From Jiri, the route usually takes six to eight days to reach Lukla through Shivalaya, Bhandar, Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala and Bupsa, crossing ridges at about 3,500 m. After Lukla you follow the standard Everest Base Camp trail. The full trek is typically 18 to 21 days.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Jiri and Shivalaya
Take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Jiri, a ride of roughly eight to ten hours, and walk down to Shivalaya if time allows. The first day is mostly travel, so expect an early start.
The ridge days
The next days climb and drop repeatedly. Typical stops are Bhandar, Sete and Junbesi, with passes between them. The highest point on this section is the Lamjura La, at about 3,530 m. Junbesi is a Sherpa village at about 2,700 m, with a well-known monastery nearby.
Down to the Dudh Kosi
After Junbesi the route drops to the river at Nunthala and climbs again to Bupsa and Kharte. On these days you will notice how much height you lose and regain, which is why this route feels longer than its distance suggests.
Joining the main trail
You reach Lukla, at about 2,860 m, on the seventh or eighth day. From here the plan matches the standard Everest Base Camp itinerary: Phakding, Namche Bazaar, acclimatisation days, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar.
The return
Most groups walk back to Lukla and fly to Kathmandu, which saves about a week compared with walking out the same way. If you want to walk all the way, allow the extra days and add a rest day.
Typical daily distances
Days on the walk-in are generally five to seven hours, with ridge crossings that feel longer than the distance suggests. The ups and downs add up to thousands of metres of climbing each day on the ridge sections.
Where to rest
If you want a gentler schedule, add a rest day at Junbesi or Bupsa. These are good places to wash clothes, repack and enjoy a village without walking.
Plan it
Compare options in Jiri versus flying to Lukla and check how hard it is.
