Are you confused about visiting Nepal in winter due to the chilly weather? Don’t be as the country dresses in her great attire to welcome you this time. You can visit several places from October to January and enjoy the beauty. Here are some of those places we have described. Plan your trip wisely according to that.
What’s the winter climate like in Nepal?
Nepal’s winter is characterized by cold, dry, and sunny conditions. Kathmandu, the capital, experiences nighttime temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F). Higher altitudes are even colder, with snowfall prevalent in the elevated Himalayan areas. However, the lower regions remain dry and sunny. Winter provides an excellent backdrop for sightseeing in Nepal, with clear skies revealing breathtaking Himalayan views. Tourists can explore Kathmandu Valley’s temples and monasteries, and the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves. For trekking enthusiasts, winter offers quieter trails and mesmerizing vistas. Ensure you’re equipped with appropriate gear for warmth and safety.
Is Winter a good time to visit Nepal?
Absolutely! December marks the onset of winter in Nepal, presenting milder temperatures compared to January and February. It’s less crowded than the peak seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). This month offers clear skies, moderate temperatures in popular tourist spots, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Why should you consider Nepal in winter?
Stunning Mountain Scenery: Winter’s clear atmosphere in Nepal showcases the Himalayas in all their glory, with sunlit snow-capped peaks offering a visual treat.
Rich Wildlife: The snowy landscapes and cooler climate make it easier to spot Nepal’s diverse wildlife during winter.
Engaging Winter Sports: Embrace winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. Nepal boasts several ski resorts catering to various skill levels.
Cultural Exploration: Winter is a fantastic time to delve into Nepal’s culture. The pleasant weather complements visits to temples, monasteries, and vibrant cities.
Gastronomic Delights: Winter introduces a range of delectable Nepalese dishes. Relish the country’s distinct and tasty cuisine in the cool climate.
Festive Celebrations: Consider visiting Nepal during Christmas and New Year, especially in Pokhara. The city, particularly Lakeside Street, transforms during these festivities. Enjoy folk music, dance, and special offers in restaurants and shops. Winter also sees the celebration of local festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Saraswati Puja, and Holi.
Attractive Deals: Winter, being an off-peak season, often comes with enticing offers and discounts. Experience Nepal’s beauty, landscapes, and mountain views without the usual crowds and at potentially lower costs.
Here are 10 must-see places in Nepal during winter:
1. Kathmandu
Your winter trip to Nepal won’t be complete if you skip visiting the country’s capital, Kathmandu. To get a closer view of Nepal’s tradition, heritage, and culture, Kathmandu should be on your list.
Once you are here, you can visit religious sites like Swayambhunath, Pashupathinath, and Boudhanath to explore the spiritual side of the local people. Also, you can see the Garden of Dreams and Godawari Botanical Garden, where you can unwind and enjoy sunbathing and relaxing.
Kathmandu also homes several authentic Nepalese restaurants. So, don’t forget to enjoy the chilly wind of winter while cherishing the Nepalese cuisine, warm and hot!
Best Way To Reach: Kathmandu is the capital city and is well connected by international flights. Tribhuvan International Airport is the main entry point.
Temperatures during winter: Around 2°C to 10°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Durbar Square
- Garden of Dreams
- Thamel District
2. Pokhara
If you are a true adventurist by heart and want to explore the thrilling side of Nepal in winter, Pokhara will be the best destination for you. Pokhara will welcome you to enjoy several kinds of adventure sports with stunning lakes and mountains.
Pokhara is also the gateway of the magnificent Annapurna Range. So, gear up, pack your backpack, and be ready for exciting trekking trails that will offer you life-changing memories. Here, you need to remember that trekking at Pokhara is for advanced trekkers. So, you must have enough experience in trekking.
Apart from trekking, you can also attempt several other adventure sports here, like paragliding, skydiving, rock climbing, base jumping, bungee jumping, and so on. Once you are here, don’t forget to visit the exotic museum and serene pagodas of Pokhara.
Best Way To Reach: Domestic flights from Kathmandu or a 6-7 hour drive.
Temperatures during winter: Around 8°C to 15°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Phewa Lake
- Davis Fall
- Gupteshwor Cave
- World Peace Pagoda
- Sarangkot (for sunrise and mountain views)
- International Mountain Museum
3. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is located in central Nepal, and it is a small village to cherish. It is famous for giving you a crystal clear view of the Himalayas. From the balcony of your hotel, you can be amazed by the vastness of the Himalayan range in front of your eyes.
