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

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.

This “small” ascend took me 45 minutes. It was right after Lobuche, about 2,5 hours to Gorak Shep, and everyone was going slowly.

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.

Gorakshep Village

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.