Winter in Nepal begins in December and lasts till February. Many people, mainly from Europe or North America, think that winters are harsh with snowfalls based on their experiences. However, this is not true. Winter in Nepal is moderate in most places, and winter treks are popular in Nepal.

If you look globally, during winter, cold air from the north pole travels south, reaching Europe and almost all of North America. Due to this cold air, most parts of North America and Europe experience frigid temperatures with heavy snowfall. However, this is not true in the case of Nepal.

On the northern border of Nepal lies the giant Himalayas, and these Himalayas protect Nepal from the cold air migrating to Nepal. Hence, most parts of Nepal, mainly mountains, plains, and valleys, do not experience snowfall. Most of the snowfall Nepal experiences is due to altitude. Yes, the higher elevations get snowfall during winter, but this is limited to small areas. So, winter treks in Nepal are feasible. Recall, that the Himalayas only occupy 15% of the total area in Nepal. 

Winter skies in Nepal are crystal clear, there is almost no rain, and stable warm winter days provide an optimum condition for trekking in winter. Though some winter treks are very challenging, there are plenty of others you can easily complete in winter. With less crowded trails and beautiful views, you should consider winter treks. 

Here are some trek choices you can consider for winter treks in Nepal. At the low end, you can expect the winter temperature at Everest Base Camp to get as low as -15℃. In most other treks, you can anticipate temperatures around -3℃ at most trek elevations. 

Here are some trek choices you can consider for winter treks in Nepal.

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill (5 days)

With a maximum height of just 3,210m, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a famous winter trek destination. Poon Hill viewpoint provides a panoramic view of several stunning peaks, including Hiunchuli, past Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,097m/26,566ft) Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. During winter, the trails at higher altitudes get covered with snow, providing a white blanket cover that looks extremely beautiful. Ghorepani Poon Hill winter treks are suitable for almost everyone. If you want to catch the Himalayas in the Annapurna region covered with snow, trekking in winter is your only choice.

2. Kopra Danda Trek (6 days) 

It is another favorable trek that you can complete in winter. Like the Poon Hill trek, this trek also lies in the Annapurna region, but it is a newer trail. The route will take you past ethnic villages deep into remarkable landscapes unique to this reason. From the top of Kopra Danda, you can appreciate the views of several mountain peaks, including Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna ranges. When trekking to Kopra Danda, you can also visit the Kaire Lake nearby. The reflection of snow peaks on Kaire looks very satisfying. 

3. Everest View Trek (7 days)

Most people want to see Everest at least once in their lifetime. However, for various reasons, trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) may not be feasible for everyone. After all, reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) is physically exhaustive and requires a good dose of patience and determination. Hence, another great option is Everest View Trek. This seven-day trek takes you to Lukla and progresses north reaching Tangboche (3,875m). You will get great views of Everest from Everest View Hotel and Tangboche. In addition, Ama Dablam looks irresistible from Tangboche.

If you are concerned about catching altitude sickness, this trek is for you. Since you will not be trekking to great heights, snow should not be a problem. The crisp views of the Himalayas become very enchanting during the winter months.

4. Mardi Himal Trek (7 days) 

Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) is accessible during winter and looks absolutely gorgeous during this time. The trekking route is near Pokhara, the “tourist capital of Nepal”. 

Your trek will progress through forests full of oaks and rhododendrons, suspension bridges, and traditional ethnic villages. This trek route is new, moderate, and the views spectacular. While trekking in winter, you can catch great views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu. This route is new, and you can anticipate fewer people on the trails in winter. 

5. Langtang Trek (8 days) 

Langtang Trek is among the closest trek from Kathmandu and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,773m at Kyangjin Ri. This area has numerous glaciers that become alive and attractive, especially during the winter. Kyangjin Ri provides a panoramic view of the Langtang range that looks stunning with winter snow cover. Langtang National Park is known for wildlife like Himalayan monal, Himalayan tahrs, wild dogs, and snow leopards. 

6. Jomsom Muktinath Trek (11 days) 

As the saying goes, the best views come after the hardest climb. If you want to see Muktinath covered in a snow blanket, you must trek during the winter. This region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and is an arid desert. As you trek, you will get the clearest views of the settlements that will not fail to impress and awe you. Winter changes the typical brown landscape of Jomsom to white snow cover, providing you with a very different view.

7.  Langtang Gosainkunda Trek (13 days) 

It is another fulfilling trek that you can enjoy in winter. The rich forested trails take you through the Langtang National Park, allowing you to enjoy great views of ​​Langtang Lirung (7,345m), Gang Chenpo (6,388m), Naya Kanga (5,846m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Kimsung (6,781m), and Yansa Tsenji (6,575m). Likewise, you will have a great time viewing several glaciers in their prime, including the beautiful Lirung and Kim Sung glaciers. And, of course, there is the sacred lake - Gosainkunda, which remains largely unfrozen, even in harsh winter. The light snowfall in the trek region doesn’t really hamper the trek but provides fantastic views. 

 

8. Tamang Heritage Trek (12 days)

Tamangs are ethnic tribal communities with their roots in Tibet. In fact “Ta” in Tamang means “horse”, and “Mak” means “warrior”. Most Tamangs live in hills just outside the Kathmandu Valley, and this trek focuses on letting you become familiar with the Tamang lifestyle while enjoying the views. You will be able to get great views of the Gosainkunda range, Langtang range, and Ganesh Himal. We are sure warm Tamang hospitality will impress you, and the Langtang National Park will awe you with its diverse flora and fauna. 

9. Ruby Valley Trek (7 days)

This is another excellent trek you can complete in winter. Ruby Valley lies between Manaslu Conservation Area and Langtang National Park. The highest altitude of the trek is at Pang Sang Pass at 3,845m. The trek takes you through the dense rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo forest. You will also enjoy suspension bridges, deep gorges, and waterfalls. In addition, you will also get a chance to observe the culture and traditions of Tamangs, Gurungs, Brahmins, and Dalits. The Ganesh Range, Lamjung Himal (6,800m), Langtang Lirung (7,300m), and Manaslu (8,163m) look much more stunning in winter compared to other seasons. 

10. Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)

For more determined trekkers, Everest Base Camp treks are still possible. Due to winter, you will meet fewer people on the trails, and you will get plenty of time to interact with the locals. Though trekking will be a little challenging in winter, the views in the Everest region during winter are incomparable. The clear skies mean you get incredible views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), and of course Mt. Everest. With snow-covered peaks, glaciers jumping back to life, and frozen water bodies, the winter ambiance in the Everest region is unparalleled. 

These are some of our hand-chosen winter treks that will provide you with a rich winter trek experience. You can always contact us at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] for a hassle-free trek experience. 

 

Discovery World Trekking is open for winter trek bookings for 2022 and 2023. Booking early provides you enough time to prepare for the trek, and it also makes us easy to manage the treks.