Everest Region - Low Budget Adventure Treks
Jiri-Solu Khumbu (Everest) Low Budget Adventure Trekking (26 nights/27 days)

Welcome to Discover Asia Travel - Low Budget Adventure Trekking (Tea House Trek) web page! Tea House Treks are designed for Low Budget Adventure Travelers (LBAT) and are done by using lodge and resort accommodations along the trails. We have designed these LBAT treks to serve clients with various budgets. These treks are perfect for students or anyone with low budget, but hardy backpackers. Our 27 day tea house trek in the Everest Region begins in Jiri and ends in Lukla.

The trek to Khumbu (Everest Region) via Jiri, the traditional expedition route which goes through farmlands, villages and high passes, offers some of the most scenic views of the mountains, valleys and unique village settlements. This trek offers perfect opportunities for those of you who have a strong quest to explore the Nepalese way of life in the mountains, and can endure strenuous trekking up and down the mountainous paths of Nepal. On this journey, you will experience the economic systems and cultures of the Nepalese people not yet influenced by the hustle and bustle of modernization, variety of climatic zones and vegetation that support the inhabitants here.

The lower Solu-Khumbu, for example, practices a more farm based economy because of its abundant forest resources, arable land, vast open land to raise low to high altitude living live stocks and multiple growing season. On the other hand, the upper Solu-Khumbu practices a tourism based economy due to its limited arable land, forest resources and limited growing season. The natural scenery of the majestic mountains and valleys are the blessed resource for the people of Khumbu. Nevertheless, many local people still do practice potato and seasonal vegetable farming, and raise Yaks as their main live stocks in the valleys of these towering peaks.

From day twelve, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park in Solu-Khumbu District, which is commonly known as "Khumbu" or "Everest Region". It is the home of many Sherpa people and the legendary Yeti. The Khumbu region features highly exotic, natural and cultural landscapes and the unsurpassed Sherpa-Nepali hospitality. Visitors are also blessed with magnificent views of the towering peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar, Tamserku, Kwangde, Kangteiga, Ama Dablam, Tawoche, Cho Oyu, and Pumori.

Throughout this trek, we will encounter thousands of different botanical species. If travelling in the fall, you may not see many of these plants in blossom, but in all seasons they are attractive enough to catch your attention. In the spring you will see rhododendron, Primulas, Iris and many spring flowers in blossom. At lower altitudes hemlock, rhododendron, birch, fir, juniper, oak and blue-pine grow while scrub and alpine plant communities will be seen higher up. 118 species of birds inhabit in the park. Most commonly seen ones are the Impeyan Pheasant (the national bird of Nepal), blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, jungle crow, red-billed and yellow-billed coughs, snow pigeon, swallows, magpies and kalij. Among rarer species are the Himalayan griffon, Lammergier, snow partridge, and skylark.

From around Namche and onward, we will most likely see some of the common faunas of the Sagarmatha National Park, the Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Serow, Musk deer, Weasel, Marten, Himalayan mouse hare, jackals, wolves and Impeyan Pheasants.

Namche, the largest Sherpa settlement in the region, is within the park boundary. We will stop here for one day to familiarize ourselves with the Sherpa culture, and acclimatize for the higher elevation. We will visit a Buddhist monastery, and experience the Saturday local market (if we timed to be here during the market) where lowland and highland merchants come together to buy and trade variety of hand made and manufactured goods. The Sherpa Cultural Museum has collections of traditional artifacts and a photographic exhibition reflecting the Sherpa culture.

Discover Asia Travel Co., Ltd. founders and its crew has organized and lead many treks and expeditions to the base of Mt. Everest and its neighboring areas. Thus, we have gained hands-on-experience of this region's mountains, flora, fauna and the cultures. We are proficient in three languages (Nepali, English and Sherpa) and can share with you an in depth experience of our Sherpa and Nepali cultural heritage throughout the trip whether it is a regular camping or tea house trek.

