Day 7: Although it is of course possible to descend straight back to Lobuche from Gorak Shep, the ascent of Kala Patthar (a small rocky peak overlooking Everest and the Khumbu Glacier) is highly recommended and is well worth a final bit of uphill effort before the long walk back to Lukla.
Statistics
1 - 2
hrs
441
m
441
m
17
max°
Difficulty
FATMAP difficulty grade
Difficult
Description
Climb due north out of Gorak Shep up a vague path which slants up the south face of Kala Patthar.
It is highly recommended to get up early and do this ascent in the dark, so once you've located the path at the northern end of Gorak Shep, get your head down and trudge uphill! The path is on scree but is well beaten and easy to follow.
2 hours of uphill gets you onto the summit of Kala Patthar and once there, sit down and take in the view - it is pretty special.
If you got up early enough to reach the summit by dawn then it is even better because the sun comes up directly behind Everest and bathes you in light.
After spending a couple of hours on the summit, descend to Gorak Shep and begin the long hike home.