Where is Gorak Shep Village?
Gorakshep Nepal, at an altitude of 5,164 meters, rests in the lap of the world's highest mountains. This small settlement falls within Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the last stop with accommodations on the Everest Base Camp trek. Traditionally, Gorakshep was the base camp for Mount Everest. Today, it is more of a starting point for trekkers on day hikes either to Everest Base Camp or to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint that offers spectacular close-up views of Mount Everest. The village is isolated, and facilities are very basic, befitting its nature as a high-altitude trekking hub rather than a permanent residential village.
Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp Distance
The distance between Gorakshep to everest Base Camp is short but takes about 2-3 hours to hike uphill. The gorakshep altitude is high and the trail leads over rocky terrain at an approximate area of 3.5 km (2.2 miles in length), having Gorakshep at about 5,164 meters (16,942 feet) while Everest Base Camp is at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Gorakshep Village to Kalapatthar Distance
Kala Patthar stands at 5,644 meters (18,519 feet), and the hike from Gorakshep to the Kala Patthar is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles). Although the distance is short, the trail is very steep, gaining 480 meters (1,575 feet) in elevation making the climb tough.
Most trekkers take around 2-3 hours to reach the top because of the steep path and high altitude. Many start the hike before dawn to catch the stunning sunrise over Mount Everest and the nearby peaks. The descent back to Gorakshep is quicker, taking about 1-1.5 hours, but the loose rocks and steep slope still need careful attention.
How to Reach Gorakshep Village?
There are several options to reach Gorakshep village , as you can directly fly from Kathmandu and land in Gorakshep village or you can fly to the nearest airport i.e. Lukla airport and hike for 8-10 days to reach Gorakshep village.
- By Foot: There are mainly two options to reach Gorakshep on foot. The first option is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, the closest airport to Gorakshep. From Lukla, you can hike along a popular trail through Phakding, , Debuche, Dingboche, and Lobuche villages before reaching Gorakshep. The trek covers approximately 35 kilometers from Lukla to Namche Bazaar and generally takes 7-10 days to reach Gorakshep, depending on your pace and acclimatization.
- By Helicopter: Most people use a helicopter to return to Kathmandu from Gorakshep. However, you can also fly directly from Kathmandu to Gorakshep, covering a distance of approximately 151 kilometers in about one hour. Despite this option, most travelers avoid flying to Gorakshep due to the high risk of altitude sickness. Instead, they prefer trekking from Lukla or taking a helicopter tour directly to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Accommodation and Facilities in Gorak Shep Village
Accommodation in Gorakshep consists of simple stone teahouses with basic amenities: shared rooms with twin beds, thin mattresses, pillows, and blankets. It is advisable for trekkers to bring sleeping bags because temperatures go really low at night. Dining areas are common with basic seating, heated by yak-dung stoves during meal times, serving limited menus featuring Dal Bhat, noodle soups, momos, and basic Western dishes. Toilet and bathroom facilities are shared; hot showers are available, though unreliable, at extra cost. Drinking water should be either bought or treated. Electricity is solar powered and limited; there are charging facilities and Wi-Fi, for a fee, but also unreliable. Mobile network coverage is spotty. There is also a small medical clinic that offers basic care. Popular lodges in gorakshep includes the Gorakshep Yeti Resort, Everest Inn, and Snowland Highest Inn; all these offer shared bathroom facilities.
Weather and Temperature in Gorakshep Village
Due to the high altitude, Gorakshep weather experiences big differences in temperature between daytime and night. In winter, starting from December to February-the temperature drops down to -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F) at night and remains below freezing during the day. Summer is slightly warm, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) during the day and cold at night. The best time for trekking is in October-November, with clear and stable conditions. March to May is also good, though afternoons may be cloudy. The monsoon period, which starts from June to September, brings snow, heavy clouds, and poor visibility.
