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Planning for adventure trekking in Nepal and want to know the best time for trekking? Nepal trekking is best in two major seasons, spring and autumn.
Nepal is a land of adventure, without a doubt. If you plan a trip to this majestic land, you might have asked yourself, “When would be the best time to Trek in Nepal?”
The answer will always remain the same; it all depends on what kind of adventure you seek. From arduous mountain terrains to short hilly trails, the choices for thrilling adventures are countless. It all boils down to your preferences as to what you want to discover in the mysterious lands of Nepal.
To make the choices smoother, it might be beneficial for you to get prior information. Nepal welcomes four seasons every year, i.e., spring, autumn, summer, and winter. Each season is filled with more excitement than the other, and all seasons have their specialities. In short, Nepal is one of the most suitable trekking destinations worldwide as the excitement continues throughout the year.
Spring
Introduction
The time between March and May is filled with countless wonders you might want to explore in Nepal. Considered the king of all seasons, spring (Basanta) brings out fragrant flowers and fresh winds from the Himalayas. The ambience is too fantastic to give up on, especially in the enthralling mountain regions of Nepal.
The skies are more evident, and the days are longer. The average temperature is also around 22 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect time for thrilling trekking activities. Trekking around higher altitudes is especially exciting at this time as one can view the panorama of mountains.
The warmer temperature in the higher altitudes makes the experience even more pleasant. Travellers forget their worries with the lively sound of birds chirping in the lush green forests and the scent of Rhododendron flowers.
Highlights:
Spring is the perfect time for different kinds of flowers and vegetation to bloom. Rhododendrons of different colours bloom in almost every part of the country, along with other colourful fauna.
The panorama of mountains is visible throughout the season. Since the snow is yet to melt, the sight is even more of a treat to the eyes. Mountain trails are mostly packed with tourists, as it is the second-best season for trekking activities.
There is little rainfall, so the trekking routes are dry and safe. It is easier to summit higher altitudes, and there are lesser chances of avalanches with lousy weather.
You can enjoy the festival of colours, Holi, with the welcoming people of Nepal. Share their joy as you exchange colours of happiness. Following Holi is the celebration of the Nepali New Year, which is almost 57 years ahead of the Georgian Calendar.
Things to Do
Trekking around countless mountain trails is one of the best fun activities during spring. The Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions are some of the most popular tourist trekking destinations.
Off-beaten treks around these regions are also popular among trekkers. If you have time, spring is a good time for long walks lasting up to 30 days. This gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature of Nepal and the cultural experience in the rural mountain ranges.
You can join your trekking activities with adventure sports like bungee jumping, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, zip-lining, and many more. Rejuvenate and relax your mind and body through yoga treks like the Mardi Yoga Trek in the beautiful spring season.
Places to Travel in spring
You can visit different mountain regions of the country like Everest, Langtang, or Annapurna per your choice of short or long treks. Places like Chitwan, Pokhara, and Kathmandu valley are ideal for spring sightseeing. Similarly, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park is equally popular this season. You can also opt for tours like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour during spring.
Things to look out for
You might have to face occasional rain, but mostly the skies are clear. If you are trekking at high altitudes, pack a pair of warm jackets and pants, as the weather is unpredictable in higher regions regardless of the season.
Autumn
Introduction
The time between September to November calls upon autumn in Nepal. It is the best time for trekking activities. The mild temperature ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius makes the trek at lower and higher altitudes equally mesmerizing. The marvellous spectacle of the highest mountains in the world is hard to miss during this time.
In the hills of Nepal, you can see terraced paddy fields of the new harvest. The skies are mostly clear, and the weather is perfect for hiking, trekking, sightseeing, and other adventurous activities.
The popular trekking spots are jam-packed with travellers every year during autumn because of the perfect weather for Travel.
Highlights
The monsoon’s fresh scent still lingers in Nepal’s deep forests. You can feel the excitement of flora and fauna as you travel along the rough trekking routes, no matter where you plan to go in Nepal. Paddy fields look vibrant with a green new harvest, making the scenery even more pleasing to the eyes.
