| Gorak Shep गोराशप | ||
 | ||
| State | Nepal | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepalese Himalayas | |
| Altitude | 5,164 m a.s.l. | |
| Time zone | UTC 5:45 | |
Position
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Gorak Shep (or Gorakshep) is a locality of Nepal.
 | ATTENTION: Some of the contents shown could generate dangerous situations or damage. The information is for illustrative purposes only, not exhortative or didactic. Use of Wikivoyage is at your own risk: read the warnings. |
To know
It is a small settlement that sits on the edge of a frozen, sand-covered lake of the same name. It is located at an altitude of 5,164 meters, near the Mount Everest. The village is not inhabited all year round. Gorak Shep means "dead crows", due to the total lack of any vegetation in this place.
Geographical notes
Gorak Shep is located inside the Sagarmatha National Park, the home of the Sherpa people, famous for their skills as guides and climbers. It is thelast stage of the most common treks towards Everest base camp from Lukla (2,860m), following what the Dalai Lama dubbed "the steps to heaven".
This route takes hikers from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and then to Gorak Shep. Most hikers spend the night there, as their trekking permits will not allow them to camp at Everest Base Camp.
In addition, Gorak Shep provides the best "springboard" for the rise of the Kala Patthar, which looks like a giant dune looming over the bottom of the lake. For many hikers, the summit of Kala Patthar, at 5,550 meters high, offers both the best views of Everest, which most will reach without a climbing permit, which must be obtained at Kathmandu, at the "Nepal Mountaineering Association".
Climbing starts early in the morning, when visibility is usually better. It takes four hours to reach the summit and back. The climbing time from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the weather, acclimatization and physical condition of each individual.
When to go
The best times for trekking are spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November), when the visibility of the mountain is ideal and the temperature is not excessively cold. However, in the fall the competition for lodge beds can be intense, although hikers can normally sleep on the dining room floor.
During the winter, in the months from December to February, it is possible to go trekking, but the vast majority of the accommodations are closed, the paths are covered with snow and the cold is very intense.
Background
Gorak Shep was the original Everest base camp, used by Swiss mountaineers trying to climb Everest in 1952. The camp was later moved closer to the mountain, just below the icefall of Khumbu.
How to orient yourself
Gorak Shep: full screen map.How to get
| ATTENTION: The path is very demanding and must be undertaken with proper preparation. |
Visa is required (Visa On Arrival (VOA) for Italian passport holders (with an expiry date of less than 6 months) when entering Nepal:
- 15 days 25 USD.
- 30 days 40 USD.
- 90 days 100 USD.
Two passport photos are also required to complete the visa issuing process.
To reach Everest base camp two / three permits are required depending on the chosen starting point, including the permit for the Sagarmatha National Park.
By plane
Flight toLukla Airport from Katmandu.
On foot
Gorak Shep can be reached in about 3 hours on foot from Lobuche at 4,940 m., the last stage of the Trekking to Everest Base Camp.
How to get around
On foot
Exclusively on foot on trails.
What see
- 1 Mount Nuptse (7,861 m).
- 2 Monte Pumori (7,161 m).
- 3 Mount Lobuche (6,119 m).
- 4 Mount Kala Patthar (5,644 m).
Events and parties
What to do
- 1 Trekking to Everest Base Camp (at 5,380 m). From Gorak Shep to base camp it is about 1-2 hours of walking.
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
Where stay
Average prices
High prices
- 2 Everest Inn, ☎ 977 984-9230264, @[email protected]. 55 rooms. Helicopter service.
Safety
At this altitude, few people feel comfortable and many begin to suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS).
How to keep in touch
Internet
While trekking shelters in Gorak Shep are essential, more modern amenities have become available in recent times, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite.
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Gorak Shep
Commons contains images or other files on Gorak Shep
