Trekking · Jiri
Sete and the Lamjura La
The climb from Sete to the Lamjura La, the highest pass on the Jiri walk-in before the drop to Junbesi.
The Sete to Lamjura La stage is the high point of the Jiri walk-in, a long forest climb to a prayer-flag pass at about 3,530 metres before the trail drops into the Sherpa heartland of upper Solu. This is the most strenuous day of the approach, but also one of the most beautiful, winding through some of the finest rhododendron and conifer forest anywhere on the route to Everest.
The climb to Sete
From Bhandar the trail descends steeply to the Likhu Khola, crosses the river, and then begins the long haul up the far side. The usual overnight stop is Sete, a small cluster of lodges perched on the forested ridge below the pass at around 2,500 metres. It is a modest place — a few tea houses and a gompa — but its position makes it the natural springboard for an early-morning crossing of the Lamjura La.
Over the Lamjura La
The climb from Sete to the Lamjura La is the longest sustained ascent of the walk-in, rising through dense forest of rhododendron, pine, magnolia and oak that blazes with colour in the spring bloom. The pass itself, at about 3,530 metres, is draped in prayer flags and mani stones and can be cold, misty or snow-dusted in the shoulder seasons. From the top, on a clear day, the eastern hills roll away toward the high Himalaya. This is the threshold between the lower foothills and the Sherpa country ahead.
Down to Junbesi
The descent off the pass runs down through more lovely forest toward the upper Solu valley and the village of Junbesi, covered in the next Junbesi village stage. The walking eases as you lose height, and the landscape opens into the broad, monastery-dotted country that many trekkers remember as the highlight of the whole walk-in.
Where this fits
This is the central stage of the classic Jiri-to-Everest route, bridging the opening Shivalaya and Bhandar stage and the Sherpa villages beyond. Because it is the highest point so far, it is worth reading the altitude sickness in Nepal guide and the Everest region treks overview before you tackle it.
Good to know
- High point: The Lamjura La at about 3,530 metres is the highest pass before the Khumbu.
- Forest: Spectacular rhododendron and conifer forest, best in the spring bloom.
- Timing: Cross early in the day; carry warm layers for mist, cold and possible snow near the top.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Lamjura La?+
The Lamjura La sits at about 3,530 metres, making it the highest pass on the Jiri-to-Everest walk-in before the trail reaches the Khumbu. It is high enough that you begin to feel the altitude, though far below the great passes of the Everest region.
What is Sete?+
Sete is a small lodge settlement on the climb up toward the Lamjura La, the usual overnight stop before crossing the pass. From Bhandar the trail descends to the Likhu Khola, then climbs steeply to Sete, perched on the forested ridge below the pass.
What is the Lamjura La crossing like?+
From Sete the trail climbs through rhododendron, pine and magnolia forest to the prayer-flag-draped pass, often misty or cold near the top. The descent on the far side runs down through forest toward Junbesi, one of the prettiest villages on the route.
Is the Lamjura La dangerous for altitude?+
At about 3,530 metres serious altitude sickness is uncommon, but you may notice the thinner air. The bigger risks are cold, mist and snow near the top in winter and the shoulder seasons, so carry warm layers and start the crossing early in the day.
