Kala Patthar in short
Kala Patthar is a rocky hill above Gorak Shep, and the Nepal Tourism Board describes its top as a viewpoint for Everest. On the standard route you climb it from Gorak Shep early in the morning and then walk down towards Pheriche. The operator's plan puts the whole day, including the descent, at about 7 hours. That figure is not a pure climbing time.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by the Nepal Tourism Board, the national park or a trekking agency, and it cannot tell you whether the weather on your morning will show the mountain. The itinerary page shows where the climb fits into the trek.
How high is Kala Patthar?
The sources do not agree, and there is no single accepted measurement.
| Source | Height |
|---|---|
| Nepal Tourism Board | 5,545 m |
| One operator, page headline | 5,644 m |
| The same operator, description text | 5,643 m |
| The same operator, data box | 5,545 m |
Name the source when you quote a height: 5,545 m is the tourism board's figure, 5,644 m the one some operators print. The difference of about 100 m does not change how you should prepare. Either way it is higher than the base camp, at about 5,364 m (17,598 ft), and it is the highest point of a normal Everest Base Camp trek. Heights for the base camp and the villages are on the altitude page.
Everest Base Camp treks that include Kala Patthar
Guided treks and flights in the Khumbu, with live prices and availability.
The sunrise hike
A sunrise hike is a tour variant, not a fixed opening time. Nobody can promise you a sunrise view, and a start time depends on your date, the cold and your pace. Check the sunrise time for your travel date, go with your guide and decide on the morning whether conditions and your health allow the climb.
Carry a light for the dark start, warm layers and a hat, and see the packing list for the rest. Expect cold in the early morning at this height.
What the climb asks of you
It comes late in the trek, at the highest sleeping point.
The height gain
On the operator's figures Kala Patthar is roughly 400 m above Gorak Shep. You do it after nights at 4,410 m (14,468 ft), 4,910 m and about 5,140 m, so your body has had days to adapt, but not unlimited time. Fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness.
The day-by-day plan →Warning signs
Headache, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness mean you should not go higher. Confusion, unsteady walking, breathlessness at rest or severe exhaustion mean an urgent descent with company and medical help. Do not climb to "see it quickly" with symptoms.
Altitude sickness →Where the day goes
In the sample plan the base camp is day 8 and Kala Patthar is day 9, followed by the descent to Pheriche. Ask your guide how the two days are ordered on your trek, and allow for slow walking at this height.
The trek →No helicopter shortcut
A helicopter landing on Kala Patthar is advertised by one operator and ruled out by another. Do not assume one, and remember that a quick flight up skips acclimatisation.
Helicopter tours →Other Everest viewpoints
Kala Patthar is not the only place with a view. The Nepal Tourism Board gives Gokyo Ri as 5,357 m (17,575 ft), with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu and of the Gokyo lakes. Another operator prints 5,457 m for the same hill, so the same caution about heights applies. The Gokyo route is a different trek, described on the Gokyo lakes page.
If you want the mountain and fewer days, a flight over the Khumbu is another option, with the limits described on the helicopter page. For the permit rules that apply to every route, see permits.
Kala Patthar: frequently asked questions
How high is Kala Patthar?
The Nepal Tourism Board gives 5,545 m (18,192 ft). Some operators print 5,644 m (18,517 ft). There is no single agreed measurement, so quote the source with the number.
How long does the climb take?
The operator's plan gives about 7 hours for the whole of day 9, which includes Kala Patthar and the descent to Pheriche. That is not a pure ascent time. Your pace, the cold and the height change it.
Where does the hike start?
On the standard route you climb from Gorak Shep early in the morning, then walk down towards Pheriche. Gorak Shep is the overnight stop near the base camp.
Can I be sure of a good sunrise view?
No. Sunrise times differ by date, and clouds can hide the view. Check the time for your day and keep the plan flexible. A sunrise hike is a tour variant and not a fixed opening time.
Should I climb it if I have a headache?
No. Do not go higher while symptoms of altitude sickness last. If they get worse, descend and get help. Talk to a doctor before you travel.