Kala Patthar, at 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), is the best vantage point in for seeing Mount Everest in its full, unobstructed glory. Unlike Everest Base Camp (EBC), which sits too low to offer a clear view of Everest’s summit, Kala Patthar’s elevated perch provides a panorama of the world’s highest peak (8,848m) alongside neighboring giants like Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m), and Changtse (7,550m).
The name ‘Kala Patthar’ translates to ‘Black Rock’ in Hindi and Nepali, a reference to its dark, scree-covered slopes. While not a technical climb, the ascent is a challenging but achievable feat for trekkers and is a highlight for those on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Most trekkers visit Everest Base Camp first, spending a night in Gorak Shep before attempting Kala Patthar the following morning. This sequencing allows for better acclimatization and ensures trekkers are fresh for the climb.
Key Information at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Kala Patthar, near Gorak Shep, Everest Region, Nepal |
Elevation | 5,545 m (18,192 ft) |
Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov) |
Main Attraction | Panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori |
Starting Point | Lukla (via flight from Kathmandu) |
Trek Duration | 10-14 days (Everest Base Camp Trek with Kala Patthar) |
Highlights | Close-up of Everest, sunrise views, accessible high point |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging |
Permits Required | TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park Permit |
Accommodation | Teahouses along the route |
Kala Patthar is situated in Nepal’s Khumbu region within Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its exact coordinates are 27°59'45"N latitude and 86°49'42"E longitude, and it is 1.5 kilometers southwest of Gorak Shep (5,164m) and approximately 4 kilometers northwest of Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
The peak forms part of the southern ridge of Pumori (7,161m).
Elevation Specifications
- Higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364m) by 181 m
- Lower than Everest South Col (7,906m) by 2361 m
- Nearly equivalent to Kilimanjaro's summit (5,895m)
Topographic Features
The mountain consists of:
- Dark, friable sedimentary rock (giving the "Black Rock" name)
- Steep scree slopes (30-35° incline on average)
- No permanent snowcap (unlike neighboring peaks)
- 360° viewing platform at summit (approx. 15m² area)
Gorak Shep is the final inhabited outpost before Everest Base Camp (EBC), located just 4km northwest of EBC and 1.5km northeast of Kala Patthar. This high-altitude settlement consists of a few teahouses offering all the basic amenities, including:
- Dormitory-style lodging with shared toilets
- No heating beyond communal dining stoves
- Limited menu (instant noodles, dal bhat, tea,etc.) due to logistical constraint.
As the trailhead for both EBC and Kala Patthar, Gorak Shep is a staging area where trekkers drop heavy packs before the 2 to 3 hour round trip to EBC, prepare pre-dawn gear for the Kala Patthar sunrise climb and assess health conditions due to the extreme altitude.
The lakebed location (formerly a glacial lake) provides flat terrain rare in the Khumbu, but its exposed position subjects it to harsh winds and rapid temperature drops after sunset.
Situated 2-3 hours trekking distance below GorakShep, Lobuche is the critical acclimatization stop before ascending to higher altitudes. Its key features include:
- Over 10 teahouses with marginally better facilities than Gorakshep
- Lower oxygen pressure (420mb vs. sea-level 1013mb) making rest essential
- Strategic location at the confluence of the Khumbu and Lobuche Glaciers
Trekkers typically spend 2 nights here to adapt to altitude. They also go on a day-hike to Lobuche East Base Camp for acclimatization and finalize their gear before the moving ahead to to EBC or Kala Patthar.
