The Kala Patthar Diaries: A Famous Peak of EBC Trek

If you have ever dreamed of witnessing the world’s tallest mountain but are afraid or unable to summit it, then Kala Patthar is just the right place for you. Often called Black Rock, it is a small rocky peak and is considered the best viewpoint of Mount Everest. It offers an unparalleled view of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.

Many trekkers think that the Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the perfect place to view Mount Everest. However, it is not. In fact, from the base camp, you do not get a clear view of Everest. The view of the Everest summit is blocked by surrounding mountains like Lhotse and Nuptse.

Kala Patthar, situated at an elevation of 5550 meters (18,209 ft), higher than EBC, is the perfect place to see Everest, for photography and videography. Because of its higher location, trekkers can get a clear and wide view of Everest along with its surrounding peaks and even the Khumbu Icefall.

Many trekkers hike early to the top of Kala Patthar for a sunrise view. The view of the sun rising from the back of the Everest summit, painting Everest orange, is truly mesmerising. The sunset view is also equally amazing; the whole sky turns orange and red.

Forget fancy peaks that require permits, gear, and technical mountaineering skills; Kala Patthar is a challenging yet achievable peak that can be reached by just walking.

Where is Kala Patthar Located?

Kala Patthar is located in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal. It is situated in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu District. Like all the regions of the Everest Base Camp Trek, it is also located within Sagarmatha National Park.

This little, rocky peak is situated just about 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest, slightly uphill, from the base camp of Everest. More precisely, this rocky peak lies just above Gorakshep, the last settlement before EBC, on the southern ridge of Mount Pumori.

Kala Patthar Elevation

Situated at an elevation of 5550 meters (18,209 ft), it is a must-visit destination while on the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is also the highest altitude during the EBC Trek.

Due to its higher elevation, trekkers can get a 360° view of the entire Everest region. For a clear and wide panoramic view, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp.

Moreover, due to its high elevation, there is a constant risk of altitude sickness in the Everest trek. So, it is essential to properly acclimate to the increasing elevation and drink and eat healthy foods. Be aware of the early symptoms of altitude sickness, stay calm and reach for help in case of emergency.

Weather and Temperature in Black Stone

Black Rock has some of the harshest and most unpredictable climatic conditions in the Everest region. There is a constant flow of strong wind and extreme cold, especially in the early morning and late evening. So, be aware of hypothermia or frostbite. Including warm clothes and gear to tackle the cold in your Everest packing list is essential.

However, the temperature during spring and autumn is still manageable. The daytime temperature can range between -5°C and -15°C. While winter (December-February) is unforgivingly cold, with temperatures dropping below -20 to -25°c. In contrast, monsoon/summer is a little warmer (temperature ranging from 0°C to -8°C) but still cold.

So, spring and autumn are the most ideal seasons for trekking to Kala Patthar. During these times, the weather is stable, the sky is clear, there is stunning visibility, fewer clouds, and moderate winds.

Although winter trekking is challenging, the glittering, snow-capped mountain view from here during winter is magical. However, since the trails can be slippery and muddy during monsoon season, we do not recommend trekking during monsoon season.

There might be frequent Lukla flight cancellations due to bad weather and strong winds. So, check for weather updates before planning your trip. You can also contact Himalayan Masters (the best trekking company in Kathmandu, Nepal) for information on the current weather and flight schedule.

View from Black Rock Peak

Kala Patthar offers one of the best views of Mount Everest (8848.86 m/29,032 ft) and other Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. It is also one of the favourite spots for photographers, videographers, and filmmakers. Several Everest documentaries have been shot here in recent years.

From here, trekkers can get some of the great sunrise and sunset shots. Do not just capture the moment through the camera lens. Take some time and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Although you can get a glimpse of Everest from several locations, you can even spot Everest from Kathmandu; it is the closest you can get to Everest.

Also, you can spot Khumbu Glacier and other nearby icefields from here.

How difficult is it to reach Kala Patthar peak?

Reaching Kala Patthar’s peak is a challenging task. Trek grade can be graded moderate to challenging based on your physical fitness.

The greatest challenge in reaching Kala Patthar is its altitude. Due to its high elevation, many trekkers are prone to altitude sickness and other altitude-related risks.

Being exposed to cold wind can cause some severe health issues. Especially asthmatic patients should be extra careful. Likewise, there is loose gravel near the top, so the chances of slipping and injury are high.

Further, if you are trekking in winter or monsoon, you need to be extra careful. Due to frozen snow during winter and rain during the monsoon season, the trails become slippery. For that, you might want to avoid trekking in their seasons.

Furthermore, all the logistics and costs of the Everest Base Camp Trek could be an obstacle for many. However, you do not have to worry about any of those things. We, Himalayan Masters, offer the most planned and managed EBC Tre at the most affordable price. Put your trust in us, and we will look after everything.

How to get to Kala Patthar?

There are two options that you can choose from to get to Kala Patthar. The first option is via the trekking route, and the second is by helicopter.

Trekking

If you choose to trek, first, you need to take a Lukla flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap Airport. Then, arrange all the staff and gear in Lukla and start trekking.

From Lukla, it takes about 5-8 days to reach Kala Patthar via Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. However, make sure that your trekking itinerary includes acclimatisation/rest days to tackle altitude sickness. From Gorakshep, it’s about 3 hour steep trek to Kala Patthar.

Note: Typically, the standard EBC Trek itinerary includes 1st trek to EBC and then the next day’s morning hike to Kala Patthar. You should also know that there is no route directly connecting EBC and Kala Patthar. This means that you will need to trek from Gorakshep to EBC first and again return to Gorakshep, then only attempt the Kala Patthar Peak trek.

Helicopter Tour

A comfortable, easy, and short EBC Helicopter Tour is a perfect option to reach Kala Patthar. You can charter a helicopter and fly up to the peak. This option is ideal for those who cannot walk for several days, have weak physical fitness, and are short on time.

During this tour, the helicopter makes several landings, including a landing at Kala Patthar. This tour can be completed in just a day, within a few hours.

Though a little expensive, it can cost between $1300 and $5500 (based on your group size); it is a quick, easy, and unique way to touch Everest.

15 Amazing Facts About Kala Patthar

• While many documentaries on Everest have featured Kala Patthar, no movie has been shot here due to the extreme altitude and logistics.
• The coordinates for Kala Patthar are 27.9958° N, 86.8284° E.
• It is more of a ridge than a true summit.
• You do not need any climbing permits or skills to reach Kala Patthar Peak.
• It is the closest and final viewpoint of Everest.
• The first person to reach here was Lhakpa Dorje Sherpa, according to local records, though there is no official record.
• Strong wind blows here year-round.
• Kala Patthar can be covered in snow, even in spring.
• Even though helicopter tours are available, keep updated on local government rules and regulations.
• There are no teahouses beyond Gorakshep.
• The straight-line distance between Kala Patthar and the Everest summit is approximately 10-12 km (6-7.5 miles). However, the official Everest summit has not been organised from here.
• Camping near Kala Patthar is possible, but not exactly at the peak. We do not recommend camping here.
• You can celebrate your trekking achievement here and also meet people from all around the world.
• Kala Patthar is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views and the 360° panoramic view of the Everest region.
• Bringing even a small pebble from Kala Patthar without permission is illegal.