If you are planning winter treks in Nepal, you must know that they last for three months: December, January, and February. Winter trekking offers thrilling adventures with clear skies, stunning mountain views, and quieter trails. Nepal has gained popularity for its trekking adventures in recent years.
Nepal’s major attractions include its diverse landscapes and beautiful Himalayas. Eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, are located in Nepal. As a trekking paradise hub, there is no reason to miss Nepal during winter.
Although winter is not considered the best season, like autumn and spring, trekking during winter offers a surreal experience with red in blanketscrowds, and dramatic scenery landscapes of snow, fewer. With some of the world’s best treks, Nepal caters to everyone and even offers options for monsoon trekking trails.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best treks you can opt for if you are planning on a winter trek. Located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, you can complete this trek in a relatively short time. Nestled at an elevation of 3,300 meters, this trek does not possess high winter risk but offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The 6-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be a perfect lower-altitude trek for you during the winter season. You can witness breathtaking sunrise views from Poon Hill and also see snow-covered trails in some sections. With not much difficulty and a manageable temperature, Ghorepani Poon Hill can be a great winter trek choice for you.
December: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
January: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)
February: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
After Ghorepani, another ideal trekking destination for you can be Pikey Peak Trek. Slighter higher than Poon Hill, with this adventure, you will reach 4,065 meters. From the highest point, you will witness the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Lhotse. In the Solukhumbu Region of Nepal, the Pikey Peak trek offers you with the best experience.
Additionally, with temperatures as low as -7 degrees, the trek can be quite manageable during the winter season. Furthermore, the snow-covered landscape and clear views can be mesmerizing. Nepal’s newly opened trekking route can be completed with slightly more preparation and planning, even during the winter season.
Another short and moderately complex trek in the Langtang Region is the Langtang Valley Trek. This trek offers you a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural exploration. You can witness the stunning Langtang Ri, Ganjala Peak, and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, immersing yourself in Tibetan-inspired culture and traditions can add depth to your adventure.
With a higher altitude of over 5,000 meters, this trek can be quite challenging if you do not have prior trekking experience. Also, the cold temperatures below -10 degrees can be difficult for you. I recommend avoiding treks in January to enhance your safety and ensure a proper trekking experience.
Also known as the Everest Panorama trek, it is a relatively easy and short trek to the Everest Region. It is physically less demanding than following the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek. The highest elevation reached is 3,867 meters at Tengboche. From this trek, you will see stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Planning the 7-Day Everest View Trek in winter can be easier than the EBC. Although the trail can be covered with snow, the Everest View trek can be an easy, medium-altitude trek in Nepal. Additionally, this adventure is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the unique Sherpa culture and traditions. Opt for a view trek if you want a short and easy tour of Everest during the winter season.
The 14-day Tamang Heritage Trek is a two-week adventure that offers a profound cultural immersion. Most people residing here are Tamang, and you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic Tamang traditions and way of life during this trek. The highest point you will reach with this trek is 3,165 meters, relatively below some popular trekking routes.
Although this trek has not been popular, it can be a perfect winter trekking adventure. Its low altitude offers rewarding views of the surrounding landscapes and snow-capped mountains. The temperature ranges from -5 to -7 degrees, which can be managed with layered clothing.
Nested in the Everest Region of Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek can also be a better option for trekking during the winter season. However, it is generally recommended not to trek during January as the temperature drops below -15 degrees, which can be more challenging to manage. However, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a thrilling adventure.
Considered the most popular trekking adventure in Nepal, the EBC trek will take you to the foothills of the highest mountain in the world. The highest altitude reached is above 5,000 meters, which is a challenge. The 14-day EBC trek offers a well-planned itinerary with proper acclimatization days, making it an ideal package option for a winter trek.
Another popular trek in Nepal after the Everest Base Camp Trek is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It can also be an excellent option for you to complete during winter. However, good planning and preparation are required. Starting in Pokhara, the highest elevation you reach is 4,130 meters. With this trekking adventure, you will witness the 10th-highest mountain in the world.
If you are looking for an easy and short winter trek, the Annapurna Base Camp can be the one for you. With its high altitude and extreme cold, the trek towards the ABC offers a thrilling adventure and a memorable journey in the Himalayas. Only opt for this trek for winter if you have prior trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Winter, considered shoulder season, still offers you the best adventurous experiences. You will see the changes in landscapes from autumn and spring. The white snow covering the top is something mesmerizing. The season also offers a quieter trekking route, allowing you to encounter nature intimately.
