Lobuche and Gorakshep Facts:
- Distance: 4 KM
- Teahouses between : Zero
- Galcoer: Changri and Khumbu.
- Mountain: Lingrin, Khumbtse, Cahngtse, Everest south cool Mount everest, Nuptse, Arkamtse, Lobuche peak, Cholatse, Thamerku and so on.
Lobuche and Gorakshep Trek short Information:
The loop from Lobuche to Gorakshep is one of the most active and fascinating parts of the whole route of the Everest Base Camp trek. From Lobuche, located at an elevation of around 5,160 meters (17,000 feet), trekkers go through a gradual to steep hike. It crosses through very steep and desolate country, sometimes walking on rocks and moraines, providing beautiful views of Nuptse, Pumori and the vast expanse of the Khumbu Glacier, etc.
The destination is Gorakshep which lies at 5,164m with most trekkers finding the trek quite strenuous as a result of the high altitude, therefore, they must take it slowly to avoid altitude sickness. Nevertheless, the potential difficulty is compensated by the stunning panorama and the feeling of getting closer to the finish line. At present Gorakshep is a tiny deserted village that is used as starting and ending point of Everest Base camp treks and for climbing the Kala Patthar, a vantage point offering breathtaking view of the soaring Everest at sunrise.
The trek is the only trek that can provide one with the opportunity to witness the real face of the Himalayas and is in some way imperative for any trekker intending to venture deep into the abode of the world’s tallest mountain – the Mount Everest.
Lobuche and Gorakshep Weather:
Lobuche and Gorakshep, both the places are always characterized by severe and fluctuating weather due to their location in the Everest zone.
Lobuche situated at approximately at 4,940m(16,207ft) has cold climate throughout the year. Daily temperature variations vary from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius 23 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit and more precisely during the warm times of the year which is spring and autumn. Woods get seriously cold during winter and it occasionally reaches below -20°C (-4°F) during the night. Slight precipitation especially during the period between December, January and February and are characterized by snowfall, which could otherwise make trekking trails icy.
Gorakshep is even colder and windier with an altitude of 5, 164m/ 16,942ft. Average daytime temperatures for the winter months are -10°C to -5°C or 14°F to 23°F. Winter may go as low as -20°C (-4°F), and wind chill takes the temperatures even lower known as the wind makes it feel like. Snowfall and ice occurrences are relatively common and there are abrupt changes in the weather, making trekking to be difficult in this region. Which explains that both these places encounter episodes of sunny periods followed by cloudy ones, which create fluctuant conditions that the trekkers have to endure.
All in all, trekkers and hikers should be ready for extremely low temperatures, sometimes with the possibility of snow and rather stiff wind that may be rather chilly, therefore, the need to wear warm clothing and carry along, or wear appropriate gear for the cold climate.
Altitude sickness on Everest trek in between Lobuche to Gorakshep
AMS or altitude sickness is one of the biggest threats in the Everest region trekking particularly between Lobuche and Gorakshep. This part you can expect is the most challenging, as the altitude dramatically increases through Lobuche (4950m/ 16176ft) and Gorakshep (5160m/16942ft). Pulmonary ascent too quickly and deficiency in the oxygen, AMS can occur in trekkers.
Signs of altitude sickness are, headache, nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, and breathlessness. In the worst scenarios, it can turn into high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) that one has to descend immediately and seek medical attention.
Thus to avoid serious effects of AMS one should ascend slowly in that way the body gets a chance to adjust. Hydration should also be maintained, and one should not exert their body too much, they should therefore rest in case of feeling tired. Spend whole day in Gorakshep and then proceed to Everest base camp but one can opt to spend an additional night in Lobuche in order to adjust to the high altitude. The best remedy for any signals of acute mountain sickness is moving down to a lower elevation. Acclimatization, paying attention to your body and being ready for an emergency are the ways to get through this most difficult part of the trek.
Lobuche and Gorakshep guesthouses and lodges
In Lobuche & Gorakshep trekked stays in guesthouses or lodges are available for people doing the Everest Base Camp trek these places are quite raw in terms of facilities due to the extreme altitude.
Lobuche also has a variety of lodges to accommodate the climbing parties, although basic facilities are available in this region. Accommodation in Lobuche includes basic lodges with shared facilities, commendable lodging with shared washrooms and apparatus, and shared sanitary facilities. There is limited heating, and, because it is way above sea level, rooms can be cold, and nights – cold as well. Food is simple and filling, with some menu favorites being Nepalese dishes, such as dal bhat, and various Western dishes. These include shared kitchen with a warm stove for cooking, dinning areas, washroom, and sleeping area.
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Compared to the tea houses available in the other trekking regions of Nepal, Gorakshep, as the last destination before reaching the base camp, offers even more primitive lodges. These traditional guest houses are quite small and most of them are quite old with basic amenities and even some times the rooms are very small with large sharing facilities. I have noticed that these lodges offer some basic necessities like hot meals and tea though the facilities are not as are those available at other facilities with lower altitudes. Because of relatively high altitude, temperatures can be extremely low and chilly, and Recommendations are trekkers to carry warm clothes and sleeping bags along with their other accompanying gears.
Both places provide necessity of food and shelter but luxury accommodation is inadequate, which is constrained by nature of y trekking activities at higher elevation.
Packing list for Lobuche to Gorakshep for the Day time
When hiking on the trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep, the appropriate packing strategy is of the essence due to the harshness of the environment. undefined
Warm Layers:
It is recommended to wear thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer such as fleece jacket or down jacket and a windproof water resistant shell jacket.
