11 Best Winter Treks in Nepal

  • Kishwor Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Nov 2, 2023

An activity that draws many visitors from other countries to Nepal is certainly Trekking. Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are the favoured seasons that see large numbers. However, Winter (December to February), largely ignored by many based more on assumptions than facts, is also an ideal season for many trek routes. In fact, these Winter Treks in Nepal come with points for consideration. 

First, the skies are very clear, as clear as in the main seasons on most days, contrary to ill-informed beliefs. The sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas on WinterTreks in Nepal are, especially, unmatched. Second, the trails are a lot quieter even on the otherwise busy routes of the favored seasons.

Table of Contents

EVEREST PANORAMA TREK

Everest Panorama Trek takes travelers to two main Sherpa settlements in the Everest region: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and Khumjung Village (3,790 m). While the views of the Himalayas as well as a peek into the villages the route certainly captures attention, the Panorama that includes Everest and Ama Dablam from Everest Viewpoint (3,800 m) slightly above Namche Bazaar can be described as nothing less than awe-inspiring. 

The trek starts with a flight to Lukla airport, the favored trailhead for most treks in the Everest region including Everest Base Camp Trek. 

With a length of around 45 kilometers, the route meanders on well-trodden paths through Sagarmatha National Park and over high suspension bridges at places. This trail calls for 5 days of a walk from start to finish, averaging around 4 hours a day. Everest Panorama Trek is very quiet and beautiful in December, January, and February.

In Namche Bazaar and surrounding areas, the minimum winter temperatures drop to between -6 °C to -8 °C, and the maximum remains between 6 °C and 8 °C. Some of the days in the winter receive snow. 

Everest panorama Trek Highlights:

  • An amazing view of Mt. Everest and other beautiful Himalayas.
  • Namche Bazaar.
  • Khumjung Village.
  • Sherpa Culture and their lifestyle.
  • Khumjung Monastery.
  • Scenic flight to Lukla.
  • The awesome sunset on the Himalayas.

Everest panorama Trek Facts:

Trek Duration: 9 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate 

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Lukla

Ending Point: Lukla

Highest Elevation: 3840m

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, the Everest Panorama trek is possible to do in December/ January. This trek doesn't lead to the high Himalayas so it is doable in winter.

Accessibility in Monsoon: There won’t be any flights to Lukla from Kathmandu due to the bad weather, but it is possible to drive to Salleri and start the trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Price Per- Person
 Solo Trekker $ 1450
 2 Person $ 1250
 3 - 5 Person $ 1200
 6 - 10 Person $ 1100
 11 - 20 Person $ 1000

 

PIKEY PEAK TREK

Quieter than busier routes even during peak seasons (Autumn and Spring), Pikey Peak Trek takes travelers to the southern parts of the Solu-Khumbu region in close proximity to the Everest Region. The trail, which passes through a number of Shera villages, presents an opportunity to an experience authentic Sherpa culture in practice. Furthermore, the view from atop Pikey Peak at an altitude of 4,000 meters matches, perhaps, only a few. The panorama includes Everest, Lhotse, Gaurishanker, Makalu, and Dorje Lakpa among others.Pikey Peak Trek in December, January, and February offer an awesome view of all the Himalayas.

The route for this trek covers a length of around 55 kilometers from start to finish to be completed in 9 days. The average walk is 5 hours a day. 

In the winter, the minimum temperature around Pikey Peak falls to between -2 0C and -6 0C and the maximum remains between 6 C and 10 C. Pikey  Peak receives snow on some days in the winter. 

Pikey Peak Trek Highlights:

  • Sherpa Culture and lifestyle
  • Mt. Everest view from Pikey Peak
  • 360 Panoramic view of Everest Himalayan range from Pikey Peak
  • Sunrise from Pikey Peak

 Pikey Peak Trek Facts:

Trek Duration: 6 Days

Trek Difficulty:Moderate

Accommodation Type:Local Guesthouse and Tented Camp

Starting Point: Dhap Bazaar

Ending Point:Phaplu

Highest elevation:4700m

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Pikey Peak is possible to do in winter. This trek doesn't get very cold during the winter.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Pikey peak trek is possible to do in the Moosnoon season. Monsoon offers a very green landscape with a white Everest Himalayan range.

