Winter Hiking and Trekking in Nepal

• HB Kham

Winter season can be one of the best times for you to attempt shorter hiking and treks at lower elevations in Nepal as this is the very time when the temperatures in Nepal are colder, but you can have the extra fun of enjoying transparent skies to view snowy peaks.

So, you are welcome to visit Nepal in December, January and February 2020, as this New Year for Nepal is specially designed to welcome foreign guests with special care, attention and hospitality.

Since the mountain views are clearer during winter, you can opt for some of the most popular treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill to see the view of exciting and exotic sunrise and sunset. You can also negotiate for cheaper but comfortable hotels during the winter season.

The sunny and delightful winter days will prove to be great fun for you in hiking and trekking through the virgin and paradise-like land of Nepal. Winter hiking and trekking in Nepal have their distinct delightful enjoyment and advantage for the trekkers and travelers although spring and autumn are the most preferred and popular season for the visitors to Nepal.

The skies will always be crystal clear during December, January, and February and there is hardly any rainfall barring snowfall in the hilly and mountainous regions.

Snowfall in the lower elevated hills and peaks can also offer you a chance to play with the snowflakes and enjoy the moments for your lifetime experience. As winter is considered to be the offseason, there will be no problem in getting tea house beds which are cheaper rooms in Nepal.

Besides, the trekking routes will not be as crowded as found during the tourist seasons. It will offer you enough space for hiking, trekking for free of any trouble.

The lower elevations are good for hiking and trekking while higher elevations are suggested not to opt for trekking as they usually remain snowy and you may have to encounter avalanches if you go up in the higher elevations. Usually, you may have to enjoy the delights of trekking through the regions which may be limited below 4000meters.

Although, it may be possible to trek up to Mt. Everest base camp in winter, yet it means reaching beyond the altitude of 5335 meters that may make your trip more challenging and rife with menace. So, it is suggested to take shorter treks.

Ghandruk village

Ghandruk can be another hiking and trekking destination during winter as it is situated at lower elevations. Then, going for popular destinations like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri treks can be alternative options.

Then you may attempt Khopra Danda and exploration of historical places and world heritage sites in Kathmandu, Bhakapta, and Patan and you can hike through Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Bhaktapur, Pulchouky, and Champadevi. You can also visit religious sites such as Swayambhu, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath.

Outside Kathmandu especially in the Terai region, you can visit Lord Buddha’s birthplace –Lumbini and King Janak’s ancient capital known as Janakpurdham. You are also free to visit national parks such as Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Parks for birds watching and jungle safari. River rafting, caving, and kayaking also can be opted for adventures.