Nepal tour in winter

Nepal tour in winter is perfect with sunny days with clear sky for Himalayan view. The temperature may go up to 0 degree centigrade or lower depending upon where you are. The minimum temperature is at night and is manageable with warm clothing and heating available in the hotels. Days are usually sunny with moderate temperature perfect for sightseeing and hiking.
So if you are not going on a high altitude treks or base camps, it is perfect to visit Nepal during winter months of December, January and February. There are fewer tourists as hardcore trekkers doesn’t come during these months.

Sunrise over the Mt Everest sen from a short trek during the month of December

Nepal tour in December

December is known as shoulder season. There are still trekkers going and coming back from base camps. The first half of the December is perfect for high altitude trekking. Snow fall doesn’t starts yet. The temperature starts to drop but is manageable with down jacket, good sleeping bag and heating available at the lodges. Day temperature ranges from 12 – 22 degree centigrade.

The Christmas and New Year holiday in Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia etc increase flow of tourist again in the end of December. It is perfect to do short treks in Nepal and tour of Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara and surrounding hill towns.

Nepal in January

January is the coldest month in Nepal and is definitely not good for big treks. It starts to snow up in the mountains above 3,000 m. It may rain little in the lower valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara and the cold wave hits tropical low land. However it lasts only for about a week. This doesn’t disturb if you are driving around Kathmandu Pokhara, Lumbini and surrounding hill towns.

Annapurna seen from Astam village during a short trek from Pokhara

Nepal in February

February is dry month and the mercury starts to rise again. February is a shoulder season to Spring. The best thing about visiting Nepal in February is that it is less crowded and the Himalayan views are clear. Himalayas appears more beautiful with fresh snow from the winter. This is perfect for short treks, cultural tours and wildlife tours.

Chinese new year holiday in Asian countries increase tourists in Nepal during the month. Also one of the major Hindu festival – Shivaratri falls in the month.

Thamsherku during sunset in the month of December

Best things to do in Nepal during winter

Short treks in Nepal during winter

There are several scenic and cultural treks in the foothills of the Himalayas which could be done throughout the winter. These short treks last from 2 days to week and goes to the altitude of 3,000 – 4,000 m only. Best thing about trekking in winter is the guaranteed clear sky and less crowd. As the trekkers going to high altitude and climber avoid winter trekking, the trekking routes are less crowded. The higher reaches may still have snow, but it makes trek fun. The fresh snow over the Himalayas make the scenery more picturesque.

Nepal tour during winter

For those coming to enjoy Himalayan scenery and culture without much effort, winter is the best time. One can easily drive or fly to destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini in the low land. Cultural tour of 5 to 10 days could be planned with day hikes and overnight in ridge top villages like Nagarkot and Bandipur. Again the winter explorer have the benefit of fewer tourists, clear sky and moderate day temperature.

Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Nepal

The months of December to February is also the best time to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Nepal. Most of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha are in lower valleys. Actually this is peak tourist season for Lumbini which will have temperature up to 40 degree centigrade during April to September.

Mayadevi temple in Lumbini development zone