Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, including the tallest, Mount Everest (8,848m).
There are many great reasons to visit Nepal, its friendly people, cultural heritage sites, and the world-class treks.
The biggest attraction in Nepal is perhaps the stunning views of Himalayan giants like Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ama Dablam, and Machapuchare.
With countless breathtaking viewpoints in Nepal, no list can ever be complete.
Reaching the top of Mount Everest may not be a dream everyone can fulfill.
However, you can still admire all 8,848 meters (29,031 ft.) of its magnificence from various incredible viewpoints.
Whether you prefer trekking to these spots or reaching them by bus, car, or taxi, you have plenty of options to choose from to see Mount Everest.
Here are some of the best viewpoints to see Mount Everest
Best Viewpoints to See Mt. Everest While Trekking
Namche Bazaar:
Namche Bazaar is a bustling and vibrant Sherpa village situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,286 feet).
This charming mountain town is a major tourist hub, offering cafes, bakeries, shops, and everything you might need for trekking, in case you’ve forgotten any essentials.
Namche Bazaar is the first viewpoint from where you can see Mount Everest, making it a crucial stop on the way to the world’s highest peak.
Serving as the gateway to Mount Everest and the iconic Everest Base Camp trek, Namche Bazaar is a critical acclimatization point for trekkers and climbers heading to higher altitudes in the Everest or Khumbu region.
Namche Bazaar offers breathtaking views of the giant Himalayan peaks, including not just Mount Everest but also other incredible mountains like Kongde Ri (6,187 meters / 20,299 feet), Thamserku (6,623 meters / 21,729 feet), Nuptse (7,861 meters / 25,790 feet), and the beautiful Ama Dablam (6,856 meters / 22,493 feet).
Tengboche (3,867m):
Tengboche is a tiny, picturesque town in the Khumbu region, situated at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet).
It is home to the Tyangboche (or Tengboche) Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region.
Tengboche offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains, including Everest and other well-known peaks such as Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Tengboche is a popular stop for trekkers on the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and is considered one of the most picturesque places in the Everest region.
From Tengboche, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, making it a must-visit location for anyone trekking in the area.
Gokyo Ri (5,357m):
Gokyo Ri is a peak in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, located on the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal and reputed to be the largest in the entire Himalayas.
At the base of Gokyo Ri is Gokyo, a small hamlet at an altitude of 4,750 meters (15,583 feet), making it one of the highest settlements in the world.
From Gokyo Ri, you can see five 8,000-meter peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu.
The area is also home to the Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest freshwater lake system.
The Gokyo trek is a popular route for trekkers, offering stunning mountain views and the unique experience of visiting one of the highest settlements on Earth.
Kalapatthar (5,555 M):
Kala Patthar, which translates to “black rock,” is not a proper mountain, as it has a prominence of only 10 meters (33 feet).
Despite this, Kala Patthar is one of the most popular viewpoints for trekkers in the Mount Everest region as it offers the best and most accessible close-up view of Everest.
Kala Patthar provides an incredible perspective that makes you feel almost close enough to touch Mount Everest.
It is located on the southern ridge of Mt. Pumori in the Mahalnagur Himalayan Range, just above Gorakshep and 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles) from Everest Base Camp.
From Kala Patthar, you can also see other significant summits such as Nuptse and Changtse.
Renjo La Pass (5360m):
Renjo La Pass is one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest and a prime spot for Himalayan photography.
It is one of the highest passes in the Everest region, but it is the lowest altitude pass among the three major passes (the others being Kongma La and Cho La).
Unlike the other passes, Renjo La does not require a glacier crossing.
Situated as the westernmost pass of Nepal’s Three Passes Trek in Sagarmatha National Park, Renjo La offers breathtaking views of eight of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters / 27,940 feet), Mt. Makalu (8,485 meters / 27,838 feet), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8,188 meters / 26,864 feet), and Mt. Ama Dablam (6,623 meters / 22,493 feet).
Renjo La pass provides an unparalleled vantage point for admiring the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Pikey Peak (4065m):
Pikey Peak offers one of the best views of Mount Everest.
Sir Edmund Hillary, who famously summited Everest, considered the Pikey Peak Trek his favorite trekking route.
Located in the Lower Khumbu region of Nepal’s Solukhumbu District, this trek is both mesmerizing and accessible.
Pikey Peak stands at an elevation of 4,068 meters (13,346 feet).
The trekking route can be easily reached with a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu, making it one of the closest and most accessible treks from the capital with spectacular views of Everest.
On sunny days, the views from Pikey Peak are stunning, featuring the sun-kissed summits of Gaurishankar, Mt. Numbur, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and many other smaller peaks.
Hotel Everest View (3,962m):
Hotel Everest View is renowned for being the highest-placed hotel in the world.
It offers an incredible 360-degree view of Mount Everest, making it one of the best places to see the mountain.
Each room in the hotel provides a stunning view of Mount Everest, allowing guests to enjoy the majestic peak from the comfort of their accommodations.
A walk around the hotel reveals a panoramic view of other surrounding peaks, including Changtse (7,560 meters / 24,803 feet), Khumbutse (6,665 meters / 21,867 feet), Nuptse (7,861 meters / 25,791 feet), and Lhotse (8,516 meters / 27,940 feet).
Hotel Everest View serves as a comfortable rest point for trekkers and climbers, combining luxury with breathtaking natural beauty.
Best Viewpoints to See Mount Everest in Nepal Without Trekking
Helicopter to Everest Base Camp:
For those who want to get up close to Mount Everest without trekking, a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp offers an extraordinary opportunity.
Flying over the stunning mountains of the Khumbu region, you will experience unparalleled views of some of the world’s most magnificent peaks.
These tours allow you to land at or near the Everest base camp, giving you the chance to soak in the surroundings and marvel at the beauty of the mountain up close.
You can easily book a helicopter tour in Kathmandu or other major cities in Nepal.
While helicopter tours are a bit on the costlier side, they provide a quicker and more comfortable way to witness the grandeur of Mount Everest.
It’s a more personalized experience, with the helicopter carrying a maximum of five people.
Group tours can make the price more affordable, and the breathtaking views and unforgettable experience make it well worth the investment.
Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a hill station in the Kathmandu Valley, renowned for its beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and panoramic mountain views. It is easily accessible via taxi or bus as Nagarkot is located just over 30 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Nagarkot provides a wide view of the Himalayan range, including a glimpse of Mount Everest.
While you can’t see the entire peak, a small, distant part of Everest is visible from here.
The sunrise view is particularly famous, attracting many visitors who stay overnight to witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising behind the mountains.
Nagarkot offers a range of quality accommodation, making it a perfect spot for an overnight stay to enjoy the early morning views.
Chandragiri Hill:
Chandragiri Hill, the second-highest mountain in the Kathmandu Valley after Shivapuri, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including a glimpse of Mount Everest.
The best times to visit are on clear days when the vistas of the Himalayas are unobstructed.
Chandragiri Hill is conveniently accessible by cable car or by hiking, making it an easy option for those staying in or near Kathmandu.
Whether you prefer a quick cable car ride or a scenic hike, Chandragiri Hill provides a convenient and rewarding excursion with stunning panoramic views of the mountains.
Daman:
Located a bit farther from Kathmandu, Daman is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions and among the most popular view stations in Nepal.
It offers some of the greatest views of the Himalayas, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mount Everest in the east on a clear day.
Daman provides an unobstructed view of the entire Himalayan range, making it an excellent vantage point for viewing peaks such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Cho Oyu.
Its stunning panoramic vistas make Daman a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Himalayas.