Our Tea House Treks or regular camping treks in Khumbu (Everest) Region ranging from 2 to 18 days begin in Syangboche and Lukla Airports while the 27 days trek begins in Jiri and end in Lukla.

Best Season: October to November and February to May.

Trek Grade: Moderate to strenuous

Jiri-Solu Khumbu (Everest) Low Budget Adventure Trekking (26 nights/27 days)

ITINERARY: #10CKHUMBU/LBAT:

Day 01 arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, itinerary briefing, and Nepali dinner with or without folk cultural show or at leisure.

Day 02 Kathmandu Valley Tour. Featuring: Four world heritage site (Pashupatinath Temple-Bouddha Stupa-Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Squares):

Day 03 Kathmandu to Jiri by road.

6:00 AM our trekking Guides and coach will meet you at your hotel lobby and at 6:30 AM depart for the trek.

It will take approximately 6 to 8 hours to get to Jiri depending on the road condition. The road is all weather and windy. It was built by the Swiss international help project. The drive to Jiri is very scenic with villages, terraced fields, river valleys and snowcapped peaks including mount Ghauri Shankar Himalayan range. Jiri is the end of the road from where we start our trek. It is the start and end point of most treks and expeditions toward mount Everest. Picnic lunch should be carried. Upon arrival in Jiri, we check into our selected lodge. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 04 Trek to Chingma Danda.

Breakfast at the lodge and begin trek around 6.30 to 7.00 AM.

The morning part of the trek begins with a gradual uphill and goes through the villages, farm fields and river valleys. Along the trail, you will meet many porters and merchants headed to the Everest Region carrying huge loads of baskets on their back with head and shoulder straps. It is the main trade and expedition route for the Everest Region and the upper mid-eastern Nepal. Thus, we will encounter passerby traffic going back and forth all along the trek. However, nothing like Bangkok or San Francisco's traffic is experienced on these treks!

After crossing the suspension bridge over the Khimti River at Shivalalya, a small village with inns. From here, the trail is straight to gradual uphill for about three to four hours until we get at Chiangma Danda (a pass), a Sherpa settlement with lodges and inns. We will spend the night here because the views can be very spectacular if the weather is clear.

Day 05 Trek to Sete Village

Breakfast at the lodge and begin trek around 7.00 AM. Today's trek is very scenic with the view of Numbur Himal (6955 meters above sea level) towering above the beautiful valleys and hills. Early wake up, have breakfast and trek down hill to Likhu Khola. The day involves mostly trekking through villages and farmlands. We take lunch break at Kenja, a riverside village. After lunch, the trail climbs up until we reach the Sete village, where we spend the night. Here, we visit the village monastery and some families to see the village life styles of the Sherpa people in this area.

Day 06 Trek to Junbensi

Junbensi is a Sherpa Village situated by the riverside and is one of the very scenic places in the region with monasteries within the village as well as in the surrounding area. Selau Gompa and Thupten Chholing monasteries are active Buddhist schools within walking distance of about forty five minutes to two hours. The surrounding scenery and towering snowcapped Numbur Himal peak above makes Junbensi a picture perfect place to stop and relax.

Today, the trek begins with a gradual up hill until lunch or we cross the Laam Jura Pass about 3200 m. We trek through rhododendron, oak, and fir forest. It is a scenic trek with continuous views of the valleys and mountains.

Day 07 Trek to Thakshindo Monastery or NunThala

Trek goes through small villages and farmlands with scenic views of the valleys and an occasional view of the white peaks above. We take our lunch break at Salung or in Ringmo depending on time and the condition of our team.

We spend the night in Thakshindo Monastery or NunThala.

Day 08 Trek to Khari Khola Village

Today, we begin early. Trek goes through very scenic forest covered landscapes, farmlands and villages. The region is inhabited by Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, Limbu and various other ethnic groups and is very scenic. The trek is downhill until we cross the Dudh Koshi River, where we see paddy fields and near sea level again! The trail gradually climbs up after we cross the bridge in Jubing. Our proposed camp site will be in Khari Khola.

