Best Winter Treks in Nepal

Best winter treks in Nepal begin in December and last till February. Trekking in Nepal during the winter season is one of the most challenging adventures. The temperatures in the mountain area will go down to the frozen point, making it an extremely demanding journey. Moreover, Nepal has several treks that can be enjoyed during the winter season. You’ll encounter some trekkers on the way although it is off-season.

If you’re a professional trekker looking for winter season treks in the Nepal Himalayas region, you came to the right place; we provide you with the best local guide and porter teams, who are from the mountains areas, this season is best for you. However, this blog will help you, if you are going to Nepal trekking during the month of December to February.  

Weather conditions in Nepal during the winter period:

The month of December to February is the coldest season in Nepal, where there will be snowfall in the mountain areas. The temperatures in mountain regions are diverse significantly because of the high altitude differences. However, the Hilly region is extremely cold and the temperatures go down chilly. The temperature around the mountain region during the day typically ranges from 5° to - 0°C depending on the high elevation. The Night and morning temperatures can drop around between -15 to -25°C.

Here are some trek choices of you can consider during the winter treks in Nepal.

Top 6 winter treks in Nepal

1. Everest Panorama View Trek (3870 meters)

The Everest Panorama view trek is an ideal short and easy winter trek in the Everest region, allowing you to observe the spectacular views of Mount Everest and the other surrounding peaks. The Everest View trek is a moderate-level trek that requires 5 to 6 days. The trek starts with a short flight from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla Airport. Your journey begins from Lukla, where you will trek towards the Chaurikharka, Thadokoshi, and Phakding Village. The next day early morning you can have breakfast, after that, you will hike to Toktok, Monju, and Jorsalle and reach Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar is a beautiful town, where you can explore the typical Sherpa Museum, Sonam Photo Gallery, Sagarmatha National Park, and ancient Monterey. The next day early in the morning, you will hike to Everest View Hotel for the best Mount Everest View and all the mountain peaks from there. After enjoying the mountain views, you can discover the Khumjung village and Sir Edmund Hillary School and return to Namche Bazaar. This trek can allow you to witness the daily life of the Sherpa people, and learn about the culture and traditions during the Everest View trek.

Highlights of Everest View Trek:

• A beautiful short flight from Kathmandu – Lukla and Kathmandu.
• Visit the Sherpa Museum, Sonam Photo Gallery, and Sagramatha National Park in Namche Bazaar.
• Hike to Everest View Hotel for Sunrise with Mount Everest and all surrounding Peaks.
• Experience the local culture of Sherpa.

2. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (3210 meters)

The Ghoreapani Poon Hill trek is one of the most famous trek routes in the Annapurna region. Poon Hill viewpoint provides sunrise and sunset views as well several Magical peaks, including Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri Himal, Hiuchuli, and Machhapuchhare. During the winter, the trekking trails at high elevations get covered with white snow making it look tremendously beautiful. The Poon Hill trek is suitable for all ages. If you are looking for short and sweet treks near the Pokhara Valley, this trek might be the best winter trek for you.  

The highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek

• Passes through the delightful villages of Nayapul, Birethanti, Tikhedunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk Village.
• Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) for sunrise with Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
• Learn about the typical culture of Gurungs and Magars.
• Visit Ghandruk, where you can explore the Old Gurung Museum and typical village.

3. Mardi Himal Trek (4500 meters)

Mardi Himal trek is a short and easy trekking destination in the Annapurna region. It is close to Pokhara Valley, which is required to complete this trek within 6 to 7 days. However, this trek is a moderate level and it is suitable for all ages. Trekking to Mardi Himal during the winter season presents various challenges as the trek route to Mardi Himal can be covered with white snow. The trek takes you to the Australian Camp, Deaurali, Forest camp, Low Camp, and High Camp, and reach Base Camp of Mardi Himal, Where you can eyewitness the panoramic vistas of the peaks such as Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Mardi Himal, Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhare etc.

The Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated at 4,500 metres above sea level. It is one of the best winter treks around the Pokhara Valley. If you want to experience and touch the white snow during the winter trek, this trek can be ideal for you.  

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

• Experiences the local culture of Gurungs and Magars.
• Reach to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 metres).
• Observe the stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Annapurna I, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhare, etc.
• Walk on the dense forests of Pine and rhododendron.

