Gorakshep Village (5,164m) is the very last village before the Everest Base Camp and is an essential village for the trekkers in the Everest region and a final place of respite before making your final ascent to base camp. Gorakshep sits between the Pumori and Nuptse mountains, and you can see Everest and Lhotse to your left and Lingtren and Changtse to your right. Lodging in Gorakshep is limited to a few lodges, guesthouses, and teahouses, each of which will provide basic but decent accommodation for trekkers spending the night in Gorakshep. There is also a small stupa and a few places selling trekking essentials.
The distance from Gorakshep to EBC is roughly 4.5km, which generally takes one to three hours to walk. The conditions in Gorakshep are harsh with the thin air, freezing at night, and the weather changes swiftly, so preparation and acclimatization is necessary. The name, "Gorak Shep," is derived from Sherpa language, meaning "dead raven," symbolizing the area's harsh conditions. Historically, Gorakshep was Camp Base in the 1950s, including the first summit of Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953. Gorakshep remains the last stop before Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Gorakshep base camp lodges and trekkers with Himalayan mountains backdrop
In this blog, we will describe the Gorakshep altitude and the challenges involved, we will explain Gorakshep weather details and what to expect from Gorakshep accommodation, as well as the Gorakshep to EBC distance and staying overnight in Gorakshep, and also why this village is the final stop before Everest Base Camp. We aim to allow trekkers to better prepare and plan their trek.
Where is Gorakshep Located?
Gorakshep Village is a small settlement in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal, situated along the Everest Base Camp trekking route. It is at a height of 5,164 meters (16,942 feet), which makes it one of the highest villages in the world.
Trekkers reach Gorakshep Village typically after 7–8 days of trekking from Lukla through Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche. It is the last settlement before Base Camp and is an important place to stop to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the final trek to EBC and Kala Patthar.
Why is Gorakshep Famous on the Everest Trek?
Gorakshep is well-known on the Everest Trek route because it is the last stopping point before actually reaching Everest Base Camp. Located at 5,164 meters (or 16,942 feet) in elevation, Gorakshep is the highest permanent settlement on the trek, suitable for much-needed rest and acclimatization before making the final climb to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. Trekkers will also start the hike to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep to enjoy stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Cho-Oyu at the summit of Kala Patthar.
In the past, climbers relied on Gorakshep as the original base camp, before the current Everest Base Camp was used, including during the 1953 expedition of Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Gorakshep is important both in its utility as a resting point at high altitude, and a marker of climbing heritage, and is thus an important and famous site on the Everest trekking route.
Yak caravan carrying supplies through Gorakshep valley in Everest region
How Far is Gorakshep from Everest Base Camp?
Gorakshep to EBC is approximately 8 km away. Trekkers can complete this stretch in 2 to 3 hours, depending on the weather, and the trail's physical conditions. The trail is mostly gradual, but it can also be a strenuous environment due to the high altitude.
Many trekkers will hike this distance to EBC from Gorakshep in a day trip, returning to Gorakshep for overnight accommodations. This final portion of the Everest Base Camp trek captures immense views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding Himalayan peaks, which becomes a spectacular and memorable part of the trek.
How Far is Gorakshep from Kala Patthar?
Kala Patthar is located about 3.5km from Gorakshep and trekkers usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the top (depending on the weather conditions and their pace). The route is steep and rocky and must be navigated carefully, but it is mostly straightforward for trekkers who were properly acclimatized. Kala Patthar is listed as one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, offering unobstructed views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam at high altitude.
The trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar is usually done in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Himalaya peaks. The trek offers some of the best and most viewable sights on the Everest Base Camp trek, and Kala Patthar is a location every trekker should visit to fulfill that high-altitude experience when trekking in Nepal.
What to Expect in Gorakshep Village?
Gorakshep Landscape and Surroundings at High Altitude
The village is situated on a sandy and rocky plain bordered by towering mountains including Pumori, Nuptse, Lingtren, Changtse, and Mount Everest. The land seems barren and is mostly void of any vegetation because of the high elevation. The weather in Gorakshep is cold the entire year with rapidly changing weather conditions. Trekkers will feel the high winds, cold nights, and dry air. However, the clear skies gives spectacular views of Everest & the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation in Gorakshep Teahouses
In Gorakshep there are only a few basic teahouses/lodges similar to the other accommodation in Everest base camp trek, which each have small rooms with wooden beds and blankets; the toilets are shared. There are no great luxuries, but the teahouses offer sufficient comfort for one night's stay. Some teahouses also have hot showers and electricity, although these are often at additional charges. Lodges provide heating sometime in the communal dining areas, but typically use traditional stoves burning yak dung to keep trekkers warm at night.
Food and Water in Gorakshep Nepal
Food options in Gorakshep are simple and resemble other high elevation teahouses. Popular meal options in Everest region inlcuding Gorakshep include dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, and potatoes. Because food is transported up by yaks and porters, food prices are higher than lower villages. Bottled water is for sale but again, expensive, so many hikers will use water purification tablets or filters for tap water. Staying hydrated is very important at altitude to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Mountain lodges and teahouses at Gorakshep Everest Base Camp area
What are Things to Do in Gorakshep?
Trek to Everest Base Camp
The trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp is about 8 kilometers and takes typically 2 – 3 hours. This last part of the trek to Everest Base Camp is mostly gradual but passes relatively close to the Khumbu Glacier. Trekkers will enjoy breathtaking views of all the surrounding Himalayan peaks and glacial ice. Most trekkers return to Gorakshep to sleep, as this is the only reasonable option for sleeping prior to the trek down.
