Gorak Shep, also spelled Gorakshep (Nepali: गोरकशेप, गोरक्षेप), is a settlement nestled on the periphery of a frozen lakebed blanketed with sand in Nepal, sharing its name with the locale.

Gorak Shep is inside the Sagarmatha National Park, the homeland of the Sherpa people, famous for their skills as guides and mountaineers.

Climbing time from Gorak Shep to the Everest Base Camp ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the weather, acclimatization and physical conditioning of each individual.

Gorak Shep also provides a base for ascent of Kala Patthar, 5,550 meters (18,209 ft) which provides both views of Everest and the highest altitude that most will reach without a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

[5]The best times for trekking are in spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November), when Everest visibility is ideal and the temperature is not excessively cold.