Trip Introduction
The “Ancient Trail to Everest” offers a journey through history, following the original route to Everest Base Camp. Before the construction of Lukla Airport, this path was the main way to access the Everest region. Notably, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa took this route during their historic 1953 expedition to Everest.
Ancient Trail to Everest starting point:
The journey begins with a bus ride to Bhandar, a village situated a few kilometers from Jiri. Jiri, often called the “Gateway to Everest,” is a small hillside town that has long served as a starting point for trekkers heading to the Everest region.
This ancient trail to Everest holds historical significance, having been a key route for adventurers for decades. From Bhandar, the trail winds through traditional villages such as Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala, Khari Khola, and Puiyan before reaching Phakding.
Along the way, trekkers encounter diverse communities, including the Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, and Sherpa people. The journey offers a chance to experience warm hospitality, witness local traditions, and explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, providing a deep cultural insight into the mountain way of life.
This trek lasts about 18 to 21 days, allowing time for proper acclimatization while moving at a relaxed pace. The slow pace allows trekkers to connect with nature and observe the local way of life in the lower Khumbu region. Along the way, you will see the diverse landscapes of the Everest region, or “Khumbu,” which are filled with thick forests, small settlements, and peaceful riverbanks. The trail follows the course of several rivers, including the Dudh Koshi River and the Bhote Koshi River, which add a scenic beauty to the journey.
The view throughout this journey is truly breathtaking, with panoramic landscapes of the towering Himalayan peaks. The mountain include Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Thamserku. As you move through dense forests, cross suspension bridges, and pass through small villages, you’ll experience a variety of altitudes and climate zones, which give the trek a sense of adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard.
One of the highlights of this trek is the Lamjura Pass (3,530m), the highest point on the trail. Here you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding snowcapped himalayan mountains. Another unique feature of this trail is the chance to visit historic monasteries like Junbesi Gumba and Tengboche Monastery. These sites are not just beautiful but have great spiritual significance, housing ancient scriptures and paintings.
The food along the way reflects the culture of the Sherpa people and other mountain communities. Traditional meals like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and sherpa stew. Offering energy to trekkers while experiencing local flavors. There are also small teahouses where you can try popular foods from the area.
This route allows for gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, which is important for a safe journey to Everest Base Camp. Though many trekkers now fly to Lukla to start their trek. Following the Ancient Trail to Everest offers a more peaceful experience, with fewer people along the trail. This makes it a great choice for those looking for both a challenging trek and cultural immersion.
Following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, reaching Everest Base Camp becomes a proud accomplishment. Looking back at your journey, you’ll have a deep admiration for those who climbed to the top of the world. The adventure is truly a blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, making it a unique experience for trekkers. On your return back to Kathmandu you can take a scenic flight from Lukla while enjoying the Himalayan mountain views.
