“There is no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothing.” - Billy Connolly.
You have already heard that the spring and autumn seasons are the busiest seasons for trekking in Nepal. But have you ever thought of trekking in the winter season? Trekking in winter is a different experience. So, we have 7 treks in the Himalayas you can enjoy in winter.
The Winter season in Nepal lasts for 3 months. It is the time when trees decide to change their leaves. The mountains shine even more and promise to be beautiful as always. The night gets longer. Also, time to make the bed cozy and warm.
Winter is noted as the off-season for trekking in Nepal. But that is just misbelief I guess. It’s true it might be colder than in other seasons but with proper clothing, the trek can be accomplished. In winter, the mountains are more covered with snow, making them more beautiful.
Nepal is a Himalayan country consisting of 8 eight thousand among 14 of them. The country is a great choice to trek between the massive mountains. Not only that, there are numerous classic trekking trails. The trekkers have been trekking on the trail since the 1950s.
If you ever wanted to walk beside those humongous mountains as well as want to escape peak season. Then, the winter season is the best. Somehow the temperature falls below 0 degrees Celsius; however, the views are more rewarding than in the other seasons.
While winter trekking in Nepal has its advantages, trekkers need to be well-prepared for colder conditions, check trail and weather conditions, and consider hiring experienced guides. Overall, for those who appreciate a quieter and more adventurous trekking experience, winter in Nepal can be a rewarding and memorable time to explore the Himalayas.
These trekking trails (mentioned below) are perfect for the winter. The trails don't take you to the soaring elevation. Furthermore, it is the ultimate route to escape from the snow. Let's get right into the top 7 winter treks you can enjoy in Nepal:
Everest View Trek is an alternative trek to Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek takes halfway to the base camp but the trek is worth it. Also, the base camp may be reachable or not. The snow may block the trail.
You can witness the world's highest mountain. Sherpa settlements like Namche Bazaar and Lukla will be among the places you pass through. Also, you will get the chance to have breakfast in the world’s highest 5-star hotel.
Unlike Everest Base Camp Trek, this trek is short and easy. It doesn't take you to a high altitude. It is comfortable and just perfect for the winter trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill is another classic trekking route in Nepal. In short. Ghorepani is a village and Poonhill is the viewpoint from the village. The viewpoint shares one of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif along with the Dhaulagiri Range.
To make the trek more interesting, we have added Jhinu Hot Springs to the trek. It is also another short trek and comparatively easy trek. Get ready to experience the hospitality of Magar and Gurung ethnicities.
Annapurna Base Camp in December is also possible. It can be another best choice for trekking in winter in Nepal. You can continue your trek from Ghorepani -Poonhill to Annapurna Base Camp.
Langtang Valley Trek is one of the closest treks from Kathmandu. The 7-hour bus ride from Kathmandu takes you to the gorge of the Langtang River. Later, the trail takes you to the valley of beautiful landscapes and unique culture.
The entire trekking route is inside the Langtang National Park. The home of Snow Leopard and Red Panda. Also, it is the best trail for the bird-watching trip.
The Langtang Valley trek doesn’t take you to a higher altitude. The trek is relatively easier than the other. In addition to the breathtaking landscape and diverse flora and fauna, it has been a favorite trek among trekkers.
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a comfortable trek on the outskirts of Pokhara. It doesn't take to the soaring elevation and is not even close to the Himalayas. Still, the trail shares a breathtaking view of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri too.
It is also a short trek that both begins and ends in Pokhara. It is fit for all age groups. It only takes up to 1,990 meters. So, it is not a technical trek. The trek lets you experience the blend of different ethnicities and cultures.
The trail passes through Dhampus, Australian Base Camp, and finally towards Sarangkot. Throughout the trek, you will not miss the beautiful view along with the fantastic trekking path.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is the closest hiking trail from Kathmandu. You will be starting from the hustling and bustling Kathmandu and in a few minutes, you will be in the tranquility and serenity of the Shivapuri National Park.
Both Chisapani and Nagarkot are just a few miles from the Northeastern part of Kathmandu countryside. Both towns share one of the iconic skylines of many Himalayan ranges. Some of them include Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and many more peaks.
Furthermore, the trail passes through the Shivapuri National Park. Before entering the National Park, you will get a chance to witness the Sundarijal waterfall. As you pass through the wilderness of Shivapuri, you will encounter different species of birds.
