VIRTUAL 360 Everest Trek Part 11 Gorak Shep
Join our virtual trek to the south side of Mount Everest and the top of Kala Patthar, in immersive 360 VR video, with this limited series from Jon Miller and The Rest of Everest! In Part 11 we head to our final overnight destination of Gorak Shep - a small encampment of seasonal lodges next to a dry and sandy lakebed at 17,000 feet / 5,164m. Gorak Shep is the last stop for most climbers and trekkers before Everest Base Camp and/or Kala Patthar.
View the playlist of this VR trek! • 360 VR Trek
The morning in Lobuche was cold but clear. Caroline held another impromptu yoga session for Tshering who has been an eager student throughout the entire trek. We set out on another lovely day of high altitude trekking and magnificent views. All around us were some of the highest mountains and ridgelines in the world...and yaks. Lots of yaks grazing on the hillside next to our route.
At the base of a short hill climb along the way, I remembered the conversation I had with Apa Sherpa back in 2009. At the time he was the record holder for most summits of Everest and was happy to let me interview him at that spot. The video can be seen here • Episode 130: A True Living Legend
Further up the trail, we crossed the Changri Shar Glacier where it meets the Khumbu glacier. It is a precarious area and very dynamic! The trail will likely be in a different place the next time we visit the region.
We finally crested the last hill after crossing the glacier and descended down into Gorak Shep. I hadn't planned on visiting Nepal in 2019 so I was overwhelmed with gratitude to be in such a remote and glorious place. The views in every direction are astounding and breathtaking. The altitude doesn't help with your breath, either!
We were planning on climbing Kala Patthar in the afternoon but the clouds have finally rolled in. Since the cloud cover will obscure the summit of Everest, our little group decided that instead of an afternoon of heavy hiking and exertion, maybe a nap is in order...
Yes, you can certainly call me grateful.
Jon Miller
November 2, 2020
While you can absolutely enjoy this series on a mobile phone or computer, for the most “you are there” immersive experience I HIGHLY recommend viewing the videos using a VR headset. Here are some suggestions that I own and have personally tested. Buying them from these affiliate links will support this The Rest of Everest endeavor!
I Am Cardboard VR Box https://amzn.to/3d3CSu6
This is a fantastic entry-level VR viewer that can be used with the YouTube app on your mobile phone. I found this one to be superior to the less expensive versions that need to be assembled. This one comes ready to use and has a more thoughtful design and better user experience. Worth buying even if you only have a passing interest in VR content.
Pansonite 3D VR Glasses Virtual Reality Headset https://amzn.to/37s06ZJ
A real upgrade from Google Cardboard devices. This is a true headset and is very comfortable to use. Since you actually wear it, the experience is much more immersive yet still uses the YouTube app on your mobile phone for viewing which keeps it inexpensive. It is also far more adjustable than the Cardboard options. I’ve given a Pansonite unit to Dawa’s family for viewing these episodes!
Thanks for watching. If you’re new to The Rest of Everest, please consider checking out Episode 000 to see what this series is about and how it all started almost 20 years ago. • Episode 000 Introduction
If you’re based in Colorado, consider checking out Dawa’s Fort Collins restaurant, The Himalayan Bistro https://himalayanbistro.com