Winter treks in Nepal can also be an adventurous and thrilling experience. It offers you with clear weather, the best mountain views, and quieter trails. The winter starts in December and ends in February. In this season, you will witness a total change in landscapes from spring and autumn, as the serene blanket of snow will be covering them all. Although winter is not an ideal time for you to make a trek, it is still a considerable option for you.
Trekking in the winter season will give you an opportunity to have an intimate encounter with nature as fewer people will be exploring it. The crips air, cloud-free skies, and the white snow all across make your trekking memorable. However, you need to be prepared for the challenges you will encounter, especially due to extreme cold weather and slippery trails.
Winter trekking also offers you a chance to have a proper cultural immersion in the Himalayas. The two major festivals of the Himalayas people, Lhosar and Maghe Sankranti, fall during this season. Also, the trekking season is not popular, so you can get the packages at reasonable prices. Furthermore, winter also means you will have a chance to see polar bears and other Himalayan animals.
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How Cold Is Nepal During Winter?
Although the Terai region’s temperatures in Nepal can be manageably cold, the conditions at higher altitudes can be extremely freezing. As trekking often involves climbing over 3,000 meters, you should prepare for temperature fluctuations.
Depending upon the altitude and weather conditions, the temperature can range from 5°C to -20°C. To complete your trek during the winter season, it is essential for you to have the right gear and clothing with you. They help to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the journey, impacting your safety level.
Winter Trekking In Different Months
| December | Temperatures at higher altitudes can drop below freezing, often ranging from -5°C to -15°C, while lower altitudes may experience milder conditions around 5°C to 10°C |
| January | Temperatures at higher elevations often plunge to -20°C or lower, while lower regions may experience temperatures around 3°C to 8°C |
| February | Average temperatures can range from -10°C to -15°C at elevations above 3,000 meters, while lower areas may see milder conditions around 2°C to 10°C |
Top 8 Winter Trek In Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek
Considered to be one of the best winter treks in Nepal, it is recommended that you trek at the Everest Base Camp in December and February. Being the most popular trekking route in Nepal, you will still get better accommodations and meal services even despite the colder temperatures.
With this trek, you will be standing on the foothills of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Also, you will get a quieter trail, providing a peaceful trekking experience. The Everest Base Camp trek will offer you complete snow-capped landscapes and clear, crystal skies if you trek in winter.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | -6°C to -18°C | 5°C to -5°C |
| January | -8°C to -20°C | 3°C to -7°C |
| February | -5°C to -16°C | 6°C to -3°C |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
After the EBC trek, the other best winter trek in Nepal is Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Located in the Annapurna region, you will witness a blend of beautiful snow-covered landscapes and snow-covered mountains. With this adventure, you will witness the breathtaking view of the 10th highest mountain in the world.
Reaching over 5,000 meters, you can complete this trek in about 10 days. However, the temperature can be quite cold, and the experience you get will be quite mesmerizing. Also, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 0°C to -15°C | 7°C to -2°C |
| January | -2°C to -17°C | 5°C to -4°C |
| February | 2°C to -12°C | 8°C to -1°C |
Mardi Himal Trek
A slighter, easier trek than Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, trekking to Mardi Himal is possible during the winter season. You will reach the highest point at 4,100 meters, and the Mardi Himal trek can be completed within 6 to 10 days. Also, with a slighter lower level altitude, the chance of encountering heavy snowfall is quite low.
From this adventurous journey, you will witness the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mardi Himal, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and some others. Also, you do not have to worry about accommodations, as you will find plenty of options even in the winter season.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 0°C to -10°C | 7°C to -2°C |
| January | -2°C to -12°C | 5°C to -3°C |
| February | 1°C to -8°C | 8°C to -1°C |
Langtang Valley Trek
The temperature ranges between 8°C to – 10°C. Another top winter trek location in Nepal is the Langtang Valley trek. Offering you a unique, serene experience, this trek is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse flora and fauna. The lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers are frozen.
This gives you a slightly different experience than trekking in ideal seasons. The days are generally clear, and you can see the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. This moderate-level trekking adventure can be completed within 5 to 7 days, reaching the highest point of Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 meters.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 0°C to -10°C | 7°C to -1°C |
| January | -3°C to -12°C | 5°C to -3°C |
| February | 1°C to -8°C | 8°C to 0°C |
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Another short trekking adventure in the Annapurna region can be completed within 4 to 5 days. Covering a total distance of about 45 kilometers, this trekking trail offers you easy trekking experiences without compromising the surrounding views. As you will reach an altitude below 3,300 meters, the risk and challenges of trekking will be minimal.
The major highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Poon Hill, known as Cherrapunji of Nepal, there is a high chance for you to encounter rainfall, even during the winter season. However, witnessing snowfall here is quite impossible due to low altitude involvement.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 5°C to -5°C | 10°C to 2°C |
| January | 3°C to -7°C | 8°C to 0°C |
| February | 6°C to -3°C | 11°C to 3°C |
Everest View Trek
Located at an altitude of 3,850 meters, the Everest View Trek covers half of Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the most popular season for this adventure is Spring and Autumn, trekking in winter will also amaze you with its serene beauty. This adventure is mainly popular for cultural immersion.
