Top 9 Viewpoints to include during Trekking in Everest Region
Swiss Family Treks Blog Posting
Introduction
In Nepal, trekking is quite possibly the most entertaining and elaborate way to explore the riches it has to offer. As such, treks in Nepal stretch across a diverse set of terrain and landscape. Similarly, trekkers can also immerse themselves in the cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trekking trails.
However, what remains the penultimate reward of these treks are the enchanting views of the Himalayas. While trekkers can enjoy such scenery while walking or exploring, the vantage points along the trail bring out the mountains' brilliance. Viewpoints or vantage points are locations situated in a slightly higher altitude on the trail which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Everest region is the holy grail of trekking adventure in Nepal. As such, it houses mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Pumo Ri (7165m), and many others. These magnificent natural wonders can be best enjoyed from the vantage points on the Everest region treks.
Some of these viewpoints are not just at an elevated location but have significant cultural and tourism significance. Many sites across the Everest region are popular for offering beautiful views of the mountains. Some of them are introduced below.
Hotel Everest View (3,880m)
Dubbed to be the hotel situated at the highest altitude in the world, Hotel Everest View is one of the best locations to enjoy the view of the Mt. Everest (8848m). Thanks to these reasons, the hotel is one of the few iconic man-made destinations in the Everest region. The hotel is situated at Syangboche, which lies to the north of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers and travelers usually visit Hotel Everest View on the acclimatization day that they spend exploring around Namche.
Opened in 1971, the hotel is known to offer a surreal view of the Mt. Everest from every hotel room. Trekkers can relish the exquisite Himalayan views with a warm cup of tea, or any food. Thus, enjoying the mountains from Hotel Everest View can be a dream come true to many.
Nangkartshang Hermitage (5,070m)
Unlike the Hotel Everest View, Nangkartshang Hermitage is a lesser-known viewpoint in the Everest region. The hermitage/ gompa is located to the north of Dingboche. Trekkers, climbers, and other travelers on the Everest region trips occasionally spend an extra day at Dingboche to acclimatize. On this day, they use the opportunity to adapt to the Himalayan atmosphere and relish the Himalayan views.
A short hike from Dingboche takes you to Nangkartshang Hermitage, which offers a magical view of the Everest range. The monastery cum vantage point is also a religious shrine to the Sherpas in the nearby areas. Enthusiasts can hike further north and follow the trail to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak (5616m).
Chhukung Ri (5,546m)
Chhukung village in the Everest region lies to the east of Dingboche. The Imja River that runs alongside the EBC trek continues to Chhukung and heads further east to its glacial origin. This village is also a frequent acclimatization spot to trekkers and various travel enthusiasts on different Everest trips.
Likewise, Chhukung Ri is a local peak that lies to the north of the main Chhukung village. The village's trail follows the Lhotse Nup Glacier and continues alongside a branch of the Imja River to reach the base of Chhukung Ri (5546m). A challenging ascent of the peak welcomes you to the summit that offers a glorious view of the surrounding glaciers.
Additionally, the view also incorporates those of Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m), Pumo Ri (7165m), and massive Lhotse Wall.
Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
Kongma La Pass is a famous trekking landmark as it is one of the highest passes in the entire Everest region. The pass is also a part of the illustrious Everest 3 Passes Trek or Everest High Passes Trek.
Additionally, trekkers and climbers include the pass on their ventures across the Everest region. One such trip is the Island Peak Climbing Trip, where climbers cross over the pass before scaling Island Peak (6189m). To cross over this pass, travelers have to either reach Chhukung or begin the ascent from Chhukung.
Either way, travelers can be an audience to the amazing view of the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Himalayas. Mountains like Pumo Ri (7165m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), and Island Peak (6189m) make up for a grand view atop Kongma La Pass.
Kala Patthar (5,545m)
By far, the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region, Kala Patthar, is one of the best places to relish the majesty of Mt. Everest (8848m). Most of the Everest region's trips craft the journey around the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar viewpoint. Kala Patthar's viewpoint is located to the north of Gorakshep, and a short hike will take you there. The climb to the viewpoint can be tricky as you will be crossing the altitude of 5,500 meters.
However, the top's scenery cannot be described in words with a parade of the Himalayas surrounding your very existence. From Mt. Everest (8848m) to Nuptse (7861m), Changtse (7543m), and Pumo Ri (7165m), the scenic treat is genuinely one for the ages. The mountain vistas are even grander when coupled during the sunrise or sunset.
Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Yet another high pass in the Everest region, Cho La Pass, holds higher stature as a viewpoint. The pass connects the Gokyo Valley with the Khumbu Valley and is situated between the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. While the view is quite sublime, the climb to the top of the pass is also quite challenging. With dangerous crevasses and glacier crossing with icy and slippery path, the trail over the pass is an enthralling adventure.
Located at an altitude of 5,420 meters, the pass offers glorious views of Ama Dablam (6856m) and Cholatse (6335m). You can also relish the scenic overview of the Mahalangur Himal range, Lobuche (6119m), Nirekha Peak, and many other Himalayas.
Gokyo Ri (5,360m)
Rising above the serene Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri (5360m) is an idyllic location to admire the beauty of the Everest region and its towering Himalayas. The peak itself is located to the west of Ngozumpa Glacier between Gokyo Tsho and Thonak Tsho. Trekkers and climbers usually scale Gokyo Ri on an additional day they spend here to acclimatize. The climb to the top of the peak takes a few hours and is a decent challenge.
On the other hand, the rewards speak volumes and incorporate an astounding chain of Himalayas in the Everest range. Mt. Everest (8848m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) are two of the most esteemed Himalayas one can enjoy from Gokyo Ri. Additionally, you can revere the gleaming Gokyo Lakes and the quaint Gokyo valley as well.
Renjo La Pass (5,345m)
The final pass that makes the holy trinity of Himalayan passes in the Everest region, Renjo La Pass is an excellent vantage point. The pass lies in the western fringe of the Everest region and is sheltered by the Khumuche Himal range. Standing at the height of 5,345 meters, Renjo La Pass is an integral landmark in some of the most acclaimed treks.
From the Gokyo Valley Trek and Everest 3 Passes Trek to Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, several trips incorporate Renjo La Pass on their itinerary. While climbing the pass can pose some challenges, the Himalayan scenery from the top trumps all the toiling and sweating. From Cho Oyu (8201m) and Kongde Himal range to Mt. Everest (8848m), the pass offers a wide panorama of the Everest ranges.
Sunder Peak (5,360m)
Tucked away in the western part of the Everest region, Sunder Peak is far from a touch of modern fame and glory. The peak is located near to Thame, and trekkers have to pass its base camp before beginning the actual climb.
As such, both the trail leading to the viewpoint and the viewpoint itself offers a pristine environment away from the touristy hustle around Namche. The viewpoint is described as the most difficult viewpoint to scale in the Khumbu and Everest region. As the tough climb comes to an end, an ethereal view of the entire Khumbu Valley embraces you. The gleaming peaks of the Himalayas extend as far and wide as you enjoy the view of mountains like Cho Oyu (8201m) and Kongde range.
Conclusion
Everest region is a treasure trove for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With those on a mission to relish the Himalayas, there is no better destination to trek to. As the world’s highest Himalayas offer a stupendous showdown, grab the best seat there is. With beautiful viewpoints scattered across the Khumbu region, the Himalayan Shangri-La is just within your reach. Feel the crisp mountain breeze and breath-taking views from the best viewpoints to include during trekking in the Everest region.
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