Best Time for Trekking in Nepal

Introduction

Are you planning to visit Nepal and are interested in trekking and Hiking?

If so, you must have been wondering what time would be best for your visit. Here’s a detailed article describing the best time for trekking in Nepal, helping you find a favorable time according to your preferences.

Nepal, a small landlocked country that lies between China and India is home to the world’s largest mountain Everest along with Everest plenty of other tall mountains that offer majestic landscapes and trails, making this country a perfect spot for hiking and trekking. Nepal houses 8 of the world’s highest peaks above 8,000m out of 14 peaks in the world.

 

Peaks above 8,000m in Nepal:

• Everest 8848m / 29028ft.
• Kanchenjunga 8586m / 28169ft.
• Lhotse 8516m / 27940ft.
• Makalu 8463m / 27766ft.
• Cho Oyu 8201m / 26906ft.
• Dhaulagiri 8167m / 26795ft.
• Manaslu 8163m / 26781ft.
• Annapurna I 8091m / 26545ft.

 

Because of these popular giant peaks, Nepal offers some of the great views while trekking in the Himalayas.

Some of the popular treks in Nepal include Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek. However, you need to choose a perfect time for trekking in Nepal in order to get the most out of it.

 

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

Before planning a trek there are four seasons in Nepal that you need to know.

Spring, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter

Generally, the Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) season are considered as the best time for trekking in Nepal.

During these seasons, the trails are dry, and the landscapes are full of greenery with great mountain views, weather is perfect with clear blue skies, creating a perfect condition for trekking.

 

Which month is best for trekking in Nepal?

If I had to pick the best month for trekking in the Himalayas, it would be October. However, November is also equally favorable.

If you want to trek in the first season of the year, then April is also a very good month for trekking in Nepal.

 

Nepal Trekking in Spring

 

Spring (March to May) is one of the best seasons to go trekking in Nepal. As soon as winter comes to an end spring starts to begin. The winter frost melts away and spring blankets Nepal in vibrant colors.

Early spring can be a little colder in the morning and evening times, however, the days are warmer making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Although the temperature may vary from region to region on average the temperature ranges between 14-23 degrees in the mountains. At Higher altitudes over 4,000m, the temperature may fall even more.

The weather is moderate, and the trails are decorated with blossoming flora. Rhododendron forests come alive, painting the trails with hues of red and pink. Popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Everest Base Camp are the go-to treks during this season.

Considered the best time for trekking in the Himalayas, Spring not only creates perfect weather but also brings a lot of happiness and positive energy to the atmosphere. There’s no doubt (March, April, and May) are the best months to visit Nepal.

 

Pros of Trekking in Spring

• Best time for trekking in Nepal
• The days are warmer with moderate temperatures, providing a comfortable trekking environment.
• Lush and vibrant Rhododendron forests along with greenery all around
• The skies are generally clear, providing stunning views and pictures.
• A sense of renewal and positivity can be found in the atmosphere.

 

Cons of Trekking in Spring

• Most of the popular trekking routes are crowded.
• Less availability of accommodation as most of them will be booked.
• Food and accommodation costs may be expensive due to the increased demand.

 

Nepal Trekking in Summer (monsoon)

 

Summer (June to August) brings a different charm to Nepal. The Summer season transforms the landscapes into lush, green havens. This season is also known as monsoon season.

Trekking in summer has its own challenges as it brings the rain along with it. The temperature during this season ranges between 20-25 degrees. You may see some occasional rainfall in late May and the rainfall continues till September. Due to the continuous rainfall, the trails get slippery and sometimes the landslides may even totally block the trail. Even the flat trails get muddy, and you’ll face a lot of leeches. We don’t recommend people to trek to the Himalayas in Monsoon.

Because of the rain and hot weather, we don’t recommend trekking in this season, Monsoon season is considered as an off-season.

If you are visiting Nepal for trekking at this time of the year then we recommend you explore the off-the-beaten-path routes like the Upper Mustang or Dolpo region, where they don’t face any rainfall. The dry climate makes these treks a perfect destination to trek to during the monsoon. If you are looking for a more adventurous experience and are ready to face the drawbacks of monsoon then this would be the perfect time.

 

Pros of Trekking in Summer

• Greenery all around with lush forests.
• Less crowded trekking experience as this is an off-season.
• Fresh earthy smell with clear views and less pollution.
• Warmer temperatures.

 

Cons of Trekking in Summer

• Consistent rainfall may result in muddy and slippery trails.
• High risk of landslides, some may even block the road.
• Rain clouds may obstruct the mountain views.
• You may face some leech problems, especially when you walk between the forests.

