Nepal Trekking in December is still perfect in terms of weather and some festive activities. It is post time the fall; as known as one of the best trekking sessions in Nepal and just the pre-winter season of the year. During December the weather becomes pleasant with a sunny day, crystal-clear sky, tremendous Mountain View, and the best time to avoid the crowd of trekkers. But the temperature will drop significantly in the night time and morning with dry air. So, while trekking in Nepal in winter (from December to February) you are advised to good preparation with warm enough clothes and other sufficient gear.
Nepal Trekking in December is possible whole in the month around but the second week of December is the best time. Usually, less than one week trek in the lower elevation area such as; Everest View Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Short Trek, Helambu Valley Trek, Langtang Short Trek, Kathmandu Rim Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour with Pokhara and Lumbini, etc. are Best Nepal Trek in December and winter season. According to our field experience since 2000, we have successfully organized trekking even up to 5,550 meters at Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp (5,360m) and other passes like Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Thorong La Pass (5,420m). Although below the four thousand meters elevation for 4 days to 7 Days or up to 2 weeks treks are more comfortable and safer for Trekking in Nepal in December month. Heavy snowfall and bitter cold will close the high passes and higher elevation trekking routes such as Upper Mustang, Everest Three Passes, Kanchenjunga, Simikot, and Upper Doplo.
December is the right time to see some of the activities of the farmer and their daily livelihood. The farmer will harvest the paddy from the field and plant the white potatoes. Trek in December is a great chance to observe farmers live the hood with their warm hospitality and participate with them. Even there are falls some festivals in December month like Bibaha Panchami; a celebration of marking the marriage ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita at Janakpurdham, Dhanya Purnima (common) / Yomari Punhi (in Newar community)/ Udhauli (Kirat and Rai people); celebrated mark conclusion ceremony of rice harvesting and stocking new grains, offering to God and Goddess. Likewise, Christmas and New Year are at the celebrated end of December and Lohasr Festival is celebrated by the hill stations Gurung community. Except for the cold, December is a perfect time to trek in Nepal with your family, and friends and be lovers for your lifetime experience. The weather is favorable to see amazing mountain scenery and less trekker’s entire trek.
Q. Is December a Good Time to Visit Nepal?
As the geographical features of Nepal, we have two main trekking seasons in the year around. Spring; falls from February to mid of April. Spring is the best time to see vegetation with mountains scenery, especially the Rhododendron “National flower of Nepal” blooming and magnolia. Similarly, autumn; mid of September to mid-November is one of the best trekking seasons to visit Nepal. The weather is neither hot nor cold with the most appropriate weather for the trek in the Himalayan. In the mid of September, the monsoon will just be over, and started to see the white mountains above the green foothills. If you are traveling to Nepal in December or January, it is the main festive season in Nepal, Dashain, Dipawali, and Chhath lie in this time.
As December is posted autumn season and marks as begging of winter. October and November are trekking peak season and during December notice a turndown trend in the number of trekkers. Nevertheless, the early days of December are a great time to consider Nepal Trekking as it gives pretty much the same vibe as autumn. The days are remaining warm with sunny, but nights can be dropping the temperature very much. You will witness the clear blue sky and beautiful mountain scenery, besides a possible glimpse of wildlife. Nepal Trekking in December is recommended below 4,000 meters and highly advisable to avoid the high passes and high elevation trek in this month until February.
Q. Can we visit Kathmandu in December?
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. So, it is accessible any time whole in the year around. It doesn’t matter either in winter or monsoon. Out of 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven are in Kathmandu, and here are several places to hike for a day to multi-days. So, to visit in Kathmandu is suitable for any time of the year. During December, you can do a Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour or just wander around the world heritage sites or touristic hub Thamel.
Q. What is the weather like in Nepal in December?
The winter season begins in December in Nepal. The weather is chilly up above 2000 meters in the mountains, and the temperature will drop below zero degrees. But the low land area, basin, Terai, Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan temperatures are cool and pleasant. During the day time, it will be sunny and sometimes gloomy sunny and colder during night and morning. It won’t be really cold at a lower elevation even cover by fog till noon, it won’t often snowfall in Kathmandu. If we go back to the eight-decade history, there is snow in Kathmandu only two times, first on 14th February 2007, after 63 years, and next on Thursday, 28th February 2019, after 12 years. December is ideal to visit some national parks (Chitwan & Bardiya National Park), Short Hiking around the Kathmandu Rim, Poon Hill Trek, and explore the ancient city and world heritage sites at the Capital city Kathmandu valleys such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Square. Here is the weather/temperature Data of the main city of Nepal in December.
