Viewing sunrise is one of the best things you can do on vacation. Seeing the sun rising and lighting helps you to feel relax. And the act becomes more rewarding in the Himalayas. Just imagine World’s highest snow-capped peaks turn into celestial gold in front of your eyes. The sight strikes you with awe and takes your breath away.
Here are the best places where you can watch sunrise in the Nepal.
Nagarkot (2,195 m)
Lonely Planet recommend Nagarkot, the popular hill station of Nepal as the best sunrise view point of the Himalayas. Out of 13 Himalayan ranges of Nepal, you can see eight of them from Nagarkot.
At sunrise, be mesmerized when snow-white peaks, all the way from Everest (8,848 m) in the east to Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) in the west, pick up red and yellow shades.
When and how to go: October to April is the best time to visit Nagarkot. As for how, road transportation is available up to the village. It’s a two-hour ride. Go there a day before for overnight stay. Or you can trek to get there. You need two days.
Sarangkot (1,600 m)
A must if you visit Pokhara (900 m). Situated on a mountain ridge, this hill station offers a panoramic scene of Himalayan peaks like Annapurna II (7,937 m), Machhapuchhare (6,997 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) above the Pokhara valley. You will have a breathtaking view when the sun rays give these peaks a touch of golden glow.
When and how to go: October to April is the perfect time. To reach Sarangkot, you can either use road. It’s half-an-hour ride and after drop-off point, you have to walk for another half an hour. Or you can trek which can be covered just within 3 hours.
Poon Hill (3,200 m)
Poon Hill is the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region. The hill provides you a stunning panorama of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri peaks. The sights are closer and clearer than from Sarangkot.
When and how to go: Spring, autumn and winter. There is no road transportation. Walking on two legs is the only means of reaching there. To do Poon Hill Trek, you need at least five days.
Kala Patthar (5,643 m)
Kala Patthar is the most accessible point to view Everest (8,848 m). You can’t see the peak from its base camp. At dawn, you will be dazzled when you will see the sun rising behind the world’s highest peaks: Everest, Nuptse (7,861 m), Changtse (7,543 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m).
When and how to go: Spring and autumn. To reach Kala Patthar, you have to do Everest Base Camp Trek. At least 12 days are needed to reach there and return.
Antu Danda (1,977 m)
Antu Danda isn’t as much famous as the above places. But in recent years its popularity for sunrise viewing has been growing. It is the first place of Nepal to receive sunlight and the sunrise views from this place are truly spectacular. Plus, a trip to this place means you get to see the famous tea gardens of Nepal.
When and how to go: February to May and August to December. You can use road to get there. It’s a twelve-hour ride. Or you can take flight up to Bhadrapur (91 m) and then it’s about two-hour ride from there to Antu Danda.
Mardi Himal View Point:
Mardi Himal View Point is nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a stunning vantage point to witness a magical sunrise.
To reach Mardi Himal View Point, embark on the Mardi Himal Trek, starting from Australian Camp. The trek takes approximately 6-7 days, passing through rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and picturesque landscapes.
Best Months to Visit: The ideal time to visit Mardi Himal View Point is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear, providing excellent visibility and pleasant trekking conditions.
The viewpoint showcases the majestic Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal peaks. The panoramic view encompasses lush green hills, blooming rhododendron forests, and traditional villages, offering a serene and picturesque sunrise experience.
Ghandruk
Ghandruk, situated in the Annapurna region, is a charming village known for its incredible sunrise vistas.
Ghandruk is accessible via the renowned Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trek begins from Nayapul and takes approximately 5-6 days, passing through awe-inspiring landscapes and traditional Gurung settlements.
The best time to visit Ghandruk for sunrise views is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron forests.
From Ghandruk, you can witness the majestic peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The panoramic view captures terraced fields, traditional stone houses, and the vibrant culture of the Gurung community, creating a captivating and memorable sunrise experience.
Gokyo Ri
Gokyo Ri is located in the Everest region, offering a surreal setting for witnessing the grandeur of a Himalayan sunrise.
To reach Gokyo Ri, undertake the legendary Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Lake Trek, starting from Lukla. The trek takes approximately 12-14 days and leads you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and remote Sherpa villages.
The best time to visit Gokyo Ri for sunrise views is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months provide stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, ensuring a rewarding trekking experience.
From the summit of Gokyo Ri, embrace the awe-inspiring views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The glimmering turquoise Gokyo Lakes surrounded by pristine snow-capped peaks create a surreal ambiance, making the sunrise experience truly unforgettable.
Bandipur
Bandipur, a captivating hilltop town in central Nepal, offers stunning sunrise views amidst its timeless beauty.
Bandipur is easily accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Buses and private vehicles are available for transportation, with a travel time of around 4-5 hours from Kathmandu and 2-3 hours from Pokhara.
Bandipur can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for sunrise views is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months provide pleasant weather, clear skies, and blooming landscapes.
From Bandipur, behold the majestic peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. The sunrise paints the sky with vibrant hues, casting a golden glow over the mist-laden valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Newari architecture, creating a picturesque and tranquil sunrise experience.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel, a serene hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu, promises breathtaking sunrises amidst its idyllic landscapes.
Dhulikhel is easily accessible by road from Kathmandu, with a travel time of approximately 1-2 hours. Local buses, taxis, and private vehicles are available for transportation.
Dhulikhel can be visited year-round, but the best time for sunrise views is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, pleasant weather, and captivating mountain vistas.
From Dhulikhel, witness the captivating Langtang range and the sacred Gauri Shankar peak. As the sun rises, it bathes the snow-capped peaks in a golden glow, illuminating the serene landscapes, terraced fields, and the ancient town of Dhulikhel, creating a magical sunrise experience.
