When is the best time to visit Nepal? When is the best time to trek in Nepal? Read below to find out when you should visit Nepal and what each season has to offer, including its pros and cons.
Nepal is a beautiful country with unprecedented tourism potential. Due to its remarkable diversity in culture and geography, any traveler visiting Nepal is sure to get a wonderful experience from their stay.
Nepal is mainly known for its mountains and trekking programs that take you around it. The major areas where trekking can be done are the Sagarmatha region, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Manaslu region and Dolpo region. These include some of the most attractive and exciting trekking programs like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Trek. Similarly, Nepal offers an excellent range of choices for those seeking spiritual knowledge or those who want to take time for leisure and sightseeing. Therefore, Nepal is an excellent destination for tourism.
Every year, thousands of tourists come to Nepal to trek/climb these trails to explore the geography of Nepal. You can certainly visit Nepal at any time of the year, but keep in mind what activities you want to do: it is best if you plan your trip according to the best time to visit Nepal. But visiting cities during the monsoon can give you a hard time or make the view useless due to fog. So it is best to find out when is the best time for your trip. Generally, we do not classify any season as ‘bad’, but consider two seasons as the best seasons to visit Nepal. Spring and autumn, which are from March to May and mid-September to November, are the best months to visit Nepal. You will witness pleasant weather with clear skies. For hikers and climbers, the trails are dry and easy to walk.
Here are further details on why you should visit Nepal during these seasons.
1. Trekking in Nepal in Spring Season
(March to May)
The spring or pre-monsoon season is from March to May. This is the time when the cold from winter (December-February) starts to subside and the temperature only starts to warm up and become more pleasant. As the fog clears, you will be able to get the best views of the magnificent scenery. Trekking trails across the country are filled with a vibrant mix of reds, pinks and whites that provide a real experience on the trek. Another busy time of the year for trekking in Nepal is spring.
Spring offers warm temperatures, flowering vegetation and temperate days. This is the preferred time for climbers to climb 8,000-meter mountains like Everest and Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga as there is less wind at the peaks during this season. Trekking to the base camps of these mountains is also interesting as this is the time of year for climbing. Spring is also the best time to see the wildlife of Nepal. The best places to do so are Chitwan and Bardiya. The wildlife that roams their refuge welcomes you as the country journey takes shape for a spectacular experience.
Pro’s of trekking in the Spring season:
1. Warmer days, blossoming flora and temperate days for trekkers
2. Interaction with climbers/Sherpas heading to scale Everest (Everest region)
3. Fewer trekkers as compared to the Autumn season
Con’s of trekking in the spring season:
1. Clouds will form usually from the afternoon time obscuring the views of mountains
2. Warmer days at lower elevations can lead to uncomfortable situations (hot and sweaty)
2. Trekking in Nepal in Summer/Monsoon
(June to Aug)
Summer/Monsoon which start in June and lasts till August bring rains in Nepal which makes the journey cool and warm. Trekking in Nepal is not recommended during this time of the year due to high temperatures, heavy rains and uncomfortable conditions. The mountains are covered with clouds making it difficult to see the mountains during this time of the year.
The mid-hilly region is covered with greenery, lush vegetation and attractive flowers which can mesmerize the visitor at a glance. However, areas like Dolpo/Upper Mustang in the northern part of the Himalayas are blessed with monsoon season as these areas fall in shadow land which keeps it away from the reach of rain clouds. Rain shadow areas can be visited at any time of the year. These places include Upper Mustang, Jomsom Muktinath, Dolpo, Rara Lake, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Humla Limi Valley etc.
Pro’s of trekking in Summer/Monsoon season:
1. Fewer tourists on the trail
2. Lush vegetation and stunning flowers
Con’s of trekking in Summer/Monsoon season:
1. Warmer days with frequent rains make the trail wet
2. Obscured views and muddy trails
3. Leeches are common at this time of year.
3. Trekking in Nepal in Autumn Season
(Mid-Sept to Mid Dec)
The autumn or post-monsoon season is between mid-September and mid-December. This is the time when the rains stop and the weather becomes dry. The days are getting shorter as the cold starts to set in. But again, the skies start to clear and you get the best possible views. Most people prefer to trek during this time as the trails are dry and it is easier to walk.
The post-monsoon season brings stable high pressure, clear skies, sunshine, warm days and cool nights. All the trekking routes and climbing peaks get a large number of travelers during this time of the year. The festive season also begins during autumn making the cities also pretty interesting as they are decorated with all the possible glitz and glamour.
Pros of trekking in the Autumn season:
1. Clearer views with stable and sunny weather
2. Pleasant weather with moderate temperatures at lower areas ranging (from 16-24 degree Celsius during day time)
3. Guaranteed views of mountains at this time of year at higher elevations
Cons of trekking in the Autumn season:
1. More travellers making the trails and hotels busy
2. Pre-bookings are required as the hotels en route will be fully packed
4. Trekking in Nepal in Winter Season
(Mid Dec to Feb)
December to February (winter) brings snow to the mountains and makes it great for viewing the snow-capped peaks. However, the weather can be difficult to reach the destination due to bad weather. Popular treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and Everest Panorama can be done during this time of year. The weather will still be clear, offering views of the mountains, the trails will be less busy, and it is a good time for photographers with fresh snow on the mountains, but the only significant downside is the cold temperatures. The daytime temperature can be between 9-12 degrees Celsius, and in the evenings it can drop to sub-zero temperatures. The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Three High Pass treks are closed during this time of year due to heavy snowfall. Winter is also a good time for travelers who only want to visit cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Bandipur, etc.
Pros of trekking in the winter season:
1. Less number of travellers
2. Perfect time for photographers due to clear weather and fresh snow on the grounds
Con’s of trekking in the winter season:
1. Colder temperatures
2. Trails to high passes will be blocked due to more snow coverage
Finally
Nepal can definitely convince you that heaven and earth are real. Nepal should be on any traveler’s bucket list or you will miss out on this beautiful country. The country with its diverse ethnicities, cultures and geography is a wonder to behold and it is even more fascinating if you can plan your trip according to your preferences. You can visit Nepal at any time of the year, but it is wise to travel during the best time to visit Nepal, keeping in mind what activities you are going to do. By doing this, you will get the best experience of your Nepal trip.
