Trekking in Nepal During Winter

Trekking In Nepal – Winter Is Also A Great Experience.

Clear weather, great mountain views, quiet trails and cool temperatures perfect for trekking are some of the distinctive features of trekking in Nepal in winter. The landscape changes completely and you get views you never get in spring and autumn.

In general, spring and autumn are two of the best time to visit Nepal, be it for trekking, climbing or leisure travel. Apart from these two seasons, winter is also an ideal time to visit Nepal for trekking, trekking and recreational tours. Instead of hiding indoors and throwing your boots and gear in the back of the closet this winter, here we share with you the possibilities and options for trekking in Nepal in winter.

When Does Winter Occur in Nepal?

Winter in Nepal starts from December and continues till February and the coldest month is January. Nepal has four (4) seasons (Spring, Autumn, Winter and Summer/Monsoon). Spring which is from March to May and Autumn which is from September to November are the two best times to visit Nepal. At this time of the year, the temperature will be the lowest. After sunrise, the day temperature will be suitable for trekking.

How Cold Is It In Winter?

The temperature will drop as you ascend higher. Winter (December to February) is the coldest time of the year and temperatures drop below zero at altitudes of 3000m+. Although the day is suitable for trekking, the morning and night will be cold.

A. Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,412ft) Temperature
December: Max 18-21 degrees, min 3-6 degrees
January: Max 15-18 degrees, min 0-3 degrees
February: Max 19-22 degrees, min 4-7 degrees

B. Pokhara (827 m/2,715ft) Temperature
December: Max 19-22 degrees, min 6-8 degrees
January: Max 16-19 degrees, min 3-6 degrees
February: Max 20-22 degrees, min 6-9 degrees

C. Lukla (2,800m/9,190ft) Temperature
December: max 10-13 degrees, min – 2 to 2 degrees
January: Max 6-8 degrees, min -4 to 0 degrees
February: Max 9-12 degrees, min 0 – 3 degrees

D. Ghorepani (2,750m/9,020ft) Temperature
December: Max 10-12 degrees, Min 0-3 degrees
January: Max 7-9 degrees, min -5 to 0 degrees
February: Max 9-12 degrees, min 2-5 degrees

Conditions Of Winter Trekking in Nepal

Trail Conditions:
Trail conditions are better in winter with a very slim chance of rain. Trails are dry with cool daytime weather at lower altitudes, ideal conditions for trekking in Nepal in winter. However, at higher altitudes of 3000m+ it usually snows by the end of December and it continues on and off until February. High passes and trails are usually blocked by snow at this time of year. Trail conditions are good for dryland trekking and cool weather will be good for lower altitude Tengboche Monastery, Annapurna Punhill and Langtang Valley treks.

Snow On Trails:
While trekking in Nepal in winter, there is a possibility of snow on the road. High altitude trekking is not recommended in winter as the trails will be blocked by heavy snow. It is difficult to find the way in winter. For trekking up to Tengboche Monastery in Everest region, Poonhill in Annapurna Region, Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang Region and other treks which don’t exceed 4000m are possible to do even during winter. We strongly recommend you to get Snow gaiters, Full hiking boots, Gore-Tex pant and jacket while trekking in Nepal during winter.

Teahouse/ Lodges:
Trekking area lodges in Nepal are still open and running during the winter season. In Everest, Annapurna, Langtang area, the lodge owner runs the lodge for the food of the tourists who come every winter. This time of year it is much easier to find a room although options will be limited. You may even be invited into the kitchen to share the heat from the stove. Getting an upgrade to the bathrooms attached to the teahouses/lodges is also a big deal.

Less Crowd:
You are hiking on your own during the winter season as the number of visitors drops significantly at this time of year. If you like quiet trails and the mountains to yourself, winter is the time. During this time the locals also flee to the city so the crowd is much less. However, there will still be people on trial to meet your needs.

Views:
The views are best during winters with clear skies and less rainfall. With snow on the ground and clear views of the mountains in the background, the views you get can be unmatched even in peak season. If you are a photographer, this is the time to get that perfect shot with clear view, snow and nature.

What to Bring for Winter Trekking in Nepal?

