Trekking in Nepal in December and January 2024-2025

  • 2023-10-12
  • by Amrit Chhetri

Trekking in Nepal in December and January

Nepal Trekking in December, January, and February is not the best time trekking in Nepal. Most trekking routes will be closed due to heavy snowfall and weather concerns. However, the main features of trekking in December, January, and February are very peaceful due to fewer tourists. The suitable trek in December and January are Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek, Everest Short Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek.

Trekking in Nepal during December and January can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to be prepared for the weather conditions and potential challenges. Here are some things to consider:
  • Weather: December and January are winter months in Nepal, so you can expect cold temperatures and snowfall in higher altitude regions. The weather can be unpredictable, with clear skies and sunny days interspersed with cloudy and snowy conditions. It's crucial to be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night.
  • Popular Trekking Regions: Some of the popular trekking regions in Nepal during December and January include the Everest region (Everest Base Camp trek return by Helicopter), Annapurna region (Annapurna Circuit trek), Langtang region (Langtang Valley trek), and the lower altitude treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. These regions have established trekking routes and teahouse accommodations available, which can provide some comfort during the trek.
  • Difficulty: Trekking in December and January can be more challenging compared to other seasons due to the colder temperatures, potential snow-covered trails, and shorter daylight hours. Some higher altitude passes and routes may be closed or require additional precautions. It's advisable to choose a trek that suits your fitness level and previous trekking experience. Hiring a guide or a porter can also be beneficial for navigation and assistance.
  • Equipment: Proper gear is crucial for winter trekking in Nepal. Make sure to bring warm and layered clothing, including thermal innerwear, down jacket, windproof and waterproof outer layers, warm hats, gloves, and sturdy trekking boots. Additionally, carry a good quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures and consider using a four-season tent if camping is involved.
  • Permits and Regulations: Check the permit requirements for your chosen trekking region. The most common permits are the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, depending on your trekking destination.
  • Safety: It's important to prioritize safety during your trek. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and trail conditions. Be prepared for possible changes in your itinerary due to adverse weather. Follow the instructions of local authorities, guides, and porters. Stay hydrated, eat well, and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers trekking and emergency evacuation if needed.
Remember to plan and book in advance, as December and January can be busy with trekkers. Consulting with a local trekking agency or experienced guides can provide valuable insights and assistance in organizing your trek.

Table of Contents

Trekking in Nepal in Winter

Nepal is always a dream destination for the worldwide traveler. Here you can do many outdoor activities which make your journey more thrilling as well as adventures. People excited to participate in mountaineering and high octane mountain Trek in Nepal have everything to offer. Every season people embark on Nepal as a most challenging tour destination due to its fascinating mountain trek. Before you go into the business end, like your desire to explore all rounds of places in Nepal, here is some extraordinary suggestion that proves to be handy when your actual trip begins.

Nepal, over the years, has engaged worldwide travelers and tourists to witness and take various mountain treks, which not only helps to unleash the power of physical stamina but also provides an excellent opportunity to get familiar with how to go about trekking preparation. In addition, there are many sightseeing places you can explore while you're staying in Nepal and its neighboring areas.

Trekking has been famous and by far the most challenging in terms of how you can cope up with inclement weather and other hurdles. Before you commence your Trekking, make sure you have a professional guide to assist you in each of your destination routes. The best time or season to do Trekking is in the winter months, like Dec and January. Then, the snowfall and chilling atmosphere will welcome you, and you can start your mountain trek under challenging circumstances.

The best part of Trekking in the Nepal region is like you can thoroughly enjoy it while you engage with one of the most challenging mountain climbs like Mount Everest. So during your stay in Nepal, you have plenty of time to engage with all kinds of mountaineering. Similarly, those who are pretty passionate and trekking friendly can take extreme Everest trek and see the excitement and fun. So come Dec and Jan, the entire region of Nepal will witness a massive base of adventure-friendly trekkers.

Trekking has been famous and highly challenging since trekkers will have to deal with higher altitudes and challenging weather, especially in the winter. However, surrounded by excellent sightseeing and pictorial Mount Everest, you cannot ask for a better country to visit than Nepal. Therefore, the winter season is ideally the perfect time to tour Nepal as you can experience the trekking adventure and make sure about enjoying the time in Nepal.