Although the temperature will be freezing, the crisp air, clear skies without clouds, and white snow throughout Nepal make trekking worthwhile. This trekking season primarily caters to experienced trekkers seeking a more thrilling and unique experience in the Himalayas. Just make sure you are fully aware of the challenges winter offers.
Besides that, trekking toward the Himalayas in Nepal during winter will also offer you an excellent chance for cultural immersion. The major Himalayas festival, Lhosar and Maghe Sankranti, falls in winter. Also, not being the peak season, you can complete this trek at the most reasonable price. You can also see rare polar bears and other Himalayan animals in winter.
Although the country is cold during the winter season, there are significant temperature differences between Nepal’s regions. The Terai region offers bearable winter temperatures between 25°C and 10°C. Similarly, the Hill region has a moderate temperature range, ranging from 15°C to 0°C. The winter in the Himalayas is freezing, ranging between 10°C and -20°C.
Trekking involves the expansion of the Himalayas to some extent. Thus, you can prepare for the extreme cold if you plan to go trekking. You must have the right gear and a guide to complete the adventure. Stay warm with layers of clothing during winter to ensure your safety and enjoyment from the experience.
| Months | Temperature (0 to 1500 meters) | Temperature (1500 – 3000 meters) | Temperature (3000 meters +) | |
| December | 10°C to 20°C | 0°C to 10°C | -5°C to 5°C | Cold |
| January | 5°C to 15°C | -5°C to 5°C | -15°C to -5°C | Extreme |
| February | 10°C to 20°C | 0°C to 10°C | -10°C to 5°C | Cold |
Although the temperature in the low region is manageable, the higher altitudes above 3000 meters get cold during the winter season. The temperature can get below -10 degrees, creating a challenge. To protect yourself from extreme cold, it is highly recommended that you put on layers of clothing and pack an extra jacket. Also, risking your life, the chance of getting cold is high during this season.
Trekking in Nepal during December, January, and February can be tough due to icy and snowy trails, particularly in higher altitude regions. The drop in temperature often leads to heavy snowfall, making the paths slippery. In some instances, snowfall can even block the routes, making navigation more difficult. While these challenges exist, being well-prepared and having prior experience can make the trek more manageable and rewarding.
At higher altitudes in Nepal, the extreme cold reduces the number of teahouses and lodges available, as some owners close their businesses and move to lower areas to avoid harsh weather. However, along popular trekking routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna, there will still be more accommodation options compared to less frequented trails. It is essential to plan your journey and book your stay well in advance to avoid any concerns about finding a room.
During the winter, the days are shorter, significantly limiting the amount of daylight available for trekking. As a result, you may start your hikes earlier in the morning to maximize daylight. This means you must manage your time carefully to complete each day’s hike before nightfall. Planning shorter hiking distances and taking breaks can help you reach your destination safely.
If you are trekking during winter, having a proper packing list is essential. It is highly recommended not to pack too much. Keep your backpack weight limited to 10 kg, as carrying more than that can cause difficulty during your trek. Additionally, if you are assigned a porter, he will have your bag with others in a duffel bag.
But what is the right packing list, you may wonder? Here is a list of the essential trekking gear you may need for your winter adventure:
Clothing:
Gear:
Toiletries and Essentials:
Additional Items:
Trekking during winter in Nepal offers an excellent, adventurous journey toward the Himalayas. The winter trek provides serene beauty, clear skies, and beautiful surrounding views. But you need to be aware of the challenges the season possesses. The list above could be perfect if you explore Nepal during winter.
We also offer the best winter packages, from the 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek to the 4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. No matter your destination, the rewarding views you get will be unmatched. However, due to the difficulty involved, it is highly recommended to hire a guide when trekking during the winter season.
You can trek in Nepal during winter. However, winter presents additional challenges, such as snowfall and extreme cold, particularly at higher altitudes, so thorough preparation is necessary.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill, Pikey Peak, and Langtang Valley trek are the best trekking option in winter. However, you still need to be aware of their challenges and difficulties. You should plan properly and hire a guide if exploring Nepal during winter.
Among the three winter months—December, January, and February—December and January are considered the best for trekking, as temperatures during these months are not as cold as in February, and snowfall is also lower than in February.
Yes, you can wear hiking boots in winter. However, it should be waterproof and well-insulated for warmth to protect you from extreme cold and snowfall. It would be best if you paired them with thermal socks. Ensure your boots are sturdy and provide a good grip for navigating the icy and snowy trails.
Yes, accommodations are available in winter. However, not every teahouses or lodges are open in the higher regions. In such places, the teahouse owners take turns to carter the trekker, meaning
