| The main reason for summiting Kala Patthar is that it provides the most
accessible point to view Mt. Everest from base camp to peak (due to the
structure of Everest, the peak cannot be seen from the base). The views from
almost anywhere on Kala Patthar of Everest,
Lhotse and
Nuptse are spectacular. The ascent of Kala Patthar begins at Gorakshep (5,181m), the original base
camp for Mt. Everest. After a brief dip to an ancient lake bed (which now
contains a small lake and a helipad), the ascent makes its way up a series of
steep switchbacks before leveling off somewhat as it traverses to the eastern
side of the mountain. The trail then becomes steep once again until it reaches
the wind-swept summit ridge. From there, a five to ten minute scramble over
boulders takes one to the top, which is marked with prayer flags. The full
ascent usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. If the attempt is made starting
from Lobuche, an additional two to three hours (one way) is required. |