Landmarks | Elevation | Distance from Kala Patthar | Key Features | Trekking Significance |
Khumbu Glacier | 4,900m-7,600m | Borders trail to EBC | - 4km wide - 30cm/day movement - Visible ice seracs | Primary route to Everest Base Camp Water source for Gorak Shep teahouses |
Changri Shar Glacier | 5,200m-6,800m | 3km northeast | - Steep icefalls - Feeds Imja Lake downstream | Defines eastern boundary of standard EBC trek route |
Pumori (7,161m) | Summit: 7,161m | 2km north | - Southwest Face towers over Gorak Shep - Snow-covered year-round | Provides wind shelter for Gorak Shep Common subject for summit photography |
Nuptse (7,861m) | Summit: 7,861m | 5km west | - Massive western wall - Blocks Everest view from EBC | Explains why Kala Patthar's elevation is critical for views |
Lobuche Glacier | 4,800m-6,100m | 8km southwest | - Converges with Khumbu Glacier at Lobuche village | Forms challenging moraine trails between Dingboche-Lobuche |
Imja Khola River | 4,300m-5,000m | Parallels EBC trail | - Major water source - Crossed via steel bridges | Critical for teahouse water supply |
The way to Kala Patthar 5,545 m (18,192 ft) is accessible via the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trekking route, beginning at Lukla. From there, trekkers follow the standard Khumbu Valley trail, passing through Phakding and Namche Bazaar, the latter is a critical acclimatization stop with mandatory rest days.
The route progresses through Dingboche and Lobuche before reaching Gorak Shep, the final settlement before you get to Kala Patthar ascent.
The 1.5- 2km hike from GorakShep to the summit is short but strenuous, with a 400m elevation gain over loose scree and rocky switchbacks. Most trekkers depart before dawn (4-5 AM) to reach the top for sunrise (6-7 AM), when visibility is optimal.
The descent typically takes 1 to 2 hours, with most itineraries continuing downhill to Pheriche the same day to mitigate altitude risks.
The extreme elevation of Kala Patthar has significant physiological challenges that require careful preparation. At this altitude, the oxygen availability drops. This triggers immediate stress responses including increased heart rate, deeper breathing, and elevated blood pressure as the body struggles to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Acclimatization is absolutely critical for safe ascent. The human body needs 48-72 hours at intermediate altitudes to begin producing additional red blood cells. This explains why all standard itineraries include mandatory rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
During these stops, day hikes to higher elevations (like the Everest View Hotel) help stimulate acclimatization while allowing safe return to lower sleeping altitudes, a strategy known as ‘climb high, sleep low’.
Hydration becomes much more important at altitude. The dry mountain air combined with increased respiratory water loss can lead to severe dehydration that worsens Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms.
Trekkers should consume 3-4 liters of water daily, monitoring urine color as an indicator (aim for pale yellow). Electrolyte supplements are highly recommended to maintain proper mineral balance.
AMS can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. Early warning signs include persistent headache (unrelieved by painkillers), nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. More severe forms like HAPE (fluid in lungs) and HACE (brain swelling) become life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate descent.
Carrying a pulse oximeter allows monitoring of oxygen saturation (SpO2) - readings below 70% at rest indicate dangerous hypoxia.
Preventive medications can significantly reduce AMS risk when taken properly. However, medications are no substitute for proper acclimatization; the safest approach remains gradual ascent with adequate rest days.
Comparing the Viewpoints
Location | Altitude | Everest Visibility |
Kala Patthar | 5,545 m | Full summit view |
Everest BC | 5,364m | Base only (summit obscured) |
Gokyo Ri | 5,357m | Distant oblique view |
Chhukung Ri | 5,546m | Eastern perspective |
Kala Patthar gives you a complete, unobstructed view of Mount Everest’s summit. EBC sits too close to Nuptse’s massive western wall so getting a good view of Mount Everest is difficult.
However, Kala Patthar's elevated position lets you see, the Hillary Step and the entire South Col route used by climbers. This makes it the only viewpoint on the standard trek where you can truly appreciate Everest’s full scale and topography.
You see five 8,000 m+ peaks and dozens of other Himalayan giants from Kala Patthar. To the North, you see Pumori (7,161m) with its glacier-carved ridges, creating a perfect frame for photography.
The western view has Nuptse’s long wall, the feature that blocks the view of Everest from EBC. At the southeast, the Khumbu Icefall’s seracs glitter in morning light, with Ama Dablam and its ice-covered ridges on the horizon.
The decision between a sunrise or sunset ascent to Kala Patthar drastically changes your experience there. It also affects the photography opportunities you get. This Himalayan viewpoint has dramatically different conditions depending on the time of day, each with its own advantages.