Pikey Peak Trekking Price Chart

 Group Size Price Per - Person
 Solo Trekker  $650
 2 Person $550
 3 - 5 Person $500
 6 - 10 Person $460
 11 - 20 Person $430

 

GHOREPANI POON-HILL TREK

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. Poon-Hill, at an altitude of 3 210 meters in the Annapurna region, is a famous vantage point that offers stunning sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

The trail, which includes sharp ascends and descends, passes largely through dense forests dominated by rhododendrons and bamboo as well as terraced farms near villages predominantly Gurungs. This route during a Winter Ghorepani Poon-hill Trek in December / January is a lot quieter in comparison to the busier seasons – Autumn and Spring.

The trekking route, stretching around 50 kilometers from the trailhead to the finish, requires 3/4 days of walking. The average is around 6 hours’ walk each day.

Around Ghorepani and Poon-Hill areas, the minimum winter temperatures fall between -2 °C and -6 °C, and the maximum remains between 7 °C and 10 °C. The area occasionally sees snow in the winter.

Highlights of Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek:

  • Local lifestyle and their culture
  • 360 View of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range from Poonhill
  • Sunrise from Poonhill
  • Ghandruk  Village
  • Gorgeous view of Mt. Fishtail

Ghorepani Poon-hill Trek Facts:

Trek Duration:5 Days

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Ulleri

Ending Point: Ghandruk

Highest elevation: 3210m

Best Season: Spring ( End of February, March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December, January, and February)

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is possible to do in winter.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, but the weather might be cloudy and rainy.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Cost Per Person
 Solo Trekker $ 550
 2 Person $ 430
  3 - 5 Person $ 350
 6 - 10 Person $ 330
 11 - 20 Person $ 299

MOHARE DANDA TREK in Winter

Aimed at promoting sustainable eco-tourism, Mohare Danda Trek in the Annapurna region is a newly introduced trail. Although not many have traversed the trail, those who have, however, remain, witness, that this is a walk worthwhile. The off-the-beaten trail passes through lush forests dominated by oaks, bamboo, pines, and villages that largely see the Magar population. At an altitude of 3,300 meters from the sea level, Mohare Danda is ideally located for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The altitude is not very high in this trek so the Mohare danda trek in Winter (December and January) is possible for all ages trekkers.

Mohare Danda Trek comes with a total route length of around 45 kilometers from the trailhead to the end. Expected to be completed in 5 days of walk, the average walk is 5 km a day. 

The minimum winter temperatures around Mohare Danda fall between -2 °C and -4 °C and the maximum remains between 7 °C and 10 °C. Mohare Danda receives snow occasionally in the winter months. 

Mohare  Danda Trek in Winter Highlights:

  • Gurung and Magar Lifestyle
  • Sunset & Sunrise view of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri View from Mohare Danda
  • 360 Panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan range from Mohare Danda
  • Sunrise from Mohare Danda

 Mohare Danda Trek in Winter Facts:

Trek Duration:10 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Beni

Ending Point: Pokhara

Highest elevation:3315m

Best Season: Spring( March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December and January)

Accessibility in Winter:  Yes, the Mohare Danda trek in winter offers peaceful and beautiful Annapurna Himalayan views.

Accessibility in Monsoon:  Mohare Danda trek in Monsoon is doable but will be partly cloudy and rainy.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK in WINTER

As one of the most popular treks in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek draws travelers in large numbers. In the winter months, however, the trail is a lot quieter In comparison. Annapurna Base Camp trek in winter offers a clear view of all the Annapurna Himalayan ranges.

Nonetheless, the views are equally captivating, owing to the clear skies more often than not. Right toward the beginning of the trek, the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas reach their climax at the foothills of the mighty Annapurnas, the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Hiunchuli, Machapuchre, Annapurna III, andTent Peak, the experience finds only a few matching ones even within the Himalayan Massifs. The trail itself is not miserly, passing through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, Magar and Gurung villages, and past waterfalls. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December, January, and February is much quieter and offers a clear view of the Himalayas.

