10 Best Winter Treks In Nepal: Choose Your Best Trek

Most trekkers come to Nepal for adventure during Spring and autumn; hence, they usually think winter trekking is harsh. However, winter is quite a feasible season for most trekking trails in Nepal as it provides snowclad mountains with moderate temperatures.

Yes, Nepal does not have harsh winters like the other parts of the world, with heavy snowfall and cold days. We have winters, but it is fair weather as the giant Himalayas on the northern side protect us from the harsh air.

It will snow in high altitudes during winter, but most of the country does not see snow. In addition, the winter days are often clear with some fog, at times with no rain and stable weather. Hence, some trekking trails are made just perfect for the winter weather.

Top Ten Best Winter Trek To Accomplish In Nepal

Winter trekking in Nepal is a breathtaking journey with frozen lakes, winter grasses, and snow-covered trails. Some courses are quite challenging with restricted paths, while others are easy to accomplish.

With winter treks, you can expect less crowd. Here, the Everest region trails get as cold as -15℃, while at regular courses, it will get around -3℃ at most trek elevations. Below are some trekking trails you can accomplish during the winter weather.

Langtang Valley Trek (Around 8 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Syabrubesi
  • Trekking Region: Langtang
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 4800 meters / 15655 feet (Kyanjing Ri)

It is one of the closest trails to the Kathmandu valley. Langtang Valley offers over 70 glaciers and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,773m at Kyangjin Ri. This high altitude provides a panoramic view of the Langtang range that looks stunning with winter snow cover.

winter trek
Starry Sky at Langtang Valley (Source – Wikimedia Commons)

Here, the trails are rough but give you a warm experience. Likewise, it is also an opportunity to get a closer look at the ethnic culture of Tamang and Sherpa. While here, you can also visit Langtang National Park and observe wildlife like Himalayan monal, Himalayan tahrs, wild dogs, and snow leopards. 

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Visit the local Cheese Factory in Kyanjing Gompa.
  • Walk through stunning Rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, and yak pastures.
  • Get panoramic views of the Langtang Ri, Langtang, Langsisa, and Ganjala Peaks.
  • Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and life firsthand.
  • Climb Tserko Ri for its stunning panoramic views.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek (Around 15 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Syabrubesi
  • Trekking Region: Langtang
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 4800 meters / 15655 feet (Kyanjing Ri)

One of the most accessible trekking trails, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, takes you to the sacred jewel of Gosaikunda Lake after passing through the Langtang Valley. Yes, you will also be able to enjoy the forested lowlands, alpine pastures, and yak herds of Kyanjin Gompa.

After a lovely stay with Langtang valley, it will set you to the trails of Gosaikunda, which is also a primary pilgrimage sight to Hindus.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Climb Gosaikunda La Pass (4610 meters).
  • Climb either Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri.
  • Visit the holy lake of Gosaikunda.
  • Visit the local Cheese Factory in Kyanjing Gompa.

Helambu Valley Trek (Around 5 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Sundarijal
  • Trekking Region: Langtang
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,490 meters at Tharepati

Short, easy, and overall package for a winter trek, Helambu Valley offers you a magnificent hike with views of valleys, waterfalls, heavy forests, and rural villages. Likewise, you will also gain a firsthand experience with the Buddhist culture.

You will cross many ridgelines, Rhododendron forests, and green meadows during this trek.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Stunning views of Ganesh Himal (7,406 meters), Langtang Lirung (7,345 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,145 meters).
  • Visit Shivapuri National Park.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, shrines, and stupas.
  • Trek along the Melamchi Khola.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek (Around 11 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Trekking Region: Annapurna
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,855 meters at Muktinath

One of the religious treks, Jomsom Muktinath, also provides gorgeous sites in Annapurna. This trek will take you through the diverse geographical structure, culture, religion, ethnic groups, and remote villages.

winter trek
Muktinath (Source – Wikimedia Commons)

Similarly, you will also get to explore the Kagbeni, Poon Hill, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath, and Jomsom. During winter, these dry valleys will be covered in snow. Here, the highest altitude is at an elevation of 3,800 meters at Muktinath.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Get close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091 meters) to the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters).
  • Explore the settlement of the Tibetan tribe people and Buddhist religious practice.
  • Walk along the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki formed by the Kaligandaki River.
  • Take a bath in a natural hot spring.
  • Explore the lake city of Pokhara.

Ruby Valley Trek (Around 12 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Trekking Region: Ganesh Himal
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,845 meters at Pang sang Pass

It is one of the hidden trails in Nepal that gives you an insight into the Tamang and Gurung ethnic groups. This particular trail lies between the Manaslu Conservation area and Langtang National Park.