S. N. Name of the City 2015-Dec 2016-Dec 2017- Dec 2018-Dec
01. Kathmandu 0-20 °C 5-23 °C 3-23 °C 1-23 °C
02. Pokhara 0-21 °C 4-23 °C 5-23 °C 1-26 °C
03. Chitwan 0-21 °C 5-23 °C 4-23 °C 1-23 °C
04. Lumbini 5-28°C 5-30 °C 4-28 °C 6-29 °C
05. Lukla -6-11 °C -7-8 °C -4-11 °C -9-10 °C
06. Nagarkot 0-19 °C 3-23 °C 4-23 °C 1-20 °C
07. Poon Hill -4-14 °C -2-16 °C -2-18 °C -5-15 °C
08. Palpa 1-21 °C 4-23 °C 2-22 °C 1-23 °C
09 Gorkha 1-22 °C 3-23 °C 2-24 °C 5-26 °C
10. Rasuwa 0-22 °C 4-21 °C 3-22 °C 1-23 °C
Q. Do you need travel insurance for trekking in December?
We recommend you buy travel insurance if in case you need any help to rescue and medication, for your safety. If in case you need emergency rescue and hospitalization, we are any time ready to assist you. Insurance is most important to secure your life and helps to make your trip much more comfortable. The insurance is mandatory while trekking in December, which has to cover emergency rescue, hospitalization, medication, missing your flight, and lost things. As you are out of home, the journey is itself an adventure game. You need to be well prepared before happing anything which will cover by insurance.
Q. Are trekking permits available in December in Nepal?
Yes, all trekking permits are available the whole year round in Nepal including December. You can obtain those permits from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Every trekking region requires permits according to the rule of the Nepal Government. Some permits are common for every trekking route, and some are specific to certain areas. There are five different permits. [I] TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Center) Card [II] National Park Entrance Fee [III] Conservation Entrance Fee [IV] Restricted Area Special Permit [V] Local Government Entrance Fee.
Among them, Restricted Area Permits can obtain only government official hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday to Friday) except public holidays. Other permits can get around the year every day (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday to Friday, and on a public holiday will open for certain hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM). For more details, you may go through Trekking Permit Fees in Nepal.
Q. Are trekking tea houses open in December in Nepal?
Normally, lower elevation trekking routes below 4,000 meters are recommended in December due to a cold. So, most of the tea houses on the trek will open in December and the entire winter season. All tea houses won’t be open in the higher elevation area but it is sure that at a list one tea house will remain open every place for the entire winter also. Even at the higher elevation trekking routes at Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek also will open. Below the 3,500 meters, all tea houses and lodges will open everywhere. Definitely, December is the perfect time to trek in Nepal as a tea house basic, where you will get accommodation and can get meals according to Menu cards.
Q. What to Wear in Nepal in December?
December is begging of the winter season in Nepal, and it will be a sunny warm day and cold at night and morning time. While you are Trekking in Nepal in December, you need more warm clothes than the usual trekking season. December is the dry season but the air itself is cold, it won’t be rain and snow but you are advised to bring warm enough trekking gear even for the rain/snowfall in case. To make your body warmer, you need warm trousers, a thermal coat linear, thermal pants, fleece jackets, fleece pants, and down jackets, likewise to the balaclava/fleece hat and hat will protest your head. For the fetus and hand, you need warmer shocks, trekking boots, gaiters, and thermal Gloves. Every tea house will provide blankets for each of you even though four seasonal sleeping bags are required for the Nepal Trekking in December. If you don’t have all those things at all, it is possible to buy gear at the trekking shop in Thamel at a reasonable cost.
Every afternoon the sunshine becomes warmer although the cold air makes you cold, so you need to put on warm clothes the entire day. December is the cold and dry season, and it will not rain or snow falling at all but as high mountain weather is unpredictable, you are suggested to take with you a lightweight water-resistant/windproof jacket and trousers if incase. If you go through the Packing List for Nepal Trekking will give you more ideas.
Best Place to Visit in Nepal in Winter/Best Trekking Destination in Nepal in December
The popular slogan “NEPAL FOR ALL SEASON” is proved that travel to Nepal is suitable for the whole year even December and the entire winter season. It is true! Nepal is known as the Kingdom of the Himalayan, and that’s why most tourists come to Nepal for mountaineering activities especially, Trekking. Most of the trek goes the lap of the Himalayan in the high elevation a few days to multi weeks through the adventures pass. So, people from around the world indicate Nepal's travel time during the Autumn and Spring. But as Nepal has geographical diversity, we have various climates in the year. The lowland at Terai will be hot but at the same time if you hike for a couple of hours in the hills will be pleasant weather and ascending farther to the hill will be chilling weather. Short and easy treks can do in Nepal even during the wintertime. Here is some Place to Visit in Nepal in winter.
