Choose The Suitable Holidays For Winter Treks In Nepal

Enjoy the walks of the season in the harmony of pristine surroundings choosing the suitable Holidays for winter treks in Nepal.  

The Best Winter Treks In Nepal.

The best winter treks in Nepal Himalayas allow trekkers to enjoy much more than during high tourism seasons. However, winter times can be cold, especially during the morning, late afternoon, and night. 

Nevertheless, most days are clear with crystal blue sky, making the walks pleasant with stunning snow-mountain views throughout the trekking. The winter in Nepal is the same as in Europe and other parts of the world, it begins from December to February.

Trekking is best in winter times for short and moderate adventurous treks of a few days or more to a week. Short moderate treks do not involve high passes to cross, which makes it possible to venture in the winter season. 

From December to the end of February, although limited sunshine hours from late morning till late afternoon. Gets dark soon from 6 p.m. onwards with late sunrise from 5:30 am to 6 am. But, days are much clearer for views and walks and can get cloudy from mid-afternoon till dusk. Chances of snowfall, above 2100 meters onwards, one can enjoy the bright Himalayan sky with starry nights.

The best winter treks in the Nepal Himalayas are enjoyable and perfect for moderate adventures to enjoy the Christmas and New Year Holidays. Walk on quiet, serene trails with less number of trekkers to encounter in this low season of winter months.

Enjoy a short video clip from from Pikey Peak Top. 

Pikey Peak Trek.

Pikey Peak Trek is a unique viewpoint Hill at 4,065 m / 13,415 feet high. A short and exciting adventure of wonderful experiences to enjoy, walking on and off the beaten tracks. Located in Solu-Khumbu district, and south of Everest, a scenic and cultural region to explore traditional rural farm villages. 

Pikey Hilltop is a renowned and famous viewpoint for alluring views of snowcapped mountains and sunrise. Trekkers can enjoy spectacular panorama of more than 360° wide Himalayan range of peaks. From Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal range with Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Melung-Tse, Numbur, Cho-Oyu with Everest, and Makalu. 

An exciting and wonderful adventure walking through enchanting woods, lined with rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and fir trees. Pikey Peak Trekking involves drives both ways from Kathmandu to the ending point of the road at Dhap village.

The other option is taking a short flight to Phaplu small airport, sometimes the flight can be unreliable. Due to unfavorable weather and lack of passengers, however, the drive reaches the starting point of trekking at Dhap. The walk leads past farm villages and lovely forests till you reach an open and wide exposed area. Where Pikey Peak is located, one can achieve a heavenly feeling with the picturesque backdrop of Himalayan peaks. 

Pikey Peak Trekking is certainly the best during winter times of low seasons with less flow of trekkers. As the lodges en route Pikey Peak and base camp will not be overcrowded, a pleasant time in winter months. It will be a great Christmas and New Year Holidays watching the striking sunrise on New Year's Day. 

Machhapuchhere (Fishtail) view from Mardi Himal Trek.

Mardi Himal Trek.

Mardi Himal Trekking is an adventure around the high hills of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The walk takes you to the highest spot at 4,500 m / 14,850 feet at Mardi Himal View Point. It is one of the best and most scenic short adventure destinations of a week duration from beautiful Pokhara city.

The Mardi Himal Trekking route leads to the high ridges through a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. On reaching the High Camp, the last designated overnight stop, where you will be above the tree lines. From High Camp, the walk follows uphill toward the final destination of the adventure at Mardi View Point.

Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna Himalayas with a group of peaks of towering Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish Tail Peak. After a fabulous experience on the high ridges of Mardi Himal, a long downhill walk leads to Siding Village. At Siding Farm Village, the walk completes with a short drive back to scenic Pokhara. 

In the early days, the Mardi Himal region was less ventured by adventurers and trekkers. But in the last few decades, the area has gained popularity due to its lovely landscapes and marvelous scenery. It is one of the best adventures to enjoy walks on the hidden and off-the-beaten tracks. 

At present, due to the high flow of trekkers during the peak times of spring and autumn seasons. Mardi Himal trekking in winter months adds an extra wonderful experience, with fewer numbers of visitors to encounter. The Mardi Himal Trek is enjoyable during the winter when trekkers can feel like they are in a world of their own.

