Most groups arrive at Gorak Shep from Lobuche by late morning, eat an early lunch and leave their bags. The path to base camp starts behind the lodges, crosses the sandy lake bed and climbs onto the crest of the lateral moraine. For about an hour it runs along this ridge of loose stones, rising and dropping in short sections, with the Khumbu Glacier on the right: grey rubble over ice, broken by melt pools and seracs. The going is slow because each step at 5,200 m takes effort.
After the moraine the trail drops onto the glacier and winds through mounds of rock and ice to the trekkers' area at the lower edge of the expedition camp. The marker boulder is covered in prayer flags and stickers. Ahead, the Khumbu Icefall rises in blue-white towers to the Western Cwm, with Nuptse to the right and the Lho La and Khumbutse to the left. In spring you can hear generators, radios and the occasional rumble of an avalanche off the surrounding walls.
Spend 20–40 minutes, take photographs and eat a snack, then head back before the afternoon wind picks up. The return to Gorak Shep takes 1.5–2 hours. Many people find this day the hardest of the trek because it comes after the climb from Lobuche. If you feel unwell, say so: your guide may turn around early, and you can still see the icefall from the moraine. The aim is to return safely and climb Kala Patthar the next morning.
Good for
- First-timers
- Groups
- Solo
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
How long is the walk from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp?
About 3.5 km each way, taking 1.5–2.5 hours out and 1.5–2 hours back depending on fitness and acclimatisation. The trail follows the moraine and then crosses rocky glacier ice with small ups and downs, so it is slow but not technical.
Can you see Everest from Everest Base Camp?
No, not the summit. From the south base camp, Everest's top is hidden behind its West Shoulder and Nuptse. You see the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. For the summit view, climb Kala Patthar or walk partway up the moraine near Gorak Shep.
Can I stay overnight at Everest Base Camp?
Trekkers normally cannot. Overnight stays are for expedition members with climbing permits and their crews. Trekking itineraries sleep at Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and visit base camp on a half-day walk. Some climbing groups arrange guest tents for members only.
