Nepal has hundreds of Trekking Routes, grading from easy to hard. As such, these Trekking Routes have their specialties and adversities, which can dampen your mood if not assessed properly. So, before you start your journey to the mesmerizing Trekking Routes of Nepal, ensure you know the Best Time to go on a Trek in Nepal. Nepal experiences four seasons, i.e., autumn, spring, summer/monsoon, and winter, all providing travelers with a different kind of experience. And all these seasons are the best time for Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas.
One must be aware of several travel issues when choosing the season to travel to Nepal. Different seasons offer varying weather conditions. The temperature is warm, mainly at lower altitudes. Still, as you go up to the distance from the sea level, the temperature variation also changes accordingly, making it colder in higher regions. The higher areas are also prone to more weather changes than the lower regions.
Accessing the best time for a Trek in Nepal can be a piece of cake if you consider these factors. The following information on the four seasons of Nepal might give you an insight into when you should start your journey.
Spring Season Trek in Nepal
Known as the king of seasons, Spring in Nepal starts in late February and ends in May. It is the end of winter and the start of summer, so you will be able to encounter the blossoming flowers and the fresh sprouts growing out of branches that were left lifeless by the winter cold. The cool breeze and warm temperature serve as a plus point for travelers making it one of the most suitable seasons for any Trek in Nepal. The cool weather is not the only advantage of spring; there are also fewer chances of adverse climates, so you will have to face lesser flight delays than in other seasons.
Temperatures at higher altitudes during spring are still cold but warmer than in winter. The snow is still not melted, so it is the best time to go for Mountain Treks as you will get to view the beautiful panoramic view of snow-covered peaks. You can also enjoy small Tea House Treks on the hills with a beautiful view of the calm rivers and stretch of hills and Himalayas at the top. The lower plains are hot and humid yet still suitable for small treks, especially in the deep jungles that surround the plains. Flora and fauna enjoy the spring just as much, so natural tours to national parks and conservation areas are the most enjoyable. The Rhododendrons in full bloom are a sight for travelers who want to dwell in the forests of Nepal.
The trails reaching your destinations will be dry and more equipped since it is one of Nepal's peak seasons for Trekking Activities. The accommodations during spring are mostly well-facilitated, but there is always the problem of lodges being too packed. Remember that you might have to share a room with strangers, or if not, you may not get a room at all, so be prepared and book a room earlier.
In higher altitudes, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are the most popular trekking destinations to enjoy Base Camp Treks. Likewise, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Everest Panorama Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek are some of the ideal tours that showcase the specialties of the spring season in Nepal.
Don't be surprised if you see Pashupatinath flooded with hundreds of Sadhus (Hindu Holy men) smoking marijuana and hashish, enjoying the night of Lord Shiva on the occasion of Shivaratri, which falls in spring. Lhosar (the Buddhist New Year) and Ghode Jatra are also celebrated. Similarly, you can also enjoy viewing the streets of Nepal covered in colors to celebrate the festival of color- Holi.
Do keep in mind to have light but warm clothes. The days are hotter, but the nights are cold, so ensure you are appropriately dressed for both situations. Medicinal kits with bandages and pain medicines can come in handy while trekking. The changing weather might be bad for your health, so ensure you are well-covered and ready for the Trek in Spring Season in Nepal for the best experience.
Recommended trek for this season
- Everest Trek
- Annapurna Trek
- Manaslu Trek
- Langtang Trek
- Kanchenjunga Trek
Autumn Season Trek in Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp
Autumn greets you at the end of the monsoon in September and lasts till November. It is the Best Season to Trek in Nepal because of the clear mountain views and the cool climate. The trekking trails are in the best condition at this time. There are also fewer chances of flight delays or cancellations, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about being unable to fly back at your scheduled time.
Cool winter air blowing directly from the Himalayas greets you in autumn, making the temperature right for a Trek in lower plains or high mountains. Greenery surrounds you from everywhere, and the lush hills and the frolicking fauna make for a perfect time to delve into natural treks and wildlife safaris. September is a bit warmer with the reminiscence of the summer heat, and the days are still long; however, as you enter the end of November, the days get shorter and the nights chillier. Places in high altitudes are cold but bearable, giving trekkers the perfect climate for a mountain trek. The sites on lower altitudes, on the other hand, are warm but not on the level of extremely hot.
You can enjoy tea houses Trekking to small and large hills and spend your nights on the traditional tea houses to get the experience of the rural lifestyle of Nepal. Mountain or base camp treks are just as popular as spring because of the clear, unobstructed view of snow-clad mountains glistening in the sun. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill Trek are popular Treks for Autumn Season Trek in Nepal.
