Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi is old school trekking
On day two of the Pikey Peak trek I mentioned how the Pikey Peak trek is the new Jiri to Everest Base Camp trail. A legendary trail that saw Mount Everest be conquered. It’s also where trekkers today start from to avoid any flights on their trek to Everest. That old route bypassed Pikey Peak. It went from Bhandar eastwards to Sete to Junbesi. We went Bhandar then south to Namkheli.
While adding a day, the Pikey Peak route we took gives trekkers the great opportunity to see two mountain ranges in Nepal while continuing the famous route. For what amounts to a full 17 day+ trek, that one extra day is a great return on investment compared to the old route.
All of this will become more popular as roads continue to drive forward and spoil what trekkers want. The route we took will hopefully remain more pristine and give trekkers the best route. For those with no time or no interest in trekking the road networks in Dhap and Junbesi will provide the package commercial trekkers with quick ins and outs. Let’s see how all this develops in the coming years. In all cases, let’s hope they don’t put a “viewing tower” on one of the Pikey Peaks.
The route descends but the mountains remain
Forests thicken as you descend, adding to the enjoyment of this region. There are also more view points to enjoy the surrounding mountains. And again I will mention this being another reason why this route is well worth it over the Dhap route.
It’s the thick forest that impresses me as much as the scenic mountains behind them. Somehow despite farm expansion and firewood fuel they remain steadfast. Tree planting in the region is working as I can find saplings around many of the trails. This is where I’ll mention that for every paperback guidebook I sell, there’s a donation to planting trees. Yes, it’s a shameless plug but then again these are the only guidebooks that provide you with up-to-date information, are fully independent, impartial, and plant trees. I’m sure, just like my reviews and places, some other books will add tree planting soon enough! There, who says I can’t give them credit! Ouch.
Historic Junbesi
Junbesi village dates back to the 15th century when it was founded by Sherpas. It was set up and thrived as an agricultural town. This continued on until the 1950s when expeditions to Everest took off. Trekking lodges opened. And soon there were 12 teahouses in the village as agriculture took a back seat.
Then in 1965 Hillary and Tenzing opened up Lukla airport. Those mountaineers and trekkers coming through this village? Well they slowed to a crawl and Junbesi stagnated for a while. However, the agricultural background helped, and the village continued on without the influx of tourists and trekkers.
Today it’s obvious. Old trekking signs are dotted everywhere along Junbesi. Signs point north to Lukla and south to Phaplu. and the airport or the hub of Salleri. It’s here we must decide, trek on to Everest Base Camp? Go due south for a flight to Kathmandu or an hour further and hunt for a jeep heading to Kathmandu. Choices, Choices.
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