Kala Patthar (Black Rock) | Solukhumbu

Kala Patthar ("Black Rock") is a notable landmark on the south ridge of Pumori in the Everest region. It is widely considered the premier viewpoint for Mount Everest, as the summit of Everest is actually obscured by the Nuptse ridge when standing at Everest Base Camp.

Visual Characteristics

Kala Patthar is a dark, rocky ridge that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding white Himalayan giants. From its summit, you have an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Everest massif.

The View: You can see the full South Face of Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, and the Western Cwm. Surrounding peaks like Nuptse ($7,861\text{m}$), Lhotse ($8,516\text{m}$), and Pumori ($7,161\text{m}$) dominate the immediate skyline.

Location & Access Logistics

The ridge is located directly above Gorakshep, the final settlement on the EBC trail.

Elevation: Commonly cited as $5,545\text{m}$ ($18,192\text{ft}$), though recent GPS data suggests the highest accessible point is $5,644\text{m}$ ($18,517\text{ft}$).

The Hike: A steep, non-technical trek starting from Gorakshep.

Distance: ~1.5 km (one-way).

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours to ascend; 45 minutes to 1 hour to descend.

Difficulty: Strenuous due to the thin air (approx. 50% oxygen compared to sea level) and steep incline.

Permits: No additional climbing permit is required; it is included under the standard Sagarmatha National Park entry.

Photography: Sunrise vs. Sunset

Sunset (Recommended): The sun sets in the west, illuminating the South Face of Everest with a vivid golden and orange "alpenglow." This provides the best lighting for photography.

Sunrise: Popular for those on a tight schedule, but because the sun rises behind Everest, the mountain often appears as a dark silhouette initially.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no facilities on the ridge.

Starting Point: Trekkers leave their heavy packs at their lodge in Gorakshep ($5,164\text{m}$) and carry only water, a camera, and extra layers.

Gear: Windproof layers are essential, as the summit ridge is notoriously windy. In 2026, satellite connectivity via Starlink is available at most lodges in Gorakshep, allowing for immediate uploads from the base.

Historical & Ecological Significance

Scientific Use: The world's highest webcam was once installed here by Italian scientists to monitor Everest's weather and climate change impacts.

Geology: The dark metamorphic rock of the ridge provides evidence of the ancient seafloor that was pushed upward by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Stable weather and the chance to see the yellow tents of expedition teams far below at Base Camp.

Autumn (October–November): The clearest skies and sharpest views after the monsoon rains have washed the dust from the atmosphere.

Nearby Landmarks

Gorakshep – 1.5 km (Bottom of the ridge)

Everest Base Camp – 3.5 km East

Pumori Base Camp – 2.0 km West

Khumbu Glacier – Directly below to the East