Trekking · Jiri
Shivalaya
The riverside village near Jiri where the historic walk to Everest leaves the road and the trail begins.
Shivalaya is the small riverside village near Jiri where the classic walk-in to Everest leaves the motor road and the foot trail begins in earnest. It is the traditional first overnight stage on the historic route, a cluster of simple lodges and tea houses beside the river, busy with trekkers setting out toward Bhandar and Solu.
What to expect
Many walkers now take a jeep beyond Jiri Bazaar to start at Shivalaya, shortening the route by a stage. From here the trail climbs steeply to the Deurali pass before dropping toward Bhandar, the next overnight village — a demanding first day of ridge-and-valley walking that sets the tone for the whole approach to the Khumbu.
The village itself is modest: a handful of lodges, tea houses and shops serving home-cooked dal bhat. It is a place to gather your strength and settle into the rhythm of the trail.
Why it matters
Shivalaya is more than a stopover — it marks the true beginning of the foot journey to Everest. The motor road from Kathmandu ends near here, so for trekkers it is the threshold between the world of jeeps and the world of trails, porters and passes. Sitting at around 1,800 metres beside a clear river, it gathers walkers from across the globe each evening in autumn and spring, all bound for the same distant goal. There is a checkpoint here where trekking permits are inspected, so have your paperwork ready.
The walk ahead
From Shivalaya the path immediately tests you: a steep, sustained climb of several hundred metres to the Deurali pass, marked by prayer flags and a cluster of tea shops, before a long descent into the Likhu valley and up to Bhandar. This pattern of big ascents and descents defines the entire Jiri walk-in, and the first day is a fair preview of what is to come. Start early, drink plenty of water, and pace yourself — the route rewards patience over speed.
Good to know
- Lodges: Basic trekking lodges with shared rooms and simple meals; carry cash.
- First day: Expect a steep climb to Deurali, then down to Bhandar — start early.
- Nearby: Shivalaya is the opening chapter of the classic Jiri-to-Everest Base Camp trek, continuing to Bhandar. For preparation, read the Nepal trekking guide and the Everest region treks overview.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Shivalaya?+
Shivalaya is a small riverside village near Jiri where the classic walk-in to Everest leaves the motor road and the foot trail begins in earnest. It is the traditional first overnight stop, with simple lodges and tea houses serving trekkers.
How do you get to Shivalaya?+
Shivalaya is a short drive beyond Jiri at the end of a rough road, or a half-day walk from Jiri itself. Many trekkers now take a jeep to Shivalaya to start walking here, shortening the historic route by a stage.
What is the first day of trekking from Shivalaya like?+
From Shivalaya the trail climbs steeply to the Deurali pass before descending toward Bhandar, the next overnight village. It is a demanding first day with significant up and down, typical of the ridge-and-valley terrain on the whole walk-in.
Are there lodges in Shivalaya?+
Yes — Shivalaya has a cluster of basic trekking lodges and tea houses geared to walkers starting the Everest route. Facilities are simple, with home-cooked dal bhat and shared rooms, so it is wise to carry cash and modest expectations.