 

Nepal Trekking in Autumn

 

Considered the peak trekking season, Autumn (September to November), is a favorite among trekkers. As the summer fades away September welcomes autumn in Nepal.

In September, the weather is slightly chilly, especially in the morning and nighttime, but as the day progresses, it tends to fade away. The average temperature in the Himalayas during this season hovers between 12-20 degrees, with cooler temperatures above 4,000m.

Being the best season for trekking in Nepal, the weather is stable, offering clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayas. The festive atmosphere, with major Hindu celebrations like Dashain and Tihar lying at this season, adds cultural richness to the trekking experience. Treks like the Langtang Valley and Manaslu Circuit are some of the best treks to do at this time.

 

Pros of Trekking in Autumn

• Clear skies with excellent visibility of mountains.
• Mild temperatures with cooler nights providing a comfortable trekking environment,
• Season of festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
• Best time for trekking in Nepal.

 

Cons of Trekking in Autumn

• Crowds of trekkers in popular routes, similar to spring
• Higher cost for food and accommodation.
• Less availability of transport and teahouses due to high demand.

 

 

Nepal Trekking in Winter

 

As Autumn bids farewell, Winter (December to February) starts in Nepal with December. This season displays a serene side of Nepal. The temperature in the mountain ranges from 5-15 degrees at lower elevations and drops to -5 degrees at the higher region (above 4000m) of Nepal.

The higher-altitude treks can be challenging due to snow however, lower-altitude treks provide a unique winter wonderland experience. As the temperature gets colder with increased snow, the Winter trek demands more preparation for colder conditions. Proper planning and gear are key for a successful winter trek.

Treks like the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and the cultural Helambu trek are excellent treks in Nepal for winter, allowing trekkers to witness the quieter, snow-covered Himalayas.

 

Pros of Trekking in Winter

• Excellent views of snowcapped mountains.
• Quieter trails for peaceful trekking
• Clear skies with excellent visibility
• Cheaper service and accommodation.

 

Cons of Trekking in Winter

• Mornings and evenings can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes.
• Tea houses may not be open due to the extreme cold weather.

 

Nepal Trekking Weather Chart

Here's a chart showing the minimum, and maximum temperature along with rainfall (in mm) for three main trekking regions of Nepal.

Month	Everest			Annapurna			Langtang
	Min ° C	Max ° C	Rain mm	Min ° C	Max ° C	Rain mm	Min ° C	Max ° C	Rain mm
Jan	-16	-4	4	-11	1	9	-7	6	14
Feb	-15	-4	6	-13	0	14	-6	7	17
Mar	-14	-1	4	-8	4	9	-2	11	26
Apr	-9	2	11	-4	8	8	1	14	23
May	-2	8	28	0	14	13	3	16	25
Jun	2	12	40	3	18	39	7	17	93
Jul	5	14	122	7	19	124	8	16	180
Aug	5	13	134	7	18	136	8	16	176
Sep	3	11	63	4	17	62	6	15	92
Oct	-4	6	6	-1	11	6	2	14	35
Nov	-12	1	2	-5	6	0	-3	9	3
Dec	-15	-1	2	-8	4	5	-6	7	3

 

Conclusion

Choosing the best time to trek in Nepal depends on individual preferences, fitness levels, and the kind of experience one seeks. Whether you prefer the vibrant colors of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the clear skies of autumn, or the tranquility of winter, Nepal has something to offer year-round.

Know all the pros and cons of every season and find the best time for your Nepal trekking adventure.

 

FAQs

Q: Are there any specific permits required for trekking in Nepal?

A: Yes, trekkers need to obtain permits for most of the popular trekking regions. The requirements vary based on the chosen trek and season.

 

Q: What is the weather like at higher altitudes during the trekking seasons?

A: No matter the season, higher altitudes tend to be colder compared to lower regions. Higher altitudes have below 0-degree temperatures, especially in winter. It’s advisable for trekkers to be prepared for sub-zero conditions at higher elevations.

 

Q: How do cultural festivals impact trekking in Nepal?

A: Festivals like Dashain and Tihar can add a cultural dimension to trekking, you can know the lifestyle and cultural beliefs of Nepali people. You can even participate in some of the festivals if you’d like.

 

Q: Is trekking in summer advisable despite the monsoon rains?

A: Although summer is considered an off-season for trekking, it’s not that you can’t do a trek during this time. Summer trekking offers lush landscapes and warmer temperatures. However, trekkers should be prepared for occasional rainfall and muddy trails along with leeches during the hike.

 

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