Winter Trekking in Nepal

Do you prefer to do trekking activities in tranquil environment? If yes, winter trekking in Nepal is the best activity that you should not miss out. During this time of the year, the number of trekkers in the trekking trail is few. Therefore, you can have moment of solitude in the lap of the nature. The time is ideal for people who like to walk enjoying the serene environment in quiet setting. Normally, the commercial trekking routes of Nepal are crowded by the trekkers from across the globe, locals, trekking guides, mules, and porters.

In today’s blog, we are bringing you the various suitable treks to do in winter season. Moreover, we will also discuss about the possibility to do winter trekking in the various major trekking routes of Nepal. At the end of the blog, you will be able to make decision on where to do winter trekking in Nepal. Therefore, don’t skip the blog. Before we delve deeper into finding out the various trekking routes suitable for winter trekking, let’s discuss about the ideal time to trek in Nepal.

Ideal Time to Trek in Nepal

The ideal time to trek in Nepal is throughout the year. The climate is very pleasing throughout the year in Nepal. However, you need to consider the season according to the trekking trail and destination. Therefore, getting information about the ideal or best time to trek is crucial. There are many destinations where you can knit momentous travel tales throughout the year. Even if it is possible to do trekking throughout the year, we recommend you to avoid monsoon season (June – August). The geographical landscape of Nepal can be risky during heavy rainfall.

So, ideal time to trek in Nepal is during the months of spring season (March – May) and months of autumn season (September – November). Majority of trekking routes of Nepal are suitable and ideal to trek during this time of the year. Therefore, these two seasons are called as the peak trekking season of Nepal.

Now, let’s know in brief about the top 10 best routes for winter trekking in Nepal.

10 Best Routes for Winter Trekking in Nepal

You don’t have holidays in the ideal trekking time (spring season and winter season). Don’t worry! There are countless trekking routes to trek in Nepal during winter season. Spend the quality festive time of Christmas and New Year in the trekking trails of Nepal. Among several outstanding trekking routes to trek ideally during the winter season, we have selected the 10 best routes for winter trekking in Nepal. Therefore, sit back and relax by reading about these selected top tier winter friendly trekking routes of Nepal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Which is the most popular short trekking route of Nepal? The answer is simple. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek tops all in terms of short trekking in Nepal. The trail is always bustling and busy with the trekkers, locals, guides, mules, and porters. The journey to Poon Hill (3210 m) can never be dull. Relish the chance to witness more than a dozen mountains from the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre Himalayan range. In addition, you can also get chances to immerse into Gurung & Magar culture. Similarly, you can witness diverse vegetation even in short trekking trip.

Mardi Himal Trek

The jewel of the Annapurna region trekking is the Mardi Himal Trek. The trail is relatively newer and opened as an alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. However, the route is slowly becoming the trending trekking destination for both foreigners and Nepalese trekkers. Expect lots of crowd with whom you can interact even during winter season. The snow covered cascading hills and forests can be the best place for amazing landscape photography. The Mardi Himal Trek is probably at the most picturesque condition during the winter season.

Mohare Danda Trek

Enjoy the community village trekking trail of the Annapurna region. Walk through the terraced farmlands and stay in the community lodge operated by Magar People. In addition, the trek is possible to do with multiple itineraries. The best part is that you can attach either Mardi Himal Trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the Mohare Danda Trek itinerary. Some people say that the view of the mountains and surrounding valleys looks spectacular from Mohare Danda than from Poon Hill.

Khopra Ridge Trek

Well, the Khopra Ridge Trek is the best alternative tranquil trekking route to the Mardi Himal Trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The scenery of the mountains like Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre including Annapurna South looks spectacular from the top of the Khopra Ridge. Another destination in the Khopra Ridge Trek is the Khayer Lake. We don’t recommend you to trek to the Khayer Lake in the winter season which can be risky. Therefore, just reach the Khopra Ridge and you can experience best winter trekking in Nepal.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The Langtang region of Nepal is always enticing to trek because of its mysticism and myth. Among several trekking trails of the Langtang, the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is the best short trekking route. In just 3 days, you can visit authentic Tamang Villages and also visit the most famous vantage point the Nagarkot. Get glimpses of famous mountains like Everest while on this trekking journey. Interestingly, the trek starts from the Kathmandu Valley and it is also regarded as the best weekend hiking trail. So, you can choose the trek as the best option for winter trekking.

Langtang Valley Trek

The most commercial trekking route suitable to do trekking even in the winter season is the Langtang Valley Trek. This blogger doesn’t recommend you to extend the trek to Tserko Ri or push for Ganjala Pass during winter season. The regular trek to Kyanjin Gompa is possible in winter season. Ideally, the trek in spring season provides best trekking experiences but winter season can also be scenic. The snowfall in the grassy meadows and hills make the landscape of the Langtang region enticing and picturesque.

