Nepal is geographically a Himalayan state. The untouched nature and hospitality in Nepal are the featured highlights of many astonishing trekking endeavors. Nepal comprises eight of ten mountain peaks in the world. In addition, Nepal is home to a portion of the tallest Himalayan ranges on the planet, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain peak in the world.
While going to Nepal, you must make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to see the mountains up close. The sights of the giant cerulean peaks against the valleys and green hills make for a breathtaking scenery. The scenes of the glorious rising zeniths are very captivating to witness. Luckily, there are many vantage points from where you can view these giants! A few are near the capital city of Kathmandu, while others are spread throughout the nation. Most of these viewpoints are vacation destinations on certain trekking routes as well. The possibility of seeing the Himalayas is envigorating alongside the food and culture of Nepal, which offers unique all-encompassing perspectives of the Himalayas.
KALA PATTHAR (5,550m)
Kala Patthar (or Kala Pattar) is close to Everest Base camp, and remains the best viewpoint for the magnificent view of the Himalayas in Nepal. It offers the nearest view of Mount Everest, which one can get here without real mountaineering skills. You do have to be physically fit with a stamina to walk through varying terrain and altitude. Known as the best vantage point for Everest, Kalapatthar is a fan favorite of trekkers who want to get the majestic view of Everest. Kalapatthar lies at the height of 5550m next to Everest Base Camp.
The Kala Patthar Trek is a trekking route in the Himalayas that combines the popular Mt. Everest Base Camp and the Kalapathar viewpoint. It is a unique way to access the Sagarmatha national park and experience the wilderness through less crowded trails. It goes through Sherpa villages, amazing mountain scenery, rare flora and fauna, and offers a chance to sight wild animals. The route begins at Lukla and passes through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche villages before reaching Mt. Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar viewpoint. The trek ends at Lukla. We can take an alternative trail to Porche village to avoid crowds. The best time to do the trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept to November).
GOKYO RI (5357m)
In the eastern part of Nepal, within the district of Solukhumbu, lies a region that is blessed with captivating natural beauty. This region is home to the Gokyo Lakes, a group of oligotrophic lakes that form the highest freshwater lake system in the world. We can find these lakes in the Khumjung Village Development Committee, on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the largest glacier in the Himalayas of Nepal.
When exploring this region, trekkers can witness a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Himalayas and experience the charming villages of Khumjung, Gokyo, Khumbu, and Namche Bazaar. The district is also home to Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that nurtures a diverse range of flora and fauna. Travelers can also visit the Tengboche Monastery, which is another captivating attraction in the region.
Note: Trekking in this region is challenging, so prepare yourself with proper training and caution
SARANGKOT (1600m)
Sarangkot is a village on the ridge of a mountainside, is famous for its stunning views of the Annapurna ranges, attracting many tourists during morning and evening hours. Despite being renowned for its panoramic views, the village of Sarangkot has much more to offer.
One of the rapidly growing and well-known hubs for adventure sports is Sarangkot. The village serves as the launching point for para-gliding and boasts the world’s longest and fastest zip line, starting from the mountain top and ending in the valley below. Hiking and trekking are also prevalent activities throughout Nepal, with many trekking trails leading to the top of Sarangkot. Sarangkot offers unique wildlife experiences, such as observing leopards strolling around in their natural habitat and observing other animals in their true charm within their natural habitat. We can make the journey to Sarangkot from Pokhara via bus, taxi, or trekking, with the scenic views along the way making it worthwhile.
PIKEY PEAK (4065m)
Pikey Peak, in contrast to the renowned Everest Base Camp Trek, presents a unique panorama of the Himalayas during the journey. Typically, when one travels closer to the mountains, the view of the peaks is obstructed by their colossal size. However, on this trek, the range of views is unhindered and breathtaking throughout the journey. The initial rays of the sun reflect off the snow-white peaks of the mountains, providing incredible photographic opportunities.
Compared to the more popular treks, Pikey Peak is relatively new and, therefore, less crowded. Alongside the local Sherpa communities, the Tamang, Chhetri, Gurung, and Rai villages offer an extraordinary opportunity to gain insights into the lifestyle of Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups. During the trek, you can indulge in a range of local cuisines and witness the unique flora and fauna of the region. The area is one of the most vital sites for natural and biological diversity.
The trail route passes along many monuments, including stupas and the ubiquitous colorful Tibetan prayer flags, adding to the uniqueness of the journey. There are two summits in Pikey Peak, with only a 20-meter difference in height. However, the view of the mountains from Pikey I is marginally superior, making it a must-visit spot for passionate trekkers.
ANTU DANDA (2,328m)
Antu Danda isn’t as renowned as the above spots but amidst the verdant tea gardens and enveloping pine tree forests, the Antu Danda vantage point offers breathtaking panoramas of the eastern Himalayas in the north, the flat Terai terrain in the south, and the tea-growing regions of Darjeeling in the east, particularly during the dawning and dusk periods. If the weather permits, one may even glimpse the majestic Mount Everest.
Ilam is a melting pot of various ethnicities, such as Limbu, Rai, Lepcha, Magar, Tamang, and many more. Among them, the Lepcha populace is only found in Ilam, where their numbers may be less than 4,000 individuals. Beyond the borders of Nepal, Lepcha communities exist in Bhutan, Tibet, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. Despite considering themselves as native to the region, their true origins remain a mystery. When visiting Antu Danda, one partakes in a homestay with the Lepcha people, gaining a deeper understanding of their peculiar customs and traditions.
Shree Antu is an alluring hill in the district, where Antu Danda stands as one of the premier vantage points in Ilam for witnessing the majestic sights of daybreak, sundown, and the Himalayan range. Rising to a height of 2,328 meters, this hill offers captivating views of the Terai flatlands, terraced hills of cash crops, tea gardens, and dense pine forests. One can also bask in the glorious vistas of Mirik, Kurseong, and Darjeeling.
POON HILL (3,210m)
Poon Hill stands as a renowned vantage point of the Annapurna region in Nepal, with an elevation of 3,210 meters above sea level. Its inclusion as a prominent destination in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek stems from its awe-inspiring and panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. We can get access to this location through the valley of Ghorepani, offering a magnificent sight of Mount Annapurna Massif. The splendid view of sunrise and its reflections on the magnificent mountain range enchants trekkers, mainly visiting the site early in the morning.
Trekking to Poon Hill starts from Pokhara, with a drive to Nayapul, at an altitude of 1090 meters above sea level. The route, which follows the 4-day Poon Hill trek map, passes through scenic terraces and rhododendron forests. The ascent is gradual, leading to a maximum altitude of 3210 meters, which offers an enchanting view of the sunrise and the mountain ranges. While we consider the Poon Hill trek to be a comparatively easy trek, trekkers must remember a few things while trekking, including starting the trek early in the morning. This is because the early morning light provides the most stunning views of the mountains.
