Planning to visit Nepal between the months of December to February? The winter season is a great time to be in Nepal and the country is at its absolute best, presenting iconic sights at colder temperatures which make the journey even more enjoyable.
But despite the clear skies and beautiful scenery, the country sees fewer crowds, and that’s because many of its big-name treks close down for the winter or simply feel too uncomfortable under extremely low temperatures. That said, Nepal does have a number of winter treks that offer a great experience, a picture-perfect view of the Himalaya at its dazzling best. Read on to discover the best winter treks in Nepal.
The Poon Hill Trek is one of the most stunning and popular treks in Nepal. Those sunrise views from Poon Hill are truly spectacular, an experience-of-a-lifetime, and this attracts hordes of visitors each year, so you often feel that you’re jostling for space. The excess crowds somewhat diminish your experience in paradise, and that’s why a winter trek makes so much sense. The crowds are far lesser, and you’ll often get to pass through forests and villages without coming across another tour group. This trek presents outstanding views of some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas such as the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna without forcing you to ascend to gravity-defying altitudes. The Poon Hill Trek can be accessed from Pokhara.
Not the first option that comes to mind when you think of winter treks in Nepal, but a relatively handy one during the winter season. The Chitwan National Park has always been known for its rich wildlife and elephant safaris, but try something different this winter. Take another look at low-altitude trekking. The trail goes up to Siraichili Hill, located at a height of 1945 meters, and it introduces you to great sunrise views, iconic Himalayan peaks and amazing scenery. The weather can get quite cold, but it’s never snowy like the Himalayas.
Sure, you could embark on the Everest Base Camp trek under bone-chilling conditions, but what if we told you there is something equally spectacular, but something that doesn’t feel as challenging during the winter season. Everest is synonymous with trekking in this part of the world, and if you’re a die-hard fan of the region, you don’t need to bear chilly conditions to experience its fabled beauty. Simply embark on an Everest Panorama Trek, one that covers most of the highlights of the region, without ever feeling impossible. This trek starts from Lukla and proceeds to the beautiful Namche Bazaar to give you a whiff of the ancient Sherpa culture. With Namche Bazaar as your base of operations, you can trek nearby villages and cliffs, continuing your journey to the iconic Tengboche. Visit the world-famous monastery and enjoy unparalleled views of some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet.
Winter treks in Nepal certainly present cold temperatures and the odd snowfall, but with lesser crowds, clearer views and beautiful scenery, you simply cannot say no to the experience. We’d recommend the lower elevation areas for a trek during the winter season, where the weather feels like spring and you get to enjoy some warm afternoon sunshine, peace and solitude while trekking.
Don’t forget to check-out Bookmundi‘s list of the Top 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal – Snapshot Overview of the best short treks in Nepal that has everything that you could possibly imagine of.
