Kalapatthar 5,545 m (18,192 ft)
Almost all Everest Base Camp trek includes the Kala Patthar visit in their itinerary for the best view of Mount Everest. Due to the location, the Kala Patthar offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire range. Imagine standing on a huge rock, surrounded by snowy peaks in all directions. The view of Mount Everest top and other nearby peaks is absolutely stunning from Kala Patthar. If the weather permits, you can get a breathtaking view of Everest and other Himalayan Vistas like Lingtren (6714m), Nuptse (7863M), Ama Dablans (6856m), Changtse (7550m), Lho-La (6036m), Kali Himal (6985), and so on.
In literal English translation, Kala Patthar means “black rock”. Once you trek above Gorakshep (5160 M) and find a huge dark black rock sitting still, you will understand the reason behind the name. Ideally, Kala Patthar looks like a minor summit itself with a huge dark rock having a prominence of 10m. Thankfully, the rock is not actually a peak and doesn’t demand any special training or climbing equipment. During the Everest trek, this is the highest one gets without having a climbing permit. During the winter months, November to January the place is all covered in snow. For the rest of the year, the Kala Patthar trek is achievable by anyone with a strong physique.
Trekkers prefer to spend a night in Gorakshep and hike to Kala Patthar in the early morning. The trek is only 2 hours long. As the first rays of the sun fall upon the glittering snow, you can enjoy the most beautiful morning of your life. But since the morning at such altitude is freezing cold, you might want to consider wearing warm clothes. And lastly, since you will be climbing to an altitude of 5643M above sea-level, the risk of altitude sickness is high in Kala Patthar. This is the very reason many tourists return back from GorakShep itself without having to climb to Kala Patthar. Sometimes, even your trekking guide will not accompany you on the climb.
Everest Base Camp Kalapatthar Trek Cost Chart
Group Size | Cost Per- Person |
Solo Trekker | $1450 |
2 Person | $1250 |
3 - 5 Person | $ 1200 |
6 - 10 Person | $1100 |
11 - 20 Person | $1000 |
Gokyo Ri 5,357 m (17,575 ft)
Gokyo Ri is a recently popular yet prodigious trekking destination in the Everest region. The Gokyo valley with six freshwater lakes has so much to offer. Besides the mesmerizing view of majestic Everest, the skylines are dominated by the four tallest mountains on earth i.e. Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Each of these peaks looks stunning from the top of Gokyo Ri.
Gokyo Ri at 5,357-meter is a peak in itself that is worthy of a difficult climb. As you set off from the hamlet of beautiful Gokyo valley and climb steep terrain, you can make it to the top in 3 hours. It’s an easy peak that doesn’t need any technical ascent but the altitude alone makes it a challenge. Since you won’t find any tea houses at the peak, you might want to consider getting your own food. Thankfully, the top is a very safe place for camping.
As you let your shank rest on the peak, drink in an unbelievably beautiful panoramic view that approaches you. Fragmented glaciers, jagged peaks, and startlingly blue lakes- the view is complete in itself. Not just the majestic mountains but the pristine turquoise water of five Gokyo lakes, the highest freshwater lake in the world is in fact Nepal’s most memorable sights. You might also wanna hike up to the 5th lake on the same day.
Since the route to the Gokyo Ri is relatively less visited, travelers can get an unadulterated insight into the local village life. Gokyo Valley is about two days of climb from Namche Bazaar through the villages of Phorste Thenga and Machherma. You will need an extra day from Gokyo Valley to climb Gokyo Ri submit. The top of Gokyo Ri not only offers a stunning view but also the pleasure of successfully climbing a summit in the Khumbu region. Are you prepared to make the difficult yet most beautiful journey to the top of Gokyo Ri?
Gokyo Lakes Gokyo Ri Trek Cost Chart
Group Size | Cost Per- Person |
Solo Traveller | $1250 |
2 person | $ 1070 |
3 -5 Person | $ 970 |
6 - 10 Person | $ 930 |
11 - 20 Person | $ 890 |
Chola Pass 5420m (17,782 ft)
Cho La is another Best Mt. Everest Viewpoint that will definitely take your breath away. This is a summit pass suited at 5,420 meters above sea level. Cho La pass is one of the most difficult climbs in the Everest region that demands some mountain climbing skills. But the mesmerizing view from the top is worth the difficulty.
Chola Pass connects the village of Thagnak (4,700m) in the west and Dzongla (4,830m) to the east. As you leave Thagnak, climb through loose rock and upon a steep path for about 3 hours. The painted green arrows on the path will guide your way to the glacier just before you walk south towards the pass. For almost half a year, the pass is all covered with thick snow and you will need ropes and climbing equipment ( you can get a true feeling of climbing a submit). Even during October, the surface might bear some ice to make the path slippery. You might want to use crampons for your safety. Make sure that you cross the pass before mid-day when the weather remains calm. As the evening approaches, Rockfall and slippery paths can make it hard to climb. On the entire trail, you will not find any tea house.
