Jiri
In Nepali: जिरी
Jiri is a green valley town of the Jirel people, developed with Swiss help in the 1950s–60s with dairy farms and a cheese tradition. Before the Lukla airstrip, expeditions — including Hillary and Tenzing's in 1953 (who started from Kathmandu) — walked through this region to reach Everest.
The 'classic' route from Jiri to Namche takes about a week and crosses several ridges through Sherpa and Rai villages. It is far quieter than the Lukla route and helps with acclimatisation.
What to see and do
Explore the green valley, its cheese factory and market, and the Jirel villages around. The classic walk to Everest from here passes Shivalaya, Bhandar, Junbesi and Ringmu before joining the Lukla trail near Surke.
Good to know
Roads now reach far beyond Jiri, so many walkers start at Shivalaya or even further east. The walk from Jiri to Lukla takes about 6–7 days and crosses several passes over 3,000 m.
Quick answers
- Where is Jiri?
- Jiri is in Dolakha district, Bagmati Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Jiri?
- About 1,905 m (6,250 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Jiri?
- For a 3-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 10,000 (≈ US$74) per person on a budget, or NPR 25,500 (≈ US$190) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 7,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Jiri?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Jiri?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Jiri?
- October–May
- How do I get to Jiri?
- About 7–8 hours by road from Kathmandu. It is about 90 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Jiri called in Nepali?
- जिरी
Photo gallery
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