1 Jan 2024 7 min to read
Nepal is a paradise for trekkers. Annually, millions of trekkers travel to Nepal from the globe. Nepal is geographically diverse ranging from an elevation of 60 m in the Terai to 8848.86 m in the Himalayas. Nepal has four seasons Spring, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. Despite some difficulties, winter treks in Nepal are possible. Winter treks in Nepal treat trekkers with a unique and mesmerizing experience.
Winter treks in Nepal are mostly done in the lower region up to an elevation of 4,000 m. Winter months in Nepal are generally December, January, and February. Overall winter day temperature is normally between 5°C to 10°C and winter night temperature is normally between 0°C to (-30°C). Winter temperature in Nepal in months is tabulated below:
| Months | Day Temperature | Night Temperature |
| December | 5°C to 10°C | 0°C to (-30°C) |
| January | 7°C to 10°C | 0°C to (-15°C) |
| February | 7°C to 12°C | 0°C to (-15°C) |
Highlights of Winter Treks in Nepal
- Cold chilling weather and plenty of snow
- Less- crowded and peaceful trail
- Great way to spend quality time with family
- Get connected and close to nature
- Exploring new destinations, wildlife, diverse fauna
- Great opportunity for meeting new people and networking
- Growth in Physical and Mental Health
- New experience to live with basics during the trek
- New culture, lifestyle, and tradition
- Try new local cuisine and interact with the locals
- A short break from the busy life and technology
- Everything at a reasonable price
Popular trekking destinations for Winter treks in Nepal
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Ghorepani (Elevation): 2,840m
Max. Elevation: 3,210m (Poon hill)
Trek Duration: 5 days
Trek Start: Hile
Trek End: Nayapul
Trek Route:
Hile-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tadapani-Ghandruk-Nayapul
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the popular destinations for winter treks. Trekkers enjoy the sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint over the stunning Annapurna mountain ranges. Spend some quality time in Ghorepani which is the beautiful Pun Magar ethnic village. Interact with the locals and immerse into their culture and lifestyle. This trek is suitable for all age groups and can be done throughout the season.
Royal Trek
Royal Trek (Elevation): 1,730m
Max. Elevation: 1,730m
Trek Duration: 4 days
Trek Start: Bijaypur Khola
Trek End: Begnas Tal
Trek Route:
Bijaypur Khola-Kalikasthan-Syaklung-Chisapani-Begnas Tal
One of the easiest winter treks in Nepal is the Royal Trek. The trek route is abundant with natural greenery, beautiful mountain vistas, and mesmerizing Begnas Lake. All around the year, this trek can be done because the maximum elevation is just 1500m. Witness the breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu and a peaceful time in the vicinity of Begnas Tal are the highlights of this trek.
Sikles Trek
Sikles (Elevation): 1,980m
Max. Elevation: 2,200m (Nyauli Kharka)
Trek Duration: 6 days
Trek Start: Bijaypur Khola
Trek End: Hemja
Trek Route:
Bijayapur Khola-Kalikasthan-Lama Khet-Sikles-Nyauli Kharka-Ghale Gaun -Hemja
For winter Nepal treks, the traditional Gurung village Sikles is another beautiful trek destination. The natural beauty of this village is quite mesmerizing. Adore the sights of magnificent mountains such as Tukuche Peak, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Dhampus Peak. Interact with the locals while traversing through beautiful settlements.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal High Camp (Elevation): 3,600m
Max. Elevation: 3,600m
Trek Duration: 6 days
Trek Start: Phedi
Trek End: Siding Village
Trek Route:
Phedi-Deurali-Forest Camp-Low Camp-High Camp-Siding Village
Mardi is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Annapurna region. One of the best winter treks in Nepal destinations as it is the least traveled and least crowded trail. It offers splendid vistas of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi. The trek route is surrounded by beautiful forests and greenery.
