Kala Patthar situated at an elevation of 14,850 ft, is a very popular spot visited by anyone who is en route to Gurudongmar.   However, this spot is not in the default packages, and drivers make you shell an additional INR 5000 for the detour.  However, the visit is worth it. This place got the name as there are mountains with snowy peaks and black cliffs.

Kala Patthar is normally uninhabitable except for some occasional settlements by Tibetan nomads for grazing their Yaks. The motorable road ends at Kala Patthar at 14,850 ft. And it is a dead-end.  It is definitely snowing heaven in Sikkim, and for those who never had a chance to witness snow, this is the place to go :-).   Also this place is the litmus test for one’s ability to survive in cold weather and high altitudes.  Some folks, return back to Lachen and drop the plans for Gurudongmar which is at a higher altitude.