At sunrise, trekkers see the legendary golden alpenglow as first light reaches Everest’s summit, making it appear almost molten. However, this comes with pre-dawn cold and a 3:30 AM departure from Gorak Shep. The payoff is crystal-clear morning air with great visibility and the chance to see expedition headlamps twinkling on the South Col route.
Sunset climbs have slightly lower visibility but warmer temperatures and smaller crowds. But in case of sunny days and no clouds, the sunset view looks awesome. The softer afternoon light creates perfect conditions for silhouette photography against the ridges of Pumori, while the descending sun casts shadows across the Khumbu Glacier in surreal patterns.
Factor | Sunrise Ascent | Sunset Ascent |
Light Quality | Golden alpenglow on Everest (5:45-6:30AM) | Warmer, diffused light (4:30-5:45PM) |
Crowd | A lot of people as these peak hours | Way less people |
Weather Stability | Mostly clear skies | A 50-50 chance |
Photography | Best for Everest close-ups (less atmospheric distortion) | Ideal for silhouette shots |
Physical Demand | More strenuous due to the cold and darkness | Easier as it is comparatively warmer and has daylight |
Teahouse Logistics | Must depart GorakShep by 4 AM | Can depart at 3 PM |
Unique Perks | See summit climbers' headlamps on the S.Col route | Watch the shadow of Everest stretch across the valleys |
Kalapatthar experiences extremely cold temperatures throughout the year due to its high elevation. Weather conditions are harsh even in the warmest months, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 8°C and nighttime temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing.
The air is thin and dry, and snow can fall at any time of year, though it is more common during the winter and transitional months. Wind chill significantly lowers the perceived temperature, especially in exposed areas.
Temperatures don’t change much between seasons, but each season still has its pattern. Spring gradually warms from deep winter cold. Summer brings the highest temperatures of the year, but is still cold by normal standards.
Autumn starts mild and becomes rapidly colder, while winter is freezing, with temperatures often below -20°C. Clear skies are common in spring and autumn.
Month | Hot Days (°C) | Cold Nights (°C) | Mean Daily Max (°C) | Mean Daily Min (°C) |
March | -2 | -25 | -8 | -19 |
April | 1 | -20 | -4 | -14 |
May | 5 | -14 | 1 | -8 |
Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)
Spring in Kalapatthar, situated in Nepal’s high Khumbu region, brings a slow yet steady transition from the frigid grip of winter. March remains bone-chilling, with daytime highs still below freezing at around -2°C, and nights dropping as low as -25°C.
April offers some relief as temperatures begin to climb above zero during the day, and the nights, while still severe at -20°C, are slightly less brutal.
By May, the region sees a modest thaw. Daytime highs can reach up to 5°C, which is relatively warm by Himalayan standards, while the coldest nights are around -14°C. The mean temperatures follow suit, showing consistent improvement from March to May.
Despite the rising warmth, spring in Kalapatthar still demands serious preparation for cold conditions, especially at night, but it remains one of the more stable seasons for trekkers seeking clear skies and manageable weather.
Month | Hot Days (°C) | Cold Nights (°C) | Mean Daily Max (°C) | Mean Daily Min (°C) |
June | 7 | -7 | 5 | -2 |
July | 8 | -3 | 5 | 0 |
August | 8 | -4 | 5 | -1 |
Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)
Summer in Kalapatthar brings the warmest temperatures of the year, though by most standards, it remains quite cold. June sees daytime highs reaching 7°C and nighttime lows at -7°C.
The mean daily temperatures also show a noticeable improvement from spring, with daytime averages around 5°C and nighttime averages at -2°C. This warming trend continues into July and August, when the hottest days touch 8°C and nights rarely dip below -4°C.
Despite these relatively milder conditions, Kalapatthar’s high altitude keeps temperatures consistently near or below freezing during nights, even in peak summer. The mean daily maximum plateaus at 5°C for all three months, while the mean minimum edges toward 0°C in July, the warmest month.
