Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking is a classic version of the Everest trek used by early expeditions before airstrips were built in Lukla and Phaplu. The trail start with a interesting drive to Jiri and pass through numerous villages of different ethnic groups including Tamang, Jirel, Rai, Brahmin, Chettri and Sherpa until you reach Phalding where you join the main route to the Everest Base Camp. Although less trekkers are using this route, frequent cancellation of flights to/from Lukla is making this a sensible option. This is a fairly long and strenuous trek but for those less able, the extra days of walking at lower altitude helps in getting fit and properly accimatised before reaching the higher altitude above Namche Bazaar.