Kala Pathar 5545m: The Closest View of Mount Everest

Kala Patthar is the closest and highest point to view Mount Everest. It is located on 5644 m above sea level offering the mind-blowing view of sun rise and sunset in Everest region. Kala patthar is named from two Nepali word 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, Pumori from Kala-patther is incredible. The peak Kala patthar is the highest point of Everest base camp trek that is around 1.2 km far from Gorekshep. It takes around 2 hours to climb kalapather from Gorekshep.

Highlights of Kalapathar

• 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 and Glacier

How to reach Kala-patthar?

Trekkers should hike two and half hour from Gorekshep to reach Kalapatthar but reaching Gorekshep is a hard job. It takes 8 days trek from Lukla. Infact, 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 route to get to Kalapatthar 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 climbing Kala patthar. 

Best time to trek kala patthar

Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October and November) are the best time for trekking to Kala Patthar. Spring and autumn are the peak season where thousands of trekkers visit Everest base camp and climb Kala Patthar for the best view of highest peak in the world. 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 temperature remains unpleasant, and we cannot get a clear view of Mount Everest during summer. Similarly, winter is the hardest time due to extensively low temperature in night. 

Temperature in Kala – Patthar

The mean temperature in Kala-patthar range from 5℃ to -23 ℃ throughout the year. January is the coldest month followed by February, March and April with rising temperatures. The average maximum temperature remains 5 ℃ during Jun, July and August. The temperature gradually falls from September and reaches – 7 ℃ as maximum temperature during December. 

When should we go to Kalapatther?

Early morning is the best time to go Kala patthar and enjoy the sunrise on Mount Everest. Besides, we can hike Kalapatthar during Eevening for a sunset view. Both morning and evening are suitable times for climbing Kalapatthar. Early morning is preferred more to have the clear view of Mount Everest. Even though the coldest temperature is challenging in morning. Many trekkers visit Kalapatthar in the evening if they are less tired after returning from Everest base camp.

Who can’t visit Kalapatthar?

The trekkers feeling tired,suffering from altitude sickness 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 Kalapatthar?

Trekkers need following things which are essential to climb Kalapatthar:

• Torch light
• Thick gloves
• Sunscreen
• Goggles
• Stick
• Water bottle

Conclusion

Kalapatthar summit is the closest viewpoint of Mount Everest. All the trekkers who successfully reached Everest base camp should climb Kalapatthar to enjoy the closeup view of Mount Everest and its near by peaks. Climbing Kalapatthar gives experience for peak climbing in Nepal.