5 Ways to See Mount Everest

5 Ways to See Mount Everes

Mt Everest is among the few of nature’s wonders that grab the attention of all travelers. The world’s tallest peak and a symbol of nature’s grandeur and human adventure is, however, hidden deep inside the Himalayan range, jagged with some of the highest peaks in the world, making it one of the mystic and awe-inspiring untouched worlds.

From popular treks on the classic Everest trail to a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter, there are several ways of seeing Mount Everest.

If an adventurous trek is not your way, you can also drive close to Everest, watch it from the comfort of your hotel, or go on a short and easy trek based on luxury lodges. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the five popular ways of seeing Mt Everest if you are traveling to Nepal. Let’s see which inspires you the most.

1.  Trekking to Everest Base Camp

For adventurous souls, a trek to Everest Base Camp is a dream comes true. From the short and scenic Twin Otter flight to the mountain airstrip to watching sunset over the rock face of Mt Everest from 5,550 m Kalapatter, each moment of the trek brings a thrill.

The trail passes through the Sherpa land and heads towards their highland yak grazing, surrounded by spectacular snow peaks along with Mt Everest. A trek to Everest Base Camp is challenging with high altitude, harsh weather, and basic accommodation, but it is deeply rewarding and connects you to the mountain’s spirit and local culture.

2. Helicopter Tour of Everest Base Camp
For those short on time or if trekking is not their style, a helicopter tour is the best way to experience the Everest National Park, which is one of the UNESCO heritage sites in Nepal. In just a few hours, you can fly to Lukla, Syangboche, and then land at Everest Base Camp, allowing you to touch the ground from where the expedition to the top of the world begins. Have more time to contemplate the Sherpa land surrounded by majestic peaks, with breakfast at one of the scenic viewpoints like Everest View Hotel or Kongde Ridge before flying back to Kathmandu.

3. Overland Tour to Tibet to see Mt Everest Another alternative to arduous trekking and a helicopter tour is an overland tour of Tibet from Nepal, which allows you to spend a night at Rongbuk Monastery perched near the northern base camp of Mt Everest. This tour is not only an easier way of seeing Mt Everest but also provides a spiritual and cultural dimension to your visit.
The 8 days Tibet Overland tour starts from Kathmandu and cruises through the vast, empty highland of Tibet overlooking the Himalayas. Navigating through the high mountain passes and glacial valleys, you will also visit the cultural cities of Shigatse and Lhasa.

4. Short Treks to See Mt Everest
If you like walking but can’t devote two weeks or prefer a comfortable stay and less foot traffic, there are a couple of short treks to see Mt Everest.

·     Everest Cultural Trek
The Everest Cultural Trek could be customized from 5 – 7 days and follows the classic trail to the heartland of Sherpa and explores their domain with views of spectacular peaks including Mt Everest. There are options of luxury lodges and boutique resorts for accommodation. Availability of pony service makes it the first choice for families with young kids.

·     Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak in the foothills of Mt Everest is a less frequented scenic trek which gives sweeping views of Everest alongside the surrounding peaks. The trail passes through charming Sherpa villages, lush mountainside terraces, and Tibetan Buddhist emblems. This moderately difficult trek takes about 5 days based on simple homestays and teahouses.  

5.  Fixed-Wing Everest Sightseeing Flights

While in Kathmandu, Nepal, a fixed-wing flight offers a one-hour sightseeing flight in the morning, which also guarantees a view of Mt Everest. This is a short and smoother ride with panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. All passengers are offered window seats in a 72-seater ATR-72 plane, which flies closer to the Mt Everest region and offers stunning aerial vistas of the snowy peaks, glaciers, and valleys. It’s the shortest and a postcard-perfect way to admire Everest from above.

Each of these tours offers various options to connect with Mt Everest and its bastion in the Himalayas. So, whether you seek adventure, comfort, or cultural perception, Everest awaits with open arms and endless inspiration.

Even if you are planning to visit somewhere close to the Himalayas, plan at least a transit through Nepal to see Mt Everest, if not a lifetime adventure. Whether a dedicated two-week trek, road trip to Tibet, or a quick window view from an airplane, seeing Mt Everest sets an important travel milestone for all.