Introduction

Nepal is home to some of the most stunning landscapes. It is considered a trekker’s paradise. Many accessible treks are located near Pokhara and Kathmandu. Famous treks include Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, and many more. Despite the abundance of trekking destinations, choosing the right season for the trek can make all the difference between an unforgettable experience and a challenging one.

The country’s diverse terrains, from deep forests to snowy mountains, experience distinct weather patterns, which directly impact the trekking conditions. Monitoring Nepal’s seasonal change can be vital if you’re planning a trek. Whether you’re aiming to scale a peak or enjoy a tranquil trail at a relatively lower elevation, knowing the weather beforehand is very necessary. In this guide, we’ll break down all the seasons that are suitable for trekking in Nepal.

Spring (March, April, and May)

Spring, from March to May, is one of Nepal’s most favorable trekking seasons. The pleasant weather and clear skies offer ideal conditions for trekking in high-altitude and lower-altitude regions. The trails come alive with blooming flowers like rhododendrons, especially in the Langtang and Annapurna regions. During this season, trekkers can also get the best views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The blue skies around this time create a perfect environment for trekking. High-altitude treks are also easily achievable around this time. Some of the best treks that we recommend for the Spring are:

  1. Annapurna Circuit: Although the higher elevations remain cold around this time, it is still manageable. Places above 4000 meters receive snowfall around this time, so be well-prepared. However, at lower elevations, the trekking is pretty easy and navigable.
  2. Everest Base Camp: The same applies to the Everest Region.  The temperature is mildly warm at lower elevations and quite moderate at higher altitudes over 4000m.
  3. Langtang Valley Trek: This place usually does not cross elevations above 4500 meters, so it is perfect for trekking during Spring.
Langtang Valley
Kyanjin Valley, Langtang (Source: Wiki Commons)

 

Monsoon/ Summer (June, July, and August)

Monsoon, from June to August, is an unfavorable trekking period due to the heavy rainfall. The humid condition makes the trail slippery and muddy with heavy rainfalls. There is a higher risk of landslides in the hilly regions. Clouds and rains can often obscure mountain views. However, the regions of Mustang and Dolpa are geographically blessed in terms of rainfall. Because these regions lie behind the Himalayas, they receive little to no rain, even during monsoon season. The trails around these places are usually less crowded and are perfect for people seeking solitude. Here are some of the best treks for the Monsoon season:

  1. Upper Mustang: Mustang’s dry, barren landscape receives very little rainfall throughout the year, which can be perfect for people wanting to trek during the Monsoon. The region close to Tibet is perfect for trekking during the summer and monsoon season.
  2. Nar and Phu Valleys: This long 15-20-day trek is suitable for the Monsoon. Lying behind the great Annapurna Massif, this region also receives little rainfall during the monsoon. Hence, people can choose this trek during the monsoon.
  3.  Dolpo Trek: The Upper Dolpo region receives less rainfall and is another favorable location to trek during the monsoon season.
Kagbeni Mustang
Mustang, Nepal (Source: Wiki Commons)

 

Autumn (September, October, and November)

Autumn is the best season for trekking in Nepal. Stable weather, little rainfall, and clear skies make this season ideal. It starts in mid-September and extends to late November. The trail also becomes much easier and is easily navigable during this time. Places with higher elevations do receive snowfall, but the trails are easily accessible. The moderate temperature makes it an ideal time for any trekking and expedition in Nepal. Almost every destination throughout Nepal can be trekked in the Autumn. Here are some of the best places to trek in Autumn:

  1. Manaslu Region: The excellent mountain views visible from this region are unrivaled. With fresh greenery, cleaner air, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains make this trek truly mesmerizing.
  2. Treks Around Pokhara: Popular treks around Pokhara include Poonhill Trek and Annapurna region trek. The trails around this place can get busier in Autumn.

Autumn also coincides with Dashain, when trekkers can explore the vibrant local culture around this amazing festival.

Manaslu
Manaslu Trek Source: (Wiki Commons)

 

Winter (December, January, and February)

Winter lasts for three months in Nepal. Although it is not a favorable time to trek at higher altitudes, places below 4000 meters can still be easily trekked in winter. Snowfall is common at higher elevations, with risks of strong winds and colder temperatures. In the mountains, the trail becomes difficult to navigate, and in places like Annapurna and Everest, temperatures plummet below -10 degrees Celsius. These are some of the best places to trek in the winter:

  1. Mardi Himal Trek: At an elevation of around 4500 meters, Mardi Himal’s base camp receives a perfect amount of snow in the winter. The landscape becomes picturesque around this time in Mardi.
  2. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek: Another equally favorable trekking destination is the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, which does not receive any snowfall during winter. This trek can be crowded from December to February.

Also Read: Trekking To The Muldai View Point: A Peaceful Trek