Tsum Valley is the hidden valley of the Manaslu region, yet to be explored. It can be the best winter trek in Nepal. This trek also does not take to the soaring height. This trek is different from others. The Tsumbas people are the main inhabitants of the place.
Tsum Valley Trek is rarely visited by travelers. The trail to Tsum Valley splits from the route to the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is an extended trek for the Manaslu Circuit but still, only Tsum Valley can be explored. The trail has lots of hidden treasures with rewarding views and landscapes.
Plus, with the Tibetan-influenced culture and tradition, the area seems different than any other part of Nepal. It is also a tea house-based trekking trail. The people who are managing them are all family. You will be far away from home and still feel the presence of family.
Tamang Heritage is the trekking trail in the Langtang National Park. To make the winter trek a little bit warmer Hot spring is also added to the itinerary. Tamang Heritage Trek takes you to the well-preserved culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Tamang ethnic.
The trek begins from Syabrubesi towards the Gatlang village. And then eventually to Tatopani, the place with a natural Hot spring. Likewise, this trek also doesn’t take to the higher elevation, which means it will be perfect for the winter.
The trek provides a tea house trek along with a homestay-style trek. It is one of the best winter treks in Nepal. Along the way, you can admire the Langtang range and Ganesh Himal ranges.
The Winter months in Nepal consist of mainly December, January, and February. From the end of November, the cold breeze is felt all around the country. Just a reminder that winter is here. And it lasts until the end of February, when the snow starts melting.
Nepal consists of mainly 4 seasons: Spring, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. All of the seasons are highly effective in Nepal. So does winter. Most of the high places have snowfall and are almost covered with snow for months.
Likewise, almost every part of Nepal is covered with fog. Especially in the morning to before noon. The days are shorter and nights get longer. Apricity is the most-loved for the entire season.
January is the coldest month in Nepal. If you are thinking, is January the best month to visit Nepal? Then yes, it is. There are lots of activities you can do besides trekking in the Himalayas.
Winter is the best for craving food. Go for the tea and soup that will make your body warmer. Get away from the chaos of the city. Yoga and meditation are other options.
Discover the hidden treasure of Nepal. Take a sunbath. Hike around a nearby trail from Pokhara or Kathmandu.
It will be cold in the winter season. As a matter of fact, how cold is Nepal in the winter season? The average temperature is 2°C to 12°C throughout the country in winter.
But in the Himalayan region, the temperature gets to the freezing point. When it starts to snow, it will get below sub-zero.
Nepal's geography regions are divided into three: Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai. The Terai region is from 67 meters to 300 meters. From 300 meters to 4,800 meters is hilly, and above 4,800 meters is Himalayan.
Terai and the hilly region are warmer than the Himalayan region. In the Himalayan region, you need special clothing to survive or must have Himalayan blood running through your veins.
The best time to visit Nepal is the spring and autumn seasons. That is what people believe. However, the winter season should be mentioned on the list.
To be honest, spring and autumn are the best in terms of pleasant weather and clear visibility. Also, that is the reason why trekkers choose those seasons.
Still, winter can be an ideal season for your next trek in Nepal. But first, do it before it starts snowing. Because snow can block the trail and will not be open until spring.
Yes, it does snow in Nepal. Not every part of the country, only in the Himalayas.
But over the past few years, snow has also fallen in the Kathmandu Valley. Mostly on Shivapuri National Parkand Chandragiri Hill.
Kalinchowk is the finest choice if you want to experience the snow close to Kathmandu.
Are you thinking about trekking in winter? There are some advantages and disadvantages to hiking in winter.
The best clothing is very essential while trekking in winter in Nepal. The temperature drops below zero. You should be prepared for every challenge that the weather will give.
Remember, these are only essential clothing for the winter. But there are lots of gear and trekking equipment for the Nepal trek, along with toiletries that you should carry. For more details on Nepal trekking gear, you may go through the link.
So, we have talked about the 7 best winter treks in Nepal. As we talked about, there are some advantages and disadvantages to trekking in the winter season. To be fair, Himalaya will always welcome you, whatever the season is. For a unique experience in the Himalayas, just give the winter season a chance.
We are always here to help you. If you have any questions regarding winter treks, then just let us know.
