Best Winter Treks in Nepal
Trekking is a major attraction for foreign trekkers and tourists in Nepal. Many trekkers often visit Nepal for the Spring and Autumn season trekking as they have more trekking conditions. However, a few trekking destinations in Nepal are equally impressive in winter. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best winter treks in Nepal.
Often, winter is regarded as the least ideal trekking destination in Nepal, along with the monsoon season. The cold temperature, dynamic weather, and the constant snowfall, snowstorms, and avalanches can block your trekking path, ruin your experience, and leave you vulnerable to injuries and damage to your property. However, trekking in the winter is also an opportunity to see some beautiful white mountain ranges. So, let’s talk about some of the best trekking regions.
Table of Contents
Highlights of trekking in Winter
- Majestic views of the skies and clear views of the mountains.
- During the winter, the trails and teahouses have less crowd, so it is the best time for peaceful trekking.
- In the winter months in Nepal, people in many towns and villages decorate their places for their custom festivals and rituals.
- Some of the most pleasant trekking conditions in some short-altitude regions are in the winter.
- You can also participate in some winter sports during the trek, like ice skiing and surfing.
1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. It is one of the most commercial trek, the Everest Base Camp Trek, so hundreds of thousands of trekkers visit the region monthly. During December, January, and February, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is much quieter and offers a clear view of the Himalayas. The trek provides mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Hiunchuli, Machapuchre, Annapurna III, and Tent Peak. The trail passes through dense rhododendrons, bamboo forests, Magar and Gurung villages, and past waterfalls. The Annapurna Base Camp, situated at 4,130 meters, offers captivating views of the mighty Annapurnas.
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you through the amazing Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
- Stunning views of the mountain ranges like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail Mountains.
- Breathtaking views of all the mountains, sunshine, and sunrise from the Ghorepani Poon Hill Treks.
- Explore the fantastic Macchapuchhre and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
2. Everest Panoroma Trek

One of the very best trekking destinations in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp Trek, which is not ideal for the winter season trek. However, there is a variation of the EBC Trek in the Everest Panorama trek. In the Everest Panorama trek, you will trek to Tengboche and climb the Tengboche monastery, from where you will see some stunning mountains of the Everest region like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.
Highlights
- Climb the Tengboche monastery and see the majestic panoramic views of the mountains.
- Stroll in the Sherpa town of the Namche Bazaar and also visit the Hotel Everest View.
- Visit the Sagarmatha National Park and get the chance to come across the rare and endangered species of plants, animals, and birds.
3. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is among the most underrated treks in Nepal. It is a short and low-altitude trek, which is why it is one of the ideal treks to undergo in winter. The trek takes you to an altitude of over 4200m, where you will reach some ancient monasteries in Kyanjin Gompa and Tserko Gompa.
Highlights
- One of the most underrated treks that takes you to the Hidden Valley of Nepal.
- Stunning views of the mountains like Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Yala Peak, Ganesh Himal, and others.
- Stroll around the remote and secluded trek and meet people of ethnic people like Bhote, Tamang, and Sherpa.
- Visit Langtang National Park and see the rare and endangered species of animals like musk deer, Himalayan Thai, and snow leopards.
- Indulge in the sacred chants of monks and pilgrims in ancient monasteries like Kyanjin Gompa.
- Take a magnificent look at the entire Langtang Valley from the Kynajin Ri and Tserko Ri.
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also among the underrated trek in the Annapurna region. It is arguably the most beautiful and comforting trek in Nepal and, most importantly, the easiest. Since the trek is short and at a lower altitude, it is the perfect trekking spot in the winter. As the trek lies in the high Ghorepani region, the trekkers can enjoy the snowfall.
Highlights
- Ghorepani Poon Hill is a short but beautiful trek to the beautiful hill station of the Annapurna region.
- From Poon Hill itself, witness the panoramic views of the 18 peaks.
- Climb the Ghorepani Poon Hill, especially during the sunrise and sunset, for the beautiful golden brown views of the surroundings.
- Explore the banks of the Modi River and trek above the suspension bridge.
5. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is another highly underrated but beautiful trekking region in Nepal. It is also one of the newest trekking trails in the Annapurna region, which takes you to the remote and secluded area of the Annapurna region. It is one of the stunning off-the-beaten-path that takes you to the beautiful mountain trails of the Annapurna massif. During winter, the path offers gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna region. The route also includes stunning mountain views and the local scenery. It’s a moderate hike despite being off the beaten path. The trek can be done any time of the year without previous experience. In the winter, domestic tourists visit the Mardi Himal Trek due to its easy accessibility.
Highlights
- Trek around the Annapurna Conservation Area and meet rare and endangered species.
- Stunning views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli during your fantastic trek.
- The rich and traditional culture of Gurungs, Thakalis, Magars, and Sherpas ranges from low to high-altitude treks.
6. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It is also an equally beautiful trek, and many experts believe it looks more magnificent in the winter than in other ideal seasons like Spring and Autumn. It also falls in the restricted area of Nepal to conserve the culture and traditions and protect the border with Tibet.