Everest View Trek

There are people who wish to visit the Everest Base Camp during winter season. However, the success rate is very low during winter. Therefore, the best way to experience Everest and Sherpa during winter season is by doing the Everest View Trek. The journey reaches up to the Everest View Hotel or Tengboche Monastery via Namche Bazaar. It is the best altitude risk free trekking to do in the Everest region of Nepal. However, you may have to allot at least 2 days as reserve days due to Lukla flights unpredictability. Get a trekking guide for safety reasons. You will be surprised that the skies are normally clear during winter season in the Everest region.

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

Around the Pokhara Valley can host plethora of beautiful travel activities. The low altitude short trekking trail in the outskirts of the Pokhara Valley is the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek. This trekking trip provides you cultural experiences inside the typical Gurung Village and also provides you the spectacular mountain scenery. During the journey of the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek, you can get glimpses of majestic mountains from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna Himalayan range. Terraced farmlands and the beautiful sunrise experience make this trekking trail mixed with views and rural vibes.

Annapurna Royal Trek

Walk on the trekking trail once trekked by then British Crown Prince Charles who is now the king of the Great Britain. His highness traversed through different villages of the Royal Gurkha soldiers and interacted with them. Therefore, the trail is famously known as the Annapurna Royal Trek. Explore various authentic Gurung and Magar Villages of the region and end the trek in another famous lake of the valley the Begnas Lake. Similarly, you can also get mesmerizing scenery of two lakes forming like eyes while on this epic short trekking journey. The chance to spend vacation in vibrant touristic city of Pokhara is the bonus.

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

Immerse into the culture and traditions of Tamang People in their own village. The months of winter season are ideal to visit the various Tamang villages in this trekking route. Major villages on this epic cultural community trekking route are Gatlang, Tatopani, Nagathali, Briddim, and Thuman. Visit the ancient monasteries and explore the village to observe the authentic rural lifestyle. If time permits, then you can continue the journey to the Langtang Valley Trek. However, you must gather information about the condition of the trekking trail before deciding to extend the trek.

Possibility of Winter Trekking in Major trails of Nepal

As mentioned above, it is not impossible to do the winter trekking in Nepal’s major commercial trekking trails. At first, let’s know about the major trekking routes of Nepal. Over the years, the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek are the main pillars of Nepalese Trekking Industry. Therefore, it is obvious for people to ask the possibility of winter trekking in these trekking routes. The significance of these trekking trails is much higher than the 10 best trekking routes as listed above. So, let’s find the answers of frequently asked question about the winter trekking in these famous and commercial trekking routes of Nepal.

How to do Everest Base Camp Trek in winter?

The risk of not reaching the Everest Base Camp is very high during the winter season. As an experienced blogger, I have seen lots of times that trekkers couldn’t go beyond Dingboche when it snows heavily. If you are persistent in doing the winter trekking in Nepal on the Everest Base Camp Trek route, then hire an experienced trekking guide. Allocate at least 3 to 5 reserve days to meet the schedule. Don’t underestimate the terrain especially the Everest Base Camp Trek route beyond Dingboche. This is the last densely populated village on this trekking route. Carry crampons, safety gears, and heed the instructions of your trekking guide.

Is it possible to do Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter season?

Nothing is impossible if you dare to do anything in life. However, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter season can be tricky. Our experience tells us that you can comfortably reach the Samagaun Village in winter season. Interestingly, you can also visit the Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake during this time of the year. The difficult part is the crossing of the Larke La Pass (5106 m). Sometimes, the locals and the conservation authority close the trail during the winter season to avoid any kinds of fatal accidents. Therefore, this blogger strongly suggest you to not plan for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter season.

What are the risks of doing Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter season?

Comparatively there are fewer risks while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter season. The biggest threat that a trekker must consider while on the Annapurna Circuit Winter Trek is the snowstorm. There were lots of incidents in the past especially in the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). Interestingly, even an experienced trekking guide may find it hard to comfortably navigate through the pass. In addition, the accessibility can be hard during winter season due to heavy snowfall. The best recommendation is choose either spring or autumn season for this trek and avoid monsoon/winter season.

Can I do Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December?

Yes, you can do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. Plan the ABC Trek during the New Year or Christmas. Enjoy the festival in the foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). Remember to buy the trekking package from registered trekking agency and hire a trekking guide. The snow covered trail can be confusing and risky. Therefore, you must hire a trekking guide if you are thinking of doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December.