When to visit Nepal?
The best time for trekking in Nepal
Nepal’s a paradise for its majestic mountains as well as lush valleys, pristine lakes, and rich cultural heritages. It is also home to a rich cultural tapestry, with ancient temples, monasteries, and historic cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan that showcase its cultural heritage. Therefore, trekking to the Nepal is advantageous in every season but the best time allows you best experience till the end. It offers the sweltering heat of Terai plains to the freezing cold of the Himalayas and the very pleasant temperature of hills and valleys.
Nepal experiences four distinct seasons throughout the years (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). The different season will offer you with different landscapes, environment, and experience. In the context of Nepal, monsoon and summer season are combined which mean you can experience blazing hot for the first few weeks and rainfalls by the mid of the season.
1) Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Nepal. During this season, there is stronger sunlight, temperature begins to rise and the days grow longer providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, sightseeing and to tackle with high Passes. It is the pre- monsoon period when nature regenerates its lost beauty. The buds start to appear on trees and bushes and plants start to grow new bright green leaves and colorful flowers. The hills and valleys are covered in colorful blooming flowers including rhododendrons in red, purple, pink and white, making it an excellent time for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the country. The sight and smell of blooming flowers boost your mood and overall emotional well- being. You can also witness farmers and gardeners preparing their soil and begin cultivating a wide variety of crops and plants.
Moreover, spring is a time of cultural and religious festivities in Nepal. During this time several significant celebrations take place, which includes Holi, Nepalese New Year (Nepal Sambat), Bisket Jatra (Neplases New Year in Bhaktapur), Ram Navami, Chaite Dashain, Siddha purnima, Seto Machhendranath Jatra, and Red Machhendranath Jatra. Each festival has its own unique custom and traditions and they offer great opportunities to immerse you in Nepalese culture and explore the country’s rich religious and cultural diversity. Hence, spring is a highly anticipated and cherished season in Nepal, as it offers a chance to enjoy nature, engage in outdoor activities, and experience a sense of renewal and positivity.
Spring in Nepal spans from March to May, and it brings about a transition from the cooler winter months to the warmer and more humid summer season. In most parts of Nepal, especially in the lower and mid- altitude regions, the daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C and the nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 20°C. So, you should carry a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Similarly, the latter part of the spring season, around may, you can experience slightly more humid, and there is a higher chance of rain, especially in the afternoons and evenings. In higher mountain regions, sometimes you can also witness little snow as well. Here are some popular trekking options in Nepal during the spring season:
*Annapurna base camp trek (ABC)
*Langtang valley trek
*Everest base camp trek
*Gosaikunda trek
*Ghorepani Poon hill trek
*Upper mustang trek
*Makalu base camp trek
*Kanchenjunga base camp trek
*Manaslu circuit trek
2) Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another most popular and picturesque seasons in Nepal. It is the peak trekking season: characterized by clear skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity. The high mountains are still cold and the lower elevations are still warm but the day time walking temperatures are the most pleasant overall. The monsoon rains have usually ended by September, leaving behind lush green landscapes and pristine mountain views. The temperatures are generally comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C in hills and valleys and the higher altitudes in the Himalayan regions will be cooler, and temperatures may drop significantly at night.
As the season progresses, the lush green landscapes of start to change as leaves turn golden and red, creating stunning autumnal scenes in various parts of the country. You can witness snow- capped peaks against clear blue skies, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The trekking trails take you through dense forests, terraced fields, and charming mountain villages. The terraces are often covered in golden crops like rice and wheat, creating a picturesque sight. In addition, many of Nepal’s prominent festivals, such as Dashain and Tihar (Deepawali), Harvest festival (Maghe Sankranti), and Ghatasthapana (marks the beginning of Dashain) are celebrated during this season. It offers a glimpse into the rich traditions of the country and create vibrant and festive atmosphere throughout Nepal.
