The road less travelled:
Witness the magnificence of Switzerland in Nepal
If you need to take a short break from your hectic schedule, Jiri could be a fantastic choice. A small village in Dolakha district, Jiri is 184km (six-to eight hour drive) from Kathmandu. Nestled at an altitude of 1,905 meters (6,250 feet); blessed with spectacular landscapes, snow-covered hills, and green grasslands, it has rightfully earned its title as ‘The Switzerland of Nepal’.
Allure of Jiri
Beautiful Houses
The idea that ‘small is beautiful’ holds true for houses in Jiri, which are built on the Swiss model. The small beautiful houses in the midst of the green hills make it a picture perfect place to relax and unwind.
Natural bliss
The amazing landscape, snow-covered hills and green grasslands are an eternal attraction for visitors to Jiri. Surrounded by beautiful forests and hills that enjoy snow fall in winter, Jiri has a charm that is hard to resist. To the North and South, the Cherdung and Tame hills are usually snow covered, while the Jiri khola flows through the heart of the valley.
Jolly Jirels
One of the most pleasing things about Jiri is its extremely warm and hospitable people. The locals, known as ‘Jirels’, are always jolly and happy to greet visitors.
Classic route to Everest
Jiri is the trail for many treks into the Everest region. The trek to Lukla takes about seven to eight days from Jiri. All early Everest expeditions, including the successful first summit by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, passed through Jiri. Hence, it is also popularly known as the “gateway to Mount Everest”.
Things to do
> View the majestic Himalayan range that borders Tibet. You can enjoy panoramic view of mountains peaks like the Ganesh Himal in the Everest range.
> Interact with various ethnic groups in the area and enjoy warm hospitality and local culture.
> Hike to the Swiss cheese factory.
> Observe the variety of flora and fauna in the area.
> Attend adventure activities such as peak climbing; rock climbing, alpine trekking, rafting and kayaking in Rolwaling and Tamakosi Valley, along the way to Jiri.
Fact Sheet
Himalayan Peaks: Ganesh Himal, Everest range
Climate: 10 C to 25 C (may fall to -5 C to -10 C in winter)
Accommodation: Plenty of hotels and lodges
Accessibility: Public/Private transportation
Communication: Telephone/ Internet
Best time: February to April, September to November
How to get there
There are express and micro bus services from Old Bus Park and Koteshwor, while the direct flight from Kathmandu to Jiri is no longer in service.
Witness the magnificence of Switzerland in Nepal
If you need to take a short break from your hectic schedule, Jiri could be a fantastic choice. A small village in Dolakha district, Jiri is 184km (six-to eight hour drive) from Kathmandu. Nestled at an altitude of 1,905 meters (6,250 feet); blessed with spectacular landscapes, snow-covered hills, and green grasslands, it has rightfully earned its title as ‘The Switzerland of Nepal’.
Allure of Jiri
Beautiful Houses
The idea that ‘small is beautiful’ holds true for houses in Jiri, which are built on the Swiss model. The small beautiful houses in the midst of the green hills make it a picture perfect place to relax and unwind.
Natural bliss
The amazing landscape, snow-covered hills and green grasslands are an eternal attraction for visitors to Jiri. Surrounded by beautiful forests and hills that enjoy snow fall in winter, Jiri has a charm that is hard to resist. To the North and South, the Cherdung and Tame hills are usually snow covered, while the Jiri khola flows through the heart of the valley.
Jolly Jirels
One of the most pleasing things about Jiri is its extremely warm and hospitable people. The locals, known as ‘Jirels’, are always jolly and happy to greet visitors.
Classic route to Everest
Jiri is the trail for many treks into the Everest region. The trek to Lukla takes about seven to eight days from Jiri. All early Everest expeditions, including the successful first summit by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, passed through Jiri. Hence, it is also popularly known as the “gateway to Mount Everest”.
Things to do
> View the majestic Himalayan range that borders Tibet. You can enjoy panoramic view of mountains peaks like the Ganesh Himal in the Everest range.
> Interact with various ethnic groups in the area and enjoy warm hospitality and local culture.
> Hike to the Swiss cheese factory.
> Observe the variety of flora and fauna in the area.
> Attend adventure activities such as peak climbing; rock climbing, alpine trekking, rafting and kayaking in Rolwaling and Tamakosi Valley, along the way to Jiri.
Fact Sheet
Himalayan Peaks: Ganesh Himal, Everest range
Climate: 10 C to 25 C (may fall to -5 C to -10 C in winter)
Accommodation: Plenty of hotels and lodges
Accessibility: Public/Private transportation
Communication: Telephone/ Internet
Best time: February to April, September to November
How to get there
There are express and micro bus services from Old Bus Park and Koteshwor, while the direct flight from Kathmandu to Jiri is no longer in service.
