Jiri

From Free net encyclopedia

Jiri (जिरी) is a town in Dolkha District in eastern Nepal. Jiri lies at an altitude of 1,905 metres (6,250 feet) and is the eastern-most terminus of the highway coming from Kathmandu. Bus service is available from Kathmandu but the 150+ km ride takes 6 to 8 hours due to narrow, winding roads and army checkpoints along the way. A company of the Royal Nepalese Army is stationed in town and visitors' equipment and backpacks may be searched. There are a number of lodges available along either side of the main road.

As the closest roadhead, Jiri is now the starting point for many treks into the Mount Everest region. The trek to Lukla will take seven or eight days.

Sir Edmund Hillary passed through Jiri when he and Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of Everest in 1953.

Jiri is the home of an ethnic group called the Jirels.