These months coincide with the monsoon season in lower altitudes, but Kalapatthar, being above the tree line, often escapes heavy rainfall, though cloudy skies and occasional snow flurries remain possible.
Summer is thus a brief window of relative warmth, though cold conditions and unpredictable mountain weather still demand caution and preparation.
Month | Hot Days (°C) | Cold Nights (°C) | Mean Daily Max (°C) | Mean Daily Min (°C) |
September | 6 | -8 | 3 | -3 |
October | 3 | -17 | -1 | -10 |
November | 1 | -21 | -4 | -16 |
Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)
Autumn in Kalapatthar begins with relatively moderate conditions in September but quickly descends into winter-like cold by November. September still holds onto the tail end of summer warmth, with daytime highs around 6°C and nighttime lows of -8°C.
The mean daily maximum and minimum are 3°C and -3°C, respectively, making it a fairly comfortable month for trekkers in terms of temperature.
However, by October, the temperature drops sharply. Daytime highs fall to just 3°C at best, with colder days dipping below freezing. Nights become frigid at -17°C, and the mean temperatures reflect this shift with an average daily max of -1°C and a minimum of -10°C.
November pushes even deeper into the cold, with highs of only 1°C and bitterly cold nights reaching -21°C. The mean daily temperatures plummet to -4°C and -16°C. This transition makes autumn a season of extremes, starting with manageable weather and ending in the grip of high-altitude cold.
Still, due to clear skies and crisp air, it's one of the most popular trekking seasons in the Everest region.
Month | Hot Days (°C) | Cold Nights (°C) | Mean Daily Max (°C) | Mean Daily Min (°C) |
December | -1 | -25 | -7 | -19 |
January | -5 | -30 | -11 | -23 |
February | -5 | -28 | -11 | -22 |
Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)
Winter in Kalapatthar is the harshest season of the year, dominated by extreme cold and sub-zero conditions throughout the day and night. December starts off bitter, with even the warmest days failing to rise above -1°C and nights plunging to -25°C. The mean daily temperatures reflect the severity, averaging -7°C during the day and -19°C at night.
The cold intensifies in January, the coldest month, with daytime highs at a frigid -5°C and nighttime lows dropping as far as -30°C. Both January and February record a mean daily maximum of -11°C, while the minimum hovers around -22 to -23°C.
February remains equally unforgiving, offering little warmth as the region slowly inches toward spring. With persistent snow, high winds, and extremely low temperatures, winter in Kalapatthar is a time for only the most prepared and experienced high-altitude adventurers.
The landscape may be breathtaking this time of the year, but the environment is unrelentingly cold.
- Pack windproof layers to protect yourself from afternoon gusts of wind.
- Autumn nights are ideal for astro photography too.
- Use balaclavas during the colder months to prevent frostbite during pre-dawn hikes.
- Despite being warmer, monsoon clouds obscure views during the summer. Keep this in mind while booking your trip.
- Keep cameras/phones inside jacket pockets as cold drains batteries faster.
- Best times for visibility are:
Spring: 5-9 AM (post-dawn the haze clears)
Autumn: 10AM-2PM (sun angle minimizes glare on glaciers)
- Look out for whiteout signs. Sudden temperature drops and wind shifts means an impending storm. Descend immediately.
- Remember these quick hypothermia fixes:
Mild (shivering): Drink sugar-water and do jumping jacks.
Severe (confusion): Apply chemical heat packs to neck/armpits and evacuate.
Reaching Kala Patthar’s summit requires careful altitude management to avoid potentially deadly consequences. At this elevation, oxygen levels are just 50% of sea level, which forces your body into survival mode.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects many trekkers above 3,600m. Early signs include a persistent headache (unrelieved by painkillers), nausea, and dizziness. More severe forms like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) cause crackling lung sounds and blue lips, while High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) leads to confusion and loss of coordination. Always carry a pulse oximeter, SpO2 below 70% or heart rate above 120 bpm at rest signals immediate danger.
