Winter Trekking in Nepal

Nepal in Winter

Visiting Nepal in winter season? Trekking in Nepal in winter can be your best option for warm up below 3000m. Trekking or hiking at higher altitudes may not be favorable due to snowfall, cold weather and risk of avalanches.

But, if you prepare well and ready for an adventure experience, winter is best for mountain views, snow play, photography and videography. Winter is the off season in Nepal with less tourism activities undertaken.

Although spring and autumn season is popular season for visiting Nepal, winter has its own advantages. The rainfall during the winter season is very rare, the blue skies are clear for mountain views and the daytime is warm. More to this, you may be offered with the discounts on flights, accommodation, foods and transportation. So, winter trekking in Nepal is best for budget trekkers. The lower altitudes in Annapurna, Langtang, around Kathmandu valley, Everest are highly visited during winter season. You find the comfort journey to these destinations where risk of snowfall, high altitude sickness and availability of teahouses is less compared to higher altitudes.

Nepal Winter Weather and Temperature

During the winter season in Nepal (December to February), the temperature may go down up to 0F – 4F during the day while it will much lesser during the night.

Advantages/Pros of Trekking in winter in Nepal

Peaceful and Quieter Trekking Trails
If you are lonely traveler and want to avoid the crowd on the trails, trekking in Nepal in winter is the best time. You can explore around the places you want with you own pace. You will experience lonely even in the busiest cities while walking around.

Spectacular Views
The landscapes during winter is beautiful and clear. You will have the incredible views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, frozen lakes and villages. Although the trekking trail is touch but the views are excellent so many trekkers are attracted in Nepal during winter season.

Quality services with low cost
You will be rewarded with the discounts during winter in Nepal. Most of the hotels, restaurants and transport will be offering you off-season discounts. You will have options to choose for the best services.

Hospitality of the local People
As winter season is off-season in Nepal, people will be welcoming you with great hospitality. In Nepal, guests are treated as Gods so you will be treated well during winter. They will have enough time for your service and respect.

Amazing Wildlife
Winter is the best time to see the wild animals and their activities at a close. You can encounter the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, birds and other animals during winter in National parks of Nepal.

Disadvantages/Cons of Trekking in Winter in Nepal

Freezing Cold
Starting from December to February, expect the freezing cold months in Nepal. There is extreme cold weather in the Himalayan region and the chances of snowfall is high event at an altitude of 3000m. So, you must be prepared a lot to save yourself from cold. Dressing in layers with warm cloths and a good hiking boots are recommended.

Avalanches, blizzards and Snow Storms
During the winter, the risk of avalanches and snow storms are high. You need to be careful or consult with your guide about the weather reports of the destination you are heading to.

Less daylight
Start your trek early in the morning. The sunlight in winter lasts for 7-10 hours.

Cancellation of flights
During winter months, the cancellation of the flights are regular due to bad weather. So, you must plan for extra days in case of flight cancellation or other reason.

Winter Months

• Decemeber – Early Winter Trekking in Nepal
• January – Mid Winter Trekking in Nepal
• February – End of Winter Trekking in Nepal

Best Winter Treks in Nepal

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Winter

Ghorepani is the relatively the short and easy trekking trail in Annapurna Region. The view point Poon Hill offers the best sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This is the most frequented trekking trail in Nepal.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek in Winter

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is the short trek taking you to Chisapani and Nagarkot through the villages and jungle. Nagarkot is the ultimate destination for sunrise views situated near to Kathmandu valley.

Kathmandu Valley Trek in Winter

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is the most scenic destination for cultural and natural highlights. The hills around the Kathmandu valley offer the best hiking and bird watching.

Everest View Trek in Winter

Everest View Trekking is one of the short and easy trekking trails in Everest Region. Providing you the opportunity to hike through the scenic sherpa villages, jungles and mountain landscapes, the trekkers most prefer this trek.

Ghandruk Loop Trekking in Winter

Ghandruk Loop Trek is yet another popular trekking trail in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk Loop trek takes you to the naturally embodied village of Ghandruk in western Nepal.

Mardi Himal Trek in Winter

Mardi Himal Trekking is the newly opened trekking trail in Annapurna Region officially in 2012 and getting popular among the international tourists because of diverse culture and pristine mountain views. Mardi Himal trekking is the trekking path through the villages and rhododendron forests to the base camp of Mt. Mardi Himal located to the east of Annapurna Base Camp and under the Machhapuchare (Fishtail).

Festivals of Nepal during Winter 2079/2022-23

Winter Trekking Tips

Do Not Trek High Altitude Treks
During the winter season the high passes Thorong La Pass, Ganjala Pass, Chola Pass, Renjola Pass, Khongmala Pass, Lauribina Pass, Gosaikunda Pass and Larke La Pass usually receive heavy snowfall. The temperature to these places down to -10 degree centigrade at night.

Health and Safety during Winter trekking in Nepal

It is our prior concern about your safety during trekking in Nepal.

While preparing for the trekking, you must know about the possible precautions of altitude sickness during trekking. You can either contact us for detail information.

Other Things to do in Winter besides Trekking

During the winter season in Nepal, besides trekking to Himalayas, you can do Hiking, Mountain Biking and some luxurious tours. The tours destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are favorable for winter holidays as there will be warmer and easy to travel.

Final Say

Winter season is the best time to explore the surrounding, snow, pristine mountain views, settled weather and blue crystal clear skies. During winter, the popular trekking trails are less crowded and availability of the tea-houses are high so enjoy the real Nepal this season.

The mountain views are clear with high visibility, low humidity and precipitation. The tea-houses offer the best rooms and services at low price. You can enjoy the discounts on hotel rooms and foods in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini.

As, winter is the perfect time for low altitude treks, plan and experience the real magical Nepal. Book your favorite short and easy trekking with Treks Booking with 100% guaranteed service. Use trip booking form for the discounts up-to 15% this winter. See you in Nepal!!!

Note: The weather at mountains can be un-predictable even during the main trekking seasons. Sometimes, due to the weather conditions, your tour plan may get affected. During the winter season, the flights are not on schedules resulting in cancellation or delaying the flights. So, you must have some extra days to be added on your trekking plan.

Please be updated with us for weather conditions and trip updates.

Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Trekking in Nepal

Is it safe to trekking in Nepal in winter?

Yes, trekking in Nepal is safe to low altitude trekking trails below 3000m. There will be snowfall or cold weather at higher altitudes causing difficulty in trekking.

Can I trek alone during winter in Nepal?

Yes, you can trek alone in Nepal. But, it isn’t recommended to hike high altitudes without a guide or porter.

Do I need a guide for trekking during winter in Nepal?

Yes, we suggest you to trek with a guide. The trekking trails are wilderness, remote countryside and through the valley, so trekking with a guide will be good for safety. They will be your good friends in need and help in emergency.

Do I need permits for trekking during winter in Nepal?

Yes, permits are required for trekking in Nepal. There are also few trekking trails that need not permits. Know in detail here.