Trekking Nepal in Winter

Trekking in Nepal in the Winter Season. Do you think it’s worth the challenge?

 29 Dec 2020  Adventure Mountain Treks

Mountains Graced by Clouds

Winter is the off-season month of the year for trekking in Nepal. In this season, most of the trekking routes are closes due to heavy snowfall and weather concerns. However, you can still do trekking in Nepal during the winter season. But you must prepare properly to do Trekking Nepal in winter.

The trekking areas which are less affected in the winter season, mainly in lower altitudes are still available for trekking. You can also do higher altitude trekking if the weather condition is suitable at that period and if you are prepared well.

The climate within the higher altitude of the mountain region is very cold in the winter season. The days are warm and sunny but you will experience a cold windy night. In general, the sky is clear in the winter season. Perfect time to have great views of the mountains.

As it is an off-season for trekking in winter, the trekking routes will be peaceful. You will be able to trek peacefully if you don’t like a densely populated environment. The teahouses in the trekking trails will have plenty of available rooms.  You will have the option to choose any room you want. Also, you will be experiencing proper customer service and hospitality as there will be fewer customers to focus on them.

Weather in Nepal in Winter

In the winter season, the higher altitude area will have a lot of snowfall. You can expect the average temperature in the daytime to be approximately 8°C and during the nighttime, it can fall to around 1°C and can go below freezing point. The winter season is also dry due to the lack of humidity. The weather is foggy during the morning time and the grass and trees are covered in dew and frost. The visibility in the morning time is pretty clumsy due to the fog and mist. Although during the daytime the sky gets clear and it will be perfect to observe the magnificent views of the mountains.

If you are making a plan to do trekking in Nepal in the winter season then you must prepare well to deal with the dry and cold climate. Secondly, you will need to add a few extra days of trekking in case you get to deal with the setbacks from flight delays due to bad weather. Also, you will need to start your trek early as the days are shorter during this time of the year which means less time for trekking.

Best Trekking Destination in Nepal in the Winter Season

The following are the best destination to trek in Nepal in the Winter season:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking

Ghorepani Poon Hill At Winter

Short and Panoramic Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking around the Annapurna Himalaya range is widely popular. You will observe the tantalizing scenery of the amazing snow-capped mountain range of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and several other peaks. Trekking is being a primary choice for thousands of trekkers and hikers throughout the year because the main feature of this trek; Short duration, breathtaking scenery of the world’s popular mountain range, exploring the typical cultural villages, walking through the beautiful rhododendron forest, and much more attraction.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an 11-day hike in the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. This is one of our special trek packages that take you to the foothills of the famous Annapurna amidst the rugged hills of Ghandruk. It takes a moderate level of fitness to complete. The max elevation is 3,210 meters reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Pokhara is the closest main access city to begin treks into the Annapurna range.

If it’s your first time in the Himalayas, then begin your journey with The Ghorepani Poonhill Scenic Trek. This is a spectacular retreat that matches the amazing beauty of nature. The taste of the unique local culture will make your journey authentic. The warmth of the local folks with the lovely landscapes that can be viewed from Poon Hill. A colorful small village that also doubles up as a box office viewpoint based inside the Annapurna Conservation Area at the height of 3,210m; is something more than what you bargained for.

 Lower Mustang Trek

Lower Mustang

The short and scenic route of Lower Mustang Trek is a perfect combination of natural and cultural experience in Annapurna & Mustang region of Nepal. All the parts surrounds by the world’s popular Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. We can consider the trek as an easy and scenic is suitable for beginner to experienced trekkers. Highlights of the Lower Mustang Trekking includes comprises of Ghorepani, Poonhill as well as Jomsom, Muktinath where we explore cultural tradition & lifestyle of indigenous peoples; Gurung, Magar, Thakali, charming villages, landscapes, flora & fauna, ascend to Poonhill viewpoint for tantalizing sunrise view over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, explore world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge (Valley), holy religious temple.

