10 Best Sunrise Viewpoints in Nepal: Top Places to Witness Magical Himalayan Mornings

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a major viewpoint lying 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu in Bhaktapur District and is probably the most accessible and best place to see the sunrise in Kathmandu Valley. This hill station at an altitude of 2,200 meters offers an outstanding panorama of sunrise over the central Himalayas and is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

To enjoy the sunrise view from Nagarkot, visitors must hike about 25–30 minutes from Nagarkot village to the Nagarkot viewpoint.On clear mornings, the sunrise illuminates prominent peaks such as Melungtse, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, Phurbi Chyachu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Gur Karpo Ri, and Gyaltzen Peak. Even though Mount Everest is only about 100 km away, it's not always visible; you can see it occasionally on clear days. Nagarkot view point encompasses a view of over 200 miles of Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Everest.

Visitors with a shortage of time can, however, enjoy panoramic views on the Nagarkot Half-Day Sunrise Tour without overnight stays. Another popular choice is a Nagarkot sunrise and Bhaktapur day tour, combining natural beauty with the cultural richness of Bhaktapur.

• Highest altitude: 2,200m
• Hike duration: 25- 30 minutes 
• Best months to visit: Spring (March–May), Autumn (September–November), and October–April.
• Difficulty level: Easy

Sarangkot

Sarangkot is probably one of the most sunrise viewpoints in Pokhara. This hilltop destination is a favorite among tourists visiting Pokhara, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world, along with Annapurna and Manaslu. From Sarangkot, you can also enjoy a sweeping view of Pokhara city, stretching from the north down to the south, including serene Phewa Lake.

Visitors usually drive to the top of the hill and climb the view tower to watch the sunrise. The peaks change colors from purple-pink to bright gold, creating a stunning view. The Sarangkot sunrise tour from Pokhara is popular among both locals and international tourists, so it can get crowded in the early morning and evening. The hill is just a 30-minute drive from Pokhara city, and there is an entry fee of about 5–6 USD.

• Highest altitude: 1600m
• Hike duration: 2–3 hours (if hiking from Pokhara), or you can also directly drive to Sarangkot.
• Difficulty level:Easy
• Best months to visit: All year round, except during the monsoon season (June–August)

Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar is a well-known hill in Nepal’s Khumbu region, located along the Everest Base Camp trekking route. Watching the sunrise or sunset from Kala Patthar is one of the biggest highlights of the trek. It is popular among trekkers because it offers a close and clear view of Mount Everest, which is otherwise blocked by Mount Nuptse from many spots in the Everest Region.

Located at an altitude of 5,555 m above sea level, Kala Patthar is the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek. Generally, this is considered one of the best sunrise views in Nepal, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas and nearby glaciers. You can clearly see Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, and Lobuche from here. Trekkers usually get up early in the morning to hike up to Kala Patthar, an elevation gain that takes about two hours, to be able to view the rising sun. 

For those who do not want to take up the physical challenge of trekking, there is also a helicopter tour available from Kathmandu to Kala Patthar. This is a very good alternative to see the sunrise in Nepal and the stunning views without having to hike.

• Highest altitude: 5,555m 
• Hike duration: Lukla to Kala Patthar takes 7-8 days, and Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar takes 2 hours.
• Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging 
• Best months to visit: Spring (March–May), Autumn (September–November)

Poon Hill

Poon Hill, considered by many as one of the best viewpoints for sunrise in Nepal, is located in the north of Pokhara in the Annapurna region. The most striking thing about Poon Hill is the panoramic 360 degree views of the iconic mountains such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre(6,993 meters), and the sweeping ridges of Annapurna South and Annapurna I.

Comparatively, Poon Hill trek is easier than other high-altitude treks in Nepal and hence is very popular among beginners or people with limited time. You can reach Poon Hill after a couple of days of trekking; generally, the sunrise experience is scheduled on Day 3 of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary. Poon Hill is often visited as part of the Annapurna region trek. It provides closer, clearer mountain views than Sarangkot and is a premier sunrise spot in Nepal.

• Highest altitude: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
• Hike duration: 3-4 days (depending on your pace and itinerary)
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
• Best months to visit: March to May and October to November

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is a hill in Gokyo village in the Everest region. It is a renowned viewpoint in the Khumbu region after Kala Patthar. For trekkers who want to see stunning sunrise views along with some of the highest mountains in the world but don’t want to hike all the way to Kala Patthar, the Gokyo Ri trek is the perfect option.

