Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley

The Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek is a challenging and remote Himalayan adventure that combines high mountain pass crossing with the cultural richness of the classic Jiri approach to Everest. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through traditional villages, lush hill landscapes, and rugged alpine terrain before crossing the dramatic Yalung La Pass, offering spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Organized by Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking wilderness, cultural immersion, and a true expedition-style trekking experience in Nepal.

The Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek is a demanding and adventurous journey designed for experienced trekkers who wish to explore Nepal’s remote Himalayan landscapes beyond the popular trekking routes. This unique trek combines the historic Jiri Valley trail—often known as the classic approach to Everest—with the thrilling crossing of the high-altitude Yalung La Pass, offering an exceptional blend of cultural discovery, wilderness trekking, and dramatic mountain scenery.

The trek typically begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, passing through terraced farmlands, rolling hills, and traditional rural settlements. The Jiri Valley is rich in culture and history, with villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities such as Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai. Trekking through this region provides an authentic insight into rural Nepali life, with stone houses, monasteries, prayer wheels, and ancient trade routes that were once used by early Everest expeditions.

As the trail ascends higher, the landscape gradually transforms from lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine into rugged alpine terrain. Crossing the Yalung La Pass is the highlight of the trek, demanding good physical fitness, careful acclimatization, and a strong sense of adventure. From the pass, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and remote valleys, creating a true high-mountain experience.

Due to its remote nature and challenging route, the Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This makes it an ideal choice for trekkers seeking solitude, pristine nature, and an expedition-style adventure. The journey also provides opportunities to encounter diverse flora and fauna, high pastures, yak herders, and isolated mountain settlements rarely visited by outsiders.

Organized by Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure, this trek is carefully planned with experienced guides, proper logistics, and a focus on safety and acclimatization. The Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek is perfect for adventurous trekkers looking to combine Nepal’s rich mountain culture with a challenging and unforgettable Himalayan crossing.

Region
Nepal
Duration
16 days
Level
hard
Max Altitude
5,310
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
Sept to Nov and Mar to May
Starting From
$ 2525
Nepal New Generation Trek Offer this coat more then 2 People
Brief Introduction

The Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek is a remote and challenging Himalayan adventure that takes trekkers deep into the heart of Nepal’s untouched mountain regions. Combining the historic Jiri Valley route—once the original gateway to Everest—with the demanding crossing of the high-altitude Yalung La Pass, this trek offers a rare opportunity to experience both cultural heritage and raw alpine wilderness.

Organized by Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure, the trek leads through traditional hill villages, dense forests, and high mountain landscapes, gradually ascending toward isolated alpine terrain and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints. Designed for experienced and adventure-seeking trekkers, the Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek promises solitude, cultural immersion, and a true expedition-style trekking experience in Nepal.

Highlight Title – Yalung La Pass and Jiri Valley Trek | Nepal New Generation Trek
  • Historic Jiri Valley route, the classic approach to Everest

  • Challenging crossing of the high-altitude Yalung La Pass

  • Remote and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience

  • Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and valleys

  • Authentic rural villages and rich Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai culture

  • Diverse landscapes from terraced hills to alpine wilderness

  • Ideal expedition-style trek for experienced trekkers

  • Fully organized and guided by Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure

Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1: Arrival in Kathmandu  
The journey begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our company representative will meet you at Nepal New Generation Trek airport and then transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.
Days: 02: Guided Tour in Kathmandu Valley  
After a hearty breakfast, at 8:30 am, your sightseeing tour will begin. You will have a private vehicle and a professional guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some of the heritage sites listed below: Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Although you are not allowed to enter the temple as it is strictly reserved for Hindus, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a two-tiered square pagoda temple built on a single-tiered plinth which is famous all over the world. Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal vigil over people and their actions. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet circling the stupa spinning the prayer wheels. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the royal residential area of ​​Bhupatindra Malla, the famous five-storied Nyatapola Temple in the pagoda-style Batsala Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Duttatraya Temple, Pujari Muth and the 55-window palace. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and last-minute shopping in the Thamel region for the bulk of the trek. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast included.
Days: 3 : Drive to Chechet and Trek to Simigaun [2,036m/6,682ft]  
After an early breakfast, we'll drive to Chechet, the starting point of our trek. The drive offers scenic views of terraced fields and traditional villages. Upon arrival in Chechet, we'll begin our trek to Simigaun, a charming village nestled amidst lush greenery. The trail is moderate, allowing you to acclimate gradually. Overnight in Simigaun.
Days: 4 : Trek to Dhongang [2,800m/9,189ft]  
Leaving Simigaun, we trek through dense forests and along rivers, gradually ascending to Dhongang. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna along the way. Overnight in Dhongang.
Days: 5 : Trek to Beding [3,790m/12,437ft]  
Today's trek takes us to Bedding, the largest settlement in the Rolwaling Valley. The trail follows the Rolwaling River and offers spectacular views of Gauri Shankar and other peaks. Bedding is rich in cultural heritage, and you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local Sherpa community. Overnight in Bedding.
Days: 6 : Trek to Na [4,200m/13,783ft]  
We continue our trek to Na, a summer village situated at the foot of the surrounding mountains. The trail today is shorter but steeper, helping with our acclimatization process. Upon arrival, you'll have time to explore the village and enjoy the panoramic views. Overnight in Na.
Days: 7 : Acclimatization in Na [4,200m/13,783ft]  
A crucial day for acclimatization. We'll spend the day in Na, taking short hikes to higher elevations and returning to sleep at a lower altitude. This process is essential to prepare our bodies for the higher altitudes to come. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and rest well. Overnight in Na.
Days: 8 : Trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp [4,900m/16,067ft]  
Today, we trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp, gaining significant altitude. The path is rugged and challenging, but the views are immensely rewarding. Upon reaching the base camp, we'll set up for the night and make final preparations for tomorrow's summit attempt. Overnight at Yalung Ri Base Camp.
Days: 9: Today, we trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp,  
gaining significant altitude. The path is rugged and challenging, but the views are immensely rewarding. Upon reaching the base camp, we'll set up for the night and make final preparations for tomorrow's summit attempt. Overnight at Yalung Ri Base Camp
Days: 10: Crossing the Yalung la pass (5,310 m).  
The path is first on scree, weaving between huge blocks of rock, then comes to a fairly steep slope of around 250 metres that is climbed by ledges and easy rocks. A few metres of fixed ropes can be installed to secure the progress, especially for the porters with their loads. Breathtaking view and lunch at the top of the pass. A long descent on scree and moraines leads to the place called Yalung Kharka where the camp will be set up in mountain pastures, the end of the world in a hollow in the mountain. View of the Cho Oyu at the bottom of the Rolwaling valley. approximately 6 h + 345 m / - 1,040 m approximately 4,240 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in a tent
Days: 11: Hanbu Kharka to Yala Kharka  
A ridge path allows you to cross Deorali III (4,535 m) which gives access to a large valley of alpine pastures and rocks from the second pass of the day: the Honobu Pass (4,436 m). A convenient and well-marked path gives access to the pass with its large chörtens. Descent by a stony path at first, then grassy to Yala Kharka, a convenient location for the camp, on a flat area with water. approximately 6 h + 570 m / - 750 m approximately 3,811 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in a tent
Days: 12: Yala Kharka To Larpak Danda  
Still on the ridges, it is a big roller coaster that dictates our movement. The large masts covered with prayer flags become more numerous. The human presence is felt, even if the shepherds have already abandoned the pastures for many weeks… In the distance appears the Manaslu, the last 8,000 visible from this route. about 4 h + 570 m / - 750 m about 3,810 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in a tent
Days: 13: Larpak Danda to Chordun Danda  
The path continues on the ridges, in alpine pastures covered with gentians and with very beautiful clear views of the landscapes and valleys of Rolwaling. The good path goes up and down according to the relief, passing many ridges and small passes. Camp on a ridge at Chordun Danda. about 5 h + 675 m / - 940 m about 3,520 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in a tent
Days: 14 Chordin Danda to Jiri Bazaar  
Dernière journée dans ce monde sauvage et longue descente sur Jiri, quelques 1 800 mètres plus bas. Le chemin descend d’abord à travers une forêt de rhododendrons puis gagne vers 2 000 mètres les premières habitations vues depuis une semaine. Champs de millets cultivés en terrasses et labours seront le cadre de la fin de la descente jusqu’à Jiri, gros bourg commerçant et terminus de la route venant de Kathmandu. environ 4 h + 20 m / - 1 530 m environ 1 920 m Repas : petit-déjeuner – déjeuner – dîner Hébergement : nuit en lodge
Days: 15 : Jiri Bazaar to Kathmandu  
The distance between Kathmandu and Jiri is 90 km. The road distance is 186.3 km. How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Jiri? It takes approximately 2h 57m to drive 186.3 km from Kathmandu to Jiri Drive to Kathmandu by private bus and check in at the hotel. by private vehicle approximately 6 hrs Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner free (not included) Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Days: 16 : Airport Transfer  
The airport representative from Nepal New Generation Family will transport you to Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart. Meals: Breakfast included.
Reservation & Date
Friday
03 Jan 2025
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
$175 Off
$2525
$2700
10 Seats
Available
Services Included
  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu

  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary

  • Trekking permits and necessary conservation/region fees

  • Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide

  • Porter service (as per group size) with porter insurance

  • Accommodation during the trek (tea houses / lodges)

  • Three meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Guide and porter meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance

  • First-aid medical kit carried by the guide

  • All applicable government taxes and service charges

  • Pre-trek briefing and assistance throughout the trek

Services Excluded
  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu

  • Nepal entry visa fees

  • Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)

  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing

  • Extra meals and drinks in Kathmandu

  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and bottled drinks during the trek

  • Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, tips, etc.)

  • Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, health, or unforeseen circumstances

  • Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory)

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

crossing the yalung la pass (5500 m asl), you head south through vast and untouched himalayan landscapes, along wide ridges and through deep valleys, until you reach the mountain town of jiri, lovingly called the “switzerland of nepal”, where swiss development work began way back in the 1950ies.

You will pass remote villages, high pastures, and rocky landscapes The final stretch includes crossing the Yalung La Pass (a high mountain pass) After crossing the pass, the trek descends toward the destination valley