Trekking in the rocky trails of the mountains during autumn is the best decision. The view of the panorama of snow-covered mountains is breathtaking and unforgettable. Not every day, you get to view the highest peaks in the world with your own eyes.
There is less to no chance of rainfall, and the temperature is also in the perfect range of neither hot nor cold.
The celebration of one of the most celebrated festivals of Nepal also falls during autumn. Dashain celebrates the win of good over evil. Families get together, and the red tika of blessing on people’s foreheads is common.
Following Dashain is the festival of lights, Tihar. At night, the country lights up with colourful lights as Tihar is celebrated with a blast. People sing and dance to celebrate the thrilling festival with excitement. Chhath also falls around the corner as people worship the sun.
Things to Do
The temperature is warmer than in other seasons, so it is the best time for high-altitude treks. From long high-altitude tours in the mountain regions to short hikes in the hills, you can enjoy all kinds of trekking activities during this season. Off-beaten treks are easier to summit during autumn as there are lesser chances of rainfall.
You can also enjoy one-day hikes around Kathmandu Valley. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are autumn’s most famous mountain treks.
Places to Travel in Autumn
All trekking routes are open for Travel during autumn, considered the ideal time for trekking adventures. Like spring, the most popular regions to trek to are our Everest and Annapurna regions. Treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp let you experience the sight of the highest mountains in the world, i.e., Mt. Everest and Mt. Annapurna.
Short one-day hikes around Kathmandu are also really popular during autumn. These one-day hikes include the Kakani hike, Phulchowki hike, Nagarkot hike, Sundarijal hike, Shivapuri hike, and Namobuddha hike, among others.
Things to look out for
Since it is the best season for Travel, the most famous trekking spots are packed with travellers. You might have to share a room with fellow trekkers, so make sure that you keep an eye on your belongings. Book the accommodations ahead of time to ensure a spot of your own.
To get away from the crowd of tourists, you can enjoy off-beaten and less popular trails, which are peaceful and equally enjoyable.
Summer
Introduction
Summer follows from late May to mid-September in Nepal. It generally lasts from June to August. The season of monsoon also comes at this time, welcoming constant rainfalls. The fresh scent of rain lingers throughout the season, and the higher altitudes are usually covered in dense clouds.
The temperature can rise to 30 degrees Celsius on average, and in the Terai regions, the temperature can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. The hot temperature and humid air make up for discomfort in higher ranges. However, one can still enjoy countless trekking opportunities during the summer/monsoon.
Highlights
The dust and dirt settle down because of constant rainfall, so you can get fresh air wherever you go. This is the perfect time to clean your senses of impurities and breathe in the air flowing directly from the mountains.
Monsoon is also the season of harvest. Since Nepal is an agro-based country, so people excitedly welcome the new harvest batch. The site is heartwarming as people dance and sing in the knee-deep mud while planting new crops.
The famous trekking destinations of the country see fewer tourists during the summer so you can enjoy your travel activities in peace. Also, popular trekking destinations usually are silent during this time.
One of the most exciting festivals you get to experience at this time is Teej. Women fast the whole day without drinking even a drop of water for the long and prosperous life of their husbands. Women come out in red dresses and sing and dance. Other festivals like Janai Purnima and Krishna Janmashtami also fall during this season.
Things to Do
You can enjoy trekking around areas that fall under the rain shadows. Filled with countless thrilling off-beaten trails, the Manang and Mustang districts are open for unforgettable adventures during summer.
Falling in the rain shadows of Dhaulagiri, these regions experience little to no rainfall, followed by the cold temperature accompanying you during the trek.
Places to Travel in summer
Upper and Lower Mustang are the best places to Travel in Nepal during the summer. The unique culture people follow in this region is the highlight of the summer trek. Along with Mustang, you can enjoy summer treks in Dolpo’s spectacular Upper and Lower areas. If the weather is dry, you can enjoy short one-day tours around Kathmandu.
