Trekking · Jiri
Junbesi Village Stage
A beautiful Sherpa village in upper Solu, with a historic monastery, a key stage on the Jiri-to-Everest walk-in.
Junbesi is a beautiful Sherpa village in upper Solu, set among terraced fields below forested ridges at around 2,700 metres, and many trekkers remember it as the loveliest stop on the whole Jiri walk-in. Reached just after the high Lamjura La, it greets you with whitewashed houses, a prominent monastery, mani walls and prayer flags, and warm hospitality far from the crowds of the high Khumbu.
A Sherpa heartland village
Junbesi sits in the broad, green western valley of Solu, the southern part of the Sherpa homeland. Its character is distinctly Buddhist: a central gompa with painted woodwork, chortens scattered through the fields, and the steady passage of porters and trekkers along the old trade route. It is a place to slow down — to eat well, watch village life and let the legs recover after the climb over the pass.
What to see and do
The village gompa is the obvious focus, but the area rewards an extra day. A side trip leads up the valley to the large Thubten Choling monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist nunnery and monastery community, while higher viewpoints look out toward the elegant Numbur and Karyolung peaks. The surrounding ridges, dotted with grazing and small hamlets, make for gentle exploring. To understand the people and traditions here, see our guide to Jirel and Sherpa culture around Jiri.
On the trail
Junbesi is reached on the descent from the Sete and Lamjura La stage. From the village the route continues across the valley and over a ridge toward Ringmo, Nunthala and down to the Dudh Koshi, where it joins the main Solu-Khumbu trail working up to Lukla. The next steps are set out in the full Jiri to Lukla itinerary.
Where this fits
Junbesi is a central village on the classic Jiri-to-Everest route and one of its cultural high points. For the bigger picture of the high country ahead, read the Everest region treks overview and the general Nepal trekking guide.
Good to know
- Altitude: Around 2,700 metres — comfortable, but you are well into the hills.
- Lodges: Good range of simple Sherpa-run lodges with home-cooked meals; carry cash.
- Worth a day: Add a rest day for the Thubten Choling monastery and the Numbur viewpoints.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Junbesi?+
Junbesi is a picturesque Sherpa village in upper Solu, on the classic Jiri-to-Everest walk-in. Set among terraced fields below forested ridges at around 2,700 metres, it is known for its whitewashed houses, prominent monastery and welcoming lodges.
Why is Junbesi a highlight of the Jiri trek?+
Many trekkers rate Junbesi the loveliest village on the walk-in. Reached just after the Lamjura La, it has a strong Sherpa Buddhist character, a fine gompa, mani walls and views toward Numbur, making it a memorable place to rest for a night or two.
Where is Junbesi on the route?+
Junbesi lies on the western side of the Solu valley, reached on the descent from the Lamjura La. From here the trail continues toward Ringmo, Nunthala and the Dudh Koshi valley, joining the wider Solu-Khumbu trail toward Lukla and Everest.
What is there to see around Junbesi?+
Beyond the village gompa, side trips lead to the large Thubten Choling monastery up the valley and to viewpoints over Numbur and Karyolung. The area rewards an extra day to soak up Sherpa life away from the high-altitude crowds of the Khumbu.
