Gorakshep: Gateway to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Gorakshep is the last settlement before reaching Everest base camp. It was established to provide services for trekkers to be safe from extremely cold nights in Everest region. There are only five tea houses in Gorakshep that remain very busy during peak season (September and October). 

Things to know about Gorakshep

Altitude

Gorakshep is located in 5140 m above sea level on the southern slope of Mount Everest. There is a high chance of altitude sickness due to low temperature and air pressure. Drinking plenty of water and hiking slowly is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.

Distance from Gorakshep to Everest base camp

The distance from Gorakshep to Everest base camp is 3.3 Km. After reaching Gorakshep from Lobuche, we can take our Lunch and start hiking to Everest base camp. It takes around two to three hours to reach EBC from Gorakshep. After enjoying quality time in Everest base camp, we can return to Gorakshep for a night stay.

Food

We can get variety of food like Nepali thali, MO: MO, noodles, muesli, porridge, bread items, egg items, potato and cabbage curry. Trekkers can choose food items from the menu.

Water

There is a poor source of drinking water near Gorakshep. The Sherpa fetch the drinking water far from the settlement. Drinking water suppy from pipeline is impossible in winter due to freezing of water. Thus, water is very expensive in Gorakshep, it costs 5-6 USD per litre.

Wifi and network

We can get both Wi-Fi and network in Gorakshep. There is good facility of Wi-Fi after paying Rs 1000 per day per person. We ca get mobile network of N-cell to contact our relatives and friends. 

Accommodation

There are five tea houses: Hotel Himalaya, Hotel snowland, Hotel Buddha, Hotel, Everest and Hotel Yeti. These five tea houses provide best services for night stay alongwith three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We can warm our body in firewood heater, enjoy delicious food and remain safe in these tea houses. 

Temperature

Gorakshep is the coldest place on Everest base camp trekking route. The temperature ranges below 0 ℃ throughout the year. The temperature during winter season is extremely low (-20 ℃) which makes difficult to spend night in Gorakshep.

Possible route to Gorakshep

We can reach Gorakshep via Lobuche while ascending towards Everest base camp. Similarly, we can reach Gorakshep while descending from the Gokyo lake trek and Everest three passes trek.

View

We can have amazing view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbuste, Changeste, Lho La, Lobuche, Chhumbu, Cholache and Tabuche from Gorakshep.

Khumbu Glacier

Khumbu Glacier from Khumbu icefall is the attraction of Gorakshep. Actually, Gorakshep is situated on the bank of the Khumbu glacier. Trekkers can enjoy the amazing view of Khumbu glacier from Gorakshep to Khumbu glacier. 

Oxygen Facility

Every hotel provides oxygen facilities in Gorakshep. The hotel charges 8250 USD per night. The trekkers can take oxygen facilities when their health condition gets worse. 

Conclusions of Gorakshep

Gorakshep is on the southern slope of Mount Everest, providing lodging and fooding facilities. High altitude and the coldest temperature are challenges of Gorakshep. Drinking plenty of water and using Dimox can prevent from headaches and altitude sickness in Gorakshep.