If you take a moment to search on Google, you will find that many consider winter as the off-season for trekking in Nepal, and that’s understandable. The days are shorter and colder. Snow covers the trails, especially at high altitudes. The risk of altitude sickness increases with a decrease in temperature and elevation. This season truly challenges the physical and mental endurance of a trekker. In contrast, some consider winter treks in Nepal to be the trek of a lifetime. With the decrease in crowds, the trails go quieter, transforming the trekking into a journey of self-discovery.
If you are planning a winter trek in Nepal and are worried about the temperature, locations, gear, and permits, then this article is for you. In this article, we have compiled each of those aspects. We have also compiled a list of the 12 best destinations for the Winter Treks in Nepal.
Table of Contents
12 Best Winter Treks in Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Highest Point of the trek- 5545 m
- Duration- 14 days
- Price- Starting from USD 1515
- Difficulty Leval- Moderate to Difficult
If you desire views of the Himalayas and a winter trek, Everest Base Camp Trek is the best option. Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse will surround you. Witnessing these wonders of nature covered in winter snow is worth a try. But do remember that the temperature in the Everest region can drop up to -20°C. The highest temperature during the daytime would be around 10-12°C, which is at lower altitudes.
Everest View Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3850m
- Price- Starting from USD 670
- Duration- 6 days
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
Everest View Trek is the half of Everest Base Camp Trek. Your trekking route for this one will be the same as the EBC trek, but the destination will be different. You will reach an elevation of 3850 m and head back to Lukla. This trek will allow you to witness the region’s panoramic views of Everest and other mountains. On this journey, you can also explore the Sherpa culture, visit the Tengboche monastery, and traverse through Sagarmatha National Park.
Khopra Danda Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 4660m
- Price- Starting from USD 895
- Duration- 8 days
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
The Khopra Danda Trek, or Khopra Ridge Trek, is one of the shortest winter treks in Nepal and the Annapurna region. Its main highlight is traversing the beautiful rhododendron forests and encountering the culture of the Gurung and Magar people. In winter, the Khopra Danda trek offers a panoramic view of the mountains from the hill, which feels like a heavenly experience, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Khopra Danda Trek also leads to Khayer Lake at an altitude of 4660m.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 2870m
- Price- Starting from USD 570
- Duration- 7 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy
Poon Hill Trek is one of the popular short treks in Nepal. It is famous for the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in the early sunrise. If you want a winter trekking experience in Nepal but don’t want to explore the higher altitudes and traverse through easy trails, then this trek is perfect. It will take you through various settlements and forests with many flora and fauna.
Muktinath Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3760m
- Price- approx. USD 700 to USD 800
- Duration- 7 to 9 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy
Muktinath lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is a temple in the Mustang district that holds significance for Hindus and Buddhists. To start this trek, you will fly from Kathmandu Valley to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. Throughout this trek, you will come across villages like Marpha and Kagbeni, famous for their apple farming. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri adds to the beauty of the journey.
Mardi Himal Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3760m
- Price- Starting from USD 420
- Duration- 5 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate
The Mardi Himal trek is a trek with choices. It is because once you start your trek, you can either end up at the base camp of Mardi Himal or end your trek at the high camp. The up-close view of Machhapuchhre Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is elevating.
Tamang Heritage Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3165m
- Price- Starting from USD 670
- Duration- 7 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate
Tamang Heritage Trek takes you through the Langtang Valley of Nepal. It is no less than a cultural expedition as you will explore the cultures and lifestyles of the Tamang people in that region. This trek is famous for red pandas, hot springs, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Langtang Ri.
Note: Another alternative to this trek is the Langtang Valley Trek.
Gosaikunda Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 4380m
- Price- Starting from USD 505
- Duration- 5 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate
Gosaikunda Trek is one of the best winter treks in Nepal. The forested trails of the Langtang region in the winter months will allow you to explore the views of mountains like Langtang Lirung, Gang Chenpo, and many more. The path will lead to the sacred lake for Hindus, which freezes during winter.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 4130m
- Price- Starting from USD 770
- Duration- 7 days
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most popular in the Annapurna region. It leads trekkers directly to the base of the 10th-highest mountain in the world. Along the way, you will encounter communities that welcome you with open arms. ABC Trek is a journey that blends nature and culture.
Tsum Valley Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 4200 M
- Price- Starting from USD 900
- Duration- 16 days
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
Tsum Valley Trek is in the northern Manaslu region and is within the Manaslu Conservation Area. Trekking to the Tsum Valley offers a unique blend of exploring the ancient culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Tsum People and seeing spectacular mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Paldor Peak. The highest point of this trek is the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
Pikey Peak Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3640m
- Price- Starting from USD 670
- Duration- 6 days
- Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate
Pikey Pek trek in the Solokhumbu district of Nepal has to be the least crowded. It gets quiet in winter, making it exciting for those who want to explore the Lower Khumbu Region in solitary. The trails will take you through lush green forests to the base camp of Pikey Peak. Along with that, you will get to witness the majestic Everest without hitting the EBC trails. The pros of this trek are the cultural exploration of local Sherpa, Gurung, and Magar people.
