About Gorakshep
Gorakshep is one of the most remarkable and iconic locations on the Everest Base Camp Trek, situated at an elevation of 5,164 meters (16,942 feet) above sea level. Nestled in the high-altitude desert of the Khumbu region, Gorakshep is the final settlement with tea houses and lodges before trekkers reach the world-famous Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Despite its remote and barren surroundings, this small cluster of lodges plays a vital role as the last overnight stop for trekkers and mountaineers heading toward the base of Mount Everest or climbing up Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for panoramic views.
Historically, Gorakshep holds a special place in Himalayan exploration. Before the modern Everest Base Camp was established, Gorakshep served as the original base camp for early expeditions in the 1950s, including those of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The name “Gorakshep” translates to “dead ravens” or “dry lake,” which accurately describes its stark and desolate landscape. The ground here was once a frozen lakebed, now covered in sand and gravel, surrounded by icy ridges and snow-capped giants like Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Mount Everest itself.
Facilities in Gorakshep
Today, Gorakshep is not a permanently inhabited village but rather a seasonal settlement that exists solely for tourism. A handful of stone-built tea houses and lodges provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. Facilities are extremely limited — the rooms are simple, heating is scarce, and the air is extremely thin. Due to the high altitude, trekkers often find even simple tasks physically demanding. There is no running water in most places, and electricity is typically solar-powered. Internet and phone connections are available through Everest Link Wi-Fi, but connectivity can be unreliable due to weather conditions.
Reaching Gorakshep is an achievement in itself. The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep takes about 2 to 3 hours, following a rugged and rocky path that runs along the Khumbu Glacier. Trekkers often experience the effects of high altitude here, as oxygen levels drop to almost half of what they are at sea level. Acclimatization and slow pacing are crucial to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Once at Gorakshep, most trekkers take a short break for lunch before continuing their journey to Everest Base Camp, which lies about 3 kilometers away and takes around two hours each way.
Hike to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep
Gorakshep also serves as the starting point for the hike to Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points in the entire Everest region. The climb to Kala Patthar usually takes place early in the morning or at sunset, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks glowing in golden light. Many trekkers consider this viewpoint the true highlight of their journey, as it provides the most stunning close-up of the summit of Mount Everest.
Despite its harsh climate and lack of comfort, Gorakshep captures the spirit of adventure and endurance that defines trekking in the Himalayas. Standing in Gorakshep, surrounded by some of the tallest mountains on Earth, trekkers feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and connection with nature. It is a place that tests one’s limits but also rewards them with unforgettable beauty and a profound sense of achievement.
In essence, Gorakshep is the gateway to the top of the world — a rugged outpost where dreams meet reality, and every breath is a reminder of how close you are to Mount Everest itself
