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Where To See Mount Everest and Annapurna - Nepal's Top 12 Viewpoints

Ghode Pani Poon Hill

Nepal is a true gift of Mother Nature to all of us. We have been blessed with such beauty that one really has to be here to believe. If there is heaven anywhere on earth, it is in Nepal. It’s just not the natural beauty that makes this country special but also the warm and friendly hospitality of the Nepalese people, the ancient culture and heritage that has been passed down from one generation to another, the delicious food and of course the way our fast growing metropolis coexist with the old vibe of the city.

The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind, when asked about Nepal is definitely the mountains. This country is a synonym to huge mountains and every Nepali proudly carries the mountain on his head in the form of ‘DHAKA TOPI.’ Another is ‘The Gurkhas’- the bravest people in the world.

If you wish to stand against the highest mountains in the world and revel in their beauty then, you should visit Nepal. Home to 8 of the world’s highest mountains out of 14, including the highest mountain ( MOUNT EVEREST HEIGHT 8848m, Nepal is truly a wonderland for all adventure lovers. Every year thousands of tourist from all around the globe flock to Nepal to get a glimpse of the magical Himalayas.

Some really keen adventure seekers trek for days on end to reach the ultimate viewpoint, while others take advantage of a popular vantage point from the top of a hill to view the Himalayas. Whichever activity you may choose, you are bound to be left spellbound and humbled by the giant Himalayas. There are plenty of places in Nepal where one can enjoy the views of the Himalayas. In this blog, we are going to talk about ‘Top 12 Trekking Places In Nepal’ and Best Places To Visit in Himalayas.


#1. Kalapatthar

Kalapatthar or also known as ‘The Black Rock’ is the highest point on your Everest Base Camp Trek. The Kalapatthar elevation is 5550 meters from sea level and it is not only the highest point but also the last stop on the trek to Everest Base Camp.  If you ask all the souls that have trekked to Everest Base Camp, they will tell you that Everest is not actually visible from the base camp so, they climb Kalapatthar as this spot provides the closest undisturbed view of the world’s highest mountain.

View of Mount Everest from Kalapathar

The best viewpoint to enjoy an uninterrupted and close-up view of Mount Everest is Kalapatthar

Early before dawn when the air is freezing cold and the visibility zero, trekkers get up and start preparing to climb Kalapatthar. From a distance, one can see bright flickering light from the torches of the many hikers who slowly move ahead like an army of ants in the dark void. Once on top, they wait patiently for the sun to rise and as it does, the light slowly reveals the most beautiful 180-degree panoramic view of the Khumbu Mountains. The head of the highest mountain in the world- Mount Everest  (pictured above) slowly turns into a fiery yellow color (this phenomenon is also called ‘Burning Everest’) and the sun’s rays slowly touch the other mountains like Changtse and Nuptse.

The Khumbu glacier just below the mountains reveal their secrets and everybody’s eyes are glued in amazement at the world’s most beautiful natural stage. One can’t help but feel blessed to have been able to be here at this very moment. Some trekkers also climb Kalapatthar during sunsets and the views are equally mesmerizing.

There are two ways of getting to Kalapatthar- one is by walking for almost 8 to 9 days from Lukla -Everest Base Camp Trek and the other is taking a helicopter ride to Everest Base camp – Everest Base Camp Heli Trek.

#2. Gokyo Ri

In the second place, we have Gokyo Ri. ‘Ri’ in Tibetan means Peak and Gokyo Ri is located on the west side of the largest glacier in Nepal- NGOZUMPA GLACIER. It sits at an altitude of 5357m and below it is the Gokyo Lake which sits at an altitude of 4750m.

Gokyo Ri

Stunning view of Everest along with the turquoise blue Gokyo Lake mesmerizes its spectators

On the way to Gokyo Ri, there are five alpine lakes and the trek is far more rewarding in comparison to Everest Base Camp Trek. From the top of Gokyo Ri, one gets a 360-degree view of the Gokyo valley with a view of 4 eight thousand meter peaks in the background. They are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Look down below and you will see the Ngozumpa glacier, which is also the longest glacier in the Himalayas. How many places on earth reward you with such incredible views?

