As many of the lofty Himalayan peaks surround Kathmandu, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the snowy mountains. But does Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), the highest peak in the world, lie among those grand snowy peaks visible from Kathmandu?
Yes, Mount Everest is a part of that vast Himalayan range, but the view is rare and often obscured.
Although Kathmandu offers clear views of peaks like Mount Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, the Gaurishankar ranges, Manaslu, Annapurna, and more, Mount Everest cannot be viewed clearly and regularly.
Yet it is possible to catch a glimpse of this highest peak in the world from Nagarkot Fort and Hill Station, Dhulikhel Hill Station, and Chandragiri Hill Station in the Kathmandu Valley. They are some of the most popular viewpoints for a glimpse of the sublime Mount Everest.
During clear weather, you may get a good view of Everest and the other Himalayas from these viewpoints. But that is not always possible. Due to the foggy and cloudy sky during winter, you cannot view Mount Everest. Some places outside Kathmandu, like Kalapatthar, Namche Bazaar, and Tenboche, provide the best view of Mount Everest.
Is Mount Everest visible from Kathmandu?
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the first city where foreigners begin their journey in Nepal, arriving through the Tribhuvan International Airport. Everyone who steps into the Kathmandu Valley for various reasons, whether for business, research, or leisure, wonders: Can Mount Everest be seen from here? The answer to this question has been very complex and debated.
You can view Mount Everest from some viewpoints, but the view is not always scenic or majestic. They offer limited views. If you also want to try viewing Mount Everest from Kathmandu, you can head to the following viewpoints, though the visibility may be limited.
Nagarkot Hill Station and Tower
Nagarkot Hill Station and Tower is considered the closest viewpoint of Kathmandu Valley to view Mount Everest. Nagarkot is located 32 km from Kathmandu. It is 2,175 meters above sea level, which is considered a higher altitude for viewing the beautiful, snow-capped peaks in Kathmandu Valley.
Thus, Nagarkot allows you to enjoy a glimpse of majestic Mount Everest, along with the other snowy Himalayan peaks, from the Nagarkot Hill Station. But a crisp and clear sky is needed to get a good glimpse of it.
Nagarkot Fort was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, and many tourists visit here to see Mount Everest. Along with Mount Everest, you can also see other majestic Himalayan peaks, like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and more from here. The only condition is that the mornings at the time of sunrise should be clear.
Dhulikhel Viewpoint
The major viewpoints of Dhulikhel to see Mt Everest are the Kali Temple Viewpoint and Shanti Ban. They allow one to witness stunning glimpses of snowy Mount Everest, along with other mountains.
You can get a majestic view of Mount Everest during spring and autumn. But if you want to experience the best views of Everest, you should use a lens or binoculars.
Chandragiri Hills
You can get a spectacular view of Mount Everest from Chandragiri Hills as well. Some of the major viewpoints here are Chandragiri Hilltop View Tower, Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, Hiking Trail Viewpoints, and the Cable Car Ride.
The Chandragiri Hills is located at an altitude of 2,551 meters. Along with Mount Everest, you can see Cho Oyu, Gaurishankar, and Manaslu from its viewpoints.
Mountain Flights
Mountain flights are one of the best ways to witness a fantastic view of the mesmerizing Mount Everest. You can take a mountain flight in an airplane from Kathmandu to see Mount Everest. The flights are considered unique and comfortably safer than trekking on the bumpy trails.
Likewise, it is the best way for physically weak or challenged people to experience the grandeur of Mount Everest.
During the flight, you will get to view the glaciers, rivers, high-altitude lakes, and snow-covered ridges from a bird’s-eye view. The aerial, wide-angle, and elevated views of the scenes look unique and mesmerizing. It will be best if you carry cameras and smartphones to take photos.
Such mountain flights depart from the Tribhuvan International Airport, located in Kathmandu. You will fly at an altitude of around 7,500-9,000 meters, allowing for a spectacular, panoramic view of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges.
Typically, mountain flights last between 45 and 60 minutes. Some of the famous airlines offering mountain flights are Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines.
Why is Mount Everest not always visible from Kathmandu?
Mount Everest is not always practically visible from Kathmandu because of factors like distance, elevation, geographical barriers, and urban structures.