Winter is the best time to visit Nagarkot as the weather is clear, and you can witness 8 out of 13 ranges of the Himalayan Mountains. Also, this is the time to see numerous species of butterflies over here.
In winter, Nagarkot welcomes you with all its color and vibe. The view of the sunrise and sunset is spectacular over here.
You can go for several adventure activities, like paragliding, nature walking, cycling, trekking, hiking, etc., when you are in Nagarkot.
Best Way To Reach: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Around 1°C to 10°C.
Must Visit Attractions:
- Panoramic Himalayan Views
- Nagarkot View Tower
- Trekking trails
- Sunrise and sunset views
4. Annapurna Circuit
Returning from Nepal without attempting trekking at Annapurna Circuit will be a great mistake, especially if you are an expert trekker. Located on the north side of Pokhara, Annapurna Circuit opens a heavenly view to the trekkers to wipe off all their tiredness from walking.
You can trek up to the hilltop and other mountainsides. You will find subtropical vegetation over here. There are lots of small cottages for food and also for overnight lodging to rest while you are tired of walking.
Best Way To Reach: Start from Besisahar, which is a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Thorong La Pass
- Manang Village
- Muktinath Temple
- Marpha Village
- Hot springs in Tatopani
5. Poon Hill
Poon Hill is located at an elevation of 3210 meters from sea level; this destination will open the spectacular view of Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Range.
This trekking trail looks awesome in winter when the colorful rhododendron adds color to your journey, and the vastness of the mountains welcomes you at the end of the path.
Once you are on the top of Poon Hill, the spectacular view of Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Dhaulagiri, the Hiunchuli, and the Fishtail Mountains will take your breath away.
Best Way To Reach: Trek starts from Nayapul, which is a 1-2 hour drive from Pokhara.
Temperatures during winter: Around -5°C to 10°C, depending on the altitude.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Sunrise views of the Himalayas
- Ghorepani Village
- Rhododendron forests
6. Bandipur
To include the next place to visit in winter in Nepal is Bandipur. To experience the true Newari culture from a closer view, you should visit Bandipur. The locals have safeguarded their tradition and culture in a very particular way. The houses, temples, and other structures hold the tradition perfectly. In winter, you can get to attend several yearly festivals here.
Bandipur throbs with life and laughter and welcomes the guests with warmth. Don’t miss visiting the orange orchard and silk farm when you are here.
You can also go hiking, downhill trekking, exploring the caves, etc., at Bandipur. Buy mementos from the local village shops and get amazed at the articulate structure of the temples over here.
Best Way To Reach: Around a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Around 5°C to 12°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Siddha Gufa (cave)
- Thani Mai Temple
- Khadga Devi Temple
- Tundikhel (for Himalayan views)
7. Kakani
Kakani is a small hilly village in Central Nepal, and it is only 23km away from Kathmandu. If you want to forget the hustle-bustle of urban life and want to spend a few days amidst natural calmness, this is the place you can visit on your trip to Nepal. You can feel the serenity and the pristine nature that will rejuvenate you to get back to your regular life.
Winter is the best time to visit Kakani as you get a clear view of the majestic Himalayan ranges, like, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna Ranges. Also, you can get a keen knowledge of the local culture when you are here.
If you love hiking, go for it to explore the nearby strawberry farms, taste the fresh cheese and local cuisines, and also other local delicacies.
Best Way To Reach: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Around 3°C to 10°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Shivapuri National Park
- Himalayan views
- Strawberry farms
8. Chitwan
To name the next place to visit in Nepal during winter is Chitwan. Chitwan National Park is the main attraction of the place where you can visit diverse wildlife. You can see Royal Bengal Tigers, various species of rhinoceros, leopards, gaur deer, sloth bears, and lots of other critters.
There are also species of Gangetic dolphins and crocodiles that live in the streams and rivers. If you are a bird-lover, visiting Chitwan National Park is the best idea in winter to witness almost 500 species of birds.
Apart from the National park, you can also visit the shopping places, lakes, palaces, etc. With great scenic beauty, Chitwan dressed beautifully in winter to woo its tourists.
