Kala Patthar is a significant landmark located on the south ridge of Pumori in the Nepali Himalayas. It lies just above Gorakshep. The name Kala Patthar literally translates to black stone. It is an ode to the peak’s black stone structure.
With a prominence of only 10 m, Kala Patthar is not a true mountain. But climbing Kala Patthar is very common among hikers in the Mount Everest region. It offers the most convenient up-close view of Everest.
Due to the Everest Massif’s structure, Nuptse blocks much of the area from seeing the mountain’s high summit. From Kala Patthar, you can see Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse in all their magnificence. There are glimmers of Lhotse’s summit and northern flank. This is where the Mount Everest webcam, the highest in the world, was placed. Kala Patthar is also the highest elevation that most people can reach without a climbing permit.
Kala Patthar is among the highest Himalayan peaks that don’t require technical climbing skills. This idea also increases its appeal.
There isn’t a designated trail that leads directly to the viewpoint at the Kala Patthar trek. But when trekking to Everest Base Camp, it is an optional extra. The Everest Base Camp trek is very well-liked. At the summit of Kala Patthar, you’ll see a lot of other hikers, especially during the summer.
Many people climb Kala Patthar early in the morning to catch the dawn light. But you won’t get a good shot because the sun rises behind Everest and Lhotse at this time. Later in the evening with the sun going down, is the ideal time to climb. You’ll be able to see Everest and Lhotse bathed in golden sunlight if the weather cooperates.
Unfortunately, clouds frequently roll in in the late afternoon, so it’s probably safer to start climbing in the middle of the day when the light is the brightest.
Although the journey is not very far, it is uphill and high in altitude. The trek to the viewpoint should take an average hiker between 1.5 and 2 hours.
The mental challenge is increased because it takes some time to reach Kala Patthar’s summit. You won’t experience much difficulty if you are properly acclimatized and take it easy, but you will need to stop frequently as you ascend. If you haven’t adjusted well, you’ll find it a difficult job that will leave you gasping for air.
The starting point of Everest region treks such as EBC Cho La pass gokyo trek, Everest three high pass trek, gokyo valley trek is the Lukla. Following the use of Gorakshep to reach the Everest Base Camp. You will ascend to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep.
Before beginning the ascent, you first make your way down into what is known as “The Beach”. It is an old lake bed. Before balancing a little, you will start to travel along Kala Patthar’s eastern side. Then you ascend a series of steep switchbacks.
The trail then becomes steeper once more until you reach the summit ridge. You’ll feel the icy wind here more than anywhere else. You scramble over boulders for five to ten minutes starting from the ridge. The viewpoint will then be reached. Flags for prayer in primary colors can be seen marking it. You can now find the world’s highest webcam we discussed earlier.
