Nepal is the land of the Himalayas where numerous peaks from 6,000 meters to above 8,000 meters are located. Eight of the world’s highest peaks over 8,000 meters are inside Nepal which also includes the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest (8848 meters). There are popular Himalayan treks that hike to the base of these mountains like Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base camp trek. Hiking trails of Nepal have popular Himalayan viewpoints which provide the spectacular mountain panorama and watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. Such Himalayan viewpoints are the prime features of any trek besides other highlights of the trek. Below are the most popular Himalayan viewpoints during a trek in Nepal.
Kala patthar Everest (5,550 meters)
Kala patthar is the most popular Himalayan viewpoint in Nepal. Mount Everest view from Kala patthar is most amazing and at closer proximity than any other locations during Everest Base Camp trek. The viewpoint also provides a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas like Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, AmaDablam, Makalu, and numerous other beautiful mountains. trek to Kala patthar is at early in the morning from Gorekshep during Everest Base Camp trek and reach the summit to witness the most breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. Trekkers spent some time at the top, click pictures and returns back to Gorekshep. The other option to reach Kala patthar is during the Everest Helicopter flight which is a 4-5 hours program. During the tour you directly fly to the Everest region on a chartered helicopter then land at Kala patthar, spend time about 15 minutes and fly back to Kathmandu.
Poon hill viewpoint (3,210 meters)
Poon hill is another popular Himalayan viewpoint in the Annapurna region. Poon hill trek is done early in the morning from Ghorepani and hikes up to the vantage point. Upon reaching the top, witness sunrise over the Himalayas of the peaks like Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre ‘Fishtail’ and perfectly captivating sunrise from the middle of the Annapurna range. Poon hill altitude is at 3,210 meters above sea level. Poon hill elevation in feet is 10,531 feet. Poon hill trek’s best season is from February – May and October – December. Poon hill trek difficulty is moderate grade trekking. Poon hill is located in the beautiful village of Ghorepani. To reach Poon hill from Pokhara is 2 days hiking.
Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters)
Gokyo Ri is located in the Khumbu/Everest region and in the Gokyo lakes territory. Its summit provides spectacular views of the high Himalayas like Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and many stunning snow-capped mountains including the magical Ngozumpa glacier and Gokyo lakes. Gokyo Ri altitude is at 5,357 meters above sea level. The base of Gokyo-Ri is the tranquil Gokyo lake and from where Gokyo Ri climb starts until reaching the top. The viewpoint is at its best in sunrise or sunset. Gokyo Ri is visited during Gokyo Lake Trek in the Everest region. Gokyo Ri hike is a side-excursion and a day’s trip. Trekkers start as early as 3 am and hike up to the summit to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas.
Kyanjin Ri, Langtang Region (4,773m)
It’s another good Himalayan viewpoint located in the Langtang trek region of Nepal. Its summit provides majestic views of the snow-capped mountains like Langtang Lirung, Shishapangma, Kyanjin Gumpa including high Himalayan settlements, Langtang glaciers, and many more. The viewpoint also offers spectacular sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Langtang Valley Trek is a moderately graded and classic trek that can be done closer to Kathmandu City. The trek provides good insight into the culture and traditions of the ethnic community of the Langtang region.
Sarangkot Viewpoint (1,600m)
Sarangkot is the most popular viewpoint located closer to Pokhara City. The viewpoint offers the most stunning panorama of the beautiful Himalayas like Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and numerous other mountains including Pokhara City and Fewa Lake. A visit to Sarangkot during Pokhara tour is a must and tourists usually flock to Sarangkot especially for sunrise or sunset views over the Himalayas. Sarangkot is just a stone throw from Pokhara and can be reached upon 1-hour drive. One can also go for Dhampus Sarangkot trek where the trek goes to Dhampus first then ends at Sarangkot, afterward drive back to Pokhara.
Nagarkot Viewpoint (2,195m)
The most popular viewpoint and hill-station to watch the great Himalayan panorama close to Kathmandu City are Nagarkot. It is just 30 km from Kathmandu and 1 hours’ drive. Nagarkot is famous both with locals and tourists alike. The view tower at Nagarkot offers a majestic Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest far at the horizon on clear weather. Nagarkot offers spectacular sunrise and sunset Himalayan view. One can go for early sunrise at Nagarkot then hike down to Changunarayan or Dhulikhel during Nagarkot Changurnaryan trek or Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek.
