Kala Patthar is the closest and highest point to view Mount Everest. It is located on 5545 m above sea level, offering the mind-blowing view of sunrise and sunset in Everest region. Kala patthar is named from two Nepali words, kala and Patthar. Where Kala means black and patthar means rock. Therefore, kala patthar means black rock in Nepali.
The closest view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori from Kala Patthar is incredible. The peak Kala Patthar is the highest point of the Everest base camp trek that is around 1.2 km away from Gorakshep, which takes around 2 hours to climb.
Highlights of Kala Patthar
- Closest point to view Mount Everest
- Highest destination of Everest base camp trek
- Sunrise and sunset view on Mahalangur range
- Peak climbing experience during the trek
- Amazing view of Mountain range, Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier
How to reach Kala Patthar?
We can reach Kala Patthar by trekking from Gorakshep, but to reach Gorakshep is a hard job. It takes 8 days trek from Lukla. In fact, Everest base camp trek is main trekking that takes us to Kala Patthar. We can get to Kala Patthar without trekking as well. Heli tour is the easiest option to get to Kala patthar for the great view of Mt. Everest. Other trekking like Gokyo Cho La pass trek and Everest three passes trek also passes through Gorakshep and climb Kala Patthar.
Best time to trek kala patthar
Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the best times for trekking to Kala Patthar. It is the peak season where thousands of trekkers visit Everest base camp and climb Kala Patthar for the best view of the highest peak in the world (Everest). The temperature remains moderate and clear weather gives mesmerizing views of Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse etc.
Besides, winter and summer are off-season for trekking in Everest region. The weather remains unpleasant, and we cannot get a clear view of Mount Everest during summer. Similarly, winter is the hardest time due to extensively low temperatures at night.
Temperature in Kala Patthar
The mean temperature in the Kala Patthar range is from 5°C to -23°C throughout the year. January is the coldest month, followed by February, March and April with rising temperatures. The average maximum temperature remains 5°C during Jun, July, and August. The temperature gradually falls from September and reaches -7℃ as the maximum temperature during December.
When should we go to Kala Patthar?
Early morning is the best time to go Kala Patthar to enjoy the sunrise on Mount Everest. Besides, we can hike Kala patthar during Evening for a sunset view. Both morning and evening are suitable times for climbing Kala Patthar. Early morning is preferred more to have the clear view of Mount Everest. Even though the coldest temperature is challenging in the morning. Many trekkers visit Kala Patthar in the evening if they are less tired after returning from Everest base camp.
Who can’t visit Kala Patthar?
The trekkers who are tired and feeling unhealthy cannot visit Kalapatthar. Climbing Kalapatthar is relatively hard due to its highest altitude. Therefore, trekkers suffering from headache, fever and weakness should rest in Gorekshep after visiting Everest Base Camp.
What things are required to climb Kala Patthar?
Trekkers need the following things, which are essential to climb Kalapatthar:
- Torch light
- Thick gloves
- Sunscreen
- Goggles
- Sticks/ Trekking poles
- Water bottle
- Energy bars, and snacks
Conclusion
Kala Patthar summit is the closest viewpoint of Mount Everest. All the trekkers who successfully reached Everest base camp should climb Kalapatthar to enjoy the close-up view of Mount Everest and its nearby peaks. Climbing Kala Patthar gives experience for peak climbing in Nepal.
