10 Best Places to Visit in Nepal in December

The fascinating thing about December is that it is considered to be Nepal’s off-season for tourists. In Nepal, the winter season brings with it bearable cold, bright sky, and breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains.

The pleasant heat at high altitudes is nevertheless alluring to tourists, despite the stark differences in temperature across the locations. Here is a list of the top ten locations in Nepal to assist you in creating a journey to remember.

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Weather in Nepal in December:

December in Nepal welcomes a brisk winter charm, casting a crisp clarity over its sprawling landscapes. As the country wraps itself in cooler temperatures, the highland whispers of frost begin to touch the soaring Himalayan peaks. Down in the valley, Kathmandu basks in the mild sun, with days pleasantly unfolding between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius—a stark contrast to the nippy evenings that can dip to a mere 2 to 5 degrees.

The mountain air, pure and biting, carries the promise of snow-dusted trails above, beckoning the adventurous at heart. Trekkers are rewarded with unhindered panoramas, as the winter sky remains impeccably blue and unblemished by monsoon clouds. Nonetheless, the high altitude brings a beautiful but biting cold, necessitating layers of warmth—down jackets, thermal gloves, and woolen hats become essential as one ascends into the breathtaking but frosty embrace of the Himalayas.

The skies in December are often clear, offering excellent visibility which is ideal for mountain viewing and photography. The air is dry as it’s the tail end of the dry season, resulting in minimal rainfall. Tourists should pack layers including warm jackets, hats, and gloves, especially if they plan to venture into the mountains or go trekking.

List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Nepal in December:

1. Pokhara

Pokhara is the place for you if you’re looking for adventure and a place with amazing natural beauty. This serene location offers adventure sports, lakes, mountains as a backdrop, and much more. Additionally, it serves as the Annapurna mountain ranges’ entry.

If you are unfamiliar, the Annapurna ranges are the goal of every serious trekker. Three of the world’s 10 tallest mountains are located there. Annapurna Circuit is considered the apex of trekking. In addition, Pokhara has a lot of temples, stupas, and townships to explore.

Adventure sports hub (paragliding, trekking)
Phewa Lake, boating, and the Tal Barahi Temple
Annapurna Circuit and Machhapuchhre Base Camp access
Peace Pagoda for panoramic views
Sarangkot for sunrise and Himalayan range view

Pokhara Packages:

2. Bandipur

One of Nepal’s most endearing town areas is this one. Here is the ideal location to take in the Newari culture, traditional architecture, and more. The locals have made special efforts to preserve the native culture. Ancient temples and buildings may be found in abundance.

The land is situated at a moderate altitude. As a result, the winter won’t be too harsh, and you can still take in a variety of incredible mountain vistas. People from many different sections of the region now reside on the property. As a result, Bandipur celebrates a variety of holidays with enthusiasm.

Preserved Newari culture and architecture
Scenic hilltop settlement
Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in Nepal
Excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu
Hiking and cultural experience

3. Kalingchowk

Kalingchowk is an excellent place for those who want to escape the bustle of the city. Tourists frequent this well-known hiking location often called the “winter wonderland”. Many winter sports may be enjoyed among stunning mountains and captivating scenery.

The well-known temples and pilgrimage activities that visitors take part in give this location even more uniqueness. It is one of the destinations in Nepal that is progressively gaining popularity in December, mainly because it offers a wealth of attractions from beginning to end.

Kalingchowk Bhagwati Shrine, a significant Hindu temple
Cable car services for pilgrimage and views
Winter snowfall and highland terrain
Trekking and local culture
Panoramic views of the Himalayas

4. Poon Hill

Comparatively speaking to other hiking routes in Nepal, the journey to Poon Hill is not challenging. One of the medium-distance walking routes, it brings you near mountains that reach the sky. You may also take in natural flora, animals, and the magnificent dawn.

Numerous local and foreign travelers have chosen this four to five-day excursion. Poon Hill may be one of your greatest options if you enjoy the fresh mountain air and witnessing the dawn sun-gild mountains.

Famous vantage points for Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Part of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas
Rhododendron forests and terraced farms
Accessible for most fitness levels

Poon Hill Package: 8 Nights 9 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

5. Nagarkot

Tourists appreciate Nagarkot because it has a relaxed attitude and allows them to spend the weekend relaxing on their hotel balcony and taking in the Himalayan views. About 32 kilometers separate this place from Kathmandu.

You might be able to view a stunning sunrise and sunset in Nagarkot if the weather is good and the sky is clear. Nagarkot is a nice getaway from the bustle of the city and is close to Kathmandu. Near the Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot is one of the most significant locations in Nepal to visit in the winter.