Why is this trek spectacular? Well first the views are out of this world; second, if you visit this remote part of the world, you will actually be doing justice to trekking in the Everest region. Third, on the return trek from Gokyo Ri, you will face the challenge of crossing a high mountain pass- Renjo la pass (5345 meters) which equally adds to the excitement coupled with the amazing view from the pass.

One can always embark on a long foot journey from Lukla to get to Gokyo Ri and then there is the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Trek which is much more convenient for those who have a taste for luxury.

Gokyo Ri Sagarmatha National Park is probably one of the best places to visit in Nepal within the Mount Everest location.

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#3. Tengboche

Thyangboche or popularly known as Tengboche is a surreal village in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Located at an altitude of 3867 meters, Tengboche is home to Tengboche Monastery Nepal, which is the oldest Buddhist monastery built-in 1923. Uniquely this is also the spiritual capital of the Sherpa people. The monastery is also famous because of its unrivaled backdrop of Ama Dablam Mountain.

Tengboche

Enjoy the views of Himalayas from Tengboche including Everest & Ama Dablam

On the trek to Everest Base Camp, Tengboche is usually the next destination from Namche Bazaar. One has to climb a series of hills to get to the beautiful ‘Beyul’ of Tengboche. Open grassy land on top of a hill, surrounded by giant icy walls of Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and many more, one just cannot get enough of this place as this place offers 360 degrees best views of the Himalayas. There is a separate itinerary for people who want to experience Tengboche at their own pace- it’s called ‘Everest Viewpoint trek’ or ‘Tengboche Monastery Trek.’

If you are planning to visit Tengboche [one of the best views points of Himalayas ], try and plan your trip during the ‘Mani Rimdu Festival’ which normally falls in between mid-October to mid-November. This festival is a culmination of Buddhist celebrations through dance, songs, and enactments of legends. There is also a residing Rinpoche who gives blessings and spiritual advice to pilgrims and travelers. 

#4. Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the easiest high altitude treks in Nepal. Easy accessibility and good accommodations along the trail make this trek suitable for one and all. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp is well laid out and it passes through verdant Rhododendron forests, ethnic villages along with green mountain pastures. On the way, one has to pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which in itself is a scenic viewpoint. The grand fishtail (machhapuchhre) mountain can be seen up-close from this point and one cannot help but admire the beauty of this holy mountain. The fishtail is also one mountain that defines the whole country, unlike Everest.

Annapurna Base Camp

Memories of a Himalayan experience has an everlasting impact

The final destination- Annapurna Base Camp is a snowy land within the Annapurna Sanctuary. Mountains spread out like centurions guarding our country with a view that is surreal and magical. The Annapurna Massif along with the other Annapurna ranges like the Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri, stand tall right in front of your head in a spectacular fashion. The colossal heights (8000m and above) along with the impressive snowy structures are sure to take your breath away.

You can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset at this amazing base camp. Both are sure to impress you. One cannot but help feel humble while standing next to the highest mountains on earth.

Read Also: Everest Vs Annapurna. Which One is the Best?

#5. Khopra Danda

Khopra Ridge Trek is a great alternative for the ever so popular Poon Hill trek. The route is similar but from Ghorepani, it dips into the valley before you start ascending the Khopra Danda.

Khopra Danda

Enjoy the panoramic view of mountains from Khopra Ridge

On top of the ridge there is a single tea house managed by a caretaker so, if you wish, you can also camp out on the open ridge. On the background is the magnificent Dhaulagiri, Annapurna1, Annapurna South, Nilgiri mountains and this spot is particularly special during sunrises and sunsets. Additionally one can also visit the sacred Khayer Lake on the way back.

One really needs to visit Khopra Danda to experience the magic from the top of this hill. My personal favorite viewpoint, the experience from up here can hardly be described in words. One really needs to be present here to experience the magic. Every Sunrise and sunset is a colorful painting by Nature and it changes every single time.

#6. Mohare Danda

Mohare Danda is located at an altitude of 3300 m in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The Mohare Danda Trek is completely an Eco-friendly trek with eco-friendly community lodges on the way. Mohera danda trek is also an alternative for the crowded Poon hill trek or the Khopra danda trek, offering balcony views of the magnificent Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail etc.

Mohare Danda

Savor the amazing views of Himalayas in seclusion with Mohare Danda Trek

The communities at Mohare Danda do their best to keep the trekking trails eco-friendly and naturally clean (another highlight of the trek). There are strict rules where the trekkers are not allowed to throw plastic and paper on the trail. Everything that goes up must come down. There are also other trekking trails that can be joined with this beautiful trek like the Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani poon hill trek and of course the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

The sunrise from the top of this hill is a sight to behold.

#7. Poon Hill

Located in the Annapurna region of Nepal at an elevation of 3210m, Poon Hillis one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Nepal. The short Poon Hill Trek requires at least 4 to 5 days of trekking, going through remote Gurung villages in the Annapurna Region. Pokhara is the base from where most of the trekkers start their journey to Poon Hill, slowly making their way to Ghandruk village, Tadapani and then Ghorepani village. Once you reach Ghorepani, trekkers usually get up before dawn the next day and hike up to the viewpoint of Poon Hill for the best sunrise against the Annapurna Ranges.

The view of the highest mountains floating above the clouds is what attracts thousands of visitors every year to this spot. Poon hill weather is usually clear so one can clearly see mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna 1, Annapurna south, Hinchuli and Machhapuchhre. Once you are at the top of Poon Hill, you will definitely meet many fellow trekkers who have joined the party to enjoy the beautiful Poon Hill sunrise. The entire trek is short and easy and on your last day, you will be rewarded with the most heavenly 180 degree views of the Himalayas making Poon Hill one of the best spots to view the Himalayas of Nepal.


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#8. Pikey Peak

Nepal is home to some of the highest mountains in the world. Trekking in Nepal attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year and the popular trails get crowded with trekkers. In all this commotion, the lower topography of the Nepal Himalayas gets missed out. The mid-hills or the lower hills of Nepal are actually very rich in terms of culture, tradition and of course the food. The lower regions also provide some excellent views of the upper Himalayas and perhaps one of the most famous trekking peaks Nepal is ‘PIKEY HILL’. Edmund Hillary once said that the views of Everest on a clear day from Pikey Hill are unmatched from any other location in Nepal. In addition, it is safe to say that this was also his favorite viewpoint in all of Nepal.

Pikey Peak

The view from Pikey Hill is Edmund Hillary’s favorite and you can also see Everest on a clear day

The Pikey Peak Trek requires around 3 to 4 days, which is similar to Poon Hill. One can begin the trek by either flying from Kathmandu to Phalphu or making it more adventurous by driving to Dhap. From here one needs to trek on the lower Solu region which seems to be neglected by most of the trekkers ever since the airport in Lukla was started. To be honest, the lower regions of Nepal are the real jewel. Be sure to find a lot of cultural and traditional diversity, mouthwatering organic dishes and nectar-like beverages. From the summit of Pikey Dada, be sure to capture captivating views of Everest, Makalu, Manaslu and many more. For people who have not heard about this place, there is plenty of Pikey Peak trek blog on the internet.

#9. Sarangkot Pokhara

From all the places to visit in Pokhara, Sarangkot will probably rank no 1. This spot is also the most popular Pokhara’s sunrise viewpoint. It lies at an altitude of 1600m and is a very popular spot among tourists who want to view the Himalayas without having to walk much. There is a network of the road leading to this popular viewpoint and tourists are usually driven to this place early in the morning to view the sunrise against the Annapurna Ranges. One can easily see Annapurna ranges like Dhaulagiri and Manaslu from here with the valley of Pokhara below and the reflection of it all in the sparkling water of the Phewa lake. In recent times, paragliding has taken over and this spot is perfect for takeoff and landing. Sarangkot weather is almost predictable most of the days and always has clear views of the Himalayas.