Day 09 Trek to Puya Village

It is a uphill trek today. Not so much of nearby scenery, but beautiful views of the valleys and snowcapped peaks in the distance will be seen today. We either camp nearby the village or in the forest.

Day 10 Trek to ChauriKharka Village

Today's trek is rather easy in the beginning and mostly downhill in the morning part. Then, gradually climbs up. Today, we will have excellent views of the white peaks and the valleys. We can also see Lukla, the most busy Himalayan airport from where we will be flying out at the end of the trek. Upon arrival in Chaurikharka, we can visit monasteries or private homes for Sherpa cultural experience.

Day 11 Trek to Monjowa /Jorsale Village

Today, we will experience more traffic as we meet the Lukla airport route.

It is rather an easy trek, but quite a distance to cover. So, we will begin to trek early today. We trek along the Dush Koshi river in Zigzag between two cliffs. The trail is scenic, mostly fir, pine, oak and rhododendron forest on both sides of the slope and pass through lonely villages. The trek is easier in the morning part, but gets harder uphill in the afternoon.

Day 12 Trek to Namche

We wake up early and begin our trek early. The morning part is an easy trek. Although the distance is short today, it is a high altitude trek with a little bit of uphill. We carry pack lunch and will have tea or coffee break along the way. After we cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi from where we can have a quick peek of Mt. Everest, if the weather is clear, the trail climbs up until we reach Namche Village. So, walk slowly, taking small breaks and continue until we we reach Namche.

Day 13 Namche exploration at leisure

Today, stop in Namche and rest. After breakfast, we will lead you to visit monasteries, personal homes, museums and trek around at ease to explore the Sherpa life styles here and the surrounding environment. Then, lunch break in Namche at your campsite.

Day 14 Trek to Thame Monastery and then to Syangboche

We spend the night at Syangboche Panorama Hotel, a spectacular resort, 13,025 ft. above sea level. It is our newest resort establishment in the Everest region. This 22 room hotel is built to provide you the most out of your Nepal visit! The architecture and intricate interior design resemble that of a typical Sherpa home. Huge glass windows allow guests to enjoy magnificent views of towering peaks in all directions including Mt. Everest.

Today, we get up early, have breakfast and then begin trek to Thame Monastery on the way to Tibetan near Nagpala pass. This monastery is in fact the oldest in the region and has the complete set of texts concerning the Buddhism text and the religious mask dance performed by the Lamas. Near the monastery is also the Thame villlage with over one thousand people in the valley. Trek to Thame is very scenic. You can easily spot mountain goat such as the Himalayan Tahr, Serow, musk and pheasants. Once we reach Theme, we visit the monastery and a couple personal homes if there is enough time.

We will have lunch break in Thame. After lunch, we will trek back the same way for few kilometers and spend the night at Syangboche Panorama Hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. A show of Sherpa folk dance is optional, depending on the availability of the people who can sing and dance at the nearby village.

Day 15 Trek Syangboche to Tyangboche Monastery

Early morning wake up and breakfast at the hotel. Then, begin trekking. Along the way, briefly visit the famous Everest View Hotel built by a Japanese entrepreneur in the early 70s. You are likely to see Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Musk deer, Impeyan Pheasant, and other wildlife along the way to Tyangboche not to mention the superb views of the towering peaks. After trekking few kilometers down the slope, you will get on the traditional Everest route. The morning trek is rather easy. Lunch break will be at Phungki Tyanga at the base of Tyangboche by the Dudh Koshi, a scenic place surrounded by forest.

Take a short break after lunch. Then, trek up hill through the fir, pine, juniper, rhododendron and high altitude scrub forest until you reach Tyangboche Monastery compound. Tyangboche Monastery is the biggest monastery in the Everest Region and is surrounded by towering icy peaks. From here, we can see sun set and sun rise over Everest.

