Nepal is a country of mountains with eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders of the world, Mt. Everest being the highest standing at the altitude of 8,848 meters above sea level. Thus it is an undenied fact that this Himalaya country attracts a huge number of mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Culturally and naturally diverse Nepal is adored by foreigners in the aspect that the country has a right balance of ancient traditions in this modernized twenty first century. Everest region of Nepal has in it the perfect mix of pristine nature and primitive lifestyle of Sherpa people. Everest Kala Patthar trek is one of the famous trails to follow in order to get close-up views of the great Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest).
Before you begin the trek, it is necessary that you know of Kala Patthar and the vicinity. Kala Patthar if to be translated in English is called ‘Black Rock’ which is located at the south ridge of Pumori in Everest region above Gorakshep village. Although people ascend it, Kala Patthar with the height of just 33 ft is not exactly a proper mountain. The world’s highest webcam known as Mount Everest webcam is set on top of it. Kala Patthar lets you get the stunning views of Everest, Nuptse and Changtse. After a 30-35 minutes of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla from where trekkers head to Namche Bazaar, a major Sherpa market in the Himalayas. From Namche to Kala Patthar, you will come across the ethnic Sherpa culture and their untouched, pure lifestyle in valleys surrounded by snowcapped mountains and pine forests.
A complete 19 days trek includes hiking from Namche to Gorakshep. In between there are five villages sitting at the distance of 3-400 meters uphill each viz. Dole (4,110 m), Machhermo (4,470 m), Gokyo Lake Site (4,790 m), Cho La Pass Zongla (4,830 m), Lobuche (4,910 m) and finally at Gorakshep (5,140 m). Trekkers take rest, acclimatize and reenergize themselves while they stop on each of these villages. A major point of interest during this expedition is Gokyo Lake located in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park in Khumbu region. The very next morning on twelfth day of the expedition, hike to Kala Patthar begins. With proper instructions from professional guide, Kala Patthar is an easy target to climb. Once reached at the top, you will realize that the decision of Everest Kala Patthar trek is one of the best decisions you’ve made in life. Kala Patthar is a precise spot to get a near and clear view of some of the highest mountains of the planet like Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Mt. Amadablam, Nuptse and Changtse. While trekking down, trekkers have option to use another trail.
Although spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) is considered favorable seasons, some expert climbers prefer visiting in January and February during winter. Approaching Kala Patthar is easier comparatively, so one need not worry of suffering from altitude sickness; however, it is always best to take a basic medical kit since it’s either snow or rocks in the mountains and we can’t guarantee you won’t lose grip.
Martin Wynn
Nguyen An Tra My
