---
title: "Gorak Shep: Complete Everest Trail Guide"
description: "Gorak Shep is the highest usual sleeping stop on the Everest Base Camp route, at about 5,164 m."
canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/everest-base-camp/gorak-shep"
last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45"
image: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/_next/static/images/everest-base-camp-hero-1280.webp"
---

Route and destination

# Gorak Shep: Complete Everest Trail Guide

Gorak Shep sits at 5,164 m. Sandy basin below Kala Patthar. About 4.5 km from Lobuche, with 4–5 hr round trip to Base Camp. Conditions and timings vary with weather, pace and acclimatization.

**5,164 m**Altitude

**4–5 hr round trip to Base Camp**Walking from here

**Teahouse route**Travel style

**Check locally**Conditions

DB
**By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**7 min read

**✓ Editorial review**

Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change.
[Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology)

On this page

## The highest sleeping stop is deliberately basic

Gorak Shep sits at about 5,164 m in a cold, exposed basin. Accommodation is usually a simple teahouse room with limited heating, basic toilets and water that may be cold, treated, melted or purchased depending on the lodge. Charging and connectivity can be intermittent and expensive.

- Carry a warm sleeping system and keep water from freezing overnight.

- Confirm lodge water and toilet setups upon arrival.

- Do not expect the comfort, privacy or food range available at Namche.

## Base Camp and Kala Patthar timing

Swipe to view table →

| Plan | Typical decision |
| --- | --- |
| Base Camp | Visit as a day return from Gorak Shep, usually after arriving and resting enough to assess health |
| Kala Patthar | Optional pre-dawn climb on the following morning, only if symptoms, footing and weather permit |
| Stay length | Most itineraries use one night because a second night above 5,000 m adds strain without being necessary |
| Next move | Descend toward Pheriche after Kala Patthar or return from Base Camp according to the itinerary |

## Altitude decisions come first

Headache, nausea, unusual breathlessness, confusion, poor coordination or a marked decline in walking ability should change the plan. A guide's assessment and timely descent matter more than completing both high viewpoints.

Important planning links

## Build the complete trek plan

[15-day itinerary→](/everest-base-camp/everest-base-camp-trek-itinerary)[Trek cost and budget→](/everest-base-camp/everest-base-camp-trek-cost)[Altitude and acclimatization→](/everest-base-camp/everest-base-camp-altitude-sickness)[Packing list→](/everest-base-camp/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list)

Useful answers

## Frequently asked questions

How high is Gorak Shep?+
Gorak Shep is approximately 5,164 m. Published figures can vary slightly by map and measurement point.
What facilities are available at Gorak Shep?+
A small cluster of basic lodges with meals, paid charging and intermittent connectivity. Availability can change by season.
Where should I stay around Gorak Shep?+
The classic route’s highest sleeping stop; rooms are basic and cold.

## Sources & methodology

Changing prices, fees, aviation arrangements, local procedures, weather and lodge availability should be reconfirmed before travel. Altitudes, distances and walking times are approximate planning values.

[**Nepal Tourism Board** — Everest visitor information ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/)
Supports: destination and route-planning context. Period: current guidance. Accessed: August 5, 2026.

Continue planning

## Related Everest guides

[Route and destination
### Everest Base Camp

Read the Everest Base Camp guide →](/everest-base-camp/everest-base-camp)[Route and destination
### Kala Patthar

Read the Kala Patthar guide →](/everest-base-camp/kala-patthar)[Route and destination
### Lobuche

Read the Lobuche guide →](/everest-base-camp/lobuche)

Personalised planning

## Ready to shape your Everest Base Camp plan?

For Gorak Shep, tell our Nepal-based trekking team your dates, group size and preferred comfort level. We will suggest a realistic route without rushing acclimatization.

[Plan with Amigo Treks ↗](https://www.amigotrekking.com/everest-base-camp-trek.html)[Ask on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20an%20Everest%20Base%20Camp%20trek.)

Plan with context

## Custom Himalayan Route Planning

Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing.
[Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Gorak%20Shep.)[← Complete EBC guide](/everest-base-camp)

Talk through the next decision

## Ask a trip planner about Gorak Shep.

Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place.

Your request goes directly to [Amigo Treks & Expedition](https://www.amigotrekking.com/), our Kathmandu-based trekking and tour team.

The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. See the Privacy Policy. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy)

- Route and pace fit for your dates

- Practical trade-offs and fallback options

- A reply from the local planning team

Usually replied to within 1 business day. This is not an emergency channel or medical assessment.

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I agree that Amigo Treks & Expedition may use my message and related technical attribution to reply to my request. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy) *
The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending.

Community Insights

## Route Experiences & Field Updates

Recent field reports, route conditions, and practical observations shared by travellers and local leaders.

[Explore Community Discussions](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/everest-base-camp/gorak-shep#discussion)[Sign in](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/login?redirect=%2Feverest-base-camp%2Fgorak-shep%23discussion)[Create an account](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/register?redirect=%2Feverest-base-camp%2Fgorak-shep%23discussion)

Verified accounts share firsthand field notes; new submissions are moderated for accuracy.

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