As you reach the top of Cho La Pass the colorful prayer flags will greet you with a wave. You will be memorized by the beautiful panoramic view that will surround you. Along with the majestic Everest, you can witness the views of Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mount Lhotse. The view of Mount Everest from the top of Cho La Pass is clear and exceptionally beautiful.
On the way back, you need to cross minor ridges and descend down to reach Tangnank (4,700 m) which takes about 3 hours.
Gokyo Lakes Renjo La Pass Trekking Cost Chart
Group size | Cost Per Person |
solo Trekker | $1350 |
2 Person | $ 1150 |
3 - 5 Person | $ 1075 |
6 - 10 Person | $ 1030 |
11 - 20 Person | $ 995 |
Renjo La Pass 5360m(17,560 ft)
Renjo La lies in the western part of the Khumbu region and is considered to be among the easiest passes in the region. Also, you get to witness the exceptional view of Kalapatthar, Chola glaciers, and Tengboche Monastery. The awe-inspiring view of Himalayan ranges in the mountain vista is more than amazing.
Renjo La Pass trekbeings from Lungdeng, a classic Tibet village. As you leave the valley, you climb off the path that is steeply ups and down with a sandy ridge. You walk through the dramatic rock and frozen twin Renjo Lake before making it to the top. From the top, you get the view of all 8000m and 7000m peaks like Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Pumori (7,145m), Nuptse (7,855m), Mt. Amadablam (6,856m), and Mt. Thamserku (6,723m). From Renjo La Pass, you can climb down to Gokyo Valley where you can visit five freshwater lakes at the highest altitude.
Renjo-La pass is at an altitude of 5360m, it's freezing cold at the top. Since you will love to spend quite some time at the top to enjoy the mesmerizing view, make sure to carry extra layers. Also, give yourself enough time to acclimatize to an increased altitude. You might want to give yourself enjoy time to rest and a warm cup of tea and snacks as you stand in front of the world’s tallest mount.
Tengboche Monastery 3870m (12,700 ft)
Till now, we might have freaked you will the list of Everest Viewpoints that are difficult to achieve. But this one is easy to climb, offers an excellent view, and has many other perks. Also called DawaCholing Gompa, it is located at an altitude of 3,870 meters in Tengboche in the Khumjung region. This is the largest and most important Gompa in the Khumbu region. Tengboche Monastery is suited on a hill region at the confluence of the ImjaKhola and Dudh Koshi rivers. The monastery was built in 1916 by Lama Gulu.
Tengboche is the easiest possible viewpoint that offers an amazing view. The monastery is approached with a day walk from Namche via the nearest airport in Lukla. From Tengboche, you can continue the Everest trek to Pheriche, the hamlet of Gorakshep, and Kala Patthar.
The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are clearly visible from the place. There are many beautiful tea houses and guest houses in the region. You can enjoy the stunning sunrise view with the reflection of the White Mountain in the background from your hotel room. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Also, the place is surrounded by Pines, colorful rhododendrons, and azaleas to make the gompa (monastery) very attractive. Combine that with the rich unspoiled traditions of the indigenous people, stay in the Tengboche viewpoint is surely a site that you can’t afford to miss. The place is popular for classic Sherpa villages and prayer activities in the Gomba.
Amadablam Base Camp 4,576m (15,013ft)
Ama Dablam captivates the heart of anyone who sets eyes on her. The view of the Everest region from Amadablam Base Camp will leave you fascinated and wanting more. The trek to this particular Everest viewpoint has adventure, culture, and world-class mountain viewing all at the same time. This trek into Ama Dablam can be a lifetime memory to cherish in the later days.
This is an alternative trek to the Khumbu region where one can witness the true beauty of the Himalayas after passing through the famous Kongma La Pass. Ama means a mother shielding her child and Dablam is a traditional double pendant that has pictures of goddesses worn by Sherpa women. Moreover, Ama Dablam is popular as 'Matterhorn'.
Amadablam Base Camp offers the best in the Everest region. Trek to this Base Camp demands about three days of walk from the Namche Bazaar. You will be walking across Shangbouche hill, Phortse, and Pangboche before climbing up to the Base Camp. You can leave Pangboche early in the morning to climb to Amadablam Base Camp which is about 3 hour of walk. You can explore the base camp, capture amazing pictures, and enjoy the immense beauty of the Himalayas. From the base camp, you can witness the remarkable panoramic Himalayan views, including the distinctive scene of Everest towering right above the Nuptse-Lhotse wall. The base camp presents you with an unconditional scene to indulge in nature.
Hotel Everest View 3962m (13000ft)
Did you know that the world’s highest elevation hotel is suited in Nepal itself? Hotel Everest View is located in Sagarmatha National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the awe-inspiring mountain peaks. From every room, visitors can immerse themselves in this mesmerizing scene of the mountain while enjoying the best luxury and hospitality. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?
