On the trail to Everest Base Camp, the highest village where you will rest for the night is Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep is also the village closest to Everest Base Camp itself. Day 9 of this trek can be divided into two main parts. The first part is the journey from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, and the second is the stretch from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp.
Wake up to the smell of fried eggs and toast and gear up to trek the most exciting part of the trail. To get to Kala Pattar, the next stop follows along the highest Khumbu Glacier. The view from the trail is awe-inspiring as you see snow-capped mountains all around, and it gets even better when you cross the tributary glacier. Once you have reached the last village of the trek Gorak Shep, our Trekup India Chief, will prepare a mouth-watering lunch for you after the tiring trek.
After arriving at Gorak Shep, you can check-in at your teahouse, drop off your belongings, enjoy a meal, and recharge before continuing your activities. Following breakfast in Lobuche and checking out of your teahouse there, it is time to commence the 2.8-mile / 4.5-kilometer hike to Gorak Shep.
The path, which is sandy and rocky, gradually ascends as you walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, with the Nupste face in front of you. Certain parts of the trail will require a slightly steeper incline as you transition between sections. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with increasingly stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier below and the surrounding mountainous landscape. Along the way, you will also come across several Sherpa flag monuments, indicating that you are drawing nearer to Everest Base Camp.
As you continue your journey, you’ll soon transition onto the glacier, which marks the final stretch before reaching Gorak Shep. This section of the trail features additional inclines and declines on a more rugged and uneven path, so be sure to exercise extra caution to avoid injury. As you cross, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse of Mount Everest’s summit, visible just beyond Nupste. Before long, Gorak Shep will come into view, with Kala Patthar and Pumori towering behind the village.
You will begin your journey on day 9th by trekking Lobuche to the last village, Gorak Shep. The trek will take approximately 3 hours. Once you arrive in Gorak Shep, you can go to your teahouse, drop off your bags, and have lunch.
Afterwards, it is time to complete the final stretch to Everest Base Camp. This part of the trail is about 2.5 miles long and should take 2 hours. I recommend leaving Lobuche early in the morning to avoid the crowds for the rest of the day.
Doing so will give you a better chance of securing a spot in a teahouse in Gorak Shep and enjoying Everest Base Camp with fewer people around.
Upon departing Gorak Shep, you will immediately strolling beside the Khumbu Glacier, positioned just behind the Everest Mountain Range. This colossal glacier is visibly filled with dirt and rocks, as sediment from the surrounding peaks has gradually accumulated on its surface over the years. Nevertheless, amidst all the sediment, you can still observe the white ice underneath and comprehend its immense expanse. As you continue your journey alongside the glacier, you will steadily ascend in elevation until you reach base camp.
The ascent is moderately inclined, but, as previously mentioned, there are no excessively steep sections to traverse. It is crucial to be cautious of the technical terrain that lies ahead. The path will consist of sand and rocks, with specific areas being slippery. By attentively watching your step and refraining from hurrying, you should be able to navigate the terrain successfully.
Along the path to base camp, Mount Everest is visible for most of the journey. The peak is only a small part of the mountain, but it can be seen above the clouds on a clear day. As you progress up the trail, the Khumbu Icefall comes into view, marking the beginning of the Khumbu Glacier.
Unlike the lower parts of the trail, the icefall is not covered in dirt, rock, and sediment, but instead features sharp white ice that winds its way down the mountain and into the valley. For those unfamiliar with the climb up Mount Everest, the initial section of the trail involves ascending the Khumbu Icefall using a series of vertical and horizontal ladders to access the next part of the trail.
As you approach the icefall, you’ll pass by additional Sherpa prayer flags dotting the rugged landscape. The path will briefly veer inward, leading you to the iconic Everest Base Camp rock and a sea of colourful prayer flags, marking the final stretch of your journey to the base of the world’s highest peak.
Well done! You’ve reached an impressive milestone – Mount Everest Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of 17,598 feet or 5,364 meters. To clarify, this base camp, where you’ll find the painted rock, isn’t considered the “official” Everest Base Camp. Instead, it’s known as the trekkers’ Everest Base Camp.
Mount Everest climbers typically establish their base camp around 45-60 minutes from the glacier, closer to where the Khumbu Icefall intersects with the valley. If you embark on your trek between March and May, you will come across numerous tents in the distance where climbers are getting ready for their ascent. Understanding that the climbers and their support team require uninterrupted focus and concentration during their resting and preparation periods is crucial. Should you choose to visit the active base camp, please be mindful of your surroundings and act considerately.