Winter in Nepal: Weather, Things to Do, Packing Tips & More

Winter in Nepal offers a unique travel experience! The dry, cold, and clear weather provides stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, making it an ideal time for trekking, winter sports, and mountaineering.

It’s the shoulder season, so there are fewer crowds on trails and at popular sites like Nagarkot and Phewa Lake. While temperatures can drop significantly, particularly at higher altitudes, the dry conditions make it comfortable for outdoor activities.

Table of Content

Weather in Nepal in Winter
Why Visit Nepal in Winter?
What to Look Out for in Nepal During Winter?
Top Things to Do in Nepal
Festivals & Events in Nepal
What to Wear in Nepal During Winters?
Why Choose OneVasco
FAQs

Weather in Nepal in Winter

Cold weather in Nepal

The winter season in Nepal starts from late November to February. The maximum temperatures range between 3°C in plains and – 10°C in higher altitudes. Here’s a closer look at the weather during winter in Nepal:

Temperature (°C)	Plains (Terai Region) November: 15-25°C (59-77°F) December: 10-20°C (50-68°F) January: 7-17°C (45-63°F) February: 10-20°C (50-68°F) Hills November: 10-20°C (50-68°F) December: 5-15°C (41-59°F) January: 2-12°C (36-54°F) February: 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Snowfall	Higher Himalayas experience snowfall in abundance. Everest Region: Lukla: Experiences occasional snowfall. Namche Bazaar: Snowfall is common, especially during winter months. Higher Camps on Everest Trekking Routes: Snow is almost guaranteed at higher altitudes. Annapurna Region: Annapurna Base Camp: Snowfall is frequent and can be heavy during winter. Thorong La Pass: High-altitude pass with significant snowfall during winter. Langtang Region: Langtang Village: Experiences snowfall, especially during winter months. Kyanjin Gompa: Higher altitude, more likely to have snow.
Precipitation/Rainfall	Occasional rainfall is possible but rare during winters
Average Sunset Time	5:20 PM

Why Visit Nepal in Winter?

Here are some unforgettable tourist attractions in winter in Nepal that you must experience:

Wildlife Spotting at National Parks

Nepal’s winter is the best time to spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With the cooler temperatures, animals become more active and easier to spot. Here are some national parks you should visit:

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan national park

Best time to visit: October to March
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 2000/- (Foreigners), Rs. 1000/- (SAARC), and NRs. 150/- (Nepalese) per person has to be paid at the Park’s Entrance Gate
Activities: Elephant safaris and Jeep safaris
Highlight: You can spot the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and the majestic Bengal tiger.
Website: https://chitwannationalpark.gov.np/

Shey-Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Best time to visit: October to March
Entry fee: Rs. 3,000 (Foreigners), Rs. 1,500 (SAARC Nationals), Rs. 100 (Nepali) visitors, and Rs. 25 for tourist porters should be paid at the designated ticket counter.
Activities: Trekking routes for the entire Dolpa district is divided into two regions: Lower and Upper.
Highlight: This park has the highest density of snow leopards in Nepal and is home to the beautiful Shey-Phoksundo Lake.
Website: https://dnpwc.gov.np/media/publication/Sey_phoksundo-_2019.pdf

Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna mountain range

Best time to visit: September-November
Entry fee: Nepalis – Free, SAARC nationals – NPR 200 per person per entry, foreigners – NPR 2,000 per person per entry; Trekking Permit is required for Upper Mustang.
Activities: Trekking and Mountaineering
Highlight: Tilicho Lake Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Snow Leopards – Ghost of the Mountains!
Website: https://ntb.gov.np/annapurna-conservation-area

Snow Activities and Trekking

Trekking in Nepal in Winter

For adventure seekers, winter in Nepal is a paradise for snow activities and trekking.