#10. Nagarkot

Nagarkot is located 32 km from Kathmandu due east. It is under the governance of the Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati zone. At an elevation of 2195m, Nagarkot is considered as one of the most scenic spots in all of Bhaktapur region. If you are looking for secret places in Kathmandu valley from where one can view Everest, the popular answer will be Nagarkot.

Nagarkot

On a clear day, you can enjoy astounding views of Himalayan range from Nagarkot including Everest

Nagarkot boasts to have the broadest views of the Himalayas. Some popular Himalayan ranges that can easily be identified from here are the Mahalangur Himal Range, Manaslu range, Annapurna range, Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Numbar range, Rolwaling range, Jugal range etc; including clear views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park. Due to its strategic eastern location, Nagarkot is also popular for its mesmerizing sunrise. For all these reasons Nagarkot probably is one of the popular places to visit in Kathmandu.

Many outdoor lovers and enthusiasts flock to Nagarkot to hike or paraglide together with the view of Everest and other mountains. It is also the choice of many people who have time constraints and wish to view the Nepal Himalayas without having to hike or trek for days on end. Nagarkot provides just that on a clear sunny day.

#11. Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is located 30km away from Kathmandu valley in Kavrepalanchowk district of Nepal. It sits at an altitude of 1550 meters and is home to various ethnic groups like Newars, Chettri, Tamang, and Dalit.

Dhulikhel boasts to be one of the major tourist destinations with various attractions like culture, historic elements and of course magnificent views of the Himalayas. Dhulikhel hiking is also very popular. From here one can view 180-degree panoramic views of mountains that include Mount Annapurna, Mt. Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Gaurishanker etc.

Dhulikhel municipality is one of the major parts of the Kathmandu Valley cultural trekking trail and is also very popular among mountain bikers as it has some of the best challenging trails with huge mountains as the background. Dhulikhel is also home to 72 species of Birds and provides ample opportunity for bird lovers to get a glimpse of their favorite bird. There are plenty of places to visit in Dhulikhel, so one really needs a lot of time if they really want to explore.   

#12. Daman

Daman is located in central Nepal in Makwanpur district. It lies 77km southwest of Kathmandu on the Tribhuvan highway at an elevation of 2322 meters. Daman boasts to have one of the best views of the Himalayas and on a good clear day one can easily view Mt.Dhaulagiri in the West to Mt.Everest in the East.

Daman is very popular among the locals of Kathmandu, looking to escape the city life. Since it lies very close to Kathmandu, most people escape to Daman for picnics and recreation. During winter, when the first snow falls in Daman, the beauty of the village gets augmented and people flock to see the snowfall against the backdrop of the Himalayas. There is also a religious site- Risheshor Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one can always visit it during their free time in Daman. Daman is also home to one of the biggest botanical gardens in Nepal. Different varieties of Rhododendron are found here.

All those who have visited Nepal always promise to come back and most of them do. This is because; Nepal really cannot be enjoyed in one visit just like any other place. To feel the real spirit of the country, you really need to come back again and again. Nepal has so much to offer and it’s not just the Himalayas. The heritage and customs that have been passed down by our ancestors are so rich, unique and untouched. We have one of the best wildlife national parks in all of South Asia. The middle hills and valleys have so many unexplored 




Recent Comments

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jeressy | Sat Jan 18, 2020
I also have a plan to go Nagarkot to enjoy some time with buddies. I am so sure that it will be a really great time for us.
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MArcus | Sun Jan 20, 2019
Really enjoyed your blog. It's really interesting to read about so many viewpoints that I've not heard about. It is really insightful for those planning a trip to Nepal.
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