Best of Winter Trekking in Nepal
Winter Trekking in Nepal is still favourable for high-altitude treks with travellers making their journey to Everest Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp, and Makalu Base Camp. However, as the extreme winter comes closer only lower altitude treks i.e. below 4000m are recommended. There are various short treks to choose from for the winter. Here is the list of best winter treks in Nepal:
Everest View Trek
Everest View Trek is a short trek and covers the major highlights of the Everest region. The Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and the sherpa communities are an important part of this trip. The Everest View hotel just above the Namche Bazaar provides an excellent view of Mount Everest and the Amadablam. The main reason this trek is famous and favourable for winter is that you can still see and experience Everest as well as the region while staying less than 4000m from the sea level.
- Maximum altitude: 3880 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Everest Panorama View Trek
The Everest Panorama View Trek’s major attraction is the Tengboche Monastery. The place Thyangboche itself offers a panoramic view of the high mountains. The trekking goes through Namche Bazaar, Khumjung village, Khunde, Monjo and finally to Tengboche, Monjo is the trekking route of this trip. The cultural diversity of Nepal can be experienced through this trek.
- Maximum altitude: 3867m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Annapurna Khopra Danda Trek
The trek offers a close view of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The beautiful rhododendron forests will cheer you up on your way to Khopra Danda. Other highlights of the Annapurna Khopra Danda Trek include Poon hill, Kopra ridge, Khair Lake, and Ghandruk. Other great things about this trek are the Gurung and Magar settlements you will come across.
- Maximum altitude: 3855 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tamang Heritage Trail
The trek routes include the Tamang settlements and their lifestyle on the way to the Langtang region. The cultural and colourful life of the Tamang people will help you understand the ancient history of Nepal. The major highlights of the Tamang Heritage Trail are views of the Langtang mountain range, Tatopani, Nagthali, Thuman, and Syabrubesi.
- Maximum altitude: 3154 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Rara Lake Journey Far West
Rara lake trek is one of the fascinating treks, a journey into the Far western Himalayas of Nepal. The major highlights of this trek are Mt. Api and Mt Saipal peaks. The beautiful Rara lake offers the best view and there are many places around it to explore.
- Maximum altitude: 3800 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Festivals you can witness during Winter Trekking in Nepal
These are the festivals that are celebrated during the winter season.
Gyalpo Losar
The festival is celebrated as the Tibetan New year. The ethnic groups that celebrated this festival are mainly Sherpa, Tamang, Bhutia, and Yolmo. The festival is celebrated for weeks but, the first 3 days are important. The houses are cleaned, special beverages are prepared, and feasts are organized to celebrate the festival. Traditional dances and special spiritual chants are performed in monasteries.
Maghe Sakranti
It is a harvest festival. After weeks of planting during the month of Asadh, it finally comes to harvest it. The festival is also celebrated to put back the colder days and welcome the warmer days. People share sweet potato, sesame seed candy, Chaku, and ghee with each other. The main god that is worshipped on this day is Lord Shiva.
Christmas Day
Nepalese mainly Christians celebrate this special day. People organize parties, decorate Christmas trees, and exchange presents at Christmas. Christians offer a visit to Churches and worship Lord Jesus for prosperity and well-being. Pokhara Street Festival and Thamel streets have special events, and concerts for celebrating Christmas.
Maha Shivaratri
The festival is celebrated to worship Lord Shiva. Devotees from around the world gather at Pashupatinath on this day. The sadhus and other chants special mantras all night long to honour the protector. People across the Kathmandu valley organize bonfires and prepare holy meals.
Sonam Losar
The Sonam Losar is the Tamang people’s new year. Tamangs are the horse warriors who reside at the foothills of the majority of the places around Nepal. The people celebrate the festival with joy and perform special rites and rituals. Most monasteries and stupas around Nepal have monks gathered around them. The masked dances and special chants are performed for the prosperity of family and loved ones.
Average Temperatures during December, January and February
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Lukla | Lukla | Namche BazarJomsomGhandruk | Everest Base Camp | Annapurna Base Camp | ||||||||||
| High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |
| December | 20 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 3.3 | -16.3 | 7 | -6 | 5 | -12 | 13 | 2 | 4 | -14 | 5 | -8 |
| January | 18 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 1 | -18.2 | 7 | -8 | 3 | -14 | 12 | 2 | 4 | -17 | 7 | -18 |
| February | 21 | 5 | 16 | 4 | 1.9 | -16.2 | 6 | -6 | 4 | -12 | 13 | 3 | 3 | -15 | 6 | -16 |
Winter Trekking in Nepal – FAQ
Does it snow in Nepal in December?
Nepal experiences snowfall every year in regions above 3000 meters. Snow falls mainly in the Himalayan region like Everest, Langtang, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu regions.
Is it a good time to trek in Nepal in January?
Yes, winter provides surreal views of the high peaks and mountains. The winter is generally dry with less chance of rainfall. However, the weather is too freezing, so getting yourself good warm clothing is recommended if you wish to trek.
Does it snow in Kathmandu in Winter?
The chances of snowfall in Kathmandu are barely minimum. However, you may experience snowfall during the month of December in the top hills around Kathmandu such as Phulchowki, and Chandragiri.
What are the best short treks in Nepal in December?
December has clear skies and provides surreal views of the mountains. The following are the best short treks in Nepal if you wish to visit during the month of December.
Everest Panorama Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Annapurna Khopra Danda Trek
Everest View Trek
Pikey Hill Everest Trek
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
How cold is Nepal in January?
Nepal experiences its coldest temperatures during the month of January. Temperatures go down below the freezing point in some places and might even get extreme at the higher altitude trekking regions.
Winter trekking is overlooked at times but there are both sides to it like any other time of the year. Do read our compiled list of pros and cons of winter trekking in Nepal. the trekking adventure while you’ll need to be extra careful if you are planning for Winter Trekking in Nepal.