Gethen, also classified as Winter, is a must-visit planet for all snow lovers. There are many highlights on this beautiful planet —from the tall glaciers overlooking Karhide to the charming forests of Orgoreyn; and located beyond these nations is home to the mysterious Gobrin Ice, a Gethenian landmark. With citizens quite accommodating toward Terrans, it's the perfect stop for an early winter break!
from the creators
Must-see destinations on gethen
Erhenrang - Capital City of karhide
Home to the throne and bustling parades, the capital city of Karhide should be your first stop. Although the city is dark, cramped, and cluttered, the annual parade is an event you can't miss!
Rer - the Old Kings city
Located far into Karhide, past the mountains, is the old King's City, Rer. Witness the history of Karhide during your stay on Gethen!
Mishnory- The largest city in the world
This city in Orgoreyn is simple and orderly. Many have described it as cleaner, larger, and lighter than Ehrenrang. You will find the Commensal Government of Orgoreyn and temples of the Yomesh cult here.
Gobrin Ice
Located above Orgoreyn is the ice-sheet that rules the planet Winter and what Gethenians refer to as, "the Ice". It's hundreds of miles of abruptly frozen, storm-raised sea with temperatures ranging from 0 to -60 degrees in the night. The best time to find yourself here is during the winter, when the ice reflects the heat of the sun and storms are pushed away.
Guthen Bay
Bordered by the Red Hills of Karhide and the Gobrin Ice, Guthen Bay is a beautiful beach when it's not frozen over. Nearby is a Karhidish village with a hot-shop to reheat the body.
Surviving the Ice
Clothing and Protection
- An under layer (Normal clothes)
- A middle layer of a mask to block wind chill and frost bite
- A top layer of a coat lined with pesthry fur
- Snowshoes (used for trekking across the ice)
- Skis to go across the snow with ease
- Harness to carry the sledge around
Pro Tip
- Avoid getting wet at all costs, if you do get wet strip the outer layer and avoid getting moisture inside the tent
Shelter and Equipment
- Plastic Tents (specifically ones designed to keep moisture out and the wind)
- The Gethenian 3 in 1, Lamp, Stove, and heater (make sure to bring your fuel)
- Cooking Materials: Cups, Pans, and Bowls (at the least)
- Sledge: used to carry around all your items and doubles as a boat when needed
- Compass: Extremely important to calculate directions and longitude
Pro Tip
- Scan for possible shelter locations like cliffs and caves where you can possibly hide under in order to avoid the rain
Food and Nutrition
- Estimate a rough guess of your needed calorie intake and meal prep accordingly in order to consume the least amount of food as possible
- Food Supplies (Hyper Foods) - Kadik Germ, Dried Breadapples, Tea, and Gethanian Sugar
- Heavy Foods - Coarse Foodstuff
- You will need at least 90ish pounds of this to make it through the journey Estraven and Genly did, which was roughly 80 days(keep in mind that they were hunting and ran out before ending their journey)
Pro Tip
- Eat Heavy Foods First
- Keep stops to a minimal twice a day
Travel and Navigation
- Always retrace your steps
- The Ice is unforgiving and you never know what is beneath your feet
- Never stay out past dark
Pro Tip
- Aim for the glaciers as they reflect the sun making for a calm environment avoid of storms
- It is best to travel in winter because the weather is stable
- Be aware of the solar radiation as this will cause problems with the weather
Survival Mindset and Strategy
- Be willing to break your shifgerthor especially if you lack supplies as you may have to steal
- Must have knowledge in hunting and setting traps in the occasion that you run out of food
- Intuition, be accompanied by a local because without the information your chances are close to zero
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Gethenian Folklore
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A Taste of Gethen in Your Kitchen
© 2025 All Gethenian. All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Edited by All Gethenian staff