Winter requires more packing than usual as the temperature drops steadily. Warm thermals, heavy parka jacket, Gore-Tex pants and gear, snow gaiters, fully waterproof hiking boots, -20 rated sleeping bag, micro spikes, warm hat and gloves are essential items to bring for winter trekking in Nepal. We advise you to know the walking area completely and pack accordingly. Feel free to contact us if you need updated news/information on any trekking area in Nepal at any time of the year.

Can I Travel Alone In Winter?

Trekking alone is not recommended during winter. As we said before, it will be difficult to find the way because of the snow in the test. Because of the cold weather you may need to pack more items than usual so having someone guide you and carry your gear is highly recommended. For shorter treks like Poonhill, it’s perfectly fine to trek on your own.

Highlights Of Trekking In Winter

• At this time of the year the scenery is clear with clear skies and minimal rainfall
• You get views you never get in the spring and fall
• Enjoy the serenity as you slide down the trails
• No major effort is required in terms of logistics (accommodation, flights, etc.).
• Pleasant temperature during the day for trekking

Where To Go For Winter Trekking In Nepal?

For winter trekking in Nepal, high altitude treks including high passes and camping treks are not recommended. But trekking to base camps like Everest base camp, Annapurna base camp is totally possible. Here are some popular winter hiking trails for you to explore:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Everest base camp in winter is totally possible as long as you are with a guide. The lodges are open even in winter and the views are amazing. Hire a guide and get warm clothing for trekking to Everest base camp during winter. Gaiter, Yaktrax (Micro Spikes), Heavy weight gloves are essential part of the winter trek to Everest base camp.

2. Tengboche Monastery Trek

This short trek to Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery on Everest region, is a perfect winter trip in the Everest region. The altitude does not exceed 4000m and yet the view and experience is second to none. You are likely to encounter snow on the upper part from Namche but this adds to the fun and provides a unique winter trekking experience. Most of the teahouses on this trek remain open during winter.

3. Annapurna Poon Hill Trek

Another famous short trek to consider in winter is the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek. The trek leads to the top of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3210 meters. The scenery of Poon Hill is very unique and different in winter, presenting the view of snow-capped mountains and clear skies.

4. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is the third most popular trekking region in Nepal after Everest and Annapurna. A trek to Kyanjin Gompa, the last settlement in the Langtang Valley before the Tibetan border, can be done even in winter. However, above Kyanjin Gompa, there will be a lot of snow if you plan to hike up to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri.

5. Pikey Peak Trek

Another winter trek in Nepal is the Pikey Peak Trek located in the lower part of the Everest region. The Pikey Peak trek at an altitude of 4200 meters offers a panoramic view of the mountains from the Mt. Everest, Langtang range, Annapurna range to Kanchenjunga. The panoramic view of Pikey Peak is unobstructed and the view of Mt Everest, Lhotse is amazing from here.

6. Annapurna Base Camp (December)

Annapurna Himal South Base Camp Trek is another winter trekking option in Nepal. However, due to the geographical conditions of the trek up to Machhapuchhre base camp, there is a high risk of avalanches in this trek. This trek is best done in early winter and should be avoided as there is heavy snowfall in the area and high risk of avalanches from late December to mid-March. Winter 2018, all teahouses/lodges were destroyed in Annapurna base camp due to heavy snowfall. (But the trek is possible)

7. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

If you want a more luxurious trek near Kathmandu valley, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek will be the best option for you. The trek covers major tourist spots like Chisapani, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, from where one can get a great view of the Himalayas.

Useful Tips For Trekking In Winter

• Do not visit by yourself to high altitude places and high passes during winter as the trails will be completely covered with snow and difficult to navigate.
• Recheck your equipment list and make sure you have brought good winter gear.
• Days are shorter in winter so start your journey early.
• Bring a good thermos and a cover for your water bottle to keep hot water hot for longer.
• Pack extra batteries for your camera because batteries run out quickly
• Get updated information about the area you walk
• Pack extra socks and underwear as it takes longer than usual to dry your clothes after washing.

Please leave us a message if you have any query for trekking in winter months you will get all information within 24 hours.

Send a message: