Kala Patar
Trekking Nepal from Lukla

The Himalayas on the way to Kala Patar

Heading toward Kala Patar
The Final Destination from Lukla

Kala Patar is the ultimate destination for trekkers heading up into the Everest area, including those starting from Lukla. It takes days of trekking. Age isn't so important as is physical condition. It's best, much the best, to be in decent physical condition before attempting this.

A person in good shape should have no problem. Couch potatoes will have problems. It's that simple.

How long from Lukla
You can almost touch Everest

Most people plan a couple weeks. I recommend more. It's wise to build in lots of extra time. It isn't so much the distance as it is the altitutde that slows you down.

This is a trek that can't be rushed. At least it can't be safely hurried. It takes time to get used to the altitude. And the altitude is always getting higher as you progress. Even Lukla at more than 9,000 fet is high enough to give lowlanders trouble. So, take lots of time to get adjusted. Your body needs to build up a tolerence of being where oxygen is harder to get.

Many times, the days of trekking will be fairly short as you move higher. The goal is to limit each day's climb to a total of about 300 or so meters (1000 feet). That's not to say you can't go higher during the day. But each night of sleeping should be at no more of an increase than 300 meters. And build in time for rest days, or day hiking days. It's part of the fun.

Kala Patar Day
The Best Hike You will ever Have

Some go to the Everest Base Camp. But most go to Kala Patar - the mountain at more than 18,000 feet elevation. They fly to Lukla and then head on up the trail. Kala Patar is a rather black looking pile of rock. It's rather inconsequential when looking at it because it is next to the biggest mountains on earth - Everest and a host of others.

From Lukla to Namche, Kala Patar -
Goyko and the Khumbu