A trek to Everest Region not only challenges you to reach the highest altitude you can ever aspire to reach on foot, but it also rewards you with inspiring views of some of the highest peaks in the world. The grand view of the Everest panorama can be savored from the flight to Lukla itself.
Though the mountains are never out of sight once you get on the trail, some viewpoints during the Everest Trek offer outstanding views of Mount Everest and other peaks. Listed below are some of the major Everest Viewpoints which offer views to die for.
1. Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is by far one of the most popular vantage points to view Mount Everest and surrounding peaks up close. Kala Patthar, a hill made up of a mound of black earth, is set right at the base of the Mount Pumori(7161m) and Lhotse(8,516m), at an altitude of 5,555 metres.
From here one can enjoy 360 degree view of Pumori, Lhotse(8,516m), Nuptse(7,861m), Changste(7,543m), Taboche(6,542m), Mount Everest(8848m) and the Khumbu Glacier tumbling down the mountainside.
2. Namche
The Sherpa settlement of Namche is carved on the slopes of a hill like an amphitheater. Dotted with upscale bakeries, lodges and tea houses Namche is surrounded by grandiose views of Himalayas.
Watch the high pinnacles of Thamserku(6623m), Khumbila(5761m), Kongde Ri(6187m), Ama Dablam(6,856m), Nuptse(7,861m), Everest (8,848m) etc. towering above from Namche Bazaar
3. Everest View Hotel
The Everest View Hotel can be reached after a steep ascent from the busy Sherpa settlement of Namche. The viewpoint lies just a few steps away from Shyangboche airfield. The hotel, built by a Japanese entrepreneur during the late sixties was once the highest hotel in the world. Lying at an altitude of 3963 metres, the luxury hotel is a favourite lookout point for trekkers.
During the day the balcony of the hotel is usually filled with trekkers savouring grandiose views of the Himalayan giants over a cup of coffee or their favourite drink. From here one can enjoy breathtaking views of Ama Dablam(6,856m), Thamserku(6623m), Phokalde (5,806m), Baruntse (7129m), Lhotse(8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Imja Tse/Island Peak)(6187m) and Everest (8,848m).
4. Gokyo Ri
An excursion to the Gokyo Valley rewards one with some of the finest vistas that one can set eyes on during a Himalayan Trek.
The magical sight of the snow-capped peaks (Lhotse(8516m), Mount Everest(8848m) and Cho Oyu (8,201m)) surrounding the emerald Gokyo Lakes and Nzogumpa Glacier will remain etched in one’s memory forever.
5. Tengboche
Set on a ridge the Sherpa village of Tengboche is named after an ancient Buddhist monastery (Tengboche Gompa) located in the village.
Surrounded by rhododendron trees, one can feast on heavenly views of Thamserku(6,623m), Khumbila(5761m), Lhotse, Nuptse(7,861m) , Kantega(6,782m), Kusum Kanguru (6,367m), Malanphulan/Fluted Peak (6,573m), Taboche(6,542m) etc. from the village.
6. Nakartsang Peak
Most trekkers spend a day or two resting at Dingboche before heading to a higher point in trek such as the Everest Base Camp, Island Peak or Kalapatthar. The hiking peak, Nakartsang above Dingboche is often ascended by many trekkers for acclimatization and to kill the rest day.
Nakartsang peak (16676 ft / 5083 m) offers an amazing 360 degree view of mountains like Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche, etc. It is an amazing half-day excursion in the mountains that lets you soak in the mountain spirit.