The golden rule here is gradual ascent: never gain more than 400m elevation daily above 3,000m. Diamox (acetazolamide) helps when taken properly: 125mg twice daily starting 24 hours before reaching 3,000m.
Stay hydrated and monitor your urine color. (Clear to pale yellow is ideal.) Alcohol and sleeping pills can be dangerous to take as they depress breathing in thin air.
At 5,545 m (18,192 ft) your body faces reduced oxygen levels which is similar to breathing through a straw. Watch for these early warning signs:
- Mild AMS: Persistent headache (unrelieved by ibuprofen), mild nausea, fatigue or dizziness. These typically appear 6 to 12 hours after ascent.
- Moderate AMS: Worsening headache with vomiting, extreme fatigue or shortness of breath at rest.
- Severe AMS (HAPE/HACE):
- HAPE: Crackling breath sounds, coughing pink froth, blue lips (oxygen saturation is less than 70%).
- HACE: Confusion (unable to recall date or name), loss of coordination (failing a heel-to-toe walk test).
For mild symptoms, stop ascending further. Rest, hydrate and monitor with a pulse oximeter. For more severe symptoms, descend immediately (500m minimum). This is the only cure.
Before the trek, spend more than 2 nights in Namche Bazaar to adapt. Begin Diamox (125mg twice daily) 24 hours before reaching 3,000m. During the trek, follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ rule.
For example: Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) from Namche, then return to sleep lower. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink 4-5L daily (electrolytes help). Avoid alcohol.
When to Turn Back
- Mental confusion and is unable to answer simple questions.
- Inability to walk straight or failed heel-to-toe test.
- SpO2 is less than 70% at rest, measured 3 times over 30 minutes interval.
- The final 400m climb has no shelter or escape routes. If symptoms arise, descend to Gorak Shep (5,164m) immediately.
Packing for Kala Patthar requires planning to handle temperatures that can drop to -25°C and winds exceeding 50km/hr. The right gear makes the difference between an enjoyable trek and a survival situation.
The most critical element of your clothing is going to be a proper layering system to regulate body temperature. Start with a wool base layer that wicks moisture while retaining warmth. Over this, add a mid-layer fleece for insulation.
Your outer layer must be windproof and waterproof, so look for jackets with taped seams and ventilation zippers. For your legs, insulated trekking pants with side zippers allow temperature adjustment during ascents. Wear liner gloves under heavy insulated mittens and use a balaclava when temperatures fall.
Sturdy, insulated boots are non-negotiable. Choose mountaineering boots with thick soles to prevent frostbite. In winter (December-February), microspikes or crampons are essential for icy trails. Pair them with merino wool socks (two layers if needed) and knee-high gaiters to keep snow out.
Cold drains batteries 3 times faster. Keep phones and cameras in inner jacket pockets and carry multiple power banks (20,000mAh minimum). For DSLRs, remove batteries when not in use and attach hand warmers in extreme cold. Solar chargers (10W+) work well in sunny conditions.
- UV400 glacier glasses as they prevent snow blindness
- Trekking poles as carbon fiber reduces joint strain
- Durable headlamp for pre-dawn hikes
- Insulated water bottles
Kala Patthar 5,545 m (18,192 ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m) serve fundamentally different purposes on the trek. While EBC puts you at the foot of the mountain, Kala Patthar provides the complete visual experience.
- Kala Patthar's 280m height difference over EBC creates the critical viewing angle needed to see Everest's summit.
- EBC is in the Khumbu Valley, surrounded by Nuptse’s massive wall that completely blocks Everest’s peak. Kala Patthar is 2km southwest, so you get an unobstructed vantage point.
- Experience at EBC is more about standing at the base of the world’s highest mountain. Kala Patthar is about seeing and photographing the entire mountain.
Kala Patthar is undeniably superior for viewing Everest due to full summit visibility. It is the only spot where you can see Everest’s summit pyramid, the Hillary Step, and South Col in one frame. From the top, you can see:
- Lhotse (8,516m) to the east
- Nuptse (7,861m) to the west
- Pumori (7,161m) in the foreground
- Ama Dablam (6,812m) to the southeast
EBC has a more limited view. You get no view of the summit as it is completely blocked by Nuptse. A close-up of Khumbu Icefall is the main attraction here. It can also be more crowded with expedition teams during the climbing season.
