Most of the guide books mentions Autumn and Spring as the tourists season for Nepal. It is actually true for hardcore trekking and mountaineering. But for those coming only for cultural tours, short treks, walking and wildlife safari tours, weather is perfect throughout the winter months of December, January and February. Actually are mostly clear from morning till sunset during these months offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Days are mostly sunny and warm. Temperature is moderate for hiking, sightseeing and wildlife safari tours. Temperature of higher view points of the short treks may get down to 0 or below freezing points. But it is manageable with warm clothing and heating available in the teahouses / lodges. It doesn't snow in the lowers valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The other popular destinations like Chitwan and Lumbini is more in tropical region making winter a perfect time to visit. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha sees increased no of tourists during these months.
Fewer tourists, clear sky and spectacular with more snow over the Himalayas is additional benefit of travelling to Nepal in winter.
 |
| Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Amadablam seen on a short Everest trek during the month of December |
The Autumn trekking season slows down in December. December is known as shoulder season and most of the trekking groups are on their way back by the second week of December. Even though temperature starts to drop, it doesn't yet snows. Day temperature ranges from 12 - 22 degree centigrade making it perfect for short treks, cultural tours and wildlife safaris.
The Christmas and New Year holiday in Asian countries once again increase tourists in destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The popular trails like Ghorepani (Short trek in Annapurna) and Namche bazaar (Short Everest trek) are filled with trekkers from China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia. The little snow at the higher reaches make the trek fun and picturesque. The Christmas and New Year time is perfect to do culture and nature tour of Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara. There are several hill towns like Bandipur, and Nagarkot for a day hikes and insight into countryside lifestyle.
January is dry month with possibility of rain and snowfall in the mountains. It doesn't snow in Kathmandu and Pokhara. January is supposed to be the coldest month in Nepal. The average temperature in Kathmandu will be about 18 degree centigrade. Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini will be warmer. Minimum temperature of short trek destinations like Namche and Ghorepani will drop down to as low as - 8 at night and is possible to do with warm clothing.
 |
| Annapurna South and Huinchuli seen from Astam village, a day hike from Pokhara |
Temperature starts to increase in the month of February. Kathmandu will have temperature of 20 degree maximum average and about 6 degree minimum average. Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are in lower elevation and are much warmer. February is dry month with rain probability of only 2 days.
It is also shoulder season to Spring and trekkers starts to arrive at Kathmandu and Pokhara by the mid February.
The benefit of travelling to Nepal in February is that it is less crowded and the the Himalayas appear more beautiful with snowfall from the peak winter. This is perfect for short treks, cultural tours and wildlife tours.
Chinese new year holiday in Asian countries increase tourists in Nepal during the month. Also one of the major Hindu festival - Shivaratri falls in the end of the month.
 |
| Mt Thamsherku in the sunset during the winter month (Short Everest Trek) |
Things to do in Nepal during winter
Winter months are perfect for short treks in the foothills of the Himalayas. There are several popular short treks that offers best of mountain culture and Himalayan scenery. These short treks goes as high as 3,000 - 4,000 m within a week or less time from its base town of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Winter days are sunny with clear sky. The temperature is moderate making it perfect for walking. Snow deposits over the Himalayas make it appear more picturesque. Also it is less crowded as the mountaineers and hardcore trekkers avoid coming in these months. The higher reaches of the short treks may see snowfall but this makes the trekking more interesting. Proper clothing and experienced guides and porters make the trek more comfortable. Teahouse dinning will have heating.
 |
| Ghorepani Poon Hill trek - Short trek in Annapurna |
cores of tourists just come to enjoy the Himalayan scenery with the luxury of the hotels. for such tourists winter is perfect with guaranteed Himalayan view. One can easily drive or fly to destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini in the low land. Cultural tour of 5 to 10 days could be planned with day hikes and overnight in ridge top villages like Nagarkot, Astam and Bandipur. Again the winter explorer have the benefit of fewer tourists, clear sky and moderate day temperature.
 |
| Boudhanath Stupa - Kathmandu |
The months of December to February is also the best time to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Nepal. Most of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha are in lower valleys. Actually this is peak tourist season for Lumbini which will have temperature up to 40 degree centigrade during April to September.
 |
| Mayadevi temple - Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha |
Comments
Post a Comment