Kala Patthar Trek

Transportation
Flight
Group Size
Max 12
Maximum Altitude
5545
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
Destinations
Everest Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Medium

The Kala Patthar Trek is an 12-day moderate trek focused on reaching Kala Patthar (5,545m), the famous black rock viewpoint that offers the most iconic close-up view of Mount Everest. Unlike the standard EBC trek which includes a long detour to Base Camp itself, this focused itinerary goes directly to Gorak Shep and climbs Kala Patthar for sunrise, the moment when Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse are illuminated in golden light. The trek follows the classic Lukla–Phakding–Namche–Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorak Shep route with proper acclimatization at Namche and Dingboche. The maximum altitude of 5,545m is significant and requires careful acclimatization, but the panoramic view of the Khumbu Glacier, Base Camp, and the surrounding peaks is the most famous mountain panorama in the world.

Highlights

Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the iconic sunrise view of Mount Everest.
See Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier from one viewpoint.
Look down on Everest Base Camp and the dramatic Khumbu Icefall.
Classic Khumbu route through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
Proper acclimatization with rest days at Namche and Dingboche.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Scenic flight to Lukla. Short trek to Phakding.

Day 03 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Cross bridges and climb to Namche with first views of Everest.

Day 04 :

Acclimatization & Everest View Hotel

Rest day with hike to Everest View Hotel for acclimatization.

Day 05 :

Trek to Tengboche

Trek to Tengboche Monastery with dramatic mountain backdrop.

Day 06 :

Trek to Dingboche

Continue to Dingboche in the Imja Tse valley.

Day 07 :

Acclimatization in Dingboche

Rest day with optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m).

Day 08 :

Trek to Lobuche

Climb to Thukla Pass with memorials, then continue to Lobuche.

Day 09 :

Trek to Gorak Shep & Visit Everest Base Camp

Trek to Gorak Shep. Afternoon walk to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Day 10 :

Sunrise at Kala Patthar & Trek to Pheriche

Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the iconic Everest sunrise. Long descent to Pheriche.

Day 11 :

Fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter

Helicopter flight from Pheriche to Kathmandu (or trek down and fly from Lukla - your choice). Evening free for souvenir shopping and rest. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 12 :

Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Trip concludes. Optional extensions to Chitwan safari, Bhutan, or Tibet available on request. Thank you for trekking with Mount Everest Go - we hope to welcome you back to Nepal soon.

Things to Carry for Kala Patthar Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves
1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5545m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear, Everest Base Camp Trek Gear Rental Kathmandu, Rupina La Trek Gear List Remote, Tamang Heritage Trail Packing List Spring Autumn.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Kala Patthar Trek Information

Trip Name: Kala Patthar Trek – 11 Days
Duration: 12 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 5545m
Group Size: Max 12

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 5545m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Everest Vs Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty Scenery, Renjo La Pass Vs Everest Base Camp Scenery Difficulty.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Everest View Trek Best Season Visibility, Everest Base Camp October Weather.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Transportation

Transport: Flight. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Everest View Trek Lukla Flight Delays, Lukla Flight Buffer Days Everest Base Camp.

Required Permits

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Everest Base Camp Permits 2027, Everest View Trek Permits.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 5545m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Package Scenery Safety Value.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Week Training, Everest View Trek Mixed Ability Group Fitness.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5545m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Tamang Heritage Trail Vs Everest Annapurna Langtang, Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

How difficult is the Kala Patthar Trek and what fitness do I need?

This trek is rated Medium and requires good fitness, 5-7 hours of walking daily at moderate altitude. The maximum altitude is 5545m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5545m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.

Related permit guides: Everest Base Camp Permits 2027.

When is the best time to do the Kala Patthar Trek?

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.

Read our altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Package Scenery Safety Value.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.

Packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear.

Highlights