Which is a more difficult climb?
Factor | Kala Patthar (5,644m) | Everest Base Camp (5,364m) |
Elevation Gain | 400m steep climb from Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 200m gradual ascent from Gorak Shep |
Trail Conditions | Loose scree, rocky switchbacks | Rocky moraine, uneven glacier terrain |
Round-Trip Time | 3-5 hours (2-3h up, 1-2h down) | 3-4 hours total |
Altitude Effects | Thinner air (SpO2 often drops below 80%) | Slightly less severe hypoxia |
Temperature | -5°C to -25°C (wind chill worsens cold) | -2°C to -20°C (more sheltered) |
Physical Demand | High (short but intense vertical push) | Moderate (longer but flatter approach) |
Retreat Options | No shelter past the halfway point | Multiple stopping points along the trail |
Teahouses are the only accommodation option above Namche Bazaar, offering basic but functional lodging. These family-run guesthouses provide Standard Rooms with twin beds with thin mattresses (bring a sleeping bag liner).
The Common Areas are heated dining rooms. The amenities get more basic as the altitude increases.
- Namche (3,440m): Best facilities (some en-suite options)
- Dingboche (4,410m): Solar-powered charging
- Gorak Shep (5,164m): Most basic (no heat, shared toilets)
Luxury alternatives (as luxurious as it can get in the mountains) are available up to Dingboche. For instance, the Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Previously known as Yeti Mountain Home) has private bathrooms and hot showers, and the Everest Summit Lodge has heated rooms and quality bedding.
Menus become simpler and pricier with altitude. Staple Dishes include Dal Bhat (best calorie value), Tibetan Bread, and Garlic Soup, which helps with acclimatization. Western Options are more expensive than the local ones. Those include pasta and bakery goods.
Facilities Decline with Altitude
Location | Bed Comfort | Toilets | Charging | Heating |
Good (mattress) | Western (some en-suite) | Free at cafes | Stove in the dining room | |
Basic (thin pad) | Asian squat | Solar power | Evening stove | |
Very basic | Outdoor (no seat) | Unreliable | None | |
Minimal | Pit toilet | None | None |
Pro Tips:
- Pack wet wipes. They will keep you clean when the water is scarce.
- You might need sleeping bag to keep yourself warm when you sleep. Blankets are provided but they might be inadequate.
All trekkers must obtain these mandatory documents:
a) Cost: $30 (NPR 3,000)
b) Where to Get: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Monjo checkpoint
c) Validity: Single entry for one month
d) Required Documents:
- Passport
a) Cost: $30 (NPR 3,000)
b) New Requirement: Since 2018, replaces TIMS for Khumbu region
c) Where to Buy: Lukla or Monjo checkpoints
You can learn more about trekking permits required for the Everest Region in detail in our blog on permits.
At Trek Me Nepal, your safety is our highest priority. Trekking to Kala Patthar demands not only physical readiness but also professional guidance from someone who understands these terrains.
Our experienced team is trained, equipped, and certified to lead you safely through the Himalayas.
Our certified Himalayan guides are your safety net in the mountains. Since 2023, solo trekking above Namche Bazaar has been banned, making professional guidance a legal requirement. At Trek Me Nepal, all of our guides are certified, with many successful high-altitude treks under their belts.
They bring critical expertise in three essential areas:
- Medical Preparedness: Each of our guides is trained in high-altitude first aid and carries a comprehensive kit.
- Navigation and Local Insight: With first-hand knowledge of escape routes, fluency in Sherpa and Nepali and regular updates on avalanche zones and glacier conditions, our team ensures you are always on the safest possible path.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: We take care of all permits and compliance with Nepal Tourism Board regulations, ensuring your trek is not only safe but fully within legal guidelines.
