Best places for views of the Himalayas

The Himalayan lands are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and you don’t have to be a hardened trekker to enjoy these majestic mountain peaks. The best time for clear views is late October and early November, so now is a good time to start planning a trip for the Himalayan season later this year.

In Nepal some of the best views can be found in the Kathmandu Valley, from where you can see Everest on a clear day. If you want to sleep in style, the Dwarikas Resort in Dhulikhel offers great panoramas from Cho-yu in the east across the Langtang range to Himalchuli in the west. Nearby Nagarkot offers similar mountain views, and staying at the slightly more modest Mystic Mountain Resort you can take in these vistas without ever leaving your balcony!

The charming lakeside town of Pokhara is surrounded by lofty mountain peaks and is a starting point for many short and long treks in the Annapurna region. A popular 5 day loop takes you to Poon Hill, where you can savour views of some of Nepal’s highest peaks which include Machapuchare (Fish Tail), Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Hiunchuli. The Tundihkel Viewpoint in laid-back Bandipur also has a stunning view of this Annapurna range on a clear day, and is a great option for those who want to avoid a long trek!

Hop over to neighbouring Bhutan (making sure to look out for views of Everest on the flight from Kathmandu!) for pristine countryside and gorgeous snow-capped mountain peaks. Most trips will take you over the Dochu La Pass en route to Punakha, which has a breathtaking panoramic view on clear days. Climbing up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery allows incredible views of the Paro Valley and surrounding hills. There are also a number of short and long hikes across Bhutan which pass through amazing scenery, notably in Gangtey & the Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, and the Haa Valley outside Paro.