Everest Panorama Trek in December
Everest Panorama Trek is one of the best treks in December and the entire winter season due to not gaining elevation that much. This trek is a combination of amazing mountains view including the top of the world Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amabadlam, Thamserku, etc., and Sherpa's unique culture. Everest View Trek begins from Lukla at Tenzing Hillary Airport and walks through the Sherpa statements, charming mountains beauty through the Sagarmatha National Park. The business transit point of Tibet and Nepal; Namche Bazaar, the World's Highest 5-star hotel; Everest View Hotel, Evident of mysterious creature Yeti Skull; Khumjung Monastery, an Airport situated at the world's highest elevation; Syangboche Airport, the Largest Gomba/Gumpa in the Khumbu Region; Tengboche Monastery, UNESCO world heritage site; Sagarmatha National Park, Unique Sherpa culture are the main attraction of the trek. The highest elevation of the Everest View Trek is 3,870 meters at Tengboche and will complete in 6 days to 11 days. For more details information about Everest View Trek, you may go through it.
Poon Hill Trek in December
If you are looking for Nepal Trek in December or winter session, then Poon Hill Trek is the best option. The trek starts from Nayapul or Ulleri after a couple of hour’s drive from the beautiful city of Pokhara and the trail goes through various landscape, rural village, and magnificent mountain views. The trail goes through the Rhododendron jungle in Annapurna Conservation Project (ACAP) the lap of the Himalayan, witnessing playful wildlife and people's livelihoods. Poon Hill Trek can be done in 1 night and 2 days in the shortest form from Pokhara and can extend to 10 Days with some side trips like the natural Hot springs at Jhinu Danda, the remarkable place Dhampus and Australian Camp. The most popular viewpoint, Poon Hill, is the highest elevation of the trek with an elevation of 3,210 m. If you are coming with your family and kids to Nepal during December, then Poon Hill Trek is suitable for you due to the short and easy trek in the Himalayan.
Langtang Trek in December
Langtang Trek in December is the perfect time to avoid the crowd of trekkers but still have excellent scenery. As this is winter in Nepal, you need to well prepare with warm enough cloth to get to 4,700 meters at Kyanjin Ri, the highest elevation of the trek. Langtang Valley Trek Start at Syabrubesi nearby the Tibet border and follow the Bank of Langtang Khola and Langtang Valley with the dissimilar culture of Tibetan and wonderful mountain view. On this trek, you may have a chance to see rare species like the Red Panda, Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and Wild Honey Hunting. Langtang National Park is the home of 250 different species of ungulates. Langtang valley trek is accessible even during the winter season with the appropriate trail. It can be done in 7 days as a short time and can make longer combined with the side trip with Tamang Heritage Trail and Gosaikunda Lake. If you are curious more about it, kindly go through Langtang Valley Trek.
Kathmandu Chitwan Lumbini Pokhara Tour in December
If you would prefer to explore distinct culture, tradition, and scenery rather than trekking, a tour around the capital city of Kathmandu, the stunning city Pokhara and the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha Lumbini are perfect. During this tour, you will see art and architecture from the 1st century in various World Heritage sites at Kathmandu, endangered species of one-horn rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, and other wildlife at Chitwan National Park. Likewise, you will be amazed at the breathtaking mountain view from the tourist city Pokhara, boating in the lake, and adventure activities like Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Hot air ballooning, Jeep flying, Skydiving, and mountain flight. And the precious spiritual land Lumbini “Birth Place of Buddha”. Kathmandu Chitwan Lumbini Pokhara Tour is representing a glimpse of the Nepal Tour, suitable for families and elderly people. This tour bestows a lifetime experience in a short time visit to Nepal. Kathmandu Chitwan Lumbini Pokhara Tour is one of the best packages in Nepal during December and winter.
Tsum Valley Trek in December
Tsum Valley is a recently developed homestay trek in Nepal, which lies in lap of the Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), “eighth highest mountain in the world,” and the foothills of Ganesh Himal Mountain. The highest elevation of this trek is Mu Gumba, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Tsum Valley Trek starts from Arughat Bazaar/Sothikhola in Gorkha district and follows the Bhudhigandaki River through the rural village with its culture and tradition. People here are practicing Bonpo Buddhism and follow ancient Tibetan culture. There is a very old monastery from the 8th century, where Guru Milarepa had meditated in this holy land. Tsum Valley Trek is suitable during the December and winter season due to being suitable even in wintertime. You may go through the Tsum Valley Trek for more details about...