Expected to be completed in 11 days of walking or if you have limited time, you could do the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trail for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter stretches around 120 kilometers. The average walk is 5 to 6 hours a day.

The winter temperatures at Annapurna Base Camp see a minimum between -4°C and -10°C and the maximum remains between 5°C and 10°C The Base Camp does receive snow on a number of winter days but does not, on most occasions, hamper the trek. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter Highlights:

  • Gurung culture and their lifestyle.
  • Amazing view of Annapurna Himalayan Range
  • Sunrise from Poonhill
  • 360 view from Poonhill.
  • Annapurna Base Camp
  • Glacier nearby Annapurna Base Camp
  • Great sunset on Mt. Machhapuchhere from Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base camp trek in Winter Facts:

Trek Duration:10 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Ulleri

Ending Point: Kimche

Best Season: Spring ( March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December, January, and February)

Highest elevation: 4310m

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter offers a peaceful trail, a beautiful sunset view, and an awesome view of all the Himalayas.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Monsoon is doable but the weather will be cloudy and rainy.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Price Chart

 Group size Cost Per Person
 Solo Traveller  $ 900
 2 Person $ 685
 3 - 5 Person  $ 660
 6 - 10 Person $ 630
 11 - 20 Person $ 599

KHOPRA DANDA TREK in WINTER

Khopra Danda Trek is a trek in the Annapurna region. Khopra Danda trek in winter is quieter than the busier routes even in the peak seasons (Autumn and Spring), the trail passes through dense forests, inviting waterfalls, terraced agricultural fields, and villages dominated by Magar and Gurung populations. The trek also involves a hike to the sacred Kaire Lake at an altitude of 4,500 meters. In addition, the trek is known for its views of the Himalayas. Noteworthy are the ones of the Annapurna, Machapuchre, and Dhaulagiri from Khopra Danda (3 660 m) and the sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon-Hill (3,210 m).

The route that stretches around 80 kilometers is expected to be completed in 9 days with an average of 5 hours of walking each day. 

Khopra Danda Trek in winter Highlights:

  • Gurung and Magar culture
  • Mt. Annapurna from Khopra Danda
  • 360 Panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan range from Khopra Danda
  • Sunrise and Sunset from Khopra Danda

Khopra Danda Trek in winter Facts:

Trek Duration:10 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Ulleri

Ending Point: Ghandruk

Highest elevation:4700m

Best Season: Spring( March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December and January)

Accessibility in Winter:  Yes, Khopra Danda Trek in winter offers quite an environment and the awesome Annapurna Himalayan view.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Khopra Danda trek in Monsoon is doable but the weather will be partly cloudy and rainy.

Around Khopra Danda trek in winter and Poon-Hill areas, the minimum winter temperatures fall between -2 °C and -4 °C and the maximum remains between 7 °C and 10 °C. The area occasionally sees snow in the winter 

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK in Winter

Rated as one of the best treks in Nepal, Langtang Valley Trek takes all travelers to the lands of the Himalayan range where Langtang Lirung (7, 234 m) reigns supreme. Surrounded by the Himalayas, the final destination, where trekkers spend the night, is Kyanjin Gompa at an altitude of 3,800 meters. What adds to the experience are the day trips from Kyanjin Gompa. For some, this is a trip to the glacial valley of Langshisha Kharka or a visit to one of Nepal's oldest Yak Cheese Swiss factories. For others, it’s a climb, especially in Autumn and Spring, either to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) or to Tserko Ri (4,985 m) for a 360° view of the Himalayas. Further, Langtang Valley Trek is a quick walk from subtropical to alpine conditions. The area is, thus, known for its biodiversity and is home to many rare wildlife species including the heat-sensitive Red Panda.

The route stretches around 75 kilometers from start to finish and demands 6 days of a walk for completion. The average walk per day is between 5 and 6 hours. 