Highlights Trekking in Nepal in December, January 

  • Fewer Tourists, so the trail is peaceful.
  • Less chance to rain.
  • A clear view of Himalayan and mountain.
  • More options for accommodation in City and Trekking area.
  • Less discount because of low season.

Why Choose to do Winter Treks in Nepal

Even though spring and fall are the best seasons for traveling, not all individuals can figure out how to visit Nepal in that period. In such cases, you shouldn't be discouraged because the winter journey in Nepal likewise conveys great ideals the same amount as the pinnacle traveling periods of spring and harvest time. In any case, the climate of the Himalayas during winter is exceptionally new and fresh. As opposed to the popping shades of the spring or the harvest time, winter achieves a stifled melancholic feel upon the land. However, combined with the glow of the late morning sun and moving hazes during late nighttimes and early mornings, the winter journey in Nepal presents an exceptionally enchanting traveling experience that is one of a kind in its own right.

In the subsequent spot, practically the entirety of the alternatives for winter journey in Nepal is generally simple to direct level outings. Hence, no past journeying experience is required to make any of the winter journeys. Moreover, traveling ventures don't arrive at general height levels. Being that, it kills the opportunity of elevation ailment. In like manner, the winter journey in Nepal presents the ideal alternative for individuals who need simple/moderate excursions while encountering the best components of the districts.

Best Trekking Packages in December, January, and February

Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek

Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek is the most popular trekking packages for easy and short trekking package in Nepal. The trek follows the foothills of Annapurna Base Camp Trek also. From this Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek, you will get the opportunity to see two unique ethnic villages Ghandruk and Ghorepani, breathtaking view of sunrise from Poonhill (3210m).

Highlights of Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek:

  • Explore Historical and Cultural Kathmandu City.
  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu- Pokhara.
  • Explore beautiful city Pokhara.
  • Sunrise view from Poonhill.
  • Sunset tour at Sarangkot.
  • Ghandruk and Ghorepani village.
  • Culture and lifestyle of Gurung in Ghandruk and Ghorepani.

Short Itinerary of Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek: 

Day 01: Arrival.

Day 02: Kathmandu (1320m) to Pokhara (914m - 7 hrs).

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tirkhedhunga (1577m - 6hrs)

Day 04:Trek to Ghorepani (2855m - 6hrs).

Day 05: Trek to Poonhiil (3180m.) and Trek to Ghandruk (1900m - 8hrs).

Day 06: Trek to Nayapul(1113m - 4hrs) Drive to Pokhara.

Day 07: Drive or fly Kathmandu.

Day 08: Departure.

Everest View Trekking

Another famous and best Trekking in December and January is Everest View Trekking. The Everest View Trek is short and easy Trekking in Everest Trekking packages. The trek starts the scenic and adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu, Namche Bazar: a gateway of Everest Base Camp Trek or other Everest Trekking Packages, clear view of different snowcapped Mountain View like Lhotse, Everest, Pumori. If you choose Trekking in Nepal in December and January, you can get more options to stay lodge and more attention in a restaurant in the trekking area.

Highlights of Everest View Trek: 

  • Explore Kathmandu City.
  • Namche Bazar.
  • The trekking route is through Sherpa village.
  • Buddhist culture.
  • Breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other peaks.
  • Culture and lifestyle of Sherpa people.
  • Flora and Fauna in Everest.

Short Itinerary of Everest View Trek: 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Trek Preparation and Sightseeing Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square.

Day 03: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2610m - 4hrs).

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m - 6hrs).

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazar.

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche, (3867m - 6 hrs)

Day 07:Trek to Khumjung village (3789m - 5hrs).

Day 08: Trek to Monjo (2835m - 5hrs).

Day 09: Trek to Lukla.

Day 10: Lukla fly to Kathmandu, End of the trek. Dinner with a cultural program.

Day 11: Departure.

Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal Trekking is one of the best trekking packages for December and January. The trail starts with climbing through rhododendron forest, unique and isolated villages, suspension bridges, and Mardi Himal Base Camp. Mardi Himal Trek Package carries every element of a classic Nepal trekking experience! With an average fitness and appropriate plan, 11 days Mardi Himal Trek is one of the wholesome courses for a short but wonderful trekking experience.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking: 

  • Explore history, culture, tradition of Nepal through Kathmandu Heritage sites
  • Enjoy magnificent scenes of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and other pinnacles.
  • Explore local culture and food during your stay at homestays.
  • Visit Annapurna Sanctuary with great perspectives of Modi Khola valley.
  • Spend the night in camps and days in the lap of stunning mountains with all-encompassing scenes.

