e Kala patthar trek is not so much a trek itself, but rather an optional short hike on the Everest base camp trek. It is a short, typically few hours add-on that ascends Kala patthar a hill that provides the best viewing point of Everest Basecamp and the surrounding peaks.

Meaning “Black rock” in English Kala patthar stands at an impressive 5644m above sea level, making it the highest altitude reached on most EBC treks at over 300m above Everest base camp. Its name comes from the colouration of the rock that make up its peak – dark black that stands in stark contrast to the snow-capped peaks it surveys.

Many people tend to limb Kala patthar early in the morning to get the down light, however, the sun rises behind everest and lhotse and you won’t get a good shot at this time. The best time to climb is late after noon as the sun is setting. If the weather is on your side you’ll be able to see everest and lohtse bathed in Golden sunlight.

Kala patthar trek difficulty:
The trek is not particularly long, but it is up hill and at altitude. For a standard trekker it should take anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the view point.
The top of Kala patthar can not be seen for some way up which adds to the mental difficulty. If you are well acclimatized and take it easy you’ll have no real difficulty, although you will need several breaks on your way up if you’re not well acclimatized then you’ll find it’s a hard slog that will leave you wheezing and breathless.

Remember to take plenty of water and a warm jacket as the temperatures can get seriously cold in the wind towards the top.