Here is a brief explanation of the key reasons:
Distance and Elevation
The distance between Mount Everest, the highest peak, and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is approximately 150 to 200 kilometers. Due to this distance, Mount Everest is practically invisible to the naked eye from most parts of Kathmandu. However, some beautiful viewpoints may allow you to catch a glimpse of the mountain.
Geographical Barriers
The vast Mahabharat Range (3,700 m – 4,500 m) is a long chain of tall mountains and hills. This range acts as a significant geographical barrier, blocking the view of Mount Everest from Kathmandu. The rugged terrain of high hills between Kathmandu and Mount Everest, along with Kathmandu’s relatively low altitude, is the main reasons that prevent a clear view of the highest peak.
Pollution and Atmospheric Conditions
Nowadays, pollution and poor atmospheric conditions in Kathmandu are increasing rapidly. The main reason for the blurry and unstable visibility of Mount Everest from the city is the rising air pollution. Likewise, the hazy, smoggy, and dusty atmosphere, especially during the winter season in Kathmandu, further hinders the view. In the summer, dust carried by wind reduces visibility.
Urban Structures
Kathmandu is a densely populated city with many buildings. Its relatively low elevation (1,324 m) compared to Mount Everest and the urban structures play a role in blocking the view of the mountain.
Beyond Kathmandu: How to Get the Best View of Mount Everest?
Every tourist and traveler wants to experience the beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Although Mount Everest is not practically best visible from Kathmandu, several viewpoints outside the Kathmandu Valley offer excellent glimpses of the mountain. They are:
Kalapatthar
Kalapatther is considered one of the best vantage points for the majestic glimpse of Mount Everest. It is located near the Everest Base Camp at 5,545 meters. It is ideal for photographers and trekkers alike. Most of the iconic photos of Mount Everest are taken from Kalapatthar.
It offers an unobstructed and clear view of the tallest peak. In addition to Mount Everest, you can also see neighboring peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Changtse. Kalapatthar also provides views of the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, prayer flags, summit cairns, and a 360-degree Himalayan panorama.
Pikey Peak
Pikey Peak offers a unique, wide view of Mount Everest and many other Himalayan peaks. It is located in lower Solukhumbu, east of Kathmandu, at an altitude of 4,065 meters. Unlike Everest Base Camp, Pikey Peak is a quiet route but offers a spectacular view of Everest. Moreover, it doesn’t require a long walk like the EBC trek while still presenting an amazing sight of the sublime Mount Everest.
Did you know? Sir Edmund Hillary once said Pikey Peak gave him his best view of Mount Everest.
Tengboche
Tengboche is one of the best places to experience the majestic view of the many Himalayas, including Mount Everest. It is on the EBC trail, at 3,867 meters. It offers panoramic vistas of Ama Dablam along with Mount Everest. It is also famous for its Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which attracts trekkers and climbers alike, especially during the religious and spiritual ceremonies.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the gateway town to Everest. It is a special place to view the Himalayas and the natural beauty of the region. It is located in the Solukhumbu district at 3,500 meters above sea level. As a result, it is a perfect place to view the majestic Himalayan peaks
Namche Bazaar is often the first place where trekkers get a real glimpse of Everest. The mountain is seen between other snowy peaks like Lhotse and Nuptse. This sight of Mount Everest heightens your excitement of the trek.
Best Time to See Mount Everest from Kathmandu
To be able to see Mount Everest from the popular viewpoints of Kathmandu, you need to be there at the right time of the year. So, if you are thinking of visiting Kathmandu with Mount Everest visibility in your mind, then choose the following time of the year:
Autumn (September to November)
The autumn season usually brings crisp and clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions due to the lower moisture and fewer clouds or fog. This makes it an ideal time to enjoy the snow-clad Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
During this season, Mount Everest is often visible on cloudless and sunny mornings. It will offer one of the best experiences for those planning an autumn Everest tour.
Spring (March to May)
The visibility of Mount Everest from viewpoints in the Kathmandu Valley is frequent and clear during the spring season. As the Earth tilts more toward the sun in spring, the increased warmth and sunlight reduce clouds and fog.