Gokyo Ri is generally considered as one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, offering breathtaking 360 degree views of the Himalayas including the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in the Himalayas and the largest glacier in Nepal. These lakes form the world's highest freshwater lake system, comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest. From Gokyo ri, you can clearly see Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Thamserku, Kangtega, and Lobuche.

To reach Gokyo Ri, you first need to fly to Lukla Airport and hike to Phakding, Namche, Machhermo, Dole, and finally to Gokyo village. From Gokyo, it takes about 2–3 hours of hiking to reach Gokyo Ri. If you want to go to Everest Base Camp from here, you need to pass the Cho La Pass at an altitude of 5,420 m and hike to Lobuche to connect with the standard Everest Base Camp trek route. For those who do not want to take up the physical challenge of trekking, there is also a helicopter tour available from Kathmandu to Gokyo Ri.

• Highest altitude: 5,357 meters (17,575 feet)
• Hike duration: 8-10 days to reach Gokyo Ri, depending on the itinerary
• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
• Best months to visit: March to May and September to November

Mardi Himal Viewpoint

Mardi Himal Viewpoint is a famous viewpoint across the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is situated at around 4,200 meters and presents views of some high and picturesque mountains of the region, such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal. The place is gaining popularity due to quiet beauty and less crowded trails.

To see the sunrise, you need to trek about 2–3 hours from High Camp. The trail passes through beautiful forests and open meadows, making the journey peaceful. When the sun rises, the sky turns orange and pink, and the mountains shine brightly in the sunlight. The viewpoint sits at a perfect angle to see Machhapuchhre’s (Fishtail) western face—a perspective rarely seen from other viewpoints. On exceptionally clear days, you can see Dhaulagiri (the world’s 7th highest peak) from a specific spot near the viewpoint. The area experiences unique weather patterns, where clouds often form below the viewpoint, creating an "ocean of clouds" effect with the stunning sunrise above.

From the viewpoint, you can also see hills, valleys, and even parts of the Pokhara Valley on clear days. This viewpoint is about a 5–6 day trek from Pokhara Valley via the Mardi Himal Trek. You can simply enjoy the stunning landscapes and the Himalayas along with the sunrise, creating a unique experience.

• Highest altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
• Hike duration: 5–6 days from Pokhara
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Best months to visit: March to May and September to November

Kokhe Danda

The Kokhe Danda is one of the least explored and unknown parts of the Annapurna region, offering one of the most stunning sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. It lies directly opposite Ghorepani Poon Hill and thus is a quieter alternative for those in search of stunning sunrises and sunsets.

From Kokhe Danda, you can witness panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and more; similar to the views seen from Poon Hill. Many trekkers even consider the views from Kokhe Danda to be better than those from Poon Hill. The trek to Kokhe Danda can be completed within a day from Banthanti, making it accessible for short trips. Standing at an altitude of 3,303 meters, it is the highest point in the Parbat district. Despite being less known, you’ll find a few lodges for trekkers in the area.

Besides that, Mohare Danda, which is 20 minutes walking distance from Kokhe Danda, also offers similar views seen from the Kokhe Danda. One of the best features of Kokhe Danda is that it lies outside the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) region, so no permits are required to visit this spectacular destination.

• Highest altitude: 3,303 meters (10,837 feet)
• Hike duration: 1-2 days depending on the itinerary
• Difficulty level: Moderate 
• Best months to visit: March to May and September to November

Pikey Peak

Pikey Peak, at 4,065 meters, is one of the best viewpoints in Nepal for sunrise over Mount Everest without having to go on a challenging trek to Everest Base Camp. Situated in the lower Everest region of Solukhumbu, this moderately difficult trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga.

Pikey Peak was one of Sir Edmund Hillary’s favorite viewpoints for observing Mount Everest. This less-traveled route is an excellent choice for those seeking a quick trek near the Kathmandu area, close to the Everest region. It can be completed in 3–4 days if you are fit or have limited time. Alternatively, a more relaxed 6–7-day itinerary provides a stress-free trekking experience, along with opportunities to visit Buddhist sites such as monasteries, gompas, and stupas.

