16 Apr 2020 Nabin Baniya
The Kala Patthar hike itself is not a journey; it’s part of the Famous Trekking to Everest base camp. Kala Patthar rises above 5550 meters above sea level. Kala Patthar means Black rock in Nepali, Urdu, and Hindi Languages. Kalapatthar is the best viewpoint in the world to see Everest. People can see Everest very close to the top of the viewpoint.
This viewpoint is also suitable for sunrise as well as sunset. More than 90 percent of people do it in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. Some people do it in the evening also. Few people with less research and info about trek may not like to visit Kalapather. They just do a Base camp for which they come. Kala Patthar is the best viewpoint in Sagarmatha National Park. Many people take a helicopter ride and land on Kalapather for a view.
Routes to Kala Patthar’s viewpoint.
Like the Everest base camp hike, the Kala Patthar hike begins in Gorakshep village. It is an elevation of 5160 meters above sea level. This is the highest point for sleeping on most treks of the Khumbu region. Many people who visit the Gorekshap start to hike Kalapather on the same day and back to the teahouse on Gorekshap for an overnight stay. So people take the fastest way to base camp & Kalapather from Lukla to base camp.
The maximum number of people visiting a base camp makes it impossible to allow people to spend the night on the base camp. There are no tea houses on Everest base camp so they have to come back to Gorakshep village. After finishing base camp they will have a wonderful rest with good food at Gorekshap and wait for the next exciting hike.
Wake up early in the morning at 4 am and start hiking towards Kala Patthar with the headlamp. After walking for 2 hours we will be standing on elevations of 5550 meters. We do hike in the morning for sunrise as well as Mountain View. During the day we aim of reaching the next town Pheriche or any other which is why we do an early hike.
We will stay around half an hour to see the stunning view as well as the sunrise in the mountains. We will click some stunning pictures. After that, we will hike down to Gorakshep and Have breakfast, do backing, and start to trek towards the next destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kala Patthar
While booking the packages you will have the details or outline itinerary. Mostly all the itineraries have the Kala Patthar hike included on the itinerary. Our Magic Himalaya treks have Kala Patthar included on all itineraries. On the Everest base camp trek, it is on Day 11. In case you don’t have Kala Patthar included on the itinerary then you can ask your organizer to include it.
No, no one needs to pay extra costs for the hike. Remember you need to bring a headlamp and some extra warm jackets to use while doing Kalapather. We need extra clothes because, during the early morning, it will be super cold on top of the Kala pather.
While coming to the Everest base camp trek don’t forget to check the blogs that describe the Everest base camp trek packing list. There you will find all the things that are required for both trekking and the hike to Kala Patthar. You can also contact the best trekking company to provide the list of equipment.
While coming to the Everest base camp trek don’t forget to check the blogs that describe the Everest base camp trek packing list. There you will find all the things that are required for both trekking and the hike to Kala Patthar.
There could be a bit chance of altitude sickness but by that time you will be well acclimatized because of staying 400 meters for a few nights. You will also reach 5363 meters the previous day so there will be very little chance of problems. The Kala Patthar is just a day hike so you will not have problems. In case you got such problems you can hike down.
No, you don’t need to buy travel insurance for the hike separately. The insurance you buy for the Everest base camp trek or any others will be fine. Make sure while buying insurance that it covers up to 6000 meters of altitude.
We recommend the Sunrise hike because mostly the morning weather is clear and we can see all the mountains very nicely. The sunrises in the mountains are wonderful to see. In the evening there is a risk of not having a clear view of the mountains.
Conclusion:
This Kala Patthar hike includes all the packages to treks such as Everest base camp Luxury Trek, Everest base camp Yoga trek, Everest three high pass trek as well as island peak with base camp.
Remember Magic Himalaya for the journey to Kala Patthar.
Nabin is a seasoned trekking and hiking guide, and the proud operator of Magic Himalaya Treks, Nepal’s premier company for Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and other thrilling adventures. With a wealth of experiences and valuable insights, Nabin’s website offers comprehensive information on trekking in Nepal.