Headwear and Gloves:
Pack a hat and warmer for the head; a buff or neck gaiter; and insulated gloves or mittens. Stations at these latitudes may experience intense cold and strong wind barrier is required.
Trekking Pants:
Men: Wear moisture-wicking, quick-drying trekking pants; women: Wear thermal leggings but not viajeras (skin-tight trekking pants). You might find it convenient to carry another set as they can get wet easily.
Footwear:
Make sure that your trekking boots are strong, water proof and comfortable as they are not shoes that you can wear for the first time on your trek. Plan to pack a spare set of comfortable sport socks that are fast-dry to make sure your feet remain dry and toasty.
Daypack Essentials:
Always wear comfortable shoes, use a small hiking backpack with enough water (at least 2 liters), some energizing food (nuts, chocolate, granola bars, etc.), sunblock, lip balm with sun protection, and your own first aid kit.
Miscellaneous:
This will include trekking poles for balance, camera, and a headlamp or flashlight coupled with spare batteries.
Personal Items:
Camera, batteries, and documentation such as passports are important not to forget.
Hence, who wants to have a safer and comfortable trek to Gorakshep must ensure to carry these essentials.
Can we trek on the Khumbu glacier during Lobuche to Gorakshep trek?
Yes, but when you are doing the trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, you can see that you cross the Khumbu glacier though this requires a little clarification. Khumbu Glacier is a large temperate glacier with steep and crevassed ice and it is quite challenging for crossing.
When you are near Gorakshep, the trail crosses the moraine, which is basically the debris that is moved around by the glacier. This section involves walking over a mix of rocky surfaces and ice Some of the surfaces and the grounds that are found along this path may be irregular and slippery. These trackless grounds are characterized by moraine of rocks and boulders on the ice, and also individual forms of ice and crevasses that a trekker should not cross. The trail is pointed out and controlled, but it’s important to be cautious and obey the recommendations and signals of your guide.
However, the conditions of weather can make the glacier more or less accessible during its traversal. The snow and ice coverage will change the route and can bring additional obstacles. Good footwear and trekking gear and may be trekking poles to help in the difficult terrain of this section.
In conclusion, the trek includes crossing the Khumbu Glacier which it does safely most of the times when hikers follow the instructions given.
Can we see Sherpa culture in our trek between Lobuche to Gorakshep in Everest Region?
In the trek between Lobuche and Gorakshep yaks and tall mountains dominate the areas with an aim of getting to higher grounds closer to Base Camp though some parts of Sherpa culture can not be sensed though not highly as in the lower grounds.
Lobuche and Gorakshep are more deserted and tiny hotels where Sherpa tradition can not be observed from people’s customs. While in Lobuche you are likely to come across Sherpa helpers in the guesthouses or in lodges where food and accommodation services are offered. Their dress code, especially not traditional, puts visitors to the test on their kind of reception and the traditional practices of the people also come out clearly.
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However, in Gorakshep such opportunities are also affect due to the no sherpa houses and rather high elevation of the place as a representative of Sherpas. However, locals, that is Sherpas in this region, continue observing traditions, and it may be possible to gain information about their way of life and existence in such conditions only in hotel staffs.
To have a cultural taste of the experience people move to a lower altitude areas including; Namche Bazaar or Tengboche where there are many traditional Sherpa houses, monasteries and cultural events. Here are found the Sherpas’ cultural traits as well as the Buddhism, architecture, and festivities.
Altogether, through the entire segment of the route Lobuche to Gorakshep the elements of the Sherpa culture are not prominent as on previous stages, but hospitality of the Sherpa people and the disclosure of the culture during the trekking remains an important part.
Which mountain can seen during the trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep?
Notably, the day’s trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep offers the trekkers scenic views of several giants’ mountains and is therefore considered to be the highlight of the entire Everest Base Camp trek. When you are departing from Lobuche to Gorakshep, the views tend to include some of the great Himalayan views.
The most striking mountain that one can notice during this walk is Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. In your climb, there are occasional views of Mount Everest’s big peak over the other mountains at a distance. Originally Everest appears to be absent but the enormous peak with snowy slopes instantly draws attention and has been a magnet for trekkers.
Besides Everest, the trek offers direct sight seeing of Nuptse which stands immediately next to Everest. Nuptse is on the same range and is characterized by steep, sharp relief. It is interesting to note that the wall of Nuptse is steep where it suddenly rises to higher elevation providing the beautiful backdrop for the trek.
Pumori, another of the major peaks of the region, is also seen along this part of the trek. Pumori has a capped pyramid like structure and is located to the northwest of Mount Everest. Its size and elevation above the ground give it a high visibility and a general awareness of it as something in the area.
Some of the attractions to be enjoyed during the Lobuche to Gorakshep trek include the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge where one can see the Lhotse face, a massive structure with ice and rock cliff. This is a ridge that splits the peaks of Everest and Nuptse, and remains as one of the most fascinating formations.
In general, one gets a chance to witness the glorious Himalayas with Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori in the backdrop, and it is quite an exhilarating experience – the trek of a lifetime.
Final clew between Lobuche to Gorakshep trek:
- We cannot see good view of everest during that day if we will not hike Kalapatthar.
- Mission Himalaya suggest trekkers to hike Kalapatthar sunset if weather is clear. because sunset of Kalapatthar is nicer than sunrise.
- Even you reach Gorakshep earlier we suggest take lunch before start Everest base camp or Kalapatthar.
- Walk slowly. think positive and drink water is our happy suggestion for alll trekkers.
- Please bring your guide and porter together with you because this parts you can feel ams.
If you are planning to EBC Trek contact us +977-9841965533 or email us at info@missionhimalayatreks.com.
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.
