What is Jiri and Why is it Called the Switzerland of Nepal?
Jiri, a town located in the Dolakha District of Nepal, is known as the "Switzerland of Nepal" due to its natural beauty and mountainous landscape. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, Jiri is situated at an altitude of about 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rice terraces. The area is known for its trekking routes, which offer stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest. The town of Jiri is also a popular starting point for the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek, which is a popular alternative to the more crowded route that starts in Lukla. The town's name, "Jiri," is derived from the Tibetan word "jeiri," which means "beautiful valley." The comparison to Switzerland likely comes from the similarities in the mountainous terrain and natural beauty of both countries.
The first known foreigner to visit Jiri was the Swiss geologist Dr. Toni Hagen, who arrived there in 1950. Dr. Hagen started a trek route from Jiri to Lukla for economic empowerment. The 110 km route from Khandi Chaur to Jiri was blacktopped roughly 40 years ago as the number of tourists rose. Jiri outperformed other areas of the Dolakha district in terms of development from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Why Jiri Is An Ideal Place For Tourists
Jiri is a small village on the outskirts of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. It is a place that every tourist should visit at least once. The area is surrounded by mountains and hills and has many beautiful temples. If you are looking for some peace in your life, then this destination is perfect for you.
With the slogans Clean Jiri, Green Jiri, and Organic Jiri, Jiri is attempting to attract both internal and external tourists. Jiri's municipality has already invested funds in developing natural parks at the top of the Hills and improving the conditions of other important shrines and monasteries. In this part, we'll give you a quick tour of the top SEVEN stunning locations you should see while in Jiri Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
Jiri has also long served as the perfect gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek, guiding budget‑minded travelers through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages. From Jiri, you can embark on a journey that winds past terraced fields before ascending over Thorong La Pass, all while enjoying the authentic mountain culture that makes this region so special
Top SEVEN stunning locations you should see while in Jiri Valley:
- Cherdung Hill/ Dada: This hill is located at a height of 3200 feet above sea level. Jiri's Linkan Bazaar is the ideal hiking location. Getting to the summit of the hill from the bazaar takes around 6 hours of hiking. The hiking trail is made up of winding routes through lush forests and deep, lush valleys. Despite how exhausting the hike is, once at the summit, many forget their fatigue. With views of the hills and scenery of the Himalayas, you will be able to unwind your weary mind, spirit, and body.
- Kalo Veer in Jiri: It is located on the way to Cherdung and is roughly a 4-hour journey from the Jiri market. Three of the largest towns—Charikot, Dolakha, and Jiri—can be seen from this high station. It is the sizable slab of granite that sticks out of the top of the cliff. Standing on the peak is challenging due to the steep slope.
- The Linkan Baazar- a well-known market in Dolakha: The market's range of organic, fresh, healthful, and clean foods is its main selling point. Tourists may also get the renowned yak cheese and churpi in the market (a snack produced by drying the cheese in the sun).
- Jiri Fish Pond: It is located in the center of a picturesque valley surrounded by grassland, hills, and mountain ranges. The trout fish in the pond are excellent and fresh. Tourists may eat these trout fish at several Jiri eateries that are owned and operated locally.
- Buddha Park- The park at the top: At the top of the Jiri valley is where Buddha Park is located. The park is well-known among local tourists because so few foreign visitors are aware of it. At the summit of the hill stands a golden statue of Gautam Buddha that is encircled by Buddhist sacred clothing and flags.
- Rameta Danda- the picnic spot: Another name for it is the picnic Danda. It takes around 30 minutes to get there from Linkan Bazaar.
Why Every Nepalese Should Visit Jiri At Least Once In Their Lifetime
Jiri is a small town in the mountains of Nepal, one of the country's oldest capitals. It is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal. From its ancient temples to its picturesque scenery, this place has a lot to offer any traveler.
If you are Nepalese and have never visited Jiri before, then you should add it to your bucket list. You will not regret it!
This town has been developing rapidly in the last few years and was not known to the people of other districts before it was under the Swiss Development Assistance. It is 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and is bordered by: Mali, Jugu, Gairimudi, Thulopatal, Sunkhani, Namdu, Dolkha Bhimsen, Priti, Chaulakharka, and Ragani. The Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple and the Dolakha Bhimsenthan Temple are also frequented by travelers visiting Jiri.
Jiri Valley is a remote and sparsely populated area in the Himalayan mountains. It is located in the eastern part of Nepal. The valley is surrounded by high mountains and has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters.
The valley is home to many ethnic groups, including Gurungs, Tamangs, Newars, Thakalis, and Sherpas. Jiri takes up 211.25 km of the land area and is located at elevations ranging from 1649 m to 5341 m above sea level.
The population of this municipality is 15,515, with 53.15% women and 46.03% males, according to data from the National Census of 2068. The population of the municipality is made up of people from many ethnic and religions. 4,366 Chettri, who have the highest ethical standards, are followed by 3,360 Jirel and 2,792 Sherpa (21.66% and 18%).
For those looking to stray off the beaten path, Jiri also offers easy access to the rugged traverse of the Manaslu Circuit trek, where fewer crowds and untamed landscapes await. This route takes you through hidden valleys and remote hamlets, giving you a true sense of adventure—and the chance to support local communities along the way.
General Information:
- The best time to visit Jiri is between the months of March and October. Jiri is a hilly location with a beautiful temperature all year round.
- You can reach Jiri by Air, Jiri Airport runs domestic flights to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is 200 kilometers from Jiri and is Nepal's main airport, with connections to many locations all over the world.
- As an alternative, you can also use the roadways. Jiri can be reached from various regions of Nepal by a variety of buses, taxis, cabs, and minivans. Hotels in Jiri also offer transportation services to a number of tourist attractions.
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Jiri : Switzerland of Nepal experience:
