Kala Patthar Summit: Vantage Point For Excellent Everest View
Kala Patthar is a popular viewpoint in the Khumbu trails of Nepal. It lies on the south ridge of the Pumori mountain in the northern Himalayas of Nepal over Gorakshep. The viewpoint is quite a popular place to watch Mount Everest. You can get 360-degree panoramic views of Everest from Kala Patthar. The Kala Patthar Summit hike is among the last destination of the Everest Base Camp trek too.
Kala Patthar literally translates to a Black stone. You can expect a huge black rock to climb for mesmerizing vistas of Everest for the Kala Patthar summit hike. The Kala Patthar summit is further away from the Base Camp of Everest. The Everest Base Camp hike has different variations, and most of them include a day of hike to the Kala Patthar viewpoint. The Kala Patthar summit hike is the toughest part of the Everest Base Camp trek. However, including it in the itinerary is quite worth it and highly recommended.
After days of walking and final arduous steps, you will enter into a heavenly elevation of the Himalayas. Majestic views of Everest will be right in front of you. You can see the entirety of this world-famous peak from here. Plus, you can also see much more mountains that aren’t easily accessible at once during other destinations of the trek. Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Everest can be viewed all at once and in their great glory.
Highlights
- Witness an unforgettable sunrise view over Everest from the Kala Patthar viewpoint.
- Complete the hike to Everest Base Camp, a mecca for trekkers from around the world.
- Traverse diverse landscapes, from lush forests and suspension bridges to glacial moraines.
- Trek through the pristine beauty of Sagarmatha National Park, with chances of sighting rare wildlife.
- Capture jaw-dropping shots of the Himalayas, including the world’s peak.
- Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture and hospitality in quaint mountain villages.
- Experience enchanting views of Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
How to reach the Kala Patthar Summit?
To reach the Kala Patthar Summit you need to traverse through the remote trails of Khumbu. If you haven’t, you need to look into the various destinations of the Everest Base Camp trek to prepare for it. The Kala Patthar Summit is quite near the base camp of Everest. You can access it easily through a place called Gorakshep.
You can understand in detail how to finish the Kala Patthar summit hike by breaking it into two parts. The first will be the trek to Everest Base Camp. Then it will be the trek after you return to Gorakshep and head up to Kala Patthar. Stick with us to understand it in detail.
Route to Everest Base Camp
To reach the Everest Base Camp, you need to head northeast of Kathmandu towards Lukla. You ought to catch a flight to get to Lukla. The flight will be quite mesmerizing, with aerial views of mountains. After arrival, you will begin your trek and head over to Phakding. The trails will consist of beautiful alpine vegetation, and you’ll also pass through suspension bridges. The trails will primarily follow the route alongside the Dudh Koshi River.
From Phakding, the road ahead leads us to Namche Bazar. Namche Bazaar is famously known as the “gateway to Everest.” It is a small Sherpa town that is quite vibrant and aesthetically pleasing. The road the Namche also goes alongside Dudh Koshi with a gain in elevation. From Namche, you will head towards the Sherpa village known as Tengboche. From Tengboche, the road leads you forward to Dingboche and then to Lobuche.
You will get access to Gorakshep from Lobuche. Gorakshep is the last point before you head to Everest Base Camp. The most remote lodges lie in Gorakshep, so you will leave your luggage here and hike to Everest Base Camp.
Hike for the Kala Patthar summit
After reaching the base camp, trekkers have to get back to Gorakshep to sleep and eat. Then from Gorakshep, you can again start your hike for the Kala Patthar summit. The trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar is just 2.5 kilometers. Although this might seem quite a short hike, it is tough. There is a steady gain in altitude to reach the summit which makes this hike two to three hours long.
The trail to Kalapatthar is quite clear but has a very steep ascent. It is a winding trail that leads to rocky and uneven terrain. You will need very sturdy hiking boots to make this accent. Practice caution and patience, and you will be able to finish this ascent. The hard work will pay off, and you will get the beautiful vistas that you put so much effort to see.
Best time for Kala Patthar summit
The best times to reach the Kala Patthar summit hike are during spring and autumn. These seasons fall from March to May and Sept to November. The spring season brings in weather that is stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Rhododendron blooms add color to the landscape, and the trails are less affected by rain.
On the other hand, autumn offers excellent visibility after the monsoon. The weather will be dry, and the temperature will be quite suitable. Both seasons ensure breathtaking panoramic views of Everest and neighboring peaks.
The winter months that occur from December to February make up for a frigid climate. There is potential for snowfall, and visibility is quite limited. Moreover, snowfall can make climbing Kalapatthar more complicated. The same applies to the monsoon months from June to August. It makes the weather quite gloomy and the temperature and weather quite erratic.
However, trekking in any season is possible with proper planning and caution.
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