This season offers stunning glimpses of awe-inspiring Mount Everest, along with the other grand Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Langtang Lirung, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar. They are visible from select viewpoints in Kathmandu Valley.
Vibrant, colorful flowers, including Nepal’s national flower, rhododendron, bloom through the Himalayan hills during this season. These blooms offer a stunning, colorful contrast to the snowy and frosty places, adding charm and warmth to the otherwise cold surroundings.
Thus, if you are planning the Everest tour, spring is one of the best times to experience clear mountain views.
Summer and Monsoon: (June to August)
The summer and monsoon seasons are not favorable for viewing or trekking to Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Due to the heavy rainfall in these seasons, the sky is not clear and has poor visibility. This often blocks the view of Mount Everest from Kathmandu.
Also, the trekking routes and trails are slippery. There is a high chance of the occurrence of a rainstorm. As a result, the trek becomes unfavorable in this season. The Himalayan region in the summer and monsoon season is also quiet due to fewer trekkers and travelers on the trail.
Winter Season (December to February)
The winter season can be challenging for viewing Mount Everest or trekking in the Everest region. Due to the hazy and foggy sky with low-hanging heavy clouds and smog in the winter season, the visibility is unclear. Also, the snowfall in and around the viewpoints, and even on Mount Everest, might obstruct the view. So, the winter season does not support viewing Mount Everest from Kathmandu.
Best Time of the Day
If you are wondering about the best time to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, sunrise offers the most rewarding experience. During clear and cloudless mornings, especially at sunrise, Mount Everest is visible from the limited viewpoints in the Kathmandu Valley.
Myth and Reality
Some of the myths alongside the realities about Mount Everest from Kathmandu are:
- Myth No. 1: You can always view Mount Everest clearly from Kathmandu on a clear day.
Reality: You cannot see Mount Everest clearly with the naked eye from Kathmandu from most places due to the long distance (approximately 160-200 km), the obstruction caused by surrounding hills, and high levels of air pollution. There are only a limited elevated viewpoints around Kathmandu that offer a chance to glimpse the mountain.
- Myth No. 2: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Reality: This is true when measuring the height above sea level. But there are some other peaks taller than Mount Everest when measured from the underwater base of the mountain. Mauna Kea (10,211 m) in Hawaii is the highest peak in the world measured from the bottom of the ocean.
- Myth No. 3: Mount Everest lies entirely within Nepal.
Reality: Mount Everest sits on the border between Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is called ‘Sagarmatha’ or Everest in Nepal, while the same peak is called ‘Chomolungma’ in Tibet.
Final Thought
In conclusion, while Mount Everest is not visible from central Kathmandu, it can be seen from several nearby locations in the Kathmandu Valley, such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Chandragiri Hills.
If you want to experience the best views of Mount Everest and its neighboring snowy peaks, places like Kalapatthar, Pikey Peak and Namche Bazaar offer unforgettable experiences.
Furthermore, mountain flights are the best if you want to get a spectacular aerial view of the Himalayas.
You may like: Langtang Village Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we see Mount Everest from every place, every day in Kathmandu Valley?
No, Mount Everest is not visible from every place or every day in the Kathmandu Valley. However, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest from limited viewpoints such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Chandragiri Hills.
What are the popular viewpoints of Mount Everest?
Some of the popular viewpoints to see Mount Everest include Kalapatthar, Pikey Peak, Everest Base Camp, and mountain flights, all of which offer some of the best glimpses of the mountain.
From where do we get the best view of Mount Everest?
Kalapatthar is considered the best viewpoint to experience the majestic Mount Everest and other towering Himalayan peaks. This spot provides a chance to capture iconic photographs of Mount Everest along with its neighboring snowy summits.
How far is Mount Everest from Kathmandu?
The distance between Kathmandu and Mount Everest ranges from about 150 to 200 km, which makes it difficult to view the highest peak clearly and frequently from the city.
Are helicopters available for the Everest tour?
Yes, helicopters are available for the Everest tour. They primarily operate from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and Lukla Airport near Everest. Private helicopter tour services are also available.
Which seasons offer the best visibility of Mount Everest?
The autumn and spring seasons are the best times to be in Nepal for excellent visibility of Mount Everest.