Dhaulagiri View from Khopra Danda. 

Annapurna Community Lodge Trek. 

Annapurna Community Lodge Trek is also popularly known as the Home Stay program trek. Every village community manages the systems of Home Stay programs, providing services to visitors with traditional hospitality. In Nepal, there are many community services with Home Stay programs, where trekkers can enjoy the impressive local cultures. 

The closest to Pokhara city on route trekking to Mardi Himal or other Annapurna Himalayan destinations is Hemjakot. A little further from Hemjakot is Lwang Village, these both villages provide excellent Home Stay service. The Home Stay with a simple cottage and huts, built from local materials, blend well with the surrounding environment. 

Where trekkers are on their way to their respective destinations around the southern high hills of the Annapurna Himalayas. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the local way of life, staying for overnight or more days. Lwang Village is an example of the Home Stay program established in 2009. 

Mohare Danda is located in a beautiful spot with scenic and serene surroundings with a small Tea and vegetable garden. Travelers can enjoy typical Nepali foods cooked from the fresh organic garden. The other village with a community-based lodge or Homestay is Bans Kharka and Nagi en route to Mohare Danda. 

Located west of Pokhara, close to the famous scenic Poon Hill, an exciting walk uphill to Mohare Danda. Stand at 3,300 m /10,824 feet, facing tremendous views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himal. The Mohare Danda Trek is an enjoyable short adventure in the comfort of a lovely homestay hut or Cottage.

Dhaulagiri view from Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most famous and popular treks in the Annapurna region. As well as probably around the whole Himalayan range, Ghorepani, Poon Hill Trekking is enriched with charm and beauty. 

Located, en route on the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, which passes through Upper Mustang. A scenic and lovely village Ghorepani stands at the base of high viewpoint Poon Hill. The hike and climb to Poon Hill of an hour to reach the highest point at 3,210 m/10,531 feet. Poon Hill is famous for its stunning sunrise over an array of peaks, including a panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu Himal. 

Ghorepani, Poon Hill is a beautiful and scenic destination amidst a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking of 4 - 5 days walks to and from Pokhara city, this moderate adventure leads to an enjoyable trek. From Ghorepani, interested trekkers can extend the walk with Annapurna Base Camp. 

The beauty of this trek is facing the ever-present vista of the Annapurna Himalayas throughout the walks. This trek to Ghorepani provides several options to start and complete the walks exploring the lovely mountain villages of Ulleri and Ghandruk. Ghorepani, Poon Hill trekking for all seasons, winter time is more enjoyable with less influx of trekkers.   

Annapurna View from Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Annapurna Base Camp trekking leads you to a picturesque Sanctuary enclosed within amphitheaters of towering snow peaks. Stand beneath the world's 10th highest Mt. Annapurna-I, at a staggering height of 8,091 m. Mt. Annapurna-I is the first above 8,000-meter peak ever climbed in mountaineering history. It was first summited by the French Expeditions in 1950, way before Mt. Everest was conquered in 1953. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, an 8 to 12-day walk, starts and ends with a short drive from scenic Pokhara city. Adventure for all and the only base camp trek where you can enjoy without the problem of altitude sickness. The highest elevation is 4,130 m /13,550 feet high at Annapurna Base Camp, as the altitude gains gradually. 

An enjoyable walk amidst a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and pines, following the Modi River upstream to its glacial source at Annapurna Base Camp. An adventure to Annapurna Base Camp is a magnificent high Himalayan country of great diversity. From the low sub-tropical climate to cool climate hills, then ending at the arctic zone of remorseless fields of ice and glaciers. 

Apart from scenic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range of peaks, the walk takes you around lovely villages steeped with cultures.

Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest view from Everest View Hotel. 

Everest Panorama Trek.

Everest Panorama Trekking takes you to the high and picturesque spot at Tengboche Monastery. Amidst beautiful green woodland with a dramatic contrast with surrounding high white peaks with majestic views of Mt. Everest. Tengboche with an impressive monastery, located at a height of 3,867 m / 12,687 feet high. This beautiful small area is blessed with natural beauty and panorama of the world’s highest peaks. Includes stunning Mt. Ama Dablam, Kangtenga, Thamersarkhu, and Kongde peaks within the harmony of monks chanting prayer. 