Kyanjin Gompa experiences minimum winter temperatures between -2°C and -6°C and the maximum between 5°C and 10°C The village receives snow on a number of winter days but this does not, often, affect trek schedules. 

Langtang Valley Trek in winter  Highlights:

  • Tamang Culture and their Lifestyle
  • Langtang Village
  • Kyanjing Gumba
  • Tserkuri Ri
  • View from Tserkuri

Langtang Valley Trek in winter Facts:

Trek Duration:10 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Syaprubensi

Ending Point: Syaprubensi

Highest elevation: 5030m

Best Season: Spring ( March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December and January)

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Langtang Valley Trek in winter offers an awesome view from Kyanjing Ri and Tserku Ri.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Langtang Valley trek in Monsoon can be done but the weather is not clear and rainy.

Langtang Valley Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Cost Per - Person
 Solo Trekker $650
 2 Person $495
 3 - 5 Person $465
 6 - 10 Person $440
 11 - 20 Person $399

TAMANG HERITAGE TREK in Winter

Tamang Heritage Trek is a trek in theLangtang region. Besides the walk, the trek focuses on the ways of the Tamangs, an ethnic group with Tibetan influences in their culture. The life in many of these culturally rich villages the trail passes through retains an aura of some ancient times – in their songs and dances, in their traditional costumes, in their welcoming the visitors with silk Khadas and Chyang (a drink), in their monasteries and prayer flags, and in the architecture of their porches, windows, and doors. The views of the Himalayas, including Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) and Ganesh Himal (7,427 m), are no less captivating, however. Noteworthy is the one from Nagthali (3,165 m), the highest elevation for the trek. 

The route for the Tamang Heritage trek stretches around 75 kilometers expected to complete in 6 days of walk, the trek demands walking 5 to 6 hours a day. 

The minimum winter temperature around Nagthali drops to between -2 °C and -4 °C and the maximum remains between 8 °C and 10 °C. The area receives snow occasionally in the winter months.

Tamang Heritage Trek in winter Highlights:

  • Tamang Culture, Lifestyle, and their culture.
  • Hot Spring
  • Gatlang Village
  • Parbati Kunda
  • Tibet and Langtang Himalayan view from Nagthali

Tamang Heritage trek in winter  Facts:

Trek Duration:06 Days

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Syaprubesi

Ending Point: Timure

Highest elevation: 3900m

Best Season: Spring( March, April, and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December, January, and February)

Accessibility in Winter:  Yes, the Tamang Heritage trek in winter is doable.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Tamang Heritage trek in Monsoon is possible.

Tamang Heritage Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Cost Per - Person
 Solo Trekker $545
 2 Person $425
 3 - 5 Person $395
 6 - 10 Person $365
 11 - 20 Person $315

CHISAPANI NAGARKOT TREK

With its trailhead in Kathmandu, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek takes travelers to two well-known hill stations close to Kathmandu. Both Chisapani and Nagarkot are famous as viewpoints for a broad view of the Himalayas. The first day of the walk to Chisapani goes through a beautiful dense forest, a part of Shivapuri National Park. 

The route of about 40 kilometers requires walking around 6 hours on the first day and around 9 hours on the second.

The winter in both Chisapani and Nagarkot sees temperatures drop to around 0 °C and is cold. Snowfall in these locations is very occasional and light.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek in winter Highlights:

  • Tamang culture and their lifestyle.
  • Sunrise view from Nagarkot
  • Langtang Himalayan range view.
  • Shivapuri Nationalpark walking.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Facts:

Trek Duration: 3 Days

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Sundarijal

Ending Point: Nagarkot

Highest elevation:2300m

Best Season: Spring ( March April and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December, January, and February)

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek in winter is possible for all ages of trekkers from around the world.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek in winter is possible to do but the weather will be a bit cloudy and rainy.

ROLWALING VALLEY TREK IN WINTER

Rolwaling Valley lies between Langtang and Khumbu Himalayan ranges. Quiet even in the busier seasons of Autumn and Spring, Rolwaling Valley Trek presents a walk over numerous suspensionbridges over impressive gorges, through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, and past waterfalls. 

