Kala Patthar HikeKala Patthar Hike

Kala Patthar Hike - 14 Days Trek to Kala Patthar

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Max. Altitude5555 meters
  • Starts/EndsLukla/Lukla
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Khumbu Glacier and Nazumba Glacier, are the highest and largest glaciers on the earth, respectively.
  • The Magnificence of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8848.86m).
  • Visit different Sherpa Villages exploring their culture and lifestyle.
  • High Suspension bridges, monasteries, rhododendron forests, ice falls, rocky terrain, farmlands, and many more to discover.
  • Varieties of Plants and Himalayan wildlife like Musk Deer, Pheasants, and Himalayan Thar.

Kala Patthar Hike is a journey to the Khumbu region of Nepal to witness the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest. Kala Patthar is named after “Black Stone, " a perfect panoramic viewpoint in the Everest Region. The walk to Kala Pathhar completes the whole classic Everest Base Camp Trekking. Hence, hiking to EBC is similar to Kala Patthar Hike.  

This Everest Kala Patthar Hike is the most popular and demanding trek globally. It is also known as Everest Base Camp Trek because there is no way out besides the EBC. Moreover, skipping Kala Patthar during the hike to Everest is the biggest loss of this journey. The major attraction of this hike is to see the Himalayas from the Kala Patthar. It is a trekking paradise to reach Kala Patthar via Everest Base Camp. The diverse landscapes, ice falls, glaciers, vegetation, lifestyle, culture, and high Himalayas to explore. Moreover, out of the 10 highest peaks in the world 4 can be seen during this hike.

Height of the Kala Patthar View Point

The Kala Patthar lies at an altitude of 5555 meters at the southern ridge of Mt. Pumori. Just above the Gorakshep village, it is 9.5 KM away from the Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the co-ordinate of this viewpoint is 27⁰.59.750’N, 86⁰49.705’E.

Kala Patthar Climb Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

Many trekkers find it difficult to ascent Kala Patthar for various reasons. One of them is altitude sickness. Hiking in high altitudes with a bad physical state can cause altitude sickness. Hence, hikers should be in a good physical state with some trekking experience to hike to Everest. Novice trekkers can find this trek difficult as they hike high elevations above 4000 meters. Body aching, fatigue, headache, vomiting, etc. are the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Therefore, to ascent the Kala Patthar successfully, we recommend having excellent body shape.  Moreover, being mentally ready is equally important. Proper acclimatization, slow walking, hydration, and the best trekking season are recommended to avoid altitude sickness during the Everest Kala Patthar Trek.

How long does it take to Hike Kala Patthar?

The journey to Kala Patthar takes 10-12 Days just like Everest Base Camp Trek. Hiking to Kala Patthar is a part of a regular Everest Base Camp trip. It starts from Lukla, a short flight from Kathmandu, and traverses through the Sagarmatha National Park. Likewise, the walk from Lukla takes you to different Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Finally, from Gorakshep village, the Kala Patthar Hike will start. It is more or less a 2-3 hour walk to the viewpoint. After admiring the views from the point, the trail will return to Gorakshep.

Mountains to see from Kala Patthar

The major highlight of hiking to Kala Patthar is its panoramic views of the mountains. Trekkers get to see the exotic views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and many more peaks. The views of sunrise and sunset over the mountains are mesmerizing. Hence, you can choose the best time to visit Kala Patthar.

Is it possible to do the Kala Patthar Helicopter Landing Trek?

The Helicopter Landing Trek to Kala Pathharis a luxurious trekking tour in Everest. It is a specially designed Everest Trek Itinerary to Kala Pathhar and fly back by Helicopter. The first part of this trip for 8-10 days will be walking through the Sagarmatha National Park and several Sherpa Villages. Next, after complementing the Khumbu Region, the trip ends with the glorious Helicopter Ride back to Lukla.

14 Days Kala Patthhar Hiking cost of Guide, Porter, & Permit Cards

The cost of the Kala Patthar Hike is based on your time, service, and itinerary. It ranges between $1000-$1500 per person. Moreover, trekkers can choose the service they want during the trek at a particular price. The Everest Trekking Guide costs $25-$35 per day including his salary, accommodation, meals, and insurance. Likewise, the porter charges from $20-$25 per day. The porter’s costs cover just like the expenses of the guide.

In addition, without permit cards, no trekkers are allowed to enter Sagarmatha National Park. Hence, you must have a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Regional Entry Permit Card. Both of the permit cards costs NRP 3000 and NRP 2000 respectively.

Conclusion:

We, Mountain Eco Trails, provide the best logistics assistance and make your journey to Everest a lifetime experience.  Do not miss the chance to witness the majesty of Mt. Everest from a close distance than ever. Book your tour to Everest with us, we take care of your permits, trekking guides, logistics, etc. which makes your holiday stress-free.

