Kala Pattar is a mountain in the Himalayas, an outlier of Pumori (7,161m). Kala Pattar appears as a big brown bump below the impressive south face of Pumori. Many trekkers going to see Mount Everest up close, will attempt to climb to the top of Kala Pattar. The views from almost anywhere on Kala Pattar of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are truly spectacular on a sunny day.
The ascent of Kala Pattar begins at Gorakshep (5,288m), a small outpost that exists only to cater to trekkers and climbers. After a brief dip to an ancient lake bed, the ascent makes its way up a series of steep switchbacks before levelling off somewhat as it traverses to the eastern side of the mountain. The trail goes straight up from there until it reaches the wind-swept summit ridge. A five to ten minute scramble over boulders takes you to the top marked with prayer flags.