The villages on the trail are populated largely by Tamangs, Sherpas, and Chhetris. The Rolwaling Trek also involves a hike to a glacial lake at an altitude of 4,580 meters, Lake Tsho Rolpa. The vantage points on the trail showcase magnificent views of Gaurishanker Himal (7,145 m) and others in the range. 

The trail of almost 100 kilometers demands 8 days of walking, averaging 5 to 6 hours every day. 

The winter temperatures around the settlements of Bedding (3,690 m) and Na Gaon (4,185 m) see the minimum drop to between -2 °C and -10 °C and the maximum remain between 6 °C and 8 °C. The winter also sees snow in these locations. 

Rolwaling Valley Trek Highlights:

  • Sherpa Culture and lifestyle
  • Mt. Everest view from Rolwaling Valley.
  • Tsho Rolpa Lake
  • Nga Village
  • Monastery of the local village

Rolwaling Valley Trek Facts:

Trek Duration: 9 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House

Starting Point: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat: 7 hours

Ending Point: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu.

Highest elevation: 4100m

Best Season: Spring( March April and May) Autumn ( September, October, and November) Winter ( December and January)

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, the Rolwaling Valley trek in winter offers a peaceful time in the Himalayas with an awesome view of Langtang and the Everest Himalayan range.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, Rolwaling Valley Trek in Monsoon offers a very green and colorful landscape view of the white Himalayas.

Rolwaling Valley Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Price Per - Person
 Solo Traveller $775
 2 Person $600
 3 - 5 Person $575
 6 - 10 Person $550
 11 - 20 Person $ 525

 

KANCHENJUNGA SOUTH BASE CAMP TREK

Third, on the altitude scale from the sea level, Mount Kanchenjunga soars high. Of the five peaks, the Main stands tall at 8,586 meters. Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek takes travelers first to Yalung Glacier (4,580 m). The view of the South face of Kanchenjunga along with other notable peaks (mainly, Kabru, Rating, and Talung) from this vantage point is a masterpiece. From here on, the route leads to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp(4,730 m) before the return. The trail, on the whole, sees a lot fewer trekkers even in peak seasons, making this trek a walk in solitude. The remote Limbu villages and pristine wilderness simply add to the experience. 

The trail for this trek, one of the remote treks in Nepal, is around 85 kilometers in length and requires 11 days to complete with an average of 6 hours of walking each day. 

Around Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, the temperatures in the winter months fall between -4°C and 10°C, and the maximum remain between 5°C and 10°C Although a number of days during the season see snow, the trek schedule is not hampered on most occasions. Click Herefor the complete Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Itinerary.

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek in winter Highlights:

  • Sherpa Culture and lifestyle
  • Amazing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
  • Yalung Khang Glacier.
  • Great view from Sunapati Peak (5800m)
  • Limbu Culture and their lifestyle
  • Peaceful trail with an amazing view.
  • Homestay in the local village.
  • Night stay at Tea Kanyam garden.

 Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek in winter Facts:

Trek Duration:13 Days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation Type: Guest House /Homestay/Tented camp

Starting Point: Lalikharka

Ending Point: Ranipul

Highest elevation:5800m

Best Season: Autumn ( September, October, and November) Spring ( March April, and May) Winter ( December and January)

Accessibility in Winter: Yes, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek in winter takes you to the peaceful trail of the Kanchenjunga region.

Accessibility in Monsoon: Yes, the Kanchenjunga South base Camp trek in Monsoon offers a green, peaceful and beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga region.

Winter treks in Nepal are becoming popular for those who are looking for very quiet time in the Himalayas. Trekking in Nepal in December, January, and February are popular as the quiet and peaceful period in the Himalayas. Please contact us for more information about winter Treks in Nepal.

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Price Chart

 Group Size Price Per - Person
 Solo Traveller $1900
 2 Person $1600
 3 - 5 Person $1550
 6 - 10 Person $ 1500
 11 - 20 Person $1400
Kishwor Adhikari

Kishwor Adhikari

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