Day 12: Sunrise Climb to Kala Patthar (Part 1)

Start altitude: 16,942 ft (5,164 m) Gorak Shep
Highest point: 18,519 ft (5,644 m) Kala Patthar
Estimated walking time: 2 to 3 hours ascent

Before dawn, we’ll begin our climb from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to witness the sunrise. This is one of the most powerful experiences of the entire journey.

The biggest challenge will be the freezing cold, even colder than Everest Base Camp. Headlamps will be essential, along with our warmest thermal layers, heavy gloves, and down parkas.

We will rise very early, around 4:00 am, so aiming for bed by 7:00 pm the previous evening is ideal; we’d likely have to use our rubber water bottle for sleep. We need to use trekking poles. From the photo below, the path is quite straightforward: a long incline with a few zigzags. If it’s a starry night, we’ll be watching lots of shooting stars.

Since we won’t have breakfast, heavy hydration, lots of electrolytes, and chewy’s or protein bars will do the trick. The body tries to compensate with energy and hydration.

The ascent is slow and steady. Breathing is deliberate, movement is measured, and the cold is sharp at this hour. Headlamps guide our steps as the sky slowly begins to change color.

As the sun rises, the Himalayas reveal themselves layer by layer. Everest, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks emerge in light and shadow, offering one of the most expansive and humbling views in the region. We will leave another prayer flag at the top.

Reaching the summit of Kala Patthar is not about speed or achievement. It is about presence. This moment often becomes one of the most remembered and meaningful of the trek.

After taking time to absorb the view (leave another prayer flag), we’ll descend carefully back to Gorak Shep for the yummiest breakfast and rest before continuing with the day.