Sarangkot Dhampus
Dhampus (Elevation): 1,650m
Max. Elevation: 1,650m
Trek Duration: 3 days
Trek Start: Pokhara
Trek End: Phedi
Trek Route:
Pokhara-Sarangkot-Dhampus-Phedi
The Sarangkot Dhampus trek is a relatively short and easy winter trek in Nepal. Admire the beautiful sunrise or sunset views from Sarangkot. The beauty of Pokhara Valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the Sarangkot viewpoint is astonishing. Also, get a close-up view of Mt. Machhapuchhre from here. Trek through a beautiful Dhampus village of Gurung ethnicity. Get showered with amazing hospitality and natural beauty for which Dhampus is famous. Enjoy the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range vistas. Among several treks in the Annapurna region, the Sarangkot Dhampus trek is the only exceptional trek route without any permits in this region.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom (Elevation): 2,720m
Max. Elevation: 3,800m (Muktinath)
Trek Duration: 12 days
Trek Start: Nayapul
Trek End: Jomsom
Trek Route:
Nayapul-Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani-PoonHill-Tatopani-Ghasa-Marpha-Kagebeni-Muktinath-Jomsom
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking trips in Nepal, which is one of the main gateways to the Annapurna Region. This trek is suitable for physically active trekkers. Pass through amazing settlements like Ghorepani, Tatopani, Ghasa, Kagbeni, Marpha, Jomsom, and Muktinath. Interact with locals while staying in teahouses and study about the ways of life of the simple but kind Nepalese villagers.
Helambu Trek
Helambu (Elevation): 2,774m
Max. Elevation: 3,597m (Tharepati)
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Start: Sundarijal
Trek End: Melamchi Pul
Trek Route:
Sundarijal-Chisopani-Khutumsang-Tharepati-Tarke Gyang-Shermathang-Melamchi Pul
Helambu is a lovely Tamang village which is a perfect winter trek destination. Here, locals follow its ancient culture. Tibetan Buddhism is still in practice here. Traverse through small villages and lush green forests in the vicinity of Langtang National Park. Enjoy the scenic views of Langtang Ri, Ganesh Himal, Lang Sisa, Chorkor Ri, and other peaks during the trek.
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Village (Elevation): 3,330m
Max. Elevation: 3,850m (Kyanjing Gompa)
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Start: Syabrubesi
Trek End: Syabrubesi
Trek Route:
Syabrubesi-Lama Hotel-Langtang village-Kyanjing Gompa-Lama Hotel-Syabrubesi
Langtang Valley in the Langtang region is a less crowded best winter trek destination. This trek offers picturesque views of spectacular Langtang ranges, lovely small villages, verdant forests, ancient monasteries, and greenery. Interact with the local natives who are friendly. Learn about their tradition and enjoy local food.
Everest View Trek
Khumjung (Elevation): 3,790m
Max. Elevation: 3,790m
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek End: Lukla
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche-Khumjung-Namche-Lukla
The Everest View trek in the Everest region is suitable for Nepal winter treks. Pass through the Sherpa capital Namche and tour around the beautiful Khumjung village. Enjoy an awesome view of Mt. Khumbila. Visit the monastery which has a purported Yeti scalp. Take a short visit to Everest View Hotel to relish the superb views of Everest and other surrounding peaks.
Everest Panorama Trek
Tengboche (Elevation): 3,600m
Max. Elevation: 3,600m
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek End: Lukla
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche-Tengboche-Namche-Lukla
One of the finest winter treks in the Everest region is the Everest Panorama Trek. This trek offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and other surrounding peaks. Visit Everest region’s largest Tengboche Monastery. Get familiar with the Sherpa culture in its place of origin during the trek.
Winter Treks in Nepal Challenges
- Unpredictable weather and temperature
- Heavy snowfall and cold wind
- Limited lodges and basic facilities (Accommodation, and Meals)
- Days are shorter
- Altitude gain and the possibility of altitude sickness
- Rugged and Slippery Trails
- Difficulty while trekking (esp. for new trekkers)
Guidelines for Winter Treks in Nepal
- Always trek with a professional guide
- Better to hire a porter for a comfortable trek
- Stick to the itinerary and don’t trek alone
- Strictly follow the guide’s guidelines
- Keep up to date with a weather forecast of the trek region
- Wear comfortable layers and sturdy shoes
- Cover your whole body and keep yourself warm
- Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
- Pack warm but light clothes (only necessary)
- Don’t forget necessary medicines
- Use trekking poles and gaiters for ease and extra safety
Required Permits and its cost
| Region | Permits Required |
| Annapurna Region Ghorepani Poon Hill Royal Trek Sikles Trek Mardi Himal Trek Jomsom Muktinath Trek | 1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Foreigners- NPR 3000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person 2.Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person Diplomats/Foreign Officials- NPR 500/person 3.Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit (Only for Mardi Himal Trek) Foreigners- NPR 500/person Locals- NPR 100/person |
| Langtang Region Helambu Trek Langtang Valley Trek | 1. Langtang National Park (LNP) Foreigners- USD 30/person SAARC- USD 15/person 2.Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person Diplomats/Foreign Officials- NPR 500/person |
| Everest Region Everest View Trek Everest Panorama Trek | 1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person 2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Foreigners- NPR 3000/person SAARC- NPR 1500/person |
