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Trekking in Nepal during winter is one of the most challenging adventures. The temperatures in the Himalayan region go below the freezing point, making it an extremely challenging time to trek. However, Nepal offers numerous trails to trek during the winter season. You will encounter a few people on the Nepal trails despite being off-season.
The winter in Nepal lasts from November to February. If you’re an experienced trekker looking to trek in the peaceful trails, witnessing snowcapped peaks and their surroundings, this trek is best for you. If you plan to trek in Nepal during winter, this article is for you. We provide you with all the essential information about trekking in Nepal during the Winter season.
Table of Contents
Weather in Nepal during Winter
The winter in Nepal begins in late November and lasts till February. January is the coldest month in Nepal. It is the coldest time when there will be snowfall in the Hilly and Himalayan regions. The temperature in the Hilly and Himalayan regions varies significantly because of altitude differences. The Himalayan region is extremely cold, and the temperature goes below freezing. The average temperature in the Himalayan region during the day is much colder, typically ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), depending on the altitude. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, often falling between -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F).
Likewise, the Hilly region experiences slightly better weather conditions than the Himalayan region. The average temperature in the Hilly region during the day ranges from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The temperature can drop to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) at night. Trekking in the Himalayas is more challenging during the winter season. Meanwhile, the conditions for trekking in the hilly regions are slightly better.
Top 5 Winter Treks in Nepal
Everest View Trek
Everest View Trek is a perfect winter trek, allowing you to witness the breathtaking views of the gigantic Everest and the other surrounding peaks. It is a moderate-level trek that lasts for 5-7 days. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. Your hike begins directly from the Lukla Airport, where you will head towards the charming village of Phakding. The next day, you will hike to reach Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is known as the bustling Sherpa capital in the lap of the Everest mountain ranges. You will hike toward the Tengboche monastery, the biggest in the Everest region. You can easily witness the breathtaking views of the Gigantic Everest from Namche Bazaar. This trek will allow you to witness the daily life of Himalayan people, learn about their cultures, taste their authentic local cuisines, and witness the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.
Altitude: 3,860 m
Temperature during the winter months: -15 to 10 degrees Celsius
Everest View Trek Highlights
- Witness the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other peaks of the Everest region.
- Visit Tengboche monastery, the biggest in the Everest region.
- Explore Namche Bazaar, also known as the Sherpa Capital.
- Learn about the unique culture of the Sherpa people.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal is a short 4-5 day trek in the Annapurna region. It is a moderate-level trek suited for beginners. However, trekking to Mardi Himal during winter presents several challenges, as the trekking route to Mardi Himal will get covered with snow. The short trek takes you to the Base of Mardi Himal, where you can witness the panoramic views of the peaks like Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, etc. It sits at an altitude of 4,500 meters from sea level. It is one of the best winter treks in Nepal. If you wanna experience snowfall, this trek can be the best for you.
Altitude: 4,500 meters
Temperature during the winter months: -14 to 5 degrees Celsius
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- Witness the breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, etc.
- Experience the Gurung and Magar people’s warm hospitality and unique Buddhist culture.
- Trek to one of the least crowded trails and enjoy the stunning views of charming Villages, lush forests, and beautiful mountains.
- Reach the Base Camp of Mardi Himal at 4500 meters.
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is another popular trek in Nepal. Every year, thousands of trekkers trek in this region. Despite the trek posing certain weather challenges, you can still trek toward the Langtang Valley during winter. The Langtang Trek begins from Syabrubesi at 2,380 meters and reaches an altitude of 3,870 meters. During this trek, you will pass through several charming Villages, lush forests, and beautiful lakes.
Additionally, it is one of the nearest trekking destinations to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. During the winter months, you can hike up to Kyanjin Ri. This vantage point at 4,773 allows you to witness the breathtaking views of Langtang mountain ranges. However, it will be a challenging ascent on snow-covered paths to reach the Kyanjin Ri.
Altitude: 4773 meters
Temperature during the winter months: -10 to 10 degrees Celsius
Langtang Valley Trek Highlights
- Trek to the beautiful Langtang Valley and witness the panoramic views of the Langtang mountain ranges.
- Visit the ancient Kyanjin Gompa and taste the authentic cheese from a local cheese factory.
- Experience the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture of Local people.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. It attracts a huge number of trekkers every year. Despite being off-season during winter, trekkers will trek to the base camp of Annapurna mountains. Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp on winter days is one of the peaceful times to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region. You will traverse through charming Gurung Villages, lush forests, free-flowing rivers, and waterfalls, witnessing the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, and other neighboring peaks.
Altitude: 4,130 meters
Temperature during the winter months: -20 to 5 degrees Celsius
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Witness the panoramic views of the breathtaking mountains such as Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, etc.
- Visit the local Gurung and Magar settlements and experience their unique culture and traditions.
- Trek through one of the most beautiful Annapurna regions and witness the different Flora and Fauna of this region.
Tamang Heritage Trek
Tamang Heritage Trek is one of the best treks in the Winter. It is a cultural immersive trek in the Langtang region of Nepal. This trek allows you to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Tamang community. While trekking in this region, you will pass through several charming villages like Gatlang, Tatopani, and Thuman. Keeping cultural immersion aside, trekking in this region will allow you to witness the breathtaking views of the Langtang Himalayas.
Your stay during this trek will be in the guest houses or tea houses run by the locals, where you will get to interact with the local people. This trek can be completed in 4-6 days and is one of the most accessible treks from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. It is one of the best treks that lets you experience the rich and unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Tamang people.
Altitude: 3300 meters
Temperature during the winter months: -10 to 15 degrees Celsius
Tamang Heritage Trek Highlights
- Experience the rich culture and traditions of the local Tamang people.
- Witness the stunning views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
- Trek through lush forests and charming villages to witness the pristine beauty of the Langtang region.
Challenges of trekking in Nepal during Winter
Trekking in Nepal during winter poses several challenges that you should be proactive in dealing with. Some of the major challenges you will be facing during winter treks in Nepal are discussed below.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is one of the common concerns in high-altitude trekking. Our body takes more time to acclimate in cold weather, increasing the chances of altitude sickness. The oxygen level at high altitudes is itself significantly low, and the cold weather acts as a catalyst to increase the chances of altitude sickness. Trekking at higher altitudes must be done carefully, considering the suitable time for winter trekking. This does not mean the chances of altitude sickness are much lesser in other seasons. The chances of acute mountain sickness remain the same whether you choose winter or any other season.
Extreme Cold Temperatures
In Nepal, especially in high-altitude regions, winter can bring temperatures well below freezing. At elevations above 4,000 meters, night temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower. These extreme conditions make trekkers carry heavy, insulated gear to protect themselves from acute mountain sickness. The cold weather also makes basic tasks like cooking or setting up camp much more challenging. Moreover, the shorter days during winter make you trek early in freezing temperatures.
Snow and Ice-Covered Trails
Winter trekking in Nepal often involves navigating snow-covered and icy trails, which can be treacherous. Steep ascents and descents become even more dangerous as paths become slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Trekkers may need crampons and ice axes for certain sections, and heavy snowfall can obscure trail markers, making navigation difficult. In extreme cases, trails may be completely blocked by snow, forcing reroutes or even trip cancellations.
Limited Accessibility and Closed Lodges
Many of Nepal’s popular trekking routes have reduced accessibility in winter due to snow-blocked passes and closed lodges or teahouses. This results in trekkers carrying more supplies, including food, fuel, and tents, adding weight to their packs. The closure of accommodations also means fewer opportunities for shelter, increasing the need for self-sufficiency. Additionally, transportation to and from trailheads may be limited, with roads becoming impassable due to snow, leading to potential delays or difficulties in starting or ending the trek.
Gear and Equipment for winter treks
Gear and equipment are something that you cannot compromise during trekking. Trekking in winter increases the chances of suffering from acute mountain sickness. You must keep your body warm at any cost for a safe and sound trekking experience. A little carelessness makes you suffer from altitude sickness. Some of the essential gear and equipment required for winter treks are listed below.
Upper Body
- Insulating layers (Wool thermals)
- The middle layer(Sweaters, fleece jackets, etc.)
- Outer shell( Waterproof jackets, Down jackets)
- Winter hats and mufflers
- Winter Gloves
Lower Body
- Trousers
- Sleeping pants
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof pants
- Half pants
- long underwear
Socks and Shoes
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable sports shoes
Equipment
- Water bottles
- Hiking poles
- Hiking stick
- First-aid Kit
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Water purification tablets
- Toiletries and sanitizers
- Personal medications
- mobile phones and cameras
Conclusion
In summary, Trekking in Nepal during the Winter season is one of the most challenging yet exciting adventures. Nepal offers numerous Himalayan region treks that are doable in winter. The trekking trails in winter offer a peaceful environment where you can soak yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. The winter trek experience is something you will cherish for the rest of your life. It is considered one of the best but challenging times to experience trekking in Nepal. Nepal is one of the places in the world that offers a winter paradise for trekking.
FAQs
Can I trek in Nepal during the winter season?
Yes, you can trek in Nepal during the Winter season. Multiple trails, such as Everest View Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, ABC Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc., can be trekked during winter. Even though the trekking trail gets covered with snow, you can trek in Nepal with proper preparations.
Can we trek to the Everest Base Camp during the Winter season?
Yes, you can trek to the Everest Base Camp during winter. The weather on the EBC trek will be extremely harsh. It will be very challenging if you’re a beginner. However, some trekkers trek to the base camp of the world’s biggest peak during the Winter season.
What is the weather in the Himalayas in December?
In December, the Himalayas experience cold and dry weather. Daytime temperatures can range from 0°C to 10°C at lower elevations, while higher altitudes often see sub-zero temperatures, sometimes dropping below -20°C. Snowfall is common, especially at higher elevations, making conditions challenging for trekking.
How can I prepare for winter treks?
For winter treks, invest in high-quality insulated gear like a down jacket, thermal layers, and a four-season sleeping bag. Train for endurance and strength, focusing on cold-weather hiking. Plan your itinerary carefully.
Is winter the best season for trekking in Nepal?
No, Winter is not an ideal season for trekking in Nepal. It is the coldest time of the year, so trekking will be challenging. The snowfall covers the trails, making it difficult to locate, and altitude sickness knocks on your door every second. However, with adequate preparations, you can trek during winter in Nepal.