• Highest altitude: 4,065 meters (13,335 feet)
• Hike duration: 3-7 days depending on the itinerary
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Best months to visit: March to May and September to November

Pumdikot

Pumdikot Hill, located at an elevation of 1,500 meters, is among one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. This hill features the recently constructed Pumdikot Shiva Statue, a huge 108-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva located in Pokhara. The statue is aligned in the east-northeast direction, so it appears that Lord Shiva is emerging from the rising sun in the morning.

Visitors usually start the hike at 4:30 AM to see the sunrise to reach the Pumdikot. The journey starts with crossing Phewa Lake by boat. From there, two hours of trekking leads one to the Peace Pagoda. From there, an hour of walking will take the visitor to the top of Pumdikot Hill. However, trekking is not mandatory; one can take a bus, taxi, or hire any vehicle to reach the hill.

Pumdikot offers incredible views similar to those from Sarangkot but with fewer crowds. From this point, you could see the sun rise behind the snow-capped Annapurna mountains as their peaks go golden. The light of the sun spreads over the Pokhara Valley very slowly as the day breaks, and the lake of Phewa reflects all the beauty of the morning sky. There is a viewpoint near the Shiva statue that gives you a 360-degree panorama of the landscapes. On clear mornings, you can see famous peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

• Highest altitude: 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
• Hike duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Best months to visit: all year round

Daman

Daman, at an altitude of 2,322 meters in Makwanpur District, is one of the best Nepal sunrise locations. It offers breathtaking Himalayan views, spanning 400 km from Dhaulagiri to Everest. Daman was ranked as the top sunrise destination in Nepal as per the study of NTB in 2022.

It lies 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu along the Tribhuvan Highway and is easy to reach, yet much quieter than Nagarkot or Sarangkot. Daman has a dedicated view tower with telescopes, giving visitors a closer look at peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range as they glow at sunrise. With its gentle temperature, lush greenery, and more than 20 major peaks viewed clearly, Daman is a quiet, all-season destination for nature lovers.

• Highest altitude: 2,322 meters (7,617 feet)
• Hike duration: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Best months to visit: all year round

FAQs

What is the most famous sunrise viewpoint in Nepal?

The most famous sunrise viewpoint in Nepal is Sarangkot. It lies near Pokhara, commands super views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, otherwise Fishtail, and other peaks, making it a top choice for sunrise lovers.

Which sunrise viewpoint requires least hiking in Nepal?

Pumdikot is one of the easiest sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. You can take a boat across Phewa Lake and then hike up to the viewpoint, or you can even drive up, making it ideal for those who want minimal hiking.

How early should I start hiking for sunrise viewing?

For most viewpoints, to catch sunrise, the hike needs to start at least 1.5 to 2 hours before sunrise to make it to the viewpoint in time for settling down and viewing colors in the sky while the sun rises.

Are there any sunrise viewpoints suitable for families with children?

Yes, Pumdikot and Sarangkot are considered family-friendly for sunrise viewpoints, as they are not challenging to reach; they offer good, safe approaches for children. Plus, both give great sunrise viewing without requiring treacherous treks.

What should I bring for sunrise viewing?

One would need to have a warm jacket, good walking shoes, a headlamp or flashlight, and a camera in order to enjoy the view during sunrise. In fact, wearing a hat and gloves may also be needed, since it could get cold, particularly in high places, before sunrise.

How crowded are these sunrise viewpoints during peak seasons?

During peak trekking seasons (March-May and September-November), popular sunrise viewpoints like Sarangkot, Poon Hill, and Nagarkot can be quite crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting lesser-known spots like Kokhe Danda or Pikey Peak.

Conclusion

Sunrise viewpoints in Nepal give you a special chance to enjoy the beauty of nature, as the sun lights up the majestic Himalayan peaks. From easy-to-reach spots to more remote mountain locations, these viewpoints offer stunning views of the sunrise. Watching the sunrise in the Himalayas is more than just seeing the view—it’s a moment that stays with you.

At Himalayan Recreation, we help you find the best sunrise spots in Nepal based on your needs. Our local guides know the best places, and we’ll make sure your sunrise experience is unforgettable. Contact us to plan your next adventure to Nepal.