When traveling to Everest, there are many different places you can see. The mountain is the highest peak in the world above sea level, and is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. You’ll want to take your time to make sure you get to see all that it has to offer. Here are some of the best spots you can visit.
Lukla
Lukla is a small town in the north-eastern part of Nepal. It is the starting point for treks to Mount Everest. Thousands of people fly into Lukla every year for a variety of reasons.
Lukla is also the gateway to the famous Everest Base Camp. The base camp offers incredible views of Mount Everest. However, it is not the best place to see it.
Visiting Lukla in the winter can be extremely cold. In fact, you might even need to wear a jacket.
The best time to visit is in the spring, though. During this time, there are less wind gusts and the temperature drops to a much more reasonable 26degC (70degF). This is ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Another reason to visit is the mani-wish-wall, which is a series of slabs of stone inscribed with prayers. Depending on the time of year, there are plenty of colorful rainbows to be seen from the vantage points of Lukla.
Among the many things to do in Lukla are trekking, hiking, and sightseeing. The town is home to shops and inns that cater to trekkers’ needs.
Phakding
Phakding is one of the most popular stops on the Everest Base Camp route. The small village sits along the milky white Dudh Kosi river. It is a popular place to stay for acclimatization and a photographer’s dream.
Aside from the mountain peaks in the surrounding area, Phakding offers a few other things to see. These include prayer wheels and Mani stones. Also, the town is home to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. This museum includes a forecourt with incredible views of Nupte and Mount Everest.
Another great view is from the Renjo La Pass. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. In addition to Everest, you’ll also see Chola Glaciers and Tengboche Monastery.
Phakding is located at an altitude of 2,610 meters. Most trekkers spend their first night here.
You can also stay in Moonlight Lodge, which is a few miles west of the Imja River. It is a popular place to stay if you’re looking to get up close and personal with the Khumbu glaciers.
Namche
If you are planning a trek to Everest, then Namche is one of the best places to see. Here you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Sherpa people. They are known for their hospitality and unique customs.
It is also a good idea to spend a few nights in Namche to acclimatize before continuing your trek. You can get a closer view of Everest and other snow-capped mountains from the viewpoints near the bazaar.
There are a number of monasteries in the area. You can take a tour to some of them. In addition, the Tengboche Monastery is the largest and most spiritual in the Khumbu region.
The Sagarmatha National Park is located nearby. This park is home to a museum that tells the history of the Sherpa people, their religion, and their flora and fauna.
You can also visit local shops and bakeries. At the market, you can purchase items such as yak butter and yak cheese. Also, you can shop for climbing equipment. A number of local clubs are in the town, as well.
Tengboche
Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, Tengboche is a small village that is known for its views of the world’s highest peak. It is a place where many tourists come to visit. The village is surrounded by bright rhododendrons and pines and is the home of one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the area.
Tengboche is a popular spot for trekking, particularly Everest Base Camp Trekking. There are several buildings in the town that offer accommodation for visitors. However, the infrastructure is quite basic and the cost of living is high.
Tengboche is the midway point for Everest climbers. This is a great spot for trekking in the mountains as it offers fantastic views of the snow-capped mountains. From here, you can see Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse. You can also visit the small Buddhist monastery that lies on the hilltop.
One of the best things about visiting Tengboche is its rhododendron forest and beautiful scenery. Besides the view of the mountain, the monastery is also a major religious site.
Kalapathar
Kalapathar is one of the most well-known and popular destinations in the Everest region. Not only is it a vantage point that provide incredible panoramic views of the mountain, but it also offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayas. In addition, this vantage point is a cultural and natural landmark, making it a worthwhile trip in its own right.
The best thing about the Kala Pathar is that it is located in the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that you will get to see some amazing rare flora and fauna along the way.
Another great feature about the Kala Pathar is that you can visit it without having to trek or climb. If you aren’t up to it, you can take a helicopter tour that includes aerial views of the valley, alpine forests, and a nearby icefall.
Despite being a small peak, it still provides a very clear and panoramic view of the mountain. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world.
Gokyo Lake
One of the most spectacular trekking paths in the Everest region is the Gokyo Lake. It offers a wonderful blend of adventure and culture.
The trek passes through waterfalls, high mountain passes, and lush forest. It also offers incredible views of Mount Everest. This is one of the most popular routes in the Everest region.
For the best experience, make sure to stay for at least two nights. You can choose to explore Gokyo lakes in a day, but be sure to plan well. Aside from enjoying the breathtaking scenery, you can get to know the culture of local Sherpa people.
You may choose to visit Gokyo Lakes in the spring. The weather is typically clear and warm. However, it is chilly in the morning. If you are a beginner, it is advised to take medical insurance.
The trek includes the highest freshwater lake system in the world. These six lakes are collectively known as Gokyo Lakes. In addition to its beauty, the lakes are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
Syangboche
The village of Syangboche is a perfect place to experience the spectacular beauty of the Himalayas. Located in the Khumbu region, this village is an ideal stop for trekkers heading to the Everest Base Camp. It is also one of the most popular vantage points to see Mount Everest.
This scenic vantage point offers panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Thamserku, and Mount Everest. Trekkers can also visit the Tengboche monastery, which is the largest in the region.
The monastery is a Buddhist stronghold that rewards trekkers with spectacular views of the colossal mountains. Every October, it hosts the Mani Rimdu festival. Visitors can also visit the Sherpa Museum, which contains a scalp of the Yeti.
Another great lookout point in the Everest region is the Nagarjun Hill. Situated 4 km from Dingboche, it provides incredible views of the Himalayas.
During the month of October, the Mani Rimdu festival is held at the Monastery. Visitors can learn about the culture and tradition of the Sherpa people.
The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is a great option for those who don’t have much time to trek. A helicopter tour includes a ride from Kathmandu to the Syangboche airport, where you can take a short trek to the Everest View Hotel.