Jiri Travel Guide
A green hill town in Dolakha nicknamed the 'Switzerland of Nepal', Jiri is the historic roadhead where Tenzing and Hillary-era expeditions began the long walk to Everest, and remains a gateway to Solu, Pikey Peak and Jirel culture.
Jiri is a green hill town in Dolakha district, north-east of Kathmandu, long nicknamed the "Switzerland of Nepal" for its rolling ridges, alpine pasture and dairy farms. Sitting at around 1,900 metres at the end of a paved road, it is best known as the historic trailhead for the walk-in to Everest — the route the earliest expeditions and trekkers followed on foot all the way to the Khumbu.
The town centre is compact and friendly. Spend time in Jiri Bazaar, the working market and transport hub, then visit the historic Jiri cheese factory, a legacy of Swiss-assisted dairy development that gave the town its nickname. The surrounding hills are home to the Jirel people — a small ethnic group found almost nowhere else — alongside Sherpa and Tamang communities, whose traditions you can explore in our guide to Jirel and Sherpa culture around Jiri. For the best of it all, see our pick of the top things to do in Jiri.
Jiri is above all a gateway to the high country. From here the classic Jiri-to-Everest Base Camp trek climbs through the first stages of Shivalaya and Bhandar toward Solu and the Khumbu. Nearby, the ridge-walk to the Pikey Peak Everest viewpoint offers one of Nepal's finest mountain panoramas, while the old Newar-built Those village preserves a historic flagstone bazaar. For wider context, read the national Everest region treks overview and the Pikey Peak trek guide.
To plan your visit, see how to get to Jiri, where to stay in Jiri and the best time to visit Jiri. For the bigger picture, dip into the best places to visit in Nepal and the Nepal trekking guide. Below are our picks for what to see and do.
Where to stay in Jiri
Sights & attractions in Jiri
Trekking & treks in Jiri
Food experiences in Jiri
What to do in Jiri
Festivals & events in Jiri
Getting around in Jiri
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jiri called the Switzerland of Nepal?+
Jiri earned the nickname for its rolling green ridges, alpine pasture, dairy farming and the chalet-like feel of its hill country. King Mahendra is widely credited with the comparison, and the town's cheese-making tradition only reinforces the Swiss likeness.
Where is Jiri and how do you get there?+
Jiri sits at around 1,900 metres in Dolakha district, north-east of Kathmandu at the end of a paved road. It is reached by a roughly seven to nine hour bus or jeep journey from Kathmandu's Old Bus Park along the Charikot road.
Is Jiri the start of the Everest trek?+
Yes — Jiri is the classic, historic trailhead for the walk-in to Everest. The original expeditions and trekkers walked from here through Shivalaya, Bhandar and Junbesi to Lukla and on to Everest Base Camp, a route now enjoyed by those wanting the full traditional approach.
What is there to do in Jiri itself?+
Wander Jiri Bazaar, visit the historic cheese factory, sample Jirel and Sherpa culture, and use the town as a base for hikes toward Pikey Peak, the famous Everest viewpoint. Those village and the first trek stages of Shivalaya and Bhandar are nearby.
Do you need a permit for the Jiri area?+
Jiri town itself needs no special permit, but trekking onward toward the Everest region requires the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and, further in, the Sagarmatha National Park entry. Carry passport copies and cash for fees on the trail.