Winter Trekking in Nepal can sound a bit intimidating to anyone. The false assumption of people that trekking cannot be done in winter leads to missing out on some of the most stunning views that one can ever witness. Nepal is famous for trekking in Spring and Autumn, ranging from March to May and September to November. However, winter is also an excellent time to go on short treks.
The Winter season has its distinct advantage that cannot get other times of the year. The best views of the Himalayas can be seen during the winter when the mountains are covered with thick layers of glistening snow. The lakes get frozen, leaving stunning scenery. Many photographers go on several treks during winter to capture the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
During winter (December to February), it rarely rains. Therefore skies are often crisp and clear. The trail all not crowded because of the offseason, so you can easily find the palace to spend overnight. The best thing is that you are not traveling in a rush. You can enjoy every step of the trek and inhale the refreshing aroma of the Himalayas as you move. You will have more than enough time to enjoy nature and indulge in it.
As you move higher, the temperature drops down, so you cannot go on every trek. The snowfall also blocks the path, and there can be chances of an avalanche. But, a few outings can be done during the winter season.
We have listed our top five treks that can be done in the winter season in Nepal.
Ghorepani Trek
Ghorepani Trek is a short yet beautiful trek in the lower Annapurna region. This trek will take you to the beautiful village of Ghorepani, which is surrounded by lush rhododendron forests and snow-capped mountains. The towns are home to Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people. As it is a guesthouse trek, you will be staying close to a local family. Hence you will have an excellent opportunity to look into their daily life and culture.
Likewise, Ghorepani Trek will take you to a very famous vantage point in the Annapurna region, Poon Hill, where you will observe gorgeous sunrise. The western Himalayan mountain can be seen in the far distance. This trek is a perfect option to do in winter to witness the tempting view of the winter in the Annapurna Himalayas. read more
Royal Trek
Royal Trek is an easy trek in the Annapurna region that was made when Prince Charles trekked on the same route back in the 1980s. Moreover, Mick Jagger, the vocalist of The Rolling Stones, has also gone on this trek. The trail is easy, with occasional ascends and descends. During the Royal Trekking, you will trek through beautiful rhododendron forests and enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan mountains.
This trek is perfect for anyone, regardless of their age. Moreover, it is also one of the recommended trekking trails in the Annapurna region for older adults. Royal Trek is the best trekking package at a low altitude that will present you with equally stunning views and experiences. During the Royal Trek, you will get to see astonishing views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Langtang (7,246 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Lamjung (6,983 m), and many other mountains. read more
Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trek is a short nine-day trek to take you to the lower Everest region. Pikey Peak Trekking is the newly opened trek that receives low numbers of trekkers every year. Therefore, this trek is perfect for anyone looking for less crowded hiking trails to present an excellent view of the Himalayan landscape. During Pikey Peak Trek, you will get to see panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Gauri Shankar (7,134 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m), and many others.
From Pikey Peak, you will get to see breathtaking sunrise. Along with that, you will stay with the locals during the trek; you will get to see the daily lifestyle and culture of the locals closely. Moreover, we will get to see ancient gompas, mani walls, and stupas on the way. read more
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a very famous trek in the Annapurna region. It is an easy trek that offers an enriching experience. The trail goes through verdant forests and picturesque villages. You will find yourself close to nature during the tour. Even though the Mardi Himal Trekking is an easy journey, you will see the most stunning views.
From Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will get to see a panoramic view of Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), and several other mountains. Not only this, as you will pass by villages, you will get to see the daily lifestyle and culture of the locals. This trek can be quickly done in winter as well. read more
Gurung Heritage Trek
Gurung Heritage Trek presents the rich culture and lifestyle of Gurung. This trek will take you to the beautiful villages of the Annapurna region. The main goal of the Gurung Heritage Trek is to offer you the heritages of people from the Gurung community. During the trek, you will get to spend the night in the home of locals, which means it is a complete homestay trek. Usually, they are typical old houses made of stone, mud, wood, and bricks. As you will stay overnight with the Gurung family, you will interact with them and listen to their brave history.
During the Gurung Heritage trekking, you will get to see amazing views of Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), Mt. Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and many other mountains. Gurung Heritage Trekking is an easy trek that can be done in 8 days. Therefore, it is an ideal package for anyone who has limited time on their hands. Read More