Everest Panorama Trekking includes short and scenic flights both ways to and from Lukla, and Kathmandu. A moderate walk following the glacial Dudh Koshi River to enter Sagarmatha National Park, listed in the World Heritage Sites.

The adventure starts with an enjoyable walk, after entering the national park an undulating climb leads you to the famous Namche Bazaar. Spend an extra day for acclimatization at a colorful Namche Bazaar and hike to the national museum. The high ridge of Namche Bazaar offers grand views of Mt. Everest and surrounding giant snow-capped peaks. 

After Namche Bazaar, a lovely scenic walk with a climb for a few hours to reach the magnificent location at Tengboche. Have time for a tour of the monastery interior of great cultural interest of Buddhism. Enjoy the superb panorama of Everest with a chain of towering peaks of Khumbu Himal. Slowly adventure comes to an end, to head downhill back to Lukla for an exciting panoramic flight to Kathmandu. On completing, a marvelous adventure of lifetime experience around the high Khumbu Valley on Everest Panorama Trekking. 

Everest View from Kala Patthar View Point.

Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest Base Camp Trekking is a popular adventure destination around the Himalayan region. Since the first conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953, the influx of trekkers and mountaineers has increased over the years. Makes Everest Base Camp, the world’s number one premier ground for all types of adventure activities. Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m /17, 598 feet, located within remorseless fields of ice, snow, and glaciers. Similar to arctic landscapes with frozen ponds, the massif Khumbu Icefall tumbles down to feed the Dudh Koshi River. 

Everest Base Camp Trek, the shortest way is reaching Lukla Town Tenzing & Hillary Airport. The walk commences following the glacial Dudh Koshi River and enters the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail leads through a lovely cool forest of tall rhododendrons, pines, and fir trees with a climb to Namche Bazaar. 

A perfect and ideal place for rest and acclimatization days is Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m high. After Namche Bazaar the walk follows on scenic trail uphill to reach a beautiful location at Tengboche and the Monastery. From Tengboche onwards adventure towards mountain wilderness of windswept dry terrains and high valleys. The walk takes you to the nice settlements of Dingboche and Lobuche after Pangboche village. Slowly the walk follows toward the prime destination at Everest Base Camp, to experience the dramatic scenery of the arctic zone.

After the Everest base camp climb to the famous and popular high ridge to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the adventure. From the top of Kala Patthar rewards spectacular views of giant surrounding peaks with Mt. Everest at close distance. On completing the major highlights and goals of the adventure return journey downhill to Lukla. An early morning exciting flight brings you to Kathmandu, after a wonderful experience on Everest Base Camp Trekking.

On the way to Kyanjin Gumpa Langtang Valley Trek.

Langtang Valley Trek.

Langtang Valley Trekking is another short and magnificent adventure that takes you to beautiful Langtang Valley at Kyanjin Gompa. Located amidst picturesque Langtang Valley extends as far as towards eastern end close to Jugal Himal. Langtang Valley Trekking is located within the massif Langtang Himal, the closest mountain range to the capital Kathmandu city. On a clear winter morning, one can view the Langtang Himal range from Kathmandu Valley towards the north.

Langtang Valley and its beautiful environment, are protected by Langtang National Park, the first Himalayan Park of Nepal established in 1976. A wonderful country walk to Langtang Valley, suitable for all travelers and age groups. The gain in altitude is slow and gradual, thus making it easier for acclimatization. Before reaching Kyanjin Gompa at 3,800 m/12, 467 feet, the highest point of the adventure. 

Have a day off in Kyanjin Gompa for exploration and visit the high scenic viewpoint Kyanjin-Ri or Tserko-Ri above 5,000 m. Nevertheless, after an exciting walk, get blessed with the awesome scenery of the Langtang Himal range of peaks. The return journey takes you downhill through a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. The area around Langtang is famous for endangered mammals like the elusive and rare Red Panda. The walk ends at Syabrubesi village, the start and finishing point of Langtang Valley of a week's treks.