Hotel Everest View was opened in 1971 to provide visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas and Nepalese luxury at the same time. It was recorded as the Highest Placed Hotel (at 13000ft) in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Besides the view of Everest, it is also a perfect place to witness the nearby villages and enjoy the beautiful landscape that is filled with shrubs, evergreen fir trees, and rhododendron forests. During the months of winter when most of the Khumbu region is closed, Everest View Point can be the Best Mount Everest Viewpoints. The hotel is only two hours of the hike from the Namche Bazaar.
If you don’t have enough time or strength to get deep into the Khumbu region, a light Everest View Trek to Mt. Everest's viewpoint is enough to make an impression. The views of Everest Massif along with Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Kantega, Cholatse, and Kusum Kanguru is clear from Namche.
5th Lake 4956m (16259.84ft)
We have already discussed the awe-inspiring view of Everest from the Gokyo-Ri Pass. But the fact is, many other viewpoints in Gokyo Lake Trek provide an equally mesmerizing view. Gokyo's fifth lake is located in the north of the Gokyo Valley and offers a prodigious view of the Himalayan Vista. Four mountains above 8000m mountains- Mt. Everest 8848.86m, Mt. Makalu 8463m, Mt. Lhotse 8516m, and Mt. Cho Oyu 8201m is visible from the lake while other over 20 snow-capped mountains in the Khumbu region is also visible. Along with the Himalayas, the 5th lake also offers a view of Gokyo lake, Gokyo peak, and Tibetan Sherpa culture.
After a beautiful night's sleep in Gokyo valley, you can start the trek to 5th lake early in the morning. Initially, you climb a steep path for about 2 hours that leads you to the 4th lake. You can continue following the trail to the 5th lake which is also called Ngozumpa Tso (4980m). As soon as you reach the place, the breathtaking view of crystal water and the mountain vistas will keep you amused. Enjoy the beauty of nature, enjoy an awesome view of Mt Everest and let the cold mountain air feel your heart. Since there’s no tea house in the 5th lake, you should return to Gokyo Valley before the night falls, or you can also establish a camp there. The place is perfectly safe for camping activities. The entire trek up and down from 5th take takes about 9 hours.
Kongde Farak Ri 4,680m (15,354ft)
While we have been listing a great number of places for the best mountain views, KongdeFarak Ri is in fact the best place for the whole Everest Region View. Here, you can meet the majestic Everest lying parallel to the eyes. This face-to-face interaction with the tallest mountain in the world can be the best memory you can collect for a lifetime. This is one of the least trekked and under-rated viewpoints that are yet to be discovered.
KongdeFarak Ri is about 9 hours hiking from Namche Bazaar. First, you will trek to Thame via Namche and switch the path towards Kongde hill after crossing the Bhote Koshi river. You climb gradually through the forest of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo. The last gradual uphill ascend is definitely not the easiest thing to do. But, the view from the top is worth the pain in the trial. The feeling of paradise lightens your eyes and heart as the 360-degree view of the Himalayas amuses like nowhere. Along with the mountains, you can get a view of the landscape and geographical region in the Khumbu valleys. As the sun sets and hides behind the majestic mountain, you will be amused by the view. Set the camp at the top of Kongde hill and enjoy the most beautiful sunrise of your life the next morning. You can also find a lodge at the top where you can enjoy the man-made luxury and heavenly nature at the same time. Also if you don't have enough time to trek up to Kongde, You could go for Kalapatthar Helicopter Tour, and on the way stop at Kongde Farak for breakfast/lunch with an awesome view of Mt. Everest.
Namche Bazaar 3440m (11286.09ft)
You must have heard about this tiny yet very important town in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This is considered a major entry point for most of the trekking trails to the Everest region. The views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest are clear and distinct from the viewpoint above the market. These are the initial glimpse of Everest that keeps everyone mesmerized.
Namche is tucked away between two big ridges amid the giant huge of the Khumbu. The Namche village is set in a horseshoe-shaped bowl. You really like you are living deep in the mountain. The place has an abundance of star hotels, lodges, tea shops, and souvenir markets. You can do some shopping and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Initially, Namche used to be the trading center of the Sherpa people of the mountains and Tibetans. Since then, it has been established as the center for many local people as well as tourists.
You can get to Namche from Lukla through the trek of a day or two. Many trekkers stay on Namche for acclimatization. During the stay, you can also visit Khunde Hospital which was first set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or visit the Museum of Sherpa Culture. You can also hike to Everest View Hotel above Namche Bazaar. There are many other possible hiking options that are achievable from the village of Namche. Or, you can just stay back at your hotel and enjoy the view from your window. Do the miss the beautiful sunrise and sunset that can be witnessed from Namche.
Conclusion
Even while trekking deep in the Khumbu region, you might not be able to see the best of Everest. You might have the feeling that the view from the trail is incomplete or missing and that’s not unusual. There are only a few viewpoints in the Everest Region that provides a completed and stunning view of the overall mountain vistas. We tried our best to cover all of those places. Hope the list will be useful for your Everest View trek. If you have any queries, you can drop them in the comment section below.
Happy trekking!!