Upper Mustang Trek
- Highest Point of the Trek- 3840m
- Price- Starting from USD 1795
- Duration- 15 days
- Difficulty Level- Moderate
Upper Mustang trek is one of the restricted areas of Nepal for a trek and requires a permit. It was not open to foreigners till 1992. If you happen to go on the Upper Mustang trek in winter, it will be a journey to be remembered for a lifetime. Its major highlights are the artificial caves in the cliffs, snow-covered paths, the hospitality of local people, red cliffs, and villages like Charang, Lo Manthang, and kagbeni.
When is winter in Nepal?
The winter in Nepal begins right after the Autumn season in Nepal. Marking its arrival in December, the days get colder and colder till February. Winter is the dry season of Nepal, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The temperature decreases significantly as the altitude increases. We can break the temperature of Nepal during the winter season based on the geographical regions: the Terai, the Hills, and the Himalayas.
- The Terai—The average daytime temperature during winter in Nepal is between 22°C 27°C. Dusk and dawn are colder than noon, and the nighttime temperature can drop to 7°C.
- Nepal’s Hill— The Hilly regions are colder than the Terai regions. The daytime temperature can range from 12°C to 16°C. But the nighttime temperature can fall to 2°C.
- The Himalayas—Regardless of the season, The Himalayan region of Nepal is the coldest. In the highest parts of the mountains, the temperature can reach below 0°C even during the day. The night temperature, however, reaches up to -20°C
Why to Trek in Winter in Nepal?
Many people do not want to trek in Nepal during winter due to the temperature and its challenges. But Trekking in Nepal during the winter has its pros and is a unique experience overall. Here are the main reasons why it is so;
- Snow-covered Mountain—In the winter, the mountain regions receive substantial snowfall, making the snow covering the mountains look like a Walter Moras painting of a snowy forest landscape.
- Fewer Crowds—While the moderate level of trek might see a lesser drop in the number of trekkers, the number decreases to very low in a relatively more arduous trek like EBC.
- Clear Skies—A panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayas would not be much of a view if you couldn’t see them. Nepal has clear skies in winter, providing an unobstructed view of the mountains.
Preparation for Winter Trek in Nepal
Learn about Weather and Temperature
The winter season in Nepal starts in December and lasts till February. These three months see the coldest days and nights in Nepal. Before starting your trek, you must be prepared for this freezing temperature. It is crucial to find out the temperatures of the location. It will help you in your packing and also prepare you mentally. Also, looking at the temperature, you can decide whether to trek in December, January, or February.
- December- The average daytime in December is 15°C, and at nighttime, it is 7°C.
- January- The temperature in January lies between -10°C and 14°C, making it the coldest month in Nepal.
- February- The nighttime temperature in February in higher regions might drop to -20°C. But the days are warmer.
Note: The temperature in the Himalayan regions is relatively colder both in the daytime and nighttime than the average temperature.
Permits for Winter Treks
Whether you are trekking solo or are in a group, you need a permit to do so. Different government bodies issue these permits to monitor and regulate tourism and trekking destinations. They also ensure your safety. Here is the list of the kinds of permits you must have to trek in Nepal during the winter.
- TIMs E-Card Permit- Trekkers Information Management System ensures your security and safety. It also controls the illegal trekking processes in Nepal.
- Restricted Area Permit- Some regions, like Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang, require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to trek. It ensures the preservation of the place’s nature, culture, and heritage.
- National Park Permit- National Park Permits intend to protect the environment, support local communities, and ensure trekkers’ safety.
- Conservation Area Permit- This permit is very similar to the National Park Permit. You require it to work in the conservation areas of Nepal.
- Rural Municipality Trekking Permit- This is the permit you will require to trek in any of the rural municipalities in Nepal. Only Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Khumbu region has implemented this permit.
Note: You will be fined if you are found trekking without a permit.
Training and Exercises Needed
If you are trekking in winter, two things will undoubtedly happen: the rugged trekking route will challenge your physical endurance, while the winter temperature and harsh weather will challenge your mental resilience. You have to be prepared for both. If you are going for high-altitude trekking, you must include short treks as a part of your exercise, which will help with altitude sickness. While cardio and strength exercises will prepare your body, thorough research will prepare you mentally.
Trek Difficulty During Winter in Nepal
Trails
Due to minimal rainfall and dry weather, the trekking trail remains dry, decreasing its chances of getting slippery. So, the trails at lower elevations are perfect for walking in the winter region. However, the higher elevations see constant snowfall during this season. The trails are covered in snow and might get slippery. Due to heavy and continuous snowfall, finding the trail’s traces is difficult. So, if you are going for a short trek in Nepal at lower altitudes, there is nothing to worry about. But, if you are going for a higher altitude trek, you should take precautions.
Accommodation
Regardless of the season, the accommodations at any trek in Nepal remain open. So, finding a room during the winter is not much of a problem. In the lower regions, almost all the teahouses and lodges are open. But as you ascend, the choice of accommodations might decrease. In higher altitudes like EBC, Langtang, and ABC, the teahouse and lodge owners often take turns to operate. You might have to adjust to what you get.
