Planning a Trip to Nepal?
There are many great reasons to visit Nepal: its friendly people, its cultural heritage sites, and its world-class treks. The biggest attraction of all is perhaps the amazing views of Himalayan giants such as Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ama Dablam and Machapuchare. No list of viewpoints can ever be complete since there are countless great views in Nepal (and opinions are subjective), but here's a list of some of our favorite spots worth visiting. This list has been updated in November 2021 to reflect the latest information.
If you're looking to incorporate any of these views during your trip to Nepal, get in touch with our local Nepal specialists who can help you organize your trek and set you up with Nepal's best guides. Connect with a local specialist.
#1 Kala Patthar, Everest Region
Kala Patthar (also known as Kala Pattar or Kalapatar, 5,164m), near Everest Basecamp, remains the top viewpoint in Nepal. It offers the closest view on Mount Everest one can get to without serious mountaineering skills.
Getting to Kala Patthar on foot takes a serious time commitment, as the minimum time to get here on foot is about 12 days round trip on the trail that also leads to Everest Base Camp from Lukla airport. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter ride from Lukla or even directly from Kathmandu.
#2 Khopra Ridge, Annapurna Region
Khopra Ridge (aka Khopra Danda, 3,660m) offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world's 7th highest mountain. It's one of the rare viewpoints with a lodge, so if you are lucky enough to get a room at the very end of the hallway you can open your curtain in the morning and take in the views from the comfort of your sleeping bag, before heading outside for an amazingly scenic breakfast.
Visiting Khopra Danda requires about 6 days of trekking.
#3 Gokyo Ri, Everest Region
A rocky peak at 5,357m above sea level, Gokyo Ri is the slightly lesser known, and slightly farther away viewpoint of Everest compared to its more famous sibling Kala Patthar. The views of Everest are amazing as well, and some consider them even better than Kala Patthar since more of the surrounding mountains can be observed, including 3 additional 8,000m peaks: Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Trekking to Gokyo Ri takes about 14 days round trip from Lukla, via Namche Bazaar and Gokyo Lakes.
#4 Pikey Peak, Everest Region
Pikey Peak (4,065m) offers an even farther away, and thus more encompassing view of Everest and the surrounding mountains. Edmund Hillary, part of Mt Everest's first ascend team, declared this viewpoint the best in Nepal. In addition to Everest, you can see far west to 8,000m giants Dhaulagiri and east to Kanchenjunga.
Trekking to Pikey Peak is a highly recommended off the beaten path experience through the lower Everest Region that requires about 6 days. You can also reach Pikey Peak by mountain bike.
#5 Tengboche, Everest Region
A famous Buddhist monastery above Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar at 3,867m above sea level, Tengboche offers amazing views of Ama Dablam, by many considered the world's most beautiful mountain. You can stay in lodges in Tengboche, although some were damaged by the 2015 earthquake.
Getting to Tengboche requires a 5-day trek starting from Lukla via Namche Bazaar.
#6 Nagarkot, Kathmandu Valley
If you are short on time and want to stay close to Kathmandu while still enjoying amazing views of the Himalayas, Nagarkot is your best bet. This beautiful village is located on top of a hill just outside of Kathmandu and surrounded by scenic terraced rice paddies. You can stay overnight here and enjoy awesome Himalayan views from your balcony.
Nagarkot is just a short 1-hour drive away from Kathmandu. If you have a bit more time, consider adding a few more days around your stay in Nagarkot or trek the Balthali Trail for a nice multiday hiking experience.
#7 Poon Hill, Annapurna Region
Located above the village of Ghorepani in the Annapurna region of Nepal, Poon Hill (3,210m) is the most visited viewpoint in this list. It offers spectacular sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, but you'll likely have to share these views with at least one hundred fellow trekkers.
It's relatively easily accessible via the lower Annapurna trail system and can be done in about 3 - 4 days round trip from Pokhara. If you have a few more days, consider adding the more off the beaten path Muldai Hill viewpoint to your trek.
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