Cultural Treks are the rave during this season because the significant festivals of Nepal are also celebrated during this time. Internal tourists will join you on the trek at this time, which is why it is the perfect time to learn Nepalese traditions and beliefs while enjoying Nepal's rich culture. The main festival of Nepal, celebrated by the whole nation, Dashain, falls in autumn. The celebration of lights- Tihar, is also just around the corner.
The con is that the trails are crowded with international and national tourists traveling around Nepal. Food and accommodations can be found at a reasonable price because it is the peak season, but at the same time, you need to book rooms earlier so that you don't end up sharing a room with a stranger.
Make sure that you are equipped with the Best Trekking Equipment. Also, it would be best to pack warm and comfortable clothes, especially in higher altitudes. It is better to carry a sleeping bag on Longer Treks. It is better to be equipped with a small medical kit in emergencies.
Related Packages:
- Everest Trekking Routes
- Annapurna Trekking Routes
- Manaslu Trekking Routes
- Langtang Trekking Routes
- Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes
Trekking in Nepal in Summer
Everest base camp in autumn
Summer in Nepal lasts from May through August, accompanied by a hot and humid climate. By mid-June, you will face heavy rains signifying the start of the monsoon, which lasts till the beginning of September. For the lack of better words, the Trekking Routes during Summer are wet, warm, and wild. You can see green valleys and terraces of rice crops around the nation.
The temperature during summer, especially in the lower plains, can go up to 30 degrees. However, the hills and mountain regions are more remarkable because of the tropical forests surrounding the area. The starting months are more relaxed as you reach August, as the days get hotter and more humid.
Monsoon is the Best Season for small cultural treks around the capital city of Kathmandu. Tea house Treks around Kathmandu can also be enjoyed with your friends and family as nature is the most active during monsoon. One of the most popular and active Trekking sites to visit during the summer is Gosainkunda, where thousands of pilgrims travel every year during mid-July to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Janai Purnima. However, rain-shadow areas like Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang are open for trekking even during monsoon season. Thanks to their geographical location, these regions see little to no rainfall. Thus, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek are the perfect Trekking choices for Summer Season Trek in Nepal.
The rain also means that the mountains and sceneries are covered with clouds making it harder to enjoy the mesmerizing nature, and the flights are frequently delayed or canceled. Most Trekking Routes are empty due to the heavy rain and changing weather conditions. The cost of food and accommodations is also higher as it is an off-season for trekkers.
However, long mountain Treks, as well as natural Treks, are avoided mainly by Trekkers. It is also advised against traveling to higher places because the Trekking trails are slippery and dangerous.
If you plan on going on a Trek, expect a wet journey. Make sure you have your best waterproof gear with you, along with safety equipment. Remember that the water source can be polluted because of the rain, so make sure you only drink filtered or boiled water. Another thing to be wary of is the changing weather; it is better to assess the weather for the following days and only continue the trip if you know it is safe to travel.
Best Trek for Summer...
Winter Season Trek in Nepal
In Nepal, winter starts in November and ends in February. The views of glistening accompany the freezing nights and the warm sunny days. While winter offers difficult weather conditions to Trek, it is undoubtedly one of the Best Times to enjoy the Himalayan panorama.
Higher altitudes are almost always below zero degrees, while lower ones are also on single digits. Months from mid-November to mid-January are the coldest, with different parts of Nepal experiencing snowfalls. This can cause cancellation and delay of flights as well. Places below 2500m are the most suitable to travel in winter.
Short natural Treks along the lower hills can be enjoyed with your family and friends since the trails are dry and there is less danger of wild animals. Short mountain treks can also be appreciated because the view from the top is mesmerizing. Most mountains are covered in snow up to the base, so they seem closer. Also, the weather is more transparent, with fewer chances of obstructing your view. As such, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Everest Panorama Trek, Kathmandu Rim Trekking, etc., are some unique Trekking options for Winter Season Trek in Nepal.
It is also one of the best times for peaceful traveling as the Trekking Routes are less packed, so you can enjoy your Trek in peace. Accommodations and food can be a little more expensive than during peak seasons, but they are well-equipped. However, accommodations like teahouses and lodges at higher altitudes are often closed since people migrate to a lower altitudes to avoid the cold. Thus, making proper arrangements for high-altitude trips beforehand is best.
Remember to pack warm clothes, woolen caps, earmuffs, and socks to keep you warm. There may be chances of avalanches in higher altitudes, so make sure to gauze safely before recklessly traveling.
Recommended trek for winter
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
- Tamang Heritage Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek
- Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
- Everest View Trek
Conclusion
Since Nepal has abundant natural and cultural beauty, there is no lack of places to visit at any time of the year. However, each season has its specialty and offerings, so it is better to gauge the pros and cons and plan properly before the trip. It is given that whichever season you Trek in Nepal, every season offers many Trekking Destinations. Therefore, any Season can be the best time for Trekking in Nepal, which will quickly become one of the most cherished memories in your life.