Day 16 Trek to Pheriche

We get up early, have breakfast and start our trek early so that we reach Pheriche early to attend the lecture seminar given by doctors (at the Himalayan Rescue Association) on high altitude sickness. The trek is very scenic. Along the way, we can see towering peaks and low lying alpine scrub forests including high altitude rhododendrons to junipers. We pass through Pangboche Village. The last Sherpa village settlement in the Everest Region.

Day 17 Trek to Lobuche

Again, an early wake up, breakfast and start our trek. From here on, we will not experience a forest environment, but low lying alpine scrubs. The main attractions are the mighty towering Tawoche, Cholatse, Lobuche Peak, Pumori, Everest, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and other neighboring peaks. These crystal razor edged peaks are the main scenery beyond Pangboche.

Day 18 Trek to Gorakhshep

Today, we get up early again, have breakfast and carry a pack lunch. We mostly trek through boulders and moraine glacier that begins at Everest base camp. The environment here is rugged and adventurous. We camp at Gorakhshep, the last place where locals have set up inns, few hours before Everest base camp.

Day 19 Trek to Kalapathar and then Lobuche

Today should be the most exciting day for everyone because we trek up the Kalapather Peak 19000 ft. above sea level to have a mirror view of Mt. Everest. To achieve this excitement, we get up 3.00 AM, have hot tea, coffee, snack and begin the trek. We stop at the top for about an hour to enjoy the stunning views of the mountans and Khumbu Glacier Valley. Those interested to trek to Everest base camp may split into two groups and meet in the evening. Then, trek back to Lobuche for overnight.

Day 20 Trek to Chhukung and Island Peak

Today's trek is easier as we will be trekking most downhill and a gradual uphill trail near Chhukung. The same views will repeat, but from different angles as we trek up towards the Island Peak.

Day 21 Trek to Tyangboche

We wake up around 6.00 AM, and begin trek around 8.00 AM The views around Chhukung are spectacular. After breakfast, we trek to Tyangboche monastery.

From today on, we trek back celebrating our achievements of trekking in high places. The entire trek is a celebration because we experience a different landscape at every step we take on these treks.

Day 22 Trekking Tyangboche to Namche

Today, we get up early to catch the sun rise over the towering peaks. From here, we can view Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam, Kangteiga, Thamserku, Kwangde, Khumbila, Tawoche and much more.

Then, breakfast and visit the monastery and the head Lama (called Tyanboche Chawi Lama) to receive blessings.

The old murals inside the monastery was destroyed by the 1989 fire. However, all the interior and exterior design and decoration is almost as close as the old one. While at Tyangboche, look around the monastery in the bushes, you will most likely encounter a musk deer or variety of colorful pheasants. Then, we trek back the same way we trekked up.

Today, our lunch will be served at Lhawishasa, nearby the forestry nursery. Then, trek the remaining small up hill. Then, the rest of the trek to Namche is easy. Along the trail here, above or below, you will most likely see wild animals such as Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Musk deer, and colorful pheasants. Stop in a safe spot and look around.

Day 23 Trek Namche to Phakding

As usual, we get up early, have breakfast and begin the trek. Tody, you will find the trek much easier as it is mostly going down hill. We will have our lunch at Monjowa village, where the Japanese have a vegetable plantation to produce fresh vegetables for its hotel, mentioned earlier.

Day 24 Trek Phakdhing to Lukla Airport

Trekking back to Lukla is easy and short. Thus, we will get to Lukla early and explore bit of Lukla. You will see off most of your trekking staff here.

Day 25 Lukla to Kathmandu flight

Early wake up, pack up all the gear and be ready before breakfast is required as flying out of Lukla is done early in the morning. Your trekking staff will help you to transfer everything to the airport. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by our staff, and transferred to your hotel or assisted to connect the next destination.

Day 26 At leisure in Kathmandu to explore the valley on your own.

Help to visit place will be provided upon request.

Day 27 Departure from Kathmandu.

We will provide airport transfers and assistance at the airports.