4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4130 meters)

The Annapurna Base camp trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna area. It attracts an enormous number of trekkers and hikers every year. Despite being during the winter season, trekkers will trek to the Base camp of Annapurna. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp in the month of December to February is one of the most breathtaking times to discover the beauty of Annapurna. You will travel through the delightful villages of Gurungs and Magars, dense forests, waterfalls, and views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp

• Trek through pass delightful villages of Ghandruk, Chhumrung, Sinuwa, Bambo, Dovan, Himalaya, M.B.C and A.B.C
• Observe the panoramic views of the magical Mountains such as the Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhare.
• Explore the ancient monastery, Old Gurung Museum, and villages.
• Take a bath at the natural Hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
• Reach to Base Camp of Annapurna.

5. Tamang Heritage Trail Trek (3300 meters)

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is one of the best winter season treks in the Langtang region. It is a new homestay and cultural immersive trek in the Langtang National Park of Nepal. This trek allows you to experience the unique culture of the Tamangs and Tibetan community. While trekking in this valley, you will pass through various stunning villages such as the Syabrubesi, Gatlang, Chilime, Tatopani, Thuman, and Bridim Village.

The Tamang Heritage Trail trek offers the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak, Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, etc.

During the winter trek, you will be staying at Tea Houses or homestays run by locals, where you get to work with local people. This trek can be done within 7 to 8 days and it is an accessible trek from Kathmandu. This trek is one of the best treks in which you can experience the rich and unique culture and lifestyle of Tamangs and Tibetans.

Highlights of the Tamang Heritage Trail trek

• Beautiful driver from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by Bus or Private Jeep.
• Trek through dense forests and stunning villages to observe the immaculate beauty of the Langtang region.
• See the delightful views of the Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak, Langtang II, and Langtang Lirung.
• Experience the rich culture and traditions.

6. Langtang Valley Trek (3870 meters)

Langtang Valley trek is another popular trek in the Langtang National Park region. Every year, thousands of trekkers trek in the Langtang region. Although the trek posts weather challenges, you can trek towards the Langtang Valley during the winter season. The Langtang Valley trek begins from Syabrubesi and reaches Kyanjin Gompa. During this trek, you will pass through various stunning villages, dense forests, and beautiful waterfalls.

However, it is one of the closest trekking destinations to Kathmandu. During the winter season, you can hike up to Tserko Ri or Kyanjin Ri. Both viewpoints offer the Glorious Sunrise with Magical Himalayas range from the top. However, it will be a challenging ascent on white snow-covered trails to reach the Kyajin Ri or Tserko Ri.

Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek

• Experience the unique culture of Tamang and Tibetans.
• Explore the ancient monastery at Kyanjin Gompa.
• Discover the Yak cheese factory.
• Hike to viewpoints of Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri from Kyanjin Village.
• Trek through the delightful villages and witness the panoramic views of the Langtang range.    

Essentials Gear for winter season treks

Body Clothing:

• Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Three pairs of trekking t-shirts, Long sleeved shirts, Thermal Shirt for Colder place, Fleece Jacket, Warm wool Sweaters, Waterproof and windproof Jacket, Cotton Trekking pants with folding, Waterproof and windproof pants

Head and Face:

• Sun Hat, Wool or fleece hat, Headlight, Sunglass Sunscreen 50, Face wipes, and towel

List of Footwear:

• Trekking Boats, ¾ Paris Preferably Cotton Socks, One pair extra Sport Shoes

Necessary Gears: 

• Gaiters just in case of snow, Gloves and Thick Gloves, a Big rucksack above 40 L, Waterproof Bag Cover, Rain Coat, Trekking Pole (if needed), Laundry Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toilet papers, Water peals, Bottle for drinking water, Pen and NoteBook, Copy and Tourist Guide Book, Camera Battery charger, Memory card, Cell Phone and Charger, Money Wallet, Altimeters and Playing card

First aid Kid:

• Diamox, Cotton bandages, Paracetamol, Painkillers, Loperamide to Control diarrhea (just in case), Water purified tablets, Lozenges, Elastic bandages, Thermometer, Moleskin, and Slings.

Conclusion

Trekking in Nepal during the winter season is one of the most challenging journeys. Nepal has numerous trek routes in the Himalayas region. The trekking trails during the winter offer a less crowded environment where you can stroll yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. The winter season trek experience is something you will treasure for the rest of your lifetime. It is considered one of the best but difficult periods to experience trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. Nepal is one of the places in the world that offers winter glory for trekking.