Although the climb is not very high, it still requires proper acclimatization and can be completed within 5 to 8 days. You can witness the unique Sherpa culture and can make a short visit to ancient monasteries on your way. Also, the panoramic views of Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Lhotse are the major highlights of the journey.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | -5°C to -12°C | 5°C to -5°C |
| January | -7°C to -15°C | 3°C to -7°C |
| February | -4°C to -10°C | 6°C to -3°C |
Pikey Peak Trek
Although possessing some challenges, the Pikey Peak climb is still manageable during the winter season. Full of thrilling adventure, this Pikey Peak trek will take you to the Lower Everest Region at an altitude of 4,065 meters. You will get snow-covered icy trails with beautiful views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
The winter season brings clear skies. Thus, it is very clear that you do not miss out on the beautiful sunrise views over the Himalayas from Peaky Peak. You will get blanket-covered landscapes with white snowfall, adding a unique experience to your journey.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 2°C to -7°C | 10°C to 2°C |
| January | 0°C to -10°C | 8°C to 0°C |
| February | 3°C to -5°C | 11°C to 3°C |
Tamang Heritage Trek
Falling in the list of best winter treks in Nepal, the Tamang Heritage Trek is only popular for the unique Tamang culture of the people. With no well-developed trails and remote locations, the trek is already somehow difficult. Furthermore, the cold temperature and snowy trails can also add some level of difficulty.
Reaching an elevation of 3,165 meters, you can complete this trek within 6 to 8 days of the journey. Trekking through this trail, you will get to witness the friendly people and the traditional houses and ancient monasteries. Not only that, you will also be amazed by the mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, and Ganesh Himal.
| Month | High Altitude (Above 3000) | Low Altitude (Below 3000) |
| December | 4°C to -8°C | 12°C to 5°C |
| January | 2°C to -10°C | 10°C to 3°C |
| February | 5°C to -7°C | 13°C to 6°C |
Challenges During Winter Treks in Nepal
Snow on trails
Trekking in Nepal in December, January, and February can be challenging because of the icy and snowy trails, especially at higher altitudes. As the decreased temperature brings heavy snowfall, the paths become slippery. In some cases, the snowfall can also cause blockage of the routes, making the trail difficult to navigate. This adds a level of challenges for you, but if you are well-prepared and have some prior experience, it can be beneficial.
Availability of Tea Houses and Lodges
In the higher altitudes in Nepal, due to the extreme cold, the number of teahouses and lodges will decrease. Some owners may close them and descend to lower regions to protect them from harsh weather. However, on popular trekking routes like EBC and Annapurna, you will still find more options than on less popular treks. You should plan ahead of your journey and make your booking beforehand so that you do not have to worry about a room to stay.
Harsh Winter Conditions
Trekking in Nepal during the winter season can be challenging due to harsh winter conditions. The extreme decrease in temperature, below -10 degrees, and at an altitude above 3000 meters can be quite a problem for you. You need to wear many layers of clothing. Also, your backpack should include some extra essentials like jackets and innerwear, which increases your overall weight. The shorter hiking days in winter can increase your overall trekking days. The chances of getting a cold are also high during this season.
Less Crowd
This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for you. If you are looking for a quiet trekking destination, then trekking in winter can be an option. However, a quieter trial means more risk. With just a few people available, there will be less support for you. It can also be a huge problem if you need help in an emergency. Also, the risk of encountering animals on a crowd-free trail is also high. However, with fewer crowds, you will see the beautiful, untouched beauty of nature.
Essential Things To Pack For Winter Treks
If you are trekking towards the Nepal Himalayas during the winter season, it is very essential for you to make a proper packing list. It is highly recommended that you limit your weight to 10 kg. Do not overpack with a bag of unnecessary stuff. Having a proper list of essentials can ease your packing.
But you may not be aware of all the packing lists you might require. Here is the list of all the essentials you may need in your journey to the Himalayas during the winter season. Make sure you include everything mentioned here in your bag. This will enhance your safety and help to create a memorable adventure.
Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell
- Thermal hiking pants
- Warm hat and neck gaiter
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Wool or thermal socks
- Gaiters (to prevent snow from entering boots)
Footwear:
- Insulated waterproof hiking boots
- Extra pair of warm socks
Accessories:
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles with snow baskets
Gear:
- Backpack with a waterproof cover
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures
- Sleeping pad for extra insulation
- Lightweight, packable down blanket or liner
Essentials:
- Water bottles with insulated sleeves or thermos
- High-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars)
- First aid kit and blister care
- Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
- Multi-tool or knife
- Hand and foot warmers
Other:
- Portable stove with fuel for hot drinks/food
- Lightweight cooking pot
- Map, compass, or GPS
Tips For Successful Winter Treks in Nepal
- You should master layering if you are trekking in the winter season. Wear a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid layer, and waterproof jackets as an outer.
- Trekking in winter means you will be walking on icy paths. Thus, make sure your boots have a good grip to navigate.
- Although it is cold, it is recommended that you drink water continuously. You can have about 3 to 4 liters of water to prevent dehydration.
- Using trekking poles helps you to provide stability and reduce strain on your knees, especially on slippery or steep terrains.
- Your trekking itinerary should include a proper acclimatization plan. This helps you adjust to thinning air and prevent altitude sickness.
- The extremely cold temperature demands thermal gloves, a warm hat, neck gaiters, and sunglasses to protect from cold and glare.
- Plan your trek early in the morning since daylight hours are shorter in winter.
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal during winter can be a great adventure for you. It not only offers you beautiful views but also provides you with some challenging and thrilling achievements. But as mentioned earlier, it is essential for you to be well prepared and have proper planning. Hiring a guide can also be beneficial for your safety during the winter season.
If you are planning your trip towards Nepal’s Himalayas during winter, worry not. We, Nepal Base Camp Treks, provide you with the best winter package with enhanced safety measures. No matter which location you opt for, your journey will be safe and enjoyable, as we promised.
