Trekking · Everest Base Camp
Walk the moraine from Gorak Shep to Base Camp
From Gorak Shep's frozen sandy lakebed, follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier for 2–3 hours, then drop onto the glacier among ice pinnacles to the prayer-flagged rock marking Everest Base Camp, beneath the Khumbu Icefall.
Gorak Shep is a cluster of lodges beside a dried lakebed of grey sand, at about 5,164 m, the last place to sleep before base camp. The trail out follows the crest and flank of the lateral moraine, a ridge of rubble pushed up by the Khumbu glacier, with Nuptse's wall to the right and Pumori behind. It rises and falls over boulders, so the walking is uneven and slow.
After a couple of hours the trail drops onto the glacier itself. Here the ice is covered in rock, but white seracs and frozen pools break through, and you hear the glacier creak and settle. Base camp is marked by a large rock with painted lettering and strings of prayer flags. Above it, the Khumbu Icefall rises in a chaos of ice towers between Everest's west shoulder and Nuptse.
In spring, from April to May, expedition tents spread across the glacier and you may hear helicopters and see climbers returning from the icefall. Respect their space. In autumn base camp is nearly empty and very quiet. Spend 20–30 minutes, take your photographs and turn back before afternoon wind and cloud. The return to Gorak Shep takes as long as the walk out.
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Questions
How long does it take from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp?
About 2–3 hours each way, 4–6 hours return, depending on pace and altitude. The trail is around 3–4 km each way along rough moraine and glacier. It is not steep overall, but the altitude, over 5,100 m, and the uneven ground make it slow. Start in the late morning after a rest.
Can trekkers stay overnight at Everest Base Camp?
Generally no. Only climbing expeditions with permits camp at base camp. Trekkers sleep at Gorak Shep, about 5,164 m, and visit base camp on a day walk. Some specialist trips arrange a night at base camp with permission and full camping support, but this is uncommon and more expensive.
Can I see Everest from Everest Base Camp?
Not the summit. From base camp you see the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Pumori and parts of Everest's lower west shoulder, but the summit is hidden. For the classic view of Everest's summit pyramid, climb Kala Patthar, about 5,644 m, above Gorak Shep, at sunset or sunrise.
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