Gorakshep, situated at an altitude of 5,146 meters, is the last village before Everest Base Camp. It is a small settlement on the periphery of a lake blanketed with sand, located within Sagarmatha National Park. Gorakshep served as the original base camp when Swiss climbers attempted to conquer Everest in 1952. The trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp takes approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the conditions. It was snowing quite heavily when I reached this remote village nestled in the foothills of Everest.

At this altitude, few people feel comfortable. Many experience acute mountain sickness and muscle spasms. I somehow managed to push through the pain barrier and fought off the effects of altitude sickness. You begin to cough frequently and become breathless due to the extremely low oxygen levels.

Gorakshep also serves as the starting point for the ascent to Kala Patthar, which offers a spectacular view of Everest. The name “Gorakshep” means “Dead Ravens,” a reference to the harsh, vegetation-sparse landscape. The oxygen levels are so low that very little grows in the area—only a few shrubs and bushes can be seen, with the rest of the terrain consisting of rocks and stones. The distance from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp is about 4.3 km.

Gorakshep

There are lodges and tea houses for trekkers to stay overnight, though you may have to share a room with other trekkers. Again, there is limited Wi-Fi access, so one has to manage without reliable connectivity. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated while trekking in this region, as temperatures can drop drastically. Meals typically consist of traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, rice, noodles, and thukpa.

The views are breathtaking, with the Khumbu Glacier as a dramatic backdrop. However, the air is very thin, and one must be well-acclimatized before attempting this challenging trek.