The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is a 10-day trip in Kathmandu (via Kathmandu-Jiri drive), rated moderate difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Thodung - 3,091m (10,141 ft). The best time to do this trip is Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Mar - May). The package includes group sizes of 1–12 people, community teahouses and homestays accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily on trail.
| Country | Kathmandu (via Kathmandu-Jiri drive) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Max Elevation | Thodung - 3,091m (10,141 ft) |
| Duration | 10 |
| Best Time | Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Mar - May) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily on trail |
| Accommodation | Community teahouses and homestays |
| Group Size | 1–12 people |
The Numbur Cheese Circuit is a community-developed trekking trail through the Sherpa villages of the Everest foothills, named for the traditional cheese-making cooperatives that have operated in this region for generations. Starting from the Jiri roadhead - the same historic starting point used by early Everest expeditions before the Lukla airstrip existed - the circuit climbs through rhododendron forest and high pasture beneath Numbur Himal (6,959m), staying in community-run teahouses and homestays that keep tourism revenue within the villages themselves. This is a trek for travellers who have already done Everest Base Camp or Gokyo and want a genuinely quiet alternative with strong cultural immersion.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit takes its name from the region's traditional Swiss-style cheese factories, established decades ago in the hills below Numbur peak, and offers a genuinely off-the-beaten-path alternative to the busier Everest foothills trails. Starting from the old Jiri roadhead rather than a Lukla flight, this 10-day route combines Sherpa and Rai village culture with rolling hill scenery and distant Everest-region views.
This trek suits trekkers wanting genuine cultural immersion and quiet trails over high-altitude drama, with a moderate difficulty profile reaching just 3,091 metres at Thodung. It is well suited to those wanting to avoid Lukla flight uncertainty entirely by driving to the Jiri trailhead instead.
| Trek | Duration | Max Altitude | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numbur Cheese Circuit | 10 days | 3,091m | Jiri (drive) |
| Pikey Peak | 6 days | Similar range | Jiri area (drive) |
Both treks avoid the Lukla flight entirely, with Numbur Cheese Circuit offering a longer, more culturally immersive route compared to Pikey Peak's shorter Everest-panorama focus.
View Himalaya's Numbur Cheese Circuit packages start from USD 780 per person, including guide, porter, accommodation, and trail meals. Contact View Himalaya for current group rates.
Everything about this trip was handled professionally. Our guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable. A particular highlight for us was community-run homestays that channel tourism revenue directly to local families. Booking through View Himalaya made all the logistics completely stress-free.
A trip we will be talking about for years. The guide's local knowledge added so much depth to the trip. A particular highlight for us was close views of the Numbur and Karyolung peaks. Booking through View Himalaya made all the logistics completely stress-free.
Could not have asked for a smoother experience. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was community-run homestays that channel tourism revenue directly to local families. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. The guide's local knowledge added so much depth to the trip. A particular highlight for us was close views of the Numbur and Karyolung peaks. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
