Gorakshep

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Gorak Shep is a frozen lakebed covered with sand that sits at 5,164m (approximately 17,000 vertical feet) up Mount Everest.

It is the final acclimatization stop on most common treks to Everest Base Camp from Lukla, following what the Dalai Lama dubbed "the steps to heaven." This route takes trekkers from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and on to Gorak Shep. Most trekkers stay overnight there, as their trekking permits will not allow them to camp at Base Camp. Also, Gorak Shep provides the best "launching pad" for an ascent of Kala Patthar, which looks like a giant dune looming over the lakebed. For many trekkers, summitting Kala Patthar provides both the best views of Everest, and the highest altitude that most will reach without a climbing permit.

View of Gorak Shep from half-way up Kala Patthar