Things to look out for
The higher temperature and constant rainfall can give rise to unfavourable conditions for Travel. It is best to avoid high-altitude treks as the melted snow can be a hazard. The lower altitudes are filled with leeches and slippery roads as well.
Remember to take mosquito repellents along with you wherever you go. Also, constant rainfall is the cause of flight cancellations, so make sure you know the weather conditions beforehand while travelling to Nepal.
Winter
Introduction
The chilling season of winter starts in December and lasts till February. The mountain ranges covered in snow can be seen occasionally, along with the spectacular sight of mountains enveloped in the white blanket of snow. Generally, the higher altitudes experience constant snowfall, and the lower elevations are accompanied by little rain and snowfall in some selected places.
In higher altitudes, temperatures are below 0 to 0 degrees Celsius throughout winter. In the lower regions, the temperature drops from 10 degrees Celsius to almost 0 in some areas of Nepal.
High-altitude treks might not be the best option during winter, but there are still plenty of exciting routes in the lower altitudes to enjoy. Mountain regions are the perfect place to Travel as you can see the highest mountains in the world covered in thick snow as you sip the warm local tea.
Highlights
One can see the spectacular snow-covered mountains from almost all parts of Nepal. Not only mountains, but you will also be able to see tall hills covered in snow blankets. The fresh air and the white scenery make it one of the most spectacular sights to enjoy in Nepal.
The crowd of people is not there to dampen your mood for treks. Since Nepal does not experience too much traffic during winter, you can enjoy your mountain treks in peace without worrying about sharing your accommodation with strangers.
Snowy adventures in the lower altitudes are also equally enjoyable. You can experience the culture of the people who live in these rural mountain areas and learn how they live in these rough conditions. Family trips and snow fights call out several domestic tourists around this time.
Maha Shivaratri is one of the festivals celebrated in winter. People worship Lord Shiva and enjoy late-night bonfires. The Pashupatinath Temple gets flooded with countless pilgrims who come to Nepal for this auspicious occasion. Maghe Sankranti brings out the sweet Laddu, Chaku, and Ghee. These delicacies can only be enjoyed in Nepal, so do not miss out!
The major festival of the Gurung Community, Tamu Lhosar, also falls during the winter season.
Things to Do
You can enjoy mountain region treks but only at lower altitudes. Destinations below the height of 4000m are generally open for trekking activities. The most popular trekking options for winter are Kalinchowk Trek, Tamang Heritage Trek, Helambu Village Trek, Poon hill Ghorepani Trek, and many more.
Experience the spectacular sight of mountains and the snowy wonders in Nepal during winter. Along with the splendid natural scenery, you can also explore the lifestyle of people who live in these cold regions.
Places to Travel in winter
The lower regions of the Everest region welcome people in winter as well. You can also enjoy snowy treks like Kalinchowk Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Nagarkot Trek, and many more. The scenery you get when trekking in winter is simply breathtaking. Short treks around Kathmandu and Pokhara are also some popular options during the winter season.
Things to look out for
Higher altitude regions are not ideal trekking destinations during winter, so it is better to avoid travelling to higher altitudes. The residents also travel to warmer regions in adverse conditions, so it may be hard to find proper accommodations.
Snowstorms and avalanches are a common occurrence in high altitudes, so it is perilous during winter. The temperature is also generally below 0 degrees Celsius. Flight cancellations and delays are common occurrences due to adverse weather conditions. Make sure to gauze the weather beforehand while travelling. Also, remember to cover yourself with warm jackets while travelling to protect yourself from the cold.
Conclusion
Countless adventures are waiting for you at every nook and cranny of Nepal. No matter when you decide to visit, the opportunities for experiences are numerous in the land of the Himalayas. Any time you step foot in Nepal’s mystical lands, it becomes the best time for a visit. The natural beauty and cultural diversity will stun you, and the memories of your visit will be simply unforgettable.