Overall, during autumn season, you can observe traditional farming practices, daily life of locals, vibrant colors as the leaves of the trees and shrubs change to various shades of yellow, orange, and red, breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan mountains, various wildlife, enjoy festive atmosphere and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Whether you are exploring the forests of the lower regions or the alpine forests at higher altitudes, you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Here are some of the popular trekking options in Nepal during autumn season:
*Annapurna circuit
*Manaslu circuit
*Everest base camp trek (EBC)
*Annapurna base camp trek (ABC)
*Upper mustang trek
*Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek
*Kanchenjunga base camp trek
*Makalu base camp trek
*Rara Lake trek
*Langtang valley trek
*Dolpo trek
*Mardi Himal trek
*Dhaulagiri circuit
3) Summer (June to August)
During summer season the country experiences warm and humid weather, especially in the lowland areas. It is the hottest season of Nepal, hot but dry days are more comfortable than those of monsoon days which are hot and humid. Wildflowers are in full bloom, and the foothills are lush due to the continuous rain showers, the paths are slippery, muddy, presence of several leeches and bugs. Trekking during this time is for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for unique and challenging adventure and wants to enjoy the thrill of monsoon trekking. Trekking in the rain can be exciting and refreshing as the rain rejuvenates the flora, and the landscapes are covered in vibrant, lush vegetation.
In the hilly and mountain regions, the daytime temperature usually range from 25°C to 30°C, 15°C to 25°C respectively. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations while Terai region temperatures can often exceed 35°C and it can be quite humid.
Additionally, you can find several festivals and cultural events being celebrated in Nepal during this time include Dashain, Chad, Krishna Janamashtami, and Haritalika Teej. You can witness and participate in these vibrant and culturally significant events and opportunity to connect with people and learn about its significance, customs, and traditions. Here are some of the popular trekking options in Nepal during summer season, with certain precautions:
*Rara Lake
*Annapurna circuit (Lower sections)
*Langtang valley
*Upper mustang trek
*Dolpo trek
*Poon hill trek
While the trekking may be challenging in some areas during the monsoon season, still you can visit Nepal to explore ancient temples, monasteries, join a yoga and meditation retreats in the scenery surroundings of the Himalayas to rejuvenate your mind and body, and immerse yourself in local traditions and festivals. You can also visit Nepal’s national parks, such as Chitwan National park or Bardia National park, for wildlife safari. It brings lush greenery and a chance to spot various animals and birds. On the other hand, take on the thrill of river rafting or kayaking in the fast- flowing waters when the rivers are at their fullest.
4) Winter (December to February)
Winter is the months for snowfall and icy- cold season of the year but the lower region trek is entirely enjoyable at this time. The temperature can range from 2°C to 12°C in the hills and foothills while in higher altitude areas, temperature can drop well below freezing. This can make trekking more challenging but also provides impressive snow- covered landscapes. Nepal celebrates various festivals during the winter season like Christmas, Udhauli & Ubhauli, Maghe Sankranti, Shivaratri, and Lhosar. It provides an opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural diversity and religious traditions. Here are some popular trekking options in Nepal during the winter:
*Annapurna foothills- Ghandruk trek, ABC trek, & Poonhill trek
*Langtang valley
*Helambu trek
*Everest view trek
*Panchase trek
*Royal trek
*Lower Solu- Khumbu region- Everest panorama trek and Pikey peak trek
*Gosaikunda trek
*Chisapani- Nagarkot trek
However, you can enjoy activities like paragliding, boating on Phewa Lake, and exploring beautiful Pokhara city. It’s also a good time for wildlife safaris in the Terai region’s national park.
In summary, spring, autumn, winter, and summer in Nepal is a fantastic time to explore the country’s natural beauty, culture, and traditions. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone interested in experiencing the rich culture and festivals of Nepal, these seasons offers something for everyone. Nepal offers heart- capturing natural beauty, from the towering Himalayan peaks to serene lakes, lush forests, and terraced fields. Besides trekking, it also offers other adventure activities like bungee jumping, mountain biking, paragliding, and white- water rafting. You can also savor traditional Nepali cuisine, which often include dishes like momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentils and rice), rice pudding (kheer), Dhindo and Gundruk, Lassi, Thukpa, newari cuisine, and sel roti. Experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality by staying in a local homestay.