Short Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek:

Day 01:Arrival.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara.

Day 03: Drive to Kande Trek to Pothana.

Day 04: Pothana Trek to Forest Camp - Rest Camp.

Day 05: Rest Camp - Low Camp Trek to Badal Danda.

Day 06: Badal Danda Trek to High Camp.

Day 07: High Camp - Mardi View Point- Mardi Base Camp (4500 M) - Low Camp.

Day 08: Low Camp - Siding - Drive back to Pokhara.

Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu.

Day 10: Departure.

Langtang Valley Trekking

Langtang Valley Trek is another famous trekking in December and January. The Langtang Valley Trek starts through excellent driving from Kathmandu to Syaprubensi. Then, the Langtang Valley Trek explores the most famous place, Langtang Valley, Kyanjin Gompa, scenic waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and lowland glaciers.

Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek:

  • Explore Kathmandu City.
  • Buddhist gompa like Kyanjin and another old gompa.
  • Snowcapped peaks.
  • Ancient and isolated villages.
  • Tibetan Buddhist Village
  • Friendly behaviors of the local community.
  • Rhododendron forest.
  • Langtang village.
  • Panoramic view of Lantang Ri, Ganjala peak, and another snowcapped peak.

Short Itinerary of Langtang Valley Trek:

Day 01:Arrival.

Day 02: Kathmandu- Dhunche(2030m - 8hrs)

Day 03:Trek to Thulo Syabru(2210m - 5hrs).

Day 04: Trek to Rimche (2399m - 5hrs).

Day 05: Trek to Ghoratabela (3030m - 5hrs)

Day 06:Trek to Kyangjin Gompa (3830m - 5hrs).

Day 07: Kyangjin Gompa.

Day 08: Trek back to Lama hotel.

Day 09: Trek to Sybrubesi.

Day 10: Drive toward Kathmandu.

Day 11: Departure.

Recommended clothing for Winter Trek in Nepal

Preparation for all climates is vital while trekking in Nepal whenever of year, yet it is particularly essential to have enough warm layers in the winter. Daytime temperatures in Nepal can be warm in winter yet drop to beneath freezing at higher rises. You will probably need to take your jacket off during the day while you're trekking, so a decent down coat is perfect. Down jackets are light to carry and will keep you warm when the sun goes down. Good woolen hats, gloves, socks, and scarves are also essential.

Almost all winter equipment can be bought or rented at one of the trekking shops in Thamel, Kathmandu. However, depending on how long you'll be trekking and how cold it gets, it doesn't hurt to bring your winter gear, as well. While teahouses provide blankets, if you have a compact sleeping bag of your own, it is advisable to get extra warmth.

Recommended list for a winter trek in Nepal

  •    A warm winter sleeping bag (ideally down)
  •    A few pairs of warm socks
  •    Layers (t-shirt, long-sleeved, and down jacket)
  •    A couple of warm gloves and a toque
  •    Sunscreen and sunglasses

Conclusion

Winter Trek in Nepal is a satisfying and brilliant involvement at a similar time. The cool mornings and the cold evenings with warm radiant days are exquisite for journeying. The previously mentioned are probably the most straightforward and moderate journeying courses in Nepal. For these journeys, you don't have to have cumbersome garments or enormous traveling packs. In any case, on the off chance that you are considering attempting a more luxurious journeying experience, at that point, there are numerous paths too. You can check our all-encompassing rundown of traveling courses for winter in our 15 best winter journeys in Nepal. With everything taken into account, a winter journey in Nepal is significantly a mind-boggling activity and experience.

Besides the trekking packages in Nepal, many trekking packages are not published online, but if you send a Local Trekking/Tour Company in Nepal, they will provide you. If you have questions furthermore or need more information, please get in touch with Us.

Company Profile

Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd is an ideal partner for trekking Packages in Nepal/Nepal Tour Packages or any other tourism activities in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The company was established in 2004 AD by individuals who have spent an entire life working as guides, mountaineers, and trekkers. One of the best things about us is that we focus on client satisfaction. And to achieve that, we even allow our clients to make changes to the itinerary if you're planning to go on the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages and are looking for a travel service provider.

To make sure to choose Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd. The one sure thing is, with us beside you, you can get the best out of the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages, including Bhutan and Tibet.

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