Lower Mustang Trek takes you into the hidden world of Mustang’s old Buddhist kingdom, also known as the Tibetan empire, and is thus closely related to Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced in a very pure form and villages are built in Tibetan style, with whitewashed houses tucked onto the roofs with firewood.

Additionally, the landscape is closely related to Tibet. Mustang lies in the region of a rain shadow and the Dhaulagiri family and the Tukuche Range dominates it. The villages with their brightly colored fields are like an oasis in lower mustang Nepal has a barren landscape.

 Everest Short Trek

Everest Short Trek

Adventure trip of Everest Short Trek is launched, aimed to say no for the long and tiring trails up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar but enjoy the scenery as much as possible from major viewpoints bellow from the high altitudes. The short itinerary of Everest trek is perfectly matched for those adventure lovers who have a limited time schedule and still want to have an amazing experience of Everest trekking, also suitable for less physically fit trekkers who are not able to walk long days. This magical trek offers the opportunity to explore major attractions of EBC trek; the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar, Syangboche viewpoint, Hotel Everest View, Khumjung, and the biggest monastery of Tyangboche.

This trip is simply can be categorized as an opportunity to spy the mountains near the Everest region from neither too far nor too close those are; Mt. Everest (8,848m/2,9021ft), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m/27,932ft), Mt. Nuptse (7,861m/25,784ft), Mt. Thamserku (6,623m/21,723ft), Mt. Amadablam (6,812m/22,343ft) and other snow-capped peaks.

All the way to Everest Short Trek, every trekker can have a lifetime experience of observing rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural villages, honest and brave Sherpa people with their lifestyle, beautiful flora and fauna of Nepalese mountains, colorful prayer flags, Buddhist chhortens, monasteries, Gompas and much more attraction inside the world’s highest Sagarmatha National Park.

 Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley

Langtang Valley Trek is easy and scenic trekking near Kathmandu valley inside Langtang National Park. Trek up to nearest and close of Tibetan border offers to explore the Tibetan influence villages. Scenic view of spectacular snow-capped mountains is sure to take your breath away. Although the Langtang Valley Trek is relatively short, accessible, and cheap; the trails are quieter with less number of trekkers compared to other classic trekking destinations in Nepal. Journey to Langtang valley with us will lead you through a variety of natural beauty. Rhododendron forests, bamboo forests, great waterfalls, and majestic Himalayan corner.  Our trekking journey starts from the lower Langtang valley by following the flat old trade route of Nepal-Tibet. The trail takes you to an altitude of 4,000 meters.

If you wish to go higher, if the weather is good, you’d not miss the beautiful sunrise from the Tserko Ri at 5,000m. The highlights of the Langtang Valley Trekking also include a hike up to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri for close-up views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, Ganja La Peak, Yala Peak, Tserko Peak, and Jang Chempo peak. Protected as Langtang National Park, it is home to an abundance of exotic animals and birds. Our exciting 11-day trip to Nepal comes to a conclusion in Kathmandu, where it had started.

Furthermore:

The trek is ideal for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travel enthusiasts. This trek provides an incredible opportunity to traverse through beautiful Tamang villages, diverse landscapes, eye-catching waterfalls, high Himalayan valleys, monasteries, and densely forested areas. For those who want to trek this off-beat track and see something completely different from many of the more tourist areas in the country, this is a perfect trek.

Similarly, for those who are discovering Nepal for the first time, this is the perfect introduction.

Pros and Cons of Trekking in Nepal in Winter Season

Pros

• Peaceful Trekking Trails

If you are looking for peaceful trails without the buzz of people, then trekking in the winter season will give you exactly what you want. The trail you are trekking is all yours. You can explore the region at your own pace and enjoy your snowy excursion in solitude.

In a peak season, you have to avoid visiting some places due to huge crowds of tourists invading that area. But, In winter, you can visit all the amazing places you’ve always wanted to visit because of the silent trail.

