Gorakshep

Deep in the Sagarmatha National Park in the land of the Sherpa, Gorakshep sits overshadowed by a phalanx of the mighty Himalayan summits. It's actually the name of a frozen lake, dusted with sand and ice and snow, but is oft synonymous with one of the main trekking outposts along the much-trodden path to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Hence, in Gorakshep, local trekking tour guides point EBC seekers in the direction of the teahouses and hiking lodgings that pepper the settlement. They offer basic accommodation, but enough to shelter from the elements that buffet the high Himalayas on the way to the world's greatest peak.

In fact, back in the 1950s, Gorakshep was the original starting point for attempts on the summit of Everest. Now, as the last pitstop on the arduous route to the well-known EBC, some trekkers linger a little longer in Gorakshep, drawn by the quality of the lodges and the camaraderie of fellow walkers. What's more, it's the place to go for a climb to the top of Kala Patthar. A relatively small mountain at 5,644 meters, it's famed for its awesome sunrise views of Everest and neighbouring Nuptse.