Close to Kathmandu, ideal for short trips
Sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas
Numerous hiking trails
Observation tower at the highest point
Can see Mt. Everest on a clear day

6. Mustang

One of the most well-liked winter tourist destinations is Mustang, which is situated in the Himalayan country of Nepal. You may experience the inhabitants’ distinctive, culturally rich lifestyles in Mustang and learn about their traditional practices in an extraordinary cultural setting.

Due to significant snowfall and chilly weather, entry to Mustang’s highest regions requires special government authorization. These regions are therefore often inaccessible throughout most of the year. This area is a hub for cultural events emphasizing local customs and culture.

The trans-Himalayan region with Tibetan culture
Arid landscape with deep canyons and rock formations
Lo Manthang, the walled city and former kingdom’s capital
Muktinath temple, an important pilgrimage site
Trekking on the Annapurna circuit and Upper Mustang

7. Chitwan National Park

Visiting Chitwan National Park in December is one of the greatest ways to see the country of Nepal. Numerous birds, animals, and aquatic species may be found in this park, which spans hundreds of acres. Except for December, the region experiences a tropical rainy climate year-round.

Here, a broad variety of creatures may be discovered. In the rivers and streams, you may find numerous kinds of crocodiles and freshwater dolphins (Gangetic). This park is excellent for bird watching because it is home to more than 500 birds at this time of year.

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jungle safaris on elephant-back, jeep, or canoe
Home to Bengal tigers, rhinos, and crocodiles
Bird watching with over 500 species recorded
Cultural performances by the local Tharu community

8. Kakani

One of the best places to visit in Nepal in the winter is Kakani, a region in the Nuwakot district in Central Nepal, some 23 kilometers northwest of the city of Kathmandu. In this place, you may find peace and quiet far from the city’s activity.

You can see the locals’ rich culture and unmatched natural beauty at Kakani. Visit the strawberry farms, take a short trek, and sample local food and fresh cheese in this charming hillside town. We suggest first-time visitors to Nepal visit Kakani during the winter months.

Known for strawberry farming
Day-trips for hiking and picnics from Kathmandu
Views of Ganesh Himal and central and western Himalayan ranges
Less crowded than Nagarkot

9. Phulchowki

We have something in store for you if you only have a limited amount of time and places to see on your winter trip to Nepal; we’re anticipating the first one-day hike to Phulchowki, that you could go and come on the same day.

Along the challenging uphill climb, you will be amazed to observe the spectacular Himalayan mountains. The same route may be taken to return. Given the magnificent experience you may have there in such a short amount of time and travel distance, Phulchowki is a must-visit location.

The highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley
Famous for bird watching and a variety of flora
Hiking and botany interest
Buddhist shrine at the summit
Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges

10. Mardi Himal

Even if it isn’t viewed that way, the Mardi Himal trip is one of the most incredible places to go hiking east of the ABC journey. The track winds through enchanting rhododendron trees for almost 3,300 meters before climbing out of the jungle.

A high mountainous terrain with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machapuchre, and Hiunchuli suddenly appears in the background. Mardi Himal is one of Nepal’s top winter vacation spots due to many local and foreign visitors.

Relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region
Close views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South
Varied trek through forests, alpine landscapes, and high camps
Fewer crowds compared to other Annapurna treks
Base Camp offers stunning sunrise and sunset views

Things to Do in Nepal in December

December is an excellent time for trekking, cultural trips, jungle safaris, paragliding, and mountain biking. These are made much more worthwhile by the bright skies and mild weather. If you are not a very skilled and seasoned trekker, it is better to stay away from hiking on high-altitude paths.

Local experts concur that December is the ideal month for shorter hikes close to Pokhara and the lower Solu area. You may enjoy clear mountain views in the little town of Nagarkot, which is close to Kathmandu. Pokhara offers stunning views of the mountains and a crystal-clear lake even in the winter.

Read More: Things to Do in Nepal

Events in Nepal in December

Every year in December, Kathmandu hosts the International Mountain Film Festival. It is a beautiful chance to catch up on movies on mountain ecosystems and cultures from Nepal and other countries. In the days before December 31st, the Lakeside Pokhara Street Festival hosts a street festival.

The lively and colorful festival is a good time to socialize and shop. Kathmandu has a raucous New Year’s Eve celebration with lit-up nightclubs and casinos. It is a benefit for you if you visit Kathmandu around that time since you will experience the city’s vibrant, busy character.

Check More: 10 Famous Festivals of Nepal – Religious and Cultural Festivals

In Conclusion

Words cannot express the splendor of December in Nepal. Tourists can find endless splendor in these locations. It makes for a fantastic holiday destination and a fantastic location to find peace of mind. You may be sure that visiting these ten locations in Nepal in December will instantly relieve your stress and worry.

For more details on Nepal:

10 Best Destinations in Nepal to Visit in December 2024

Weather in Nepal in December: