Are you planning a trip to Kathmandu and do you want to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest?
You might be wondering if it’s possible to see Mount Everest from Kathmandu.
In this article, I’ll explain how to view Mount Everest from Kathmandu, the absolute best locations to get an Everest view near Kathmandu, and the distance between Kathmandu and Mount Everest.
I’ve had the opportunity to see Mount Everest a few times, most recently during a very clear day in Nagarkot.
Can you see Mount Everest from Kathmandu
Usually, you can’t see Mount Everest from Kathmandu without embarking on a trek or taking a helicopter tour.
On clear days, you can see the Langtang mountain range from Kathmandu, which are the mountains that you can see right above Shivapuri National Park.
However, during the lockdown, when there was hardly any pollution and the air was incredibly clear, there were a few days when you could see Mount Everest if you were high up in the Kathmandu Valley, like in Chobar or Kirtipur.
But generally, on a typical day during a regular year, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to see Everest, the highest peak, from any location in the Kathmandu Valley.
Best places to see Mount Everest close to Kathmandu
But I am not saying that there’s no way you’ll catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, the highest peak, while you’re in Kathmandu.
That’s not the case at all.
There are a few spots near the Kathmandu Valley where you might be able to see Mount Everest and enjoy the stunning Himalayan panorama.
I would suggest heading to Nagarkot.
There are quite a few tours you can take to see the sunrise above the Himalayas.
Nagarkot is a hill station and it’s one of the tallest hills around the Kathmandu Valley, offering a spectacular point for Everest views. Nagarkot itself famous for its many hotels and the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
You will be able to see the Himalayan range of Langtang, annapurna and part of the Khumbu region of which Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is part.
I visited the hill station last year with my in-laws and I managed to see Mount Everest from there, marking a memorable point in the Himalayan trip of my in-laws.
I have to admit even from Nagarkot it’s quite rare to see Mt Everest but there is a much bigger chance overall. If you want a scenic view of Everest it is best to come right after monssoon and trek to the hillstation from your hotel in the mid-morning.
But I must say, seeing Mount Everest from a hill station like Nagarkot can be a little disappointing because Mount Everest doesn’t appear very tall since it’s set so far back in the mountain range so it looks quite small and it seems to be ”just another mountain top”. So, the most you’ll probably see of Mount Everest is just the tiny peak in the distance.
❗ Here are 3 hotels in Nagarkot you can see the Himalayas from your room!
How high is Kathmandu
So, how high Kathmandu is compared to Mount Everest?
Kathmandu sits at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, or roughly 4,600 feet. This might seem high, but it’s actually quite low compared to Everest, which towers at a staggering 8849 meters (It used to be 8848 but it grew a meter after the earthquake!), making it the highest peak.).
To give you a better idea, Kathmandu’s elevation is actually quite similar to cities like Denver or Medellín.
Now, you might be asking, will you feel light-headed when you first arrive in Kathmandu due to the altitude?
Not likely, but the elevation can affect other things, like how long it takes to boil an egg. Also, you might find yourself getting out of breath a bit quicker when you’re exercising or playing sports, an effect more pronounced if trekking towards the higher peaks like Everest or Manaslu.
How far is Kathmandu from Everest
As the crow flies, Everest Base Camp, a pivotal point in the trek to Everest, is roughly 200 km away from Kathmandu.
However, don’t be fooled.
The journey to the Everest Region can take a long time.
Even reaching Manche Bazar can take hours because of the poor road conditions in Nepal and the fact that you will need to hike part of the way.
Of course, you have the option to fly to Lukla or take a helicopter there, but even so, you will need to travel a long time before you finally reach your destination because of the relatively bad infrastructure here in Nepal.
Are there other ways to see Mount Everest from Kathmandu?
Yes! There are quite a few other ways you can see Mount Everest if you are only staying in Kathmandu Valley.
One of the most fantastic ways to see Mount Everest from Kathmandu is through a mountain flight. These flights are about $100 for a flight that lasts one to two hours. You’ll be flying over the Himalayas the whole time with some of the most amazing views of the mountains.
You’ll also get a close-up view of Mount Everest and have the opportunity to take some truly breathtaking photos of Everest, Langtang, Lhotse and even Gokyo.
You can also take a mountain flight through a helicopter. This will cost about $350 but you will have a private tour!
There are also Everest Base Camp Helicopter tours. They are even more expensive but if you are not into walking these are the best way to see Everest from up close.