It is the best time to go skiing and snowboarding as the skies are clear with no rain, and the weather remains pleasant and calm. Here are some guided skiing tours to explore

Nepal is known for its trekking and hiking culture. There are some winter treks that you can explore to chase the beautiful Himalayas:

Everest Base Camp Trek: High Difficulty
Annapurna Base Camp: Moderate
Kopra Danda Trek: Moderate
Mardi Himal Trek: Moderate
Pikey Peak Trek: Moderate

Celebrate Christmas and Makar Sankranti

You can celebrate Christmas in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara; the churches are lit up and join the locals for midnight mass. Visiting Thamel street is a must during Christmas – the area is decorated with lights and Christmas trees!

Winters is also when the country celebrates Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival marking the transition to summer. You can participate in traditional rituals, enjoy local delicacies, and embrace the warmth of Nepali hospitality during these festive occasions.

What to Look Out for in Nepal During Winter?

Here’s what to expect during your winter in Nepal:

Affordable Accommodation

As winter is considered the off-season for tourism in Nepal, you can often find significantly lower rates on accommodation, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. This allows you to enjoy more comfortable stays without breaking the bank.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu: Stately luxury hotel offering restaurants, a bar & outdoor pools, tennis courts & a spa. 5-star hotel for ₹11,384 per night.
Waterfront Resort by KGH Group: Airy rooms & suites, most with lake-view balconies, in a waterfront venue with an outdoor pool. 4-star hotel for ₹4,467 per night.
Hotel Pleasure Home: Simple dorms & private rooms in a casual hotel with breakfast, plus a bar & a hot tub. 2-star hotel for ₹735 per night.
Kathmandu Eco Hotel: Straightforward hotel offering a cafe & a restaurant/bar, plus free breakfast, parking & Wi-Fi. 3-star hotel for ₹1,576 per night.
Dahlia Boutique Hotel: Casual hotel offering a spa, a bar & a restaurant, plus a rooftop terrace with a pool. 3-star hotel for ₹3,205 per night.

Warm Afternoons

While mornings and evenings can be pretty chilly, especially in higher altitudes, the afternoons in Nepal during winter are generally warm and sunny. This pleasant weather makes it ideal for visiting Nepal’s best cities and landmarks:

Kathmandu: Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square
Pokhara: Phewa Lake, Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nagarkot: Buddha Peace Park, Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail

Fewer Crowds

Temples in Nepal

With fewer tourists visiting during winter, you can expect fewer crowds at popular tourist sites, such as temples, monasteries, and trekking trails. Here’s a list of places to see in Nepal’s winter:

Tharlam Monastery 9 AM to 5 PM
Pullahari Monastery: 10 AM to 4 PM
Swoyambhu Mahachaitya: 24 hours
Shree Muktinath Temple: 5 AM to 8:30 PM

Discounted Tours

Since visiting Nepal in winter is rare for tourists. You can easily find discounted tours and guides. Many trekking agencies offer tourists discounts, making your trip affordable. To get the best prices for day tours or trekking tours, do check:

Top Things to Do in Nepal

Here are some activities to do in Nepal during winter:

Natural Hot Springs

Nepal’s natural hot springs scattered throughout Nepal are the best way to soothe your muscles and relax in the warm waters. Popular options include:

Tatopani Hot Spring
Rara Hot Springs
Langtang Hot Spring

Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife in Nepal

Embark on thrilling trekking routes in Annapurna Conservation Area or take wildlife safaris in Bardia National Park. Winter provides excellent visibility for spotting species like the snow leopard, red panda, black bears, one-horned rhinoceros, and the Bengal tiger.

Helicopter and Air Tours to Everest

Helicopter in Everest

If you are not up for trekking to the Everest Base Camp, you can enjoy a scenic helicopter or airplane ride over the Himalayas. These tours start from Kathmandu and can be booked online. The helicopter rides are pricer than airplane rides – you can expect to pay anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000.

You can compare the prices, details, and book here:

Shop for Pashmina

Pashmina, known for its exceptional softness and warmth, is a prized possession and a perfect souