Gorak Shep (5164m) – Last village before Everest Base Camp

Gorak Shep is a village near a frozen lake at an altitude of 5164 meters above sea level, not far from Everest. It lies in the Solukhumbu district of Eastern Nepal. A height above 5000 m means where the air is thinner and where the sensations are carried away. The landscape is spectacular, and the possibilities for excursions are numerous.

In the Sherpa language, Gorakshep means dead raven, as the topography is unsuitable for farming or agriculture. The residents, therefore, are engaged in the service of tourists and climbers as porters or guides. Gorak Shep is the last stationary settlement on the path to Everest Base Camp.

Gorakshep has a mountain shelter for porters and climbers and a high-mountain hotel. At this elevation, few people feel agreeable, and many experience altitude sickness symptoms. The best months for mountain hiking in this area is spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons,  the visibility of the highest peaks is perfect, and the temperature is not too low.

In winter (December to February), hiking is also possible; but most mountain huts and hotels are closed, the trails are covered with snow, and it can be freezing. Despite the remoteness, few tea houses and lodges have WIFI connections, and the NCELL 3G network is also accessible for better internet connection.

There is also a project for the production and use of biogas. The territory of the dry lake is used for the burial of waste carried by the Sherpas from Everest.

Attractions in Gorak Shep

Amid the glacial geography of Gorak Shep, you can see up to Tibet with the magnificent spectacle of the Lho La glacier and the Changtse. It also gives away the path to Kala Patthar, which lies 5545 m above sea level.

With the cozy lodges and internet connection, you can easily wait for the bad weather to pass. When the crystal blue sky gets visible, you can forget everything and get seduced by the sublime view of Pumori and Nepal’s black rock Kala Patthar.

The path toward the Everest Base camp is rewarded with striking views of Thamserku, Khumbu glacier, and Mount Everest. The helicopter flying very close to the ground due to the altitude is also an adventurous sight.

The difficulty level of hiking Gorak Shep

The trek to and at Gorak Shep is not technically challenging as it follows passable paths free of danger, where you do not need snow equipment or climbing notions. The difficulty lies in its height and adaptability in this trek, so the trekkers will require a significant effort physically and mentally to overcome its height.

Lobuche to Gorak Shep

The distance from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is just 4.5 km which you can cross by hiking within 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you have time to spare and the weather allows, you can also visit Italian Pyramid- a research station.

The way to Gorakshep first leads over the high alpine steppe-like terrain between the moraine and slope. Gradually, however, you find yourself right in the glacier outlet. You can hear the glacial milk flowing under the ground, and you know that the sand you walk on is only the top layer of a glacier. You are finally rewarded by the sight of Gorak Shep in front of the highest mountains on earth, bordering the tongue of the Khumbu glacier and under the watchful eye of the Nuptse massif.

Gorakshep gazes up at Kala Patthar, a rugged peak that rises above a strange sea of sand and is known for revealing the mythical surrounding mountains.

Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp

The journey from Gorak Shep to the Everest Base Camp takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours between yaks carrying everything (luggage, fuel canisters, mountain equipment, etc.).

Around the scattered camps, prayer flags flap in the wind. Straight ahead, the Khumbu Glacier stretches languidly. The base camp is where the different expeditions settle to prepare for the ascents to the peaks.

The base camp is the end of the comforts. At the same time, it is the beginning of the dreams of those who yearn to reach the summit. From here, the expeditions leave loaded with nerves, emotions, and the uncertainty of knowing if they will succeed or if the mountain will finally break them. Regardless of the result, returning to base camp implies celebration or having new opportunities in the future.