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Day 9: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Everest Base Camp (5,600m)

Khumbu Glacier, Nepal
April – May 2016

Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

Our Final Destination

Everest Base Camp is located on the south side of Mount Everest in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Base Camp is a bustling hub of activity, with people from all over the world celebrating their arrival after weeks of trekking. The atmosphere is electric, with a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment shared by all.

The altitude at Base Camp is over 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level, which means that the air is thin and the weather can be unpredictable. The high altitude also increases the risk of altitude sickness, which can be debilitating and even fatal if left untreated.

The Base Camp is also a temporary camp set up by the climbing expeditions and it’s not equipped for long-term stays. There are no permanent structures at Base Camp, and it’s not suitable for camping overnight. Trekkers typically spend a few hours at Base Camp before returning to Gorak Shep, which is a more habitable altitude and has more amenities like accommodation and food.
The view at 7.40am, en route to Everest Base Camp.
Photos by John Teh
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a journey of a lifetime, and the final stretch from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is a culmination of weeks of hard work and determination. The emotions that come with finally reaching the final destination are indescribable, a mix of elation, exhaustion, and accomplishment.

The trek from Gorak Shep to Base Camp is not an easy one. The trail is steep and rocky, and the altitude can make it difficult to catch my breath. But as I trudge along, the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks serve as a reminder of why I embarked on this journey in the first place. The sight of the towering peaks of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse is truly awe-inspiring and will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Getting there!
Photos by John Teh
As we approach Base Camp, the sense of accomplishment and pride grows with each step. The final stretch is a true test of willpower, but as we finally set foot on the rocky terrain of Base Camp, the feeling of triumph is overwhelming. The journey has been long and challenging, but the rewards are well worth it.
Bukit Tabur East
Residents of Everest Base Camp in yellow tents now in clear view.
Photo by John Teh
Stone throw away from our final destination.
Photos by John Teh
After reaching Base Camp, it’s time to celebrate. For many trekkers, this marks the end of a long-held dream, and the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. You’ll share stories and take photos with your fellow trekkers, and perhaps even enjoy a well-deserved beer or two.

We reached Everest Base Camp (EBC) after approximately 1.5 hours of trekking.

Namche Bazaar to Syangboche
My lovely pair of gloves that survived the journey.
Photo by John Teh
Absorbing the magnificient view and the usual celebrations.
Photos by John Teh
The terrain of Base Camp is rugged and rocky, with ice and snow covering the ground in the colder months. The area is prone to high winds and extreme temperatures, and it’s not uncommon for trekkers to experience altitude sickness. Despite the challenges, the natural beauty of the surroundings more than makes up for it.

There are several prominent landmarks around Base Camp, including the Khumbu Icefall, which is one of the most dangerous sections of the climb to the summit of Mount Everest. The Icefall is constantly shifting, and crevasses and seracs are a constant hazard. Another notable landmark is the Western Cwm, a large glacial valley that provides a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks.

Namche Bazaar to Syangboche
2016 – The year I conquered Everest Base Camp.
Photo by John Teh
The mandatory you-did-it selfie.
Photo by John Teh
The mandatory we-did-it selfie.
Photo by John Teh
Exploring Everest Base Camp
Photos by John Teh
We spent an hour here, doing the usual stuff and exploring other nearby areas. The atmosphere is electric, the terrain is rugged, and the natural beauty of the surroundings is truly breathtaking. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and we decided that it was time to leave.

Everest Base Camp is a remote and inhospitable place, and while it may be tempting to want to stay there forever, the harsh realities of the environment make it necessary to return to Gorak Shep.

Moreover, the Base Camp is also a sensitive area and it’s important to minimize our impact on the environment. The Base Camp is a popular destination for trekkers, and it’s important to be mindful of the waste we generate and to leave the area as we found it.

Next Chapter

> Day 9, 10 & 11: Gorak Shep to Pheriche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding

Before you move on to the next chapter, don’t forget to watch the video below.
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp – Visit my Youtube Channel for more videos.
This post / video is a part of a 21-part series, covering everything from:-
  1. Day 1 (Kathmandu to Lukla)
  2. Day 1 (Lukla to Phakding)
  3. Day 2 (Phakding to Namche Bazaar)
  4. Day 2 (Namche Bazaar)
  5. Day 3 (Syangboche Acclimatization)
  6. Day 3 (Back to Namche Bazaar, dropping by at Sagarmatha National Park)
  7. Day 4 (Namche Bazaar to Tengboche)
  8. Day 5 (Tengboche - Dinboche)
  9. Day 6 (Dingboche & Nangkartshang - Acclimatization)
  10. Day 6 (Getting down from Nangkartshang & Snow)
  11. Day 7 (Dingboche to Lobuche)
  12. Day 7 (A Heart-Wrenching Stop at Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial)
  13. Day 8 (Lobuche to Gorak Shep)
  14. Day 8 (Kalla Phatthar Acclimatization)
  15. Day 9 (Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp)
  16. Day 9, 10 & 11 (Gorak Shep to Pheriche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding)
  17. Day 12 (Phakding to Lukla)
  18. Day 12 (Flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport)
  19. Day 13 (Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Buddhist Temple)
  20. Day 14 (Kathmandu City Adventure)
  21. Journey to the Roof of the World: A Trekker's Final Post and Summary of the Epic Everest Base Camp Trek

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