Highlights
- Reach the base of the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu, at 8163m.
- Trek the mesmerizing Larkya La Pass trails at an elevation of 5106 m.
- Visit the fantastic endangered species of rare animals and birds in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Stroll around several kinds of rivers, waterfalls & suspension bridges.
- Explore the ancient but important monasteries in Nubri and Pungyen.
7. Helambu Trek
Helambu trek is a short and low-altitude trek in the Langtang region. This is also a trek better suited for the winter rather than the Autumn or Spring season. The Helambu Trek is perfect for those who don’t have time but still love the adventure and thrill of the mountainous trekking. Helambu trek is for all types of ethnicities, but especially for those who follow or love the Buddhist religion.
Highlights
- Visit the small but beautiful apple farm in the villages.
- Interaction with the Helambu tribes and learn about the new culture named Yolmo.
- Learn more about the ancient Tibetan monasteries, caves, mani walls, and even Thankas.
- The experience of the diverse population and natural resources.
8. Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is another beautiful trek in the Annapurna region that takes you to the stunning mountainous and hilly trek of the Annapurna region. Once it was famous as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, only royal guards, kings, and queens were allowed to enter the area. The capital of the Upper Mustang trek is Lo-Manthang, from where you can witness stunning views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.
Highlights
- Trek the restricted area of the Annapurna region of the Upper Mustang Trek.
- Visit the sacred site of Hindus and Buddhists in the highest mountain of the Muktinath.
- Explore the highly secured and previously forbidden Lo-Manthang, the capital city of the Upper Mustang.
- Visit the ancient monasteries like Lo Gekar Monastery, Garphu Monastery, Luri Gompa, and Tsarang Monastery.
9. Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda Trek is another majestic short trek in the Annapurna region that you can easily explore in winter. You will reach the high ridge of Khopra Danda, from where you will see stunning views of the Annapurna region and the mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiuchuli Nilgiri, etc.
Highlights
- Stroll and explore the stunning city of Pokhara and enjoy the boat ride in the Fewa Lake.
- Enjoy the local cheese and visit the old factory at Paudwar.
- Get to see the stunning views of the mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, etc.
- Mix Khopra Danda trek with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and get into another adventure.
10. Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a different way to see Mount Everest. It’s not as busy as the regular path. You can see cool stuff like icy rivers and big mountains. There are six lakes called the Gokyo Lakes. They are in Gokyo Valley, high up in the mountains.
Highlights
- Majestic scenic flight from Lukla for the panoramic views of the mountains.
- Climb the Gokyo Ri and explore the Gokyo Lakes’ glacial moraines.
- Visit the tallest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier.
- Stunning views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Nuptse.
Tips for Winter Trek in Nepal
Winter trekking might be fun, but there is a reason it is the less ideal time for trekking the region. The winter is relentless, especially at high altitudes. The weather is far less stable in the winter, so you will continuously face the adversaries of rainfall, snowfall, avalanches, and snowstorms. So here are some tips that you can use for your winter trek in Nepal.
- Make sure to bring warm clothes like fleecing jackets, boots and gloves.
- Bring all the woolen clothes, gear, and equipment to make your winter trek easy.
- Generally, in the winter season, rainfall is less frequent, but if you get wet in woolen clothes, you will become sick, so pack all the waterproof garments, shoes, and boots.
- Before your trip to Nepal, visit a doctor at least a month in advance, get appropriate vaccinations, and pack enough medication for the entire trip.
- Keep yourself hydrated, especially at high altitudes, so that you won’t suffer from altitude sickness.
- Proper acclimatization is always a best practice during the trek in Nepal, but it becomes more purposeful during the winter season.
Conclusion
Hence, these are the ten best winter treks in Nepal. Although the winter season is not the ideal trek for either beginners or experts, if you have enough experience, you can easily visit these regions during the peak winter season and witness some of the best mountain views of Nepal.
However, trekking the Nepalese treks is challenging even during ideal trekking conditions, so the challenge might be double. It is essential to keep yourself physically fit and capable of engaging in exercises to strengthen your core and breathing. Furthermore, ensure you have packed all the necessary items to make your trek at least a bit comforting, if not easy. We hope this blog motivates you to trek Nepal in the winter season.
FAQs
Which permits do you need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you have to issue two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Restricted Area Permit.
Which is the best winter trekking region in Nepal?
The best winter trekking region in Nepal is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek which lies in the Annapurna region. It takes you to the top of Ghorepani poon hill, from where you can see the stunning views of the mountains and sunrise and sunset.
Which is the ideal month for trekking in winter?
In Nepal, the winter season starts in December and ends in February. The ideal time for trekking in winter in Nepal is December, the least cold season in Nepal.
Which trek is the most scenic trek to experience in the winter season in Nepal?
The most scenic trek to experience in the winter season in Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Upper Mustang Trek. Both these treks are peaceful, the beaten trek in the altitude trek in Nepal.
Is Annapurna easier than Everest?
According to expert trekkers, the Annapurna region is more straightforward than Everest as the altitude is slightly lower, and treks are more accessible than those of the Khumbu region.