Along the Khumbu glacier to Base Camp
Just the name itself – the base camp under Everest has the atmosphere of expeditionary climbing romance. In fact, such a particular place does not even exist, because each expedition group establishes it differently. Perhaps that is why a few kilometers behind Gorak Step there is „tourist base camp“, where you can nicely relax among the fluttering flags.
Pond at Gorak Shep
The path itself does not promise much fun as it leads along the endless rocky moraine. Still slightly up and down. As most tourists are tired by apathy from a high altitude, it makes them mentally exhausted even to the extent that they turn it somewhere in the middle and only a small number of them eventually reach the base camp. The others do not understand this, because the outlooks are still perfect although the outlooks from Kala Patthar are significantly better. Right at the beginning of the walk to Base Camp is a picturesque small lake, where horses from Gorak Shep come for drink.
Lakes on the Khumbu glacier
There is one dangerous place even on this „walking“ path. A few tens of meters you go under the totally fractured slope, from which a piece of rock can peel off very easily. The path culminates in almost 5300 meters and then descends to the glacier, where it meanders between the small lakes.
Everest Base Camp
Finally, there is a large place festooned with flags. This is the tourist´s Everest Base Camp. However, the expeditions are said to settle approximately two kilometers further. On the horizon you can see Everest West Shoulder, which looks from here like regular mountain.
Relax in Everest Base Camp
Anyway, it's an ideal place for a good lunch and admiring the surrounding giants. Pointy pyramids blown by wind protrude from the glacier here.
Nuptse
After admiring the views you have to go back a long time along the tedious moraine. But it's still nice walk spiced with again a slightly different view of Nuptse.
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