Itinerary

When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, our staff from Mountain Eco Trail will be at the airport to pick you up. He will greet you with warm Namaste and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. 

  • Max Altitude:1350 Meter
  • Accommodation:Hotel

You will start your trip with 4-5 hours of driving from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The flight to Lukla is waiting for you at Ramechhap, which is 15 15-minute flight to Lukla. Then, from Lukla, walk begins to Phakding passing different small villages. Overnight stay at Phakding.

  • Max Altitude:2610 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is going to be a tougher day than the previous day. The start of the walk begins through the forest of pine, hemlock, and Juniper. Then, the trail gradually goes up crossing several suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River. You will arrive at Monjo where the Permit cards will be checked. The walk continues from here to Namche passing Jhorsale. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Max Altitude:3440 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will do a Day Hike around Namche as a rest day. Hiking to Everest View Hotel is popular hiking in Namche. Walking for 2-3 hours from Namche Takes you to the Everest View Hotel. Treat yourself to a sip of coffee and enjoy the views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam from here. Moreover, explore several chorten and monasteries along the trail. After coming back to Namche, stroll around the town. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Max Altitude:3440 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Namche, the trail ascends uphill offering spectacular views of mountains and villages. Next, you will drop down to cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Again, the path will ascend from the bridge to reach Tengboche. After arriving here, a visit to Tengboche Monastery gives you spiritual vibes. You get to know about Buddhism once you enter this monastery. Overnight stay at Tengboche.

  • Max Altitude:3800 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Slowly, the trail will gain height which makes you feel difficult to breathe because of the thin air. The trek goes past a wooden forest of the Imja Khola Valley. As the trail goes higher the views become clearer and more magnificent. Next, crossing the Pangboche village and several mani walls, you arrive at Dingboche village.

  • Max Altitude:4410 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another rest day during this trip to Kala Patthar. Hiking near the Dingboche village keeps you active the whole day. You can walk to Chukkung Ri or Nangkartsang Hill to utilize the time. Each viewpoint offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. It is 4-5 hours of roundtrip hiking. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

  • Max Altitude:4410 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You are getting one step closer to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Crossing the Thukla village at first, the trail leads you to Pheriche. The route starts to get difficult from here. Likewise, the pathways drop down through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. While crossing the moraine admire the magical views of Pumori and Khumbutse. Walking for another hour or so will reach Lobuche. You can find tea houses only in this place.

  • Max Altitude:4900 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your destination is Everest Base Camp Today. Hence, it is going to be long walking day. Leaving from Lobuche, you will ascend to Gorakshep from the right side of the Khumbu Glacier. Reaching Gorakshep, unpack your baggage and have a quick break with some snacks to fuel your body. After that, you will start the walk to your main destination. During the Hike to Everest Base Camp, you can see the Khumbu Ice Fall. It will be a lovely and lifetime experience for you to step on the foot of the highest peak in the world. Take your time to take some snaps and then you will return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay

  • Max Altitude:5364 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Finally, the day for the Kala Patthar Hike arrives. You will start early before dawn to avoid the clouds and fog. Moreover, it is going to be a tough hike as well. So, be ready physically and mentally. Carry some energy bars or chocolates and water with you. The trail is quite steep and ascent. Walking for 2-3 hours will take you to Kala Pathhar. It is a perfect 360-degree viewpoint that offers Nuptse, Pumori, Changtse, Taweche, Ama Dablam, and Everest.  After that, you will descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. Your final destination will be Pheriche today.

  • Max Altitude:5555 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:8-9 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Pheriche, the trail goes all the way down through the rocky pathways. Likewise, you will pass through the rhododendron forests and Tengboche monastery as well. It is going to be easy downhill walk to reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche.

  • Max Altitude:3440 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saying Goodbye to Namche Bazaar, the trail retraces the same path through the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Next, crossing the suspension bridge several times and Phakding village, you will arrive at Lukla. Overnight stay at Lukla.

  • Max Altitude:2800 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid a farewell to the Khumbu region until next time. Then, catch a flight to Ramechhap or Kathmandu depending upon the situation of air traffic. If you fly to Ramechhap then, it will take another 4-5 hours to drive from there to reach Kathmandu. The sharing transport will drop you down near Thamel. However, if there is a direct flight to Kathmandu, our staff will pick you up from the domestic Terminal and transfer you to the Hotel.

  • Max Altitude:1350 meters
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:45 minutes or 5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

After a successful trip to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, it is time to say goodbye. Our driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to the next adventure. See you next time.

