Trekking · Jiri
Jiri to Lukla Full Itinerary
A day-by-day Jiri to Lukla itinerary for the classic walk-in to Everest, about six to seven days on foot.
This Jiri to Lukla itinerary sets out the classic walk-in to Everest day by day, from the Shivalaya roadhead to the airstrip at Lukla where the trail joins the main Khumbu route. The walk takes about six to seven days on foot, crossing a succession of ridges and the high Lamjura La through the Sherpa country of Solu. It is the traditional, slower approach that the earliest Everest expeditions followed before flights to Lukla existed.
The short answer
From Jiri, jeep or walk to Shivalaya, then trek over the Deurali pass to Bhandar, climb via Sete over the Lamjura La to Junbesi, continue through Nunthala and Bupsa, and finish with the climb to Lukla. From there, the standard Everest region treks route carries on to Base Camp.
Day-by-day stages
- Day 1 — Shivalaya to Bhandar: Begin at the Shivalaya roadhead, climb to the Deurali pass and descend to Bhandar. See the Shivalaya and Bhandar stage.
- Day 2 — Bhandar to Sete: Drop to the Likhu Khola and climb to Sete on the forested ridge below the pass.
- Day 3 — Sete to Junbesi: Cross the Lamjura La (about 3,530m), the high point of the walk-in, then descend to lovely Junbesi village. See the Sete and Lamjura La stage.
- Day 4 — Junbesi to Nunthala: Cross a ridge with views toward Numbur, pass Ringmo and descend toward the Dudh Koshi. Trekkers with extra days can detour to climb Pikey Peak from the Jiri route for the sunrise before rejoining the trail.
- Day 5 — Nunthala to Bupsa/Kharikhola: Drop to the river, climb the far side and traverse to Bupsa.
- Day 6 — Bupsa to Lukla: Climb through Surke to join the main trail and reach Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu.
Pace varies, so some trekkers split or combine stages; the classic Jiri-to-Everest route collection covers the full picture.
Walk in, fly out?
Many trekkers walk in from Jiri for the acclimatisation and scenery, then fly out from Lukla to save time on the return. This combines the richness of the historic approach with the speed of the flight, though Lukla weather can still cause delays. The full expedition to Base Camp and back from Jiri usually runs 18 to 22 days, as covered in the classic Jiri-to-Everest Base Camp trek.
Plan the logistics
Sort permits and supplies with Jiri trek permits and logistics, and prepare for the high Khumbu with the altitude sickness in Nepal guide. Start with the Jiri travel guide for the trailhead town itself.
Good to know
- Duration: About six to seven days Jiri to Lukla; 18 to 22 days for the full round trip to Base Camp.
- High point of walk-in: The Lamjura La at about 3,530 metres.
- Lodges: Simple tea houses at every stage; carry cash, as there are no ATMs on the trail.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Jiri to Lukla walk?+
The walk from Jiri to Lukla takes about six to seven days, crossing several ridges and the Lamjura La. Starting from the Shivalaya roadhead by jeep can shave off a stage; walking the whole way from Jiri Bazaar adds it back.
What are the overnight stops from Jiri to Lukla?+
Typical overnights are Shivalaya, Bhandar, Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala (or Ringmo), Bupsa (or Kharikhola) and finally Lukla. Exact stops vary with pace and lodge availability, but this is the classic seven-stage sequence.
Do you reach Everest at Lukla?+
No — Lukla is where the walk-in joins the main Everest Base Camp trail. From Lukla the standard Khumbu route continues to Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and on to Everest Base Camp, adding roughly another eight to ten days return.
Is it better to walk from Jiri or fly to Lukla?+
Flying to Lukla is faster but weather-prone; walking from Jiri adds about a week each way but builds fitness and acclimatisation and passes quiet villages. Many trekkers walk in from Jiri and fly out from Lukla to combine the best of both.