 
Local Tamang Village in Langtang Region of Nepal.

Tamang Heritage Trek.

Tamang Heritage Trek is a wonderful short country and cultural walk around the typical mountain villages of the Tamang tribe. The Tamang are the indigenous hill people, making the 5th largest tribe of Nepal. The Tamang migrated to Nepal's Central Himalayas in the early 5,000 years, from inner Mongolia through Tibet. The Tamang Heritage Trail allows interested visitors to observe the simple and traditional life of the Tamang Comminutes.

The trek follows from one lovely village to another settlement in the close shadow of Ganesh and Langtang Himal. The Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is situated within the Rasuwa district of Langtang and Ganesh Himal and is close en route to the Tibet border. From the early days till the present, the Trans Himalaya Caravan Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, China still exists. 

A pleasant and scenic cultural journey, having time to immerse in the colorful cultures around Tamang villages. Where visitors will have fun enjoying the merriment of folk dance and songs along with typical Tamang foods. As well as having time to explore monasteries and religious monuments besides Buddhism, the Tamang also practice Shamanism, an ancient Bon cult of pre-Buddhism, worship of nature and mountain spirits. 

Besides enjoying the local cultures of immense interest, the trek takes you to the high scenic hill of Nagethali. Nagethali Hill is the highest spot of the journey at 3,165 m/10,384 feet. From the hilltop, enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Ganesh, Langtang, and Manaslu Himal ranges, with some mountains of Tibet, across the border. Visiting the major villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman, and Briddim, the Tamang Heritage completes, reaching back to Syabrubesi.

Helambu Circuit Via Chisapani Trekking.

Helambu Circuit Trek via Chisapani takes you to Nepal North Mid-East around Langtang and Jugal Himal Mountain range. The nearest hill destinations of Kathmandu, after Langtang Valley to Helambu region. The main village of Helambu is Tarke-Gyang at 2,550m /8,366 feet, a lovely charming settlement. The people of Helambu, known as the Hyalmo, are one of the smaller ethnic tribes of Nepal. The Hyalmo follows the Buddhist religion, having an impressive culture of their community closely related to the Tamang and the Sherpa tribes.  

Helambu Circuit via Chisapani Trek is one of the shortest moderate scenic country walks. The route to Helambu starts from the eastern valley rim of Kathmandu to reach Sundarijal. Then, climbing through lovely forests and Tamang villages to reach the high ridge of Chisapani. 

A small settlement near Kathmandu Valley offers a grand vista of the Himalayas peaks with stunning sunrise and sunset views. The walk follows through the farm villages of Patti bhanjyang and Gul-Bhanjyang to Kutumsang farm village. From Kutumsang, enter the Helambu region with a climb to Thadepati at 3,597 m /11,801 feet. The highest points of the trek with tremendous views of Langtang and Jugal Himal range of peaks. 

The walk continues to Melamche-Gaon and then reaches the heart of Helambu at Tarke-Gyang. Helambu and Tarke-Gyang are famous for culture and hospitality with artistic craftsmanship, weaving carpets, and carving on wood and metals. Helambu is also famous for pilgrimage hikes to Ama Yangri, which is a holy shrine and a monastery. 

After exploring the main villages of Helambu around Tarke Gyang and Sermathang, the adventure to the Helambu circuit concludes. Then, a scenic drive brings you to Kathmandu via the eastern route of Melamche Bazaar and Dhulikhel Town.  

Conclusion: 

The winter treks in Nepal allow visitors to enjoy more of the country’s hidden treasures of beautiful Himalayan views. The harmony of impressive cultures and walking on serene trails, with fewer trekkers to encounter. Wintertime is best for visiting Nepal for various short adventures of a few days to a week. 

The trekking routes are safe for pleasant walks, with crystal clear blue skies most days. Despite the cold morning, and the late afternoon till night time, it is an enjoyable season with a less number of trekkers.  A perfect adventure holiday in winter for treks in Nepal, where all can join, families with children to elderly people. Including schools, college groups, and corporate executives, where all can get refreshed with the pure mountain air.