During this journey, you will pass through flatlands, terraced farms, and gradual, steep climbs with white snowclad mountains. Furthermore, you will also get to explore villages inhabited by the Tamang and the Gurungs following Buddhism. 

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Stunning views of the Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Langtang Lirung (7,227 meters), Boudha Himal (6,692 meters), and many more.
  • Pass through the magnificent Pangsang Pass (3,842 meters / 12,604 feet).
  • Take a relaxing bath in the natural hot Spring.
  • Trek through beautiful waterfalls, gorges, stone mills, and suspension bridges.
  • Get to understand the rich cultures of the Tamang and Gurung people.

Mardi Himal Trek (Around seven days) 

  • Starting And Ending Point: Kande
  • Trekking Region: Annapurna
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp

Mardi Himal Trek is a challenging and breathtaking trek in the Annapurna region, one of the lesser-known routes among travelers. During winter, this trail is heavenly, with great views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu.

During this journey, you will pass through forests full of oaks and rhododendrons, suspension bridges, and traditional ethnic villages. 

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Stunning view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu ranges.
  • Heavenly views from Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Badal Danda, View Point, and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
  • Witness picturesque villages, lush green hills, beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron, lovely lakes, cascading waterfalls, and fine valleys.
  • Experience a rich tradition & culture.

Everest View Trek (Around 7 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Lukla
  • Trekking Region: Everest
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 3870 meters in Tengboche

Trekking in Nepal is always incomplete without seeing the magnificent Everest Peak. Hence, this Everest View Trek is a substitute for the Everest Base Camp Trek (5,364 meters).

South Face View of Mount Everest
South Face View of Mount Everest (Source – Wikimedia Commons)

This short trek will take you to Lukla, and you will travel across the canyon of the Dudh Kosi to Namche Bazaar and each Tengboche. Lastly, it will take you to the Everest View Hotel for the mesmerizing beauty and trek around a few places without having to elevate to a much higher destination.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • A thrilling flight to Lukla.
  • Get amazing views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Kongde Ri, and Kusum Kanguru. 
  • Explore Namche Bazaar.
  • Trek through the Sagarmatha National Park.

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek (Around 4 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Hemja, Pokhara
  • Trekking Region: Annapurna
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,550 meters

One of the short and trouble-free treks, Dhampus Sarangkot, lies in Pokhara with an unobstructed view of the Annapurna ranges. It is also a brief trial that is feasible for any age group.

Additionally, this trip will give you an immediate insight into the Gurung community and offer pleasant sunrise and sunset views. It is also the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek and Mardi Himal Trek.  

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Get panoramic views of the Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Machhapuchre / Fishtail (6,993 meters), Annapurna II (7,930 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Lamjung Himal (6,983 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), and many other.
  • Explore Pokhara city and Phewa Lake.
  • Witness the glorious sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range.

Khopra Ridge Trek (Around 6 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Pokhara
  • Trekking Region: Annapurna
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 3660 meters at Khopra Danda

It is one of the underrated trekking trails and is perfect during winter weather. With this trail, you will experience traditional villages, terraced farms, and notable mountain peaks.

Likewise, you will also walk through the Rhododendron forest with Himalayan wildlife like pheasants and yaks. During the journey, you will also pass through Poon Hill (3,210 meters / 10,531 feet), which offers you mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Witness the fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, and south), Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, and Nilgiri.
  • Visit the holy Khayar Lake.
  • Stay a night at Ghandruk.
  • Visit the cheese factory at Swanta village.
  • Get sunrise and sunset views from Poon Hill.

Pikey Peak Trek (Around 9 Days)

  • Starting And Ending Point: Dhap
  • Trekking Region: Lower Everest
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: 4065 meters

It is one of the lesser-known trails in the lower Everest region. It provides trekkers a different insight into the Khumbu valley with its unique geography and the life it supports.

Pikey Peak (Source – Dolma Tours)

This trail also gives a magnificent view of sunrise and sunset over high peaks, perfect for the winter season. This trail is covered with lush rhododendron, oak, and pine forests.

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Grand view of mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga to the far west. 
  • Witness the unique Sherpa Culture and their hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best time to start a winter trek in Nepal?

The best time for a winter trek in Nepal is generally considered to be December, January, and February. These months can be frigid at higher elevations, but they offer clear skies and good visibility, making them ideal for trekking.

Which is the best season to start trekking in Nepal?

Summer has traditionally been the most sought-after season to trek in. This is also the season for very high-altitude trekking. Many of our summer treks climb up to around 15,000 ft.

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