You can see most of Nepal's eight-thousanders on a trek. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu show from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri. Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I show from Poon Hill. Manaslu shows on its own circuit, and Kanchenjunga and Makalu have their own base camp treks.
Khumbu region
On the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo treks you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four of the fourteen. Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri are the best viewpoints. See where to see Everest.
Poon Hill and the Annapurna side
From Poon Hill, near Ghorepani, you see Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I at sunrise on a short trek. It is the easiest way to see two eight-thousanders. See the Poon Hill guides.
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp takes you into a high amphitheatre with Annapurna I at the head. See Annapurna I.
Manaslu Circuit
The circuit shows Manaslu from many sides and also gives views of other Himalayan peaks. See Manaslu.
Far eastern treks
Kanchenjunga and Makalu are quieter, longer treks in the east, for people who want remote country. See the Kanchenjunga guides and the Makalu guides.
Which is easiest
The easiest views are from Poon Hill and Everest View. The best-known are Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The most remote are Kanchenjunga and Makalu.
How many can you see
On a 20-day itinerary that combines Everest and Gokyo, you could see five or six eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and perhaps Kanchenjunga on a very clear day from some high points. Count on four with good weather.
Planning for clear views
Autumn gives the clearest views, and spring is warmer with more haze. Start viewpoints early. Keep a spare day in the plan, in case the clouds sit on the mountain.
Fitness and difficulty
Short viewpoint treks suit most fit walkers. Base camp treks need more acclimatisation, and circuits need a higher level of fitness and experience. See how hard Everest Base Camp is.
Common questions
Which trek shows the most eight-thousanders? The Everest and Gokyo combination. Which is the shortest? Poon Hill. Which is the quietest? Kanchenjunga and Makalu.
Plan it
Read the list and heights, then ask us about a route that fits your dates.
