gokyo Valley or the Three High Passes. If time is a constraint, flying to Lukla is an option. We can customize the duration of your trek to fit your schedule. We are always here to answer any questions you may have about the trip. Join us and experience life in the world’s fastest-growing mountains!
In addition to the Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp trek, we also offer treks starting from Lukla.
Trip Highlights
- Get up close to glaciers at Everest Base Camp.
- Travel to Shivalaya by bus, crossing thrilling high-altitude suspension bridges and the Lamjura Pass, and experience Sherpa culture in Junbesi.
- Visit the largest monastery in Thubten Chholing, explore the Sherpa museum, and enjoy the bustling Saturday market in Namche Bazaar.
- Catch a glimpse of the Yeti’s head in Khumjung village.
- Enjoy scenic views from the national park headquarters and the Everest View Hotel.
- Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture in Khumjung village.
- Visit Tengboche Monastery and enjoy impressive mountain views from Kalapathar.
Itinerary
- Begin the journey with an early morning bus ride from Kathmandu to Shivalaya along the Araniko Highway.
- Enjoy a scenic 9-10 hour bus ride with views of the eastern Himalayas, including Langtang, Dorjee Lakpa, Ganesh, and Lirung.
- Arrive at Shivalaya, a small village on the riverbank known as the gateway to Everest, after traversing many hills and rivers.
- Spend the night at a local guesthouse.
- After breakfast, start trekking to the village of Bhandar.
- The trail offers picturesque countryside views, lush farms, grazing cattle, and warm greetings from local farmers.
- Walk through scenic rhododendron and oak forests, and hike up to Sangbadanada and Deurali Pass before descending to Bhandar.
- Explore the old-style local village and rest for the night.
- Continue trekking downhill to Likhu Khola in the morning.
- Cross the bridge at 1,570m and follow the zigzag path to the small village of Kinja.
- After lunch, continue walking through terrace fields and small settlements with views of neighboring villages and landscapes.
- Reach Sete, a small Sherpa settlement on the edge of a mystical rhododendron forest.
- Visit the local monastery and spend the night at a local rest house.
- Embark on an uphill trek through vibrant forests of rhododendrons, maples, and pines.
- Traverse the settlements of Dagchu Goyem and ascend the Lamjura La Pass (3,520m), taking in the stunning Himalayan panoramas.
- Arrive in Junbesi and choose to explore the vicinity or rest at the lodge.
- Commence by climbing the ridge at 3,080m, where Everest first makes an appearance.
- Follow the path towards Phaplu and Salleri, then proceed to Ringmo Khola at 2,650m, followed by a modest climb to Ringmo.
- Walk along the Ringbo to Namche Bazaar trail, established in the 1980s, reaching Trakshindo Pass (3,071m).
- Descend to Nunthala (2,440m) and overnight at a local guesthouse.
- Descend alongside the DudhKoshi River, passing through various Sherpa villages, terraced fields, and delightful forests.
- Reach Khari Khola, take a break, and explore the area.
- Spend the night at a local guesthouse.
- Ascend the steep hill to Bupsadanda, a small settlement atop a ridge.
- Hike up to Bhumsing (2,300m), passing through oak and rhododendron forests.
- Stop at Puiyan (2,796m) for lunch.
- Continue along a winding trail and descend to reach Surkhe, offering views of Lukla airstrip and town.
- Dine and spend the night at a local teahouse.
- Trek uphill for an hour, followed by traversing another ridge.
- Leave the tributary valley and hike north towards the village of ChauriKharka.
- Pass through this village, where the trail joins with Lukla, making it a busy route.
- Arrive at Phakding and spend the night there.
- Head towards Namche Bazaar, the renowned village of the Khumbu region.
- Cross the meandering Dudhkoshi River five times via suspension bridges adorned with Buddhist prayer flags.
- Continue climbing to Jorsale and then ascend to Namche, with two significant viewpoints along the way.
- On a clear day, enjoy views of Everest and enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to verify permits.
- After 5-6 hours of hiking, reach Namche Bazaar, the chief economic hub and gateway to Everest.
- Acclimatize to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
- Hike through the picturesque villages of Khunde and Khumjung.
- Visit the monastery with the Yeti skull and enjoy the bakery at the world's highest altitude.
- On a clear day, view peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- After breakfast, climb to the Syangboche airstrip (3790m), visit Khundu, and then move eastwards to Khumjung.
- Descend to Namche (3540m) for an approximately 4-5 hour walk.
- After breakfast, hike to Tengboche (3,870m).
- The trail is 10kms long and becomes narrower and steeper.
- Encounter monasteries, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and rhododendron forests.
- Visit one of Nepal's oldest monasteries and participate in Buddhist rituals.
- Spend the night at a local teahouse.
- Post breakfast, initiate the uphill journey to Dingboche.
- Notice the thinning air as you trek for approximately 5.5 hours.
- Traverse through the Imja valley and past several Sherpa villages.
- Prepare for the next day's trek to Chukung while resting in Dingboche overnight.
- After morning meal, ascend further to Chukung Valley.
- Use this day to acclimate and prevent Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Return to Dingboche in the evening for overnight stay.
- Commence early towards Lobuche after resting in Dingboche.
- Pass by the region's largest memorials dedicated to fallen mountaineers.
- Arrive at Lobuche by the afternoon and choose to relax or wander around.
- Expect an 8-hour challenge through rocky paths beside the Khumbu Glacier.
- At Base Camp, capture moments with photographs and take in the scenery.
- Observe possible commercial expeditions if trekking between March and May.
- Descend to Gorakshep post lunch for the night at a local lodge.
- Begin early to Kala Patthar for unparalleled views of Everest and adjacent peaks.
- Capture memories with photographs before descending to Pheriche for the night.
- Trek downward through the Sherpa villages of Khumjung.
- Reach the cultural heart of the Sherpa community, Namche Bazaar.
- Rest at a guesthouse in Namche for the night.
- Undertake a 7-hour trek downhill from Namche to Lukla.
- Say goodbye to Sagarmatha National Park.
- Get ready for the following day's flight back to Kathmandu.
- Board an early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and head back to your hotel.
- Select a seat on the right for another glimpse of the majestic mountains.
- Gather in the evening to celebrate the trek with a farewell dinner.