What Kala Patthar is
Kala Patthar means “black rock”. It is a dark, rocky hill on the side of Pumori, just above the lodges of Gorak Shep. It is not a real summit, more a high shoulder of the ridge. But from the top you see Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse and the Khumbu Glacier together in one view.
From Everest Base Camp you cannot see the top of Everest. From here you can. For many walkers this is the highest point of their whole trek, and the reason they came.
The way up
The walk starts at Gorak Shep. First you cross the flat sandy lake bed, then the path climbs steeply in zigzags over loose stones and grass. It takes most people one and a half to two hours to reach the top, and about an hour to come down.
Some people go up in the dark for sunrise. Others go in the late afternoon, when the light is warm on Everest. Both are good. I tell walkers to choose the time when they feel strongest, not the time that is most popular. You can read more about early starts on my page about sunrise viewpoints in Nepal.
Honest notes
- This is very high. Walk slowly, breathe, and stop often. If you have a bad headache, feel confused or very weak, do not go up. Go down instead. Read about the signs on my page about altitude sickness.
- The fastest way to lower ground is back down the valley to Lobuche, and then to Pheriche or Dingboche.
- Mornings are often clear; clouds can come in by midday. In October and November the sky is usually the most stable.
- Wind on the top is strong and cold. Take a down jacket, warm hat, gloves, water and a headtorch, even on a sunny day.
Rules change. If something here is out of date, please tell me and I will correct it.Tell me