Popular Things to do in Gorakshep Village
Hike to Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar, is a well-known hill located at an altitude of 5,644 meters (18,222 feet) along the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. Although the hike is short, it is challenging due to the steep path and high altitude. Located just above Gorakshep, Kala Patthar offers trekkers a stunning 360-degree view of Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters) and nearby peaks like Lhotse (8,516 meters), Pumori (7,161 meters), Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, and Lobuche. The panoramic views of the Himalayas are breathtaking, and the sunrise from Kala Patthar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many trekkers. The hike typically takes about 2–3 hours to ascend and 1–2 hours to descend, making it one of the most rewarding and popular activities to do in the Everest region.
Visit Everest Base Camp
Day hike to EBC from Gorakshep is the most famous day hike in the Everest region. The trekkers usually start hiking early in the morning from Gorakshep, at 5,164 meters (16,942 feet) above sea level. About 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) of this trail lies crossing rocky and glacial moraine terrain. This one way trek generally takes 2-3 hours depending on the weather conditions, fitness levels, and acclimatization to high altitude. This hike consists of an altitude gain of 224 meters (735 feet), with starting point at 5,140 meters (16,863 feet) in Gorakshep to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at EBC. During spring and autumn climbing seasons, the Base Camp is lively with colorful expedition tents. You will get to snap some memorable pictures with the famous Base Camp rock pile. Interestingly, Mount Everest's peak cannot be seen from Base Camp as Nuptse blocks the view. The hike to Kala Patthar offers spectacular views of Everest’s peak.
Explore Khumbu Glacier
Khumbu Glacier is the biggest glacier in the Everest region, which is over 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) long. It moves as much as 1 meter per day in some places and contains some amazing formations of ice, deep cracks, and icy pools. Walking on the glacier feels like exploring a rocky, moon-like landscape. The glacier is also an important lifeline for the Everest region, feeding rivers and supporting ecosystem.
Observe high altitude wildlife
The surroundings of Gorakshep house animals that thrive in harsh Himalayan conditions. You may see Himalayan tahrs, snow pigeons, raven, and if lucky, a snow leopard. Other common small animals include marmots and Himalayan mice. For bird lovers, there is a colorful Himalayan monal known as Danphe, Nepal's national bird, which makes the trek very special.
Hike to Pumori Base Camp
Pumori Base Camp is at an altitude of 5,300 meters (17,388 feet) and is a quiet and beautiful walk from Gorakshep. The trail is pretty short and offers great views of Mount Pumori, also known as the "Daughter of Everest," at 7,161 meters. You will also be able to see great sights of Everest and surrounding peaks from this base camp without the chaos on the main trail. It's perfect for a quieter and rewarding adventure.
Star Gazing
Because of its altitude and no light pollution, Gorakshep is an ideal place for stargazing. In clear nights, the sky is fully filled with stars, and one could clearly observe the Milky Way. You might even spot shooting stars or even satellites from the Gorakshep. This will get even more magical once moonlight reaches snow peaks-it becomes a breathtaking experience.
FAQs
Can i get oxygen in Gorakshep village?
Although Gorakshep is a very remote area, a few lodges might be able to provide bottled oxygen or offer supplemental oxygen. It's always better to be prepared, though, by bringing your own in case you feel you will need it at this high altitude.
Can i see Mount Everest from Gorak Shep?
Gorakshep itself does not offer direct views of Mount Everest, though the views of the surrounding peaks are outstanding. Generally, trekkers go up to Kala Patthar for closer views of Everest's summit.
What is the distance from Lobuche to Gorakshep ?
The distance from Lobuche to Gorakshep is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles). The trek usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on your pace, acclimatization, and weather conditions. The path is rocky and can be challenging due to the high altitude.
What should I bring to Gorakshep Village?
Trekking to Gorakshep requires proper high-altitude trekking gear, including warm clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a good sleeping bag, and a water purifier. Be sure to pack items to keep you warm, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night.