At Trek Me Nepal, we implement structured safety systems to manage group dynamics and altitude progression, including:
- Buddy system: Pairing experienced and novice trekkers
- Pacing well: No more than 300m of elevation gain per day above 3,500m
- Checkpoints: Hourly headcounts during fog, snow, or whiteout conditions
Our guides are trained to respond to every level of altitude sickness.
- Mild AMS: Rest, administer Diamox, and monitor vital signs
- Severe AMS: Immediate descent of at least 500 meters
- Critical cases: Satellite phone communication with the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and GPS-coordinated evacuation via Fishtail Air
Reaching the summit of Kala Patthar is one of the most rewarding parts of the Everest Base Camp trek. However, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of what this experience entails, especially given the extreme altitude and weather conditions.
The final ascent to Kala Patthar begins from Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The summit itself stands at approximately 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), although the exact elevation may vary slightly depending on the measurement source.
The trail from Gorak Shep to the top is around 1.5-2 km one-way and typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend, depending on acclimatization, pace, and weather conditions.
The terrain is rocky and steep, with loose scree in several sections. The path is not technically challenging, but the high altitude makes the hike physically demanding.
Trekkers often need to take frequent breaks due to the reduced oxygen levels. The final stretch involves a gradual switchback trail followed by a short, steep scramble over boulders near the summit.
There are no technical climbing skills required, but hiking poles are recommended for stability. It’s also important to leave early, around 4:30 to 5:00 AM, for sunrise views and to avoid high-altitude wind bursts that pick up later in the morning.
Kala Patthar offers one of the best panoramic views of the Everest region. It is the most accessible viewpoint to see Mount Everest up close, as the actual summit of Everest is not visible from Everest Base Camp. From the top, you can see:
- Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters): The southeast face and summit are clearly visible, with the early morning sun often casting a golden hue.
- Nuptse (7,861 m): Prominent peak to the left of Everest.
- Changtse (7,543 m): Visible across the border in Tibet.
- Lhotse (8,516 m): The fourth-highest mountain in the world.
- Pumori (7,161 m): Right next to Kala Patthar and often dominates the skyline.
- Ama Dablam (6,812 m): Visible in the distance, known for its unique shape.
- Khumbu Glacier and Icefall: A clear view of the Khumbu Icefall, which is the first major obstacle on the Everest climbing route.
Trekkers can also see the route to Everest Base Camp below and trace their own path back to Gorak Shep.
Most trekkers spend between 15 to 30 minutes at the summit. Prolonged stays are discouraged due to the extreme altitude and risk of AMS. There are no shelters or windbreaks, so exposure is constant.
After taking photographs and resting briefly, trekkers usually descend back to Gorak Shep to eat and hydrate.
No, but highly recommended because:
- Only guaranteed viewpoint of Everest's summit (invisible from EBC)
- Adds just 2-3 hours to the standard Gorak Shep itinerary
- Completion rate: 92% of trekkers attempt it vs. 100% for EBC
Who Should Skip It:
- Trekkers with severe AMS symptoms
- Those with tight schedules as going to Kala Patthar requires extra night at Gorak Shep
- When weather conditions are dangerous
The complete 360° panorama view includes:
Above 8,000m Peaks:
- Everest (8,848m): Directly northeast
- Lhotse (8,516m): Right of Everest
- Makalu (8,485m): Far eastern horizon (visible on clear days)
Other Notable Peaks:
- Nuptse (7,861m): Massive western wall
- Pumori (7,161m): Directly north (foreground)
- Ama Dablam (6,812m): Southeast (iconic pyramid)
- Changtse (7,550m): North across Tibet border
Ready to experience the best view of Mount Everest?
At Trek Me Nepal, we specialize in creating safe, well-organized treks to Kala Patthar that combine breathtaking scenery with professional guidance.
- Expert Local Guides: Our certified Sherpa guides have led many successful treks to Kala Patthar
- All-Inclusive Packages: Permits, meals, accommodation, and flights handled for you
- Small Group for a personalized experience
- We keep our customers’ Safety First
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Meteoblue. (2025). Climate & weather data for Kalapattar. Meteoblue. https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/kalapattar_nepal_1283271
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