Hike to Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar (5,545m) is approximately 3.5 kilometers from Gorakshep and is probably the best viewpoint in all of Nepal. Trekkers typically will start the hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise over Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. While the trail is steep and rocky enough to require reasonable fitness, acclimating in Gorakshep beforehand will help make the hike safer. The viewpoint provides a complete panoramic view of the Everest region and is not an activity to be missed for trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Rest and Acclimatization
Take some time in Gorakshep to acclimatize to the altitude. Trekkers will generally spend at least one night in Gorakshep which allows them to better acclimatize their bodies and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. While here, it is very important to stay hydrated, eat regularly and avoid strenuous activity. Short walks around Gorakshep will help you acclimatize, but rest is ultimately the best way to prepare for the hike to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar.
Enjoy the Gorakshep Landscape
The area around Gorakshep is full of rocky hills, glaciers, and high mountains. Trekkers have the option of walking around the village to take in the views, take some pictures, and see the Khumbu Glacier up close. Short walks around Gorakshep help you prepare for the last hiking moments while experiencing the unique beauty of the area. You can also see neighboring peaks such as Pumori and Nuptse.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness in Gorakshep
Gorakshep is a significant acclimatization stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. Trekkers spend some time to give their bodies a chance to acclimatize to the high altitude before they make the final climb to Everest Base Camp or hike to Kala Patthar. Acclimatization is important for reducing the risks of altitude sickness that may result from low oxygen at these conditions.
Some common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised to rest, remain hydrated, and do not push themselves too hard in Gorakshep. Spending one, or two nights at Gorakshep allows the body to acclimatize gradually and will make the next part of the trek safer and easier. Trekkers should pay attention to severe altitude sickness symptoms and descend immediately if their condition worsens.
Himalayan birds on rocks near Gorakshep in Everest trekking region
Money and Facilities in Gorakshep Village
Gorakshep Village offers trekkers very limited facilities. There are no banks or ATMs in Gorakshep and trekkers will need to have withdrawn enough cash in Lukla, or at other major stops, to last their entire stay without being able to access more cash, as needed. The tea houses offer basic meals, snacks and boiled hot drinks, and provide very limited, slow services at slightly higher priced selections. The costliness is simply due to the remoteness of the location.
Access to electricity and the internet is minimal, with some tea houses offering to allow guests to use the WiFi signal or charge their devices, for a limited period of time, at a fee. Water is available, but usually the trekkers are instructed to purify or boil the water to make sure it is safe for drinking. Trekkers will want to plan ahead, carry enough cash, and keep in mind the basic amenities, as Gorakshep will be primarily a rest and acclimatization stop on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Gorakshep vs Lobuche – Where to Stay Before EBC?
Trekkers need to stop in Gorakshep before heading to Everest Base Camp since it is the last settlement on the route. If trekkers spend the night in Gorakshep, they can start early and complete the hike to Everest Base Camp, which is only 8 kilometers from the village. If trekkers attempted to spend the night in Lobuche instead, it would be difficult to reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in a single day, as the distance and the altitude gain from Lobuche is too much effort for most trekkers to consider doing it in a single day safely.
Gorakshep does provide basic tea houses for rest and meals, which makes this the practical and necessary stop for the last leg of the trek. Staying in Gorakshep allows trekkers to be well-rested and properly acclimated for both the hike to Everest Base Camp and the climb to the Kala Patthar summit, thus contributing to the safety and feasibility of both climbs.
FAQs
What is the altitude of Gorakshep Village?
Gorakshep Village, situated at around 5,164 meters (16,942 ft) above sea level, is one of the highest village on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Where is Gorakshep located on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Gorakshep is located on the last part of the trek, approximately 4.5 km from Everest Base Camp. It is the last village on the route for food and lodging.
What is the best time to stay in Gorakshep?
The best time to stop in Gorakshep is during the main trekking seasons; spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the skies are clear with safer trekking conditions.
Are there toilets in Gorakshep tea houses, and are they safe?
Yes, the teahouses in Gorakshep provide toilets, though they are mostly shared toilets of a basic nature. They are safe to use, but wouldn't be considered clean or modern facilities.
Can I buy trekking gear or essentials in Gorakshep?
There are a couple minor shops selling limited items, including a few snacks, bottled drinks, and some basic supplies. If you are looking to purchase gear while trekking, the best place to buy or rent is in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar.
How do trekkers deal with the cold nights in Gorakshep?
Trekkers combat the cold weather using sleeping bags, warm clothing, and additional blankets supplied by the teahouses. The dining rooms utilize yak-dung stoves for heating, while the bedrooms provide no heating source.
Can I see wildlife near Gorakshep Village?
Wildlife is limited and includes rare species suited for the higher altitudes; Tracked birds include ravens, snow pigeons, and Himalayan choughs. Larger species are scarce in the region.
Trekkers walking near glacial lake at Gorakshep with Everest mountain views
Conclusion
Gorakshep Village, located below the well-known Kala Patthar, marks the last stop before trekking to Everest Base Camp and is an essential stop for acclimatizing and resting. A night in Gorakshep will allow you to adapt to the altitude and help avoid altitude sickness as you trek to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar. There are basic tea houses in Gorakshep Village to accommodate you for sleeping, meals, and resting, although facilities are relatively basic.
We will have time to explore the landscape around us, see glaciers and mountains, and take some shorter walks to prepare for the final trek. From Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp, it is about 8 kilometers and to Kala Patthar it is about 3.5 kilometers. If you are planning a trek in the Everest region, it is essential to plan logistics, and a guide and support.
Reach out to Himalayan Recreation for specific professional guidance and packages, and support, to make your Everest Base Camp trek safe, organized, and memorable.
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