Kala Patar with Pemba. Everest in the background.
Reaching the top of Kala Patar (the classic viewpoint for Mt. Everest) is an arduous 2-3 hour climb to a rocky summit strewn with prayer flags. While the mountains appear still and serene, the wind actually whips and gusts against us with imposing force. Only 50% of the oxygen at sea level up here–it’s like hiking with only one lung, but it’s worth it. As promised, Everest looms large, framed on either side by Lhotse and Nuptse.
Video: 360 Degrees of Mountains (and Everest close up)
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We are surrounded 360-degrees by the massive mountains. Peaks 23,000 ft and higher form this jagged stretch of the Himalayas, and the 5-mile Khumbu glacier sticks out like a tongue through the middle of the valley. I can understand what drives some people to climb another 10,000 feet to stand on the earth’s peak, but for me, standing at 18,450 ft feels like I’m on top of the world.
Ebullient, inspired, and somewhat exhausted after 7 hours of hiking, we are keen for the comforts of our lodge, simple though it is.