• Easier to go off-trail and explore

Walking on solid packed snow is much more sparing for your feet. In addition to that, the winter trek is more delightful than summer walking in the vast wilderness. You can walk across snowy roads and frozen lakes easily without concerning about uneven, rough, or difficult terrain. Moreover, you don’t need to bother about heat and humidity.

• Spectacular views

The reason why the winter season attracts many trekkers is due to the snowy winter landscapes. And also snow-capped peaks, peculiar ice formations, beautiful frozen lakes, etc.

It will honor you with magnificent views of mountains, dramatic landscapes, and beautiful sights.

Although the trek is somewhat tough, the bounty is more than enough to neutralize the effort. With the beautiful and snowy view of the surroundings, you feel euphoric in the whole trek.

• Wildlife

Another perk of this time is the different and often more abundant wildlife that you may be able to rendezvous. Overcrowded trails in other seasons and your luck to see wild animals will shrink considerably. Indeed, The winter is a great opportunity to see all those endangered animals of the wild.

• No bugs

Winter trekking is mostly adopted by many trekkers as there will be no issue with bugs. During this time of the year buzzing, biting, and irritating insects and other bugs literally perish.

Cons

• Freezing cold

It’s evident that winter is a freezing and cold season, notably in the Himalayan region. Too cold climate means that you need boots and clothing befitted to cold weather.

You need a number of layers of your hiking clothes for cold weather protection. But, too many layers of clothing may affect your walking pace.

• Less daylight

Sunlight lasts for roughly 7-10 hours in the winter season. Thus you need to begin your trek as early as possible during this time. Sometimes you’ll also have to walk by headlamp because daylight hours are very limited in the winter.

To make your walk secure and enjoyable, don’t ever go backpacking without a dependable source of light.

• Heavier pack weight

Cold weather protection demands more layers of clothing and gear, in general. Moreover, enough nutrition and hydration are crucial for trekking. Specifically, while trekking to the higher altitudes. All this packing makes your luggage heavier and difficult to trek.

• Water sources may be frozen

Another thing that you should take into account is that winter can scarce the availability of a water source on the trail. Due to the extreme cold, the water sources will remain frozen.

So, make sure to plan your winter trek properly. Moreover, keep a handy stove and some fuel for melting snow in case you don’t find direct access to drinking water.

Tips for Trekking in Nepal in The Winter Season

• Keep in mind that solo trekking is extremely deadly especially at higher altitudes in the winter season. Thus, it is not recommended unless you’re well-adapted for all types of winter weather. But, we strongly suggest to hire an experienced guide or porter.
• Natural forces are difficult to forecast or control. Don’t panic and always be well prepared mentally and physically for the unexpected.
• Take all the necessary gear and equipment corresponding to the peculiar trail conditions. Such as warm hiking boots, snowshoes, trekking poles, ice ax crampons, etc.
• Always start your day well hydrated for better physical performance. And carry plenty of tea or water to stay hydrated throughout the trekking day.
• Have regular meals and eat well to make sure you have enough energy for trekking in the cold climate. Also, high caloric intake will help you recover faster from long and exhausting winter treks. Remember this when planning your winter trip.
• The days are very short. It is better to initiate early and reach your trekking destinations before dark.
• Since dense snow hinders high-altitude treks, it is better to select low-altitude treks.
• During the winter season, the temperature at night falls below 0 degrees in the high hill. So, you need to carry extra clothing to prevent extreme cold.

In Conclusion,

Trekking in Nepal during the winter has pros and cons of its own. But the most essential one is that it will give a real insight into the beautiful Himalayas of Nepal.

Moreover, walking in nature on a silent trail makes your trip much more delightful and relaxing.

On the other side, the winter season has some drawbacks too. Nevertheless, if you are prepared properly for the challenges of trekking in the winter, you’ll have an awesome journey.

For any information or queries, please feel free to Contact us.