Winter in Nepal: Weather Conditions and Places to Visit for Your Nepal Tour in Winter

A trip to Nepal in the winter is sure to be one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit. The snow-capped mountains, the chance to wrap up warm and explore some of Nepal’s most beautiful places and embarking on some of the best winter treks available.

Your winter tour to Nepal will see you discovering some of the most spectacular sights; here’s everything you need to know about the weather conditions and places to visit for your Nepal tour in winter .

Winter Temperature in Nepal

The winter temperatures in Nepal vary vastly depending on exactly where you are. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to as low as 2°C but these colder climates are more than compensated for by stunning sunshine and spectacular views.

Night-time in Nepal can get quite chilly, and temperatures often drop slightly below freezing. This shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting Nepal however. As long as you’re well-equipped with plenty of thermals, then you should have no problem.

In the capital city of Kathmandu, temperatures remain at an average of around 11 °C, with the minimum temperatures reaching 2°C and higher temperatures often reaching above 18°C.

The higher the altitude of the place you visit in Nepal, will see temperatures drop significantly during the winter months. Jumla for example, can see temperatures dip below freezing from November to February.

Depending on where you visit in Nepal, you’re likely to notice a significant difference in temperatures. Make sure you conduct thorough research before your winter trip to Nepal to obtain an accurate estimation of the temperature you can expect from each place.

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in Winter

There are an abundance of beautiful places to visit in Nepal during the winter months and it can be hard to narrow it down to just one or two must-see places. Here are some of the best recommendations of places to visit in Nepal in winter.

Kalinchowk, Dolakha

Kalinchowk offers unparalleled views of the stunning mountain ranges of Nepal. It’s also an idyllic place to visit for frolicking in the snow, as well as for indulging in some traditional Nepalese cuisine in one of the number of restaurants in Kalinchowk.

Pokhara

Pokhara is renowned as one of the most tranquil and beatific places in Nepal. With stunning views of Lake Pokhara, a plethora of hiking, trekking and boating opportunities, as well as glorious mountain ranges, Pokhara is definitely one of the best places to visit in Nepal during the winter months.

Winter of Pokhara is renowned as one of the most tranquil and beatific places in Nepal

Muktinath Temple, Mustang

Muktinath Temple is one of the most ancient Hindu temples in Tibet and despite being very small, it still offers worshippers a beautifully serene place to practice their religion. The Temple is a wonderful place to visit in winter as it’s surrounded by spectacular, mountainous views.

Recommended Best Winter Treks in Nepal

The winter months in Nepal are one of the best times of year to embark upon a trek. You’ll get to experience exceptionally clear skies, impressive mountain ranges as well as picturesque views of the surrounding scenery.

Poon Hill Trek

Considered to be one of the most idyllic treks in Nepal, Poon Hill offers otherworldly views of the sunrise and sunset from the top. While it may be one of the most popular treks to experience, it’s definitely worth it for the once in a lifetime views that you’ll see. Temperatures along the Poon Hill Trek can get particularly chilly so ensure that you’re well equipped with suitable clothing.

Kathmandu Valley Trek

The Kathmandu Valley Trek is yet another popular trek to enjoy during winter in Nepal as visitors will enjoy the slightly milder temperatures. The Himalayan views that can be seen on this trek are nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you decide to embark upon a longer three day trek from Kathmandu city to Nagarkot and then to Dhulikhel and Bhaktapur, or you opt for a shorter, one day hike, it’s sure to be an experience that you’ll never forget.

Everest Panorama Trek

Of course, you could make your way up to the Everest Base Camp, but during the winter months, the conditions can be exceptionally difficult. For a better alternative, consider sticking to the Panorama Trek. Along this trek you can expect to see magnificent monasteries and picturesque villages that are home to a plethora of historic stories.

Along Panorama Trek you will see magnificent monasteries and picturesque villages

What to Wear When You Visit Nepal in Winter

Packing for Nepal can involve a lot of research and planning to ensure you’re fully prepared for every eventuality. Make sure you’ve fully researched the predicted weather for the places you’re planning to visit and then pack accordingly.

Here are some recommended clothing items to wear in Nepal in winter.

Jumpers

Wearing a jumper in cold climates may go without saying, but it’s still important to mention it. Jumpers or sweaters are an essential clothing item in Nepal during the winter months, especially if you’re embarking on a long trek. This is to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, even if the temperatures drop to below freezing.

Hats/Scarves/Gloves

You may want to consider wearing specialist gloves that will easily allow you to take part in activities such as climbing and hiking, but you should also wear items that will keep you as warm as possible.

A cosy winter hat accompanied by a thick scarf and gloves should ensure that you’re warm at all times.

Comfortable Shoes

The perfect, comfortable shoes can be hard to come by but they’re an incredibly essential item of clothing to wear when visiting Nepal in winter. Not only will they keep your feet warm but if you’re planning to do lots of trekking and hiking then you need to be fully prepared with suitable footwear.

A winter trip to Nepal can truly be a once in a lifetime experience so it’s best to be fully prepared for the weather conditions. Ensure you conduct thorough research before you depart for your trip, and make sure you’re well equipped with all the necessary clothing to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.