    Cost Includes
    • International airport pick-up and departure service in a private vehicle.
    • 2-night accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast before and after the trek.
    • Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off if the flight is direct to Lukla.
    • Kathmandu-Ramechhap-Kathmandu sharing transportation costs.
    • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight fare with airport tax.
    • Accommodation during the trek on a sharing basis.  
    • Meals During the Trek. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • Experienced and Government license holder trekking guide.
    • Salary, accommodation, meals, and the insurance of the guide.
    • Farewell Dinner after the end of the trek.
    • All government and local taxes.
    Cost Excludes
    • Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu, apart from farewell dinner.
    • Extra night accommodations and meals in case of early arrival from the trek weather delays, flight cancellations, or any situation that is not in our control.
    • Alcoholic Beverages, snacks, water bottles, cold drinks, extra hot drinks, etc.
    • Emergency Helicopter rescue and medical bills.
    • Personal expenses like hot shower, Wi-Fi, Battery Charge, etc.
    • Porter and his expenses. (we can arrange this upon request)
    • Tips to guide and porters.
    Good to Know

    Lukla and Ramechhap flight details

    In the peak trekking season, there is no direct flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu. Instead, you need to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap for 4-5 hours and take a flight from Manthali Airport. However, in the off-season (Monsoon and Winter), the flight directly operates to Lukla. Hence, it is better to have some extra days on your trip to Nepal for the Kala Patthar Hike.

    Accommodation and Electricity during the Hike

    Accommodations along the hike are available according to the time you choose for the hike. During the high trekking season there are many options available with tea houses and good lodges. However, in this Kala Patthar Hike, we provide you best available tea house with a private bathroom. The bedrooms are basic with beds and warm blankets with pillows. Moreover, the accommodation has a dining hall where you will share the place to eat your meals.

    In terms of electricity, all the accommodation has electricity and solar energy. Nevertheless, sometimes they are not reliable. Furthermore, in some teahouses, they charge you extra cost for charging your devices. Hence, carry your backups with you.

    Meals and Water on the way to Kala Patthar

    Trekkers have several local and international cuisines to choose from on the menu in the lodges. Teahouses along the trail offer different sets of meals and hot drinks. Kick off your day with breakfasts like Tibetan Bread, Omelet, Bread, Porridge, Muesli, Pancakes, boiled eggs, and many more items with hot drinks. Likewise, fuel your body during lunch and dinner with Daal Bhat, Noodles, Pasta, Momos, Pizza, etc. You can choose an item from the menu set and order the meals.

    Drinking water during the hike is very important to get yourself hydrated. Mineral water is available in Tea shops and lodges along the trek. However, during the hike to Kala Patthar, you need to carry a bottle with you as there is no water bottle available until you return to Gorakshep.

    Best time to Hike Kala Patthar

    Before going to Kala Pathhar Hiking, you should know the best time to embark on this journey. This part will give you an idea about the best time to go for Kala Patthar Hiking. Spring and Autumn is known for the trekking and peak climbing in Nepal. During the time of Spring, the trail blooms with rhododendron flowers offering clear views in the blue skies. The Autumn season brings the festival vibes with favorable weather and clear mountain views.

    Gear and Equipment for the Everest Kala Pathhar Trek

    Carrying the necessary trekking gear for a challenging adventure to Everest is very important. Even a small trekking gear can be life-saving along the trip. Here is the list of the gear you need during the trek in Nepal:

    • Backpack of at least 50 Liters
    • Warm clothes such as fleece jackets, thermal wear, gloves, socks, woolen hats, etc.
    • Trekking poles, Head Lamps, Sleeping Bag, water bottle, and charging backups.
    • Personal belongings like first aid kit, medications, toiletries, toothpaste, dry towel, etc.

    Trip Extend Possibility after the Hike

    Travelers who have enough time to explore Nepal can extend their journey to the different parts of Nepal. After completing the journey to Everest, you have several options to do like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Bungee Jumping, Rafting, and many more. Hence, if you want to extend the trip with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    FAQs

    • Yes, you can do the Kala Patthar Hike alone. However, Hiking at High altitudes without a guide is always a risk. Hence, we can arrange an experienced guide for your journey to Kala Patthar.

    • Kala Patthar Trek is quite challenging because of its high elevation. The trip demands excellent physical and mental fitness to complete this trek.

    • Kala Patthar delivers 360-degree views of mountains whereas EBC takes you near to the Himalayan peaks.

    • To go to Kala Patthar, you need to Hike from Gorakshep for 2-3 hours. However, you can also do the Everest Heli Tour and Land at Kala Patthar for 5-10 minutes.

    • It takes 8-10 days to hike to Kala Patthar. Nevertheless, you can go to Kala Patthar in a day by Helicopter.

    We Offer Group Discount
      
    1 paxUS$1399
    2 - 5 paxUS$1299
    6 - 10 paxUS$1250
    Price Per PersonUS$1399US$1450(All-inclusive services)
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