Best Way To Reach: A 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Around 5°C to 15°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Chitwan National Park (jungle safaris, birdwatching)
- Tharu Cultural Museum
- Elephant Breeding Center
- Canoeing in the Rapti River
9. Kalingchowk
While planning a trip to Nepal during winter, you have to prepare your itinerary very carefully so that you don’t miss the most beautiful places in the country. Kalingchowk will always be on the top of the list if you are going trekking. To get rid of the busy city life and indulge in the natural beauty, Kalingchowk is the best place in Nepal to visit in winter.
This small village is located at a high altitude and a perfect bliss for trekkers and natural adventurists. You can go for several other exciting activities over here in winter. You can go hiking, camping, or skiing in the snow-filled valley this time.
That will be highly exciting! When you are here, don’t forget to visit Kalingchowk temple, from where you can visit the extraordinary sunset view. Enjoy your camping night with a bonfire and ‘Jhwaikhattey’, a local millet brew.
Best Way To Reach: A 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Temperatures during winter: Around -5°C to 5°C.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Kalingchowk Bhagwati Temple
- Skiing and snow activities in winter
- Panoramic views of the Himalayas
10. Mustang
To culminate the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal in winter, Mustang is the best of its kind. You can witness the culturally rich lifestyle over here while the spectacular natural beauty of the place will blow your mind.
Hopefully, you are excited enough to pack your bags for a trip to Nepal in winter. There are several other places that you should include on your list. Make a ravishing memory of your trip to Nepal and cherish those later.
Best Way To Reach: Domestic flights to Jomsom from Pokhara followed by trekking or driving.
Temperatures during winter: Can drop below freezing, especially at night.
Attractions You Must Visit:
- Lo Manthang (ancient walled city)
- Muktinath Temple
- Thugchen Gompa
- Red cliffs of Dhakmar
- Ancient cave dwellings in Chhoser
FAQs about Winter Travel in Nepal
Q: Where are some of the best places to visit in Nepal during the winter?
A: Some of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter include Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, Bandipur, Kakani, Chitwan, Kalingchowk, and Mustang. Each offers a unique experience, from serene mountain views to vibrant cultural festivities.
Q: What are some of the most popular tourist activities in Nepal during the winter?
A: During winter, tourists in Nepal often indulge in trekking (lower altitudes are preferred), wildlife safaris (especially in Chitwan National Park), cultural tours, visiting temples and monasteries, and enjoying panoramic mountain views from places like Nagarkot and Pokhara.
Q: What are some of the unique cultural experiences that can be had in Nepal during the winter?
A: Winter in Nepal is marked by several festivals and cultural events. You can witness the grand celebration of Tihar, participate in the Maghe Sankranti festival, or observe the Tamu Lhosar celebrated by the Gurung community. Visiting local homes, tasting traditional foods, and attending local fairs are also unique cultural experiences during this season.
Q: What is the weather like in Nepal during the winter?
A: Winter in Nepal, which runs from December to February, is characterized by clear skies and colder temperatures. The Terai region can be mildly cold, while the hilly regions experience chilly weather. The Himalayan region can get extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially at higher altitudes.
Q: What are some tips for staying warm in Nepal during the winter?
A: To stay warm in Nepal during winter:
- Layer your clothing. Wear thermal innerwear, followed by regular clothes and finish with a heavy jacket or down jacket.
- Wear woolen hats, gloves, and scarves.
- Opt for insulated and waterproof trekking boots.
- Drink warm beverages like tea or local butter tea.
- Stay active during the day to generate body heat.
- Use hot water bottles or heating pads at night.
Q: What are some of the challenges of traveling to Nepal during the winter?
A: Traveling to Nepal in winter can present challenges such as:
- Reduced accessibility to high-altitude regions due to snowfall.
- Risk of flight delays or cancellations, especially in mountainous regions.
- Colder temperatures which require proper preparation and gear.
- Limited facilities in off-the-beaten-path areas as some lodges may close during the peak winter months.
- Trekking can be more challenging due to icy trails.
For more information on Nepal:
- 10 Famous Nepal Offbeat Places
- Nepal’s Most Popular Destinations to Visit
- Honeymoon Destinations in Nepal
- Things to Do in Nepal
- Visit Nepal during Monsoon
- Nepal Top 10 Reasons to Visit
- 10 Popular Snowfall Destinations in Nepal
- Nepal Top 4 Cable Car Destinations
- India-Nepal Bus services restart after a suspension of 2 years