Meals
You will eat your food at the teahouses or lodges you spent your night on or at those you encountered on your trail. Your usual meals include a traditional Nepali “dal, that, and tarkari” (lentils, Rice, and curry). You can also have noodles, thukpa, soups, and different kinds of liquid diets that will fill you up and warm you up. However, the freshness of the products might be a question in higher regions given that all the food items and raw materials will have to be carried all the way by foot.
Altitude Sickness
The risk of altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) significantly increases during the winter. The dry air, cold temperature, and higher altitude can make adjusting to the lower oxygen level in Himalayan regions hard, causing the AMS. It would be best to focus more on acclimatization, giving your body time to adapt to the environment. You can also carry medications. We advise you to hire a guide who would assist you in navigating and also in an emergency.
Harsh Weather condition
The most challenging part about treks during the winter is the cold temperature that might drop below 0 degrees up to -20 degrees. Another difficulty in the winter is snowfall in the higher regions. Walking on snow-covered trails is risky. Snowstorms and strong winds are shared in those regions. It would be best if you carried extra clothes like insulated jackets and pants, which would increase the weight of your luggage.
Tips for Safe Winter Treks in Nepal
Proper Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is your ticket to tackle altitude sickness, especially during the winter. The days are shorter, and you might feel the need to increase your pace to reach your station. This will burn out your energy, and you might find breathing hard. Your only solution is to rework your itinerary and separate a day or two so that your body can adjust to the intense chilly temperature and harsh winter weather conditions at higher altitudes like the Everest region.
Hire Guides and Porters
Yeah, quieter trails in winter can be fun. You know when it’s not fun? When you are in an emergency, and no one is around to respond. That’s scary. It is bravery to take risks, but it is foolish not to consider the majors to solve them when you actually face them. In this case, the risk is having no one to help you in an emergency. And the solution to that is guides and porters. The emergency services at higher altitudes are always minimal, and in winter, they get scarce.
So, if you face an emergency, you want someone who knows the terrain to help you. A guide will assist you in your journey with routes and cultural insights and help you in an emergency. On the other hand, a potter is needed because your winter luggage will automatically be more than in different seasons. You might need help to carry them all the way to the top.
Stay Hydrated
We constantly lose fluids from our body during trekking through respiration and sweating. It will lead to dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and cramps. The risk of altitude sickness also significantly increases. Fluids also play an integral part in temperature regulations. This is why staying hydrated throughout the trek is essential, especially in winter.
You can carry a thermal flask with you and fill it with warm water at tea houses. Carrying electrolytes is highly beneficial. You can mix and dissolve them in water, and your fluid and mineral quotas are fulfilled. You can also go for soups and other liquids food to stay hydrated.
Avoid Alcohol and Meat Products
Now we know what dehydration does. Do you know what alcohol does? It exaggerates the dehydration. It will impair your judgment, and the risk of altitude sickness increases tenfold. Besides alcohol, avoiding meat products in the trek during the winter season is better. The higher protein content of the meat makes it harder for our body to digest it. The increased pressure in the digestive system would lead to discomfort and an upset stomach, which doesn’t sound good in higher altitudes. Also, the meat might not be fresh in many regions, increasing the chances of foodborne illness.
Book Reliable Trekking Agency
Trekking in winter is a hassle altogether. Any spring plan or Autumn plan wouldn’t work. A few pieces of gear and clothing might be helpful, but you must add a bunch of packaging in the winter. Well, if you hire a trekking agency, they will take care of every minute hassle you have to go through, from the early planning stages of the trek till the date of completion.
They will provide you with the packing list, prepare your itinerary, book your transportation to reach the starting point of the trek, book accommodations, hire guides and porters, and ensure your safety. They are the experts and know the industry better than you do. So, booking a reliable trekking agency will lower your burden and allow you to enjoy the trek.
Proper Packing list for Nepal Trek in Winter
If you are trekking in winter, the chances are you will overpack. You are trekking in the freezing temperature, but that doesn’t mean you should pack every clothes you get your hands on. The goal is not to pack the right and essential winter gear. Here is your winter trekking packing list:
- Trekking Poles
- Trekking Boots
- Insulating mid-layers
- Thermal Hiking Pants
- Neck Gaiter
- Thermal Socks
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof Cover Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Lightweight Down Blanket
- Thermal Flasks
- First Aid Kit
- Multi-tools
- Trekking Map
Conclusion
Even though Spring and Autumn treks in Nepal are the peak seasons, trekking in winter has its merits. The trails are less crowded, and the snow-covered views of the mountains are unobstructed due to the clear skies. It is challenging because of the temperature and harsh weather, but equally rewarding. Winter trek offers a unique experience of risks, challenges, and rewards. Annapurna region, Everest region, and Langtang region of Nepal offer some of the best and shortest treks in Nepal in winter.
FAQs
Is winter the best season to trek in Nepal?
What is the most challenging trek in Nepal during winter?
What is the easiest winter Trek in Nepal?
Is Langtang Valley Trek an option during Winter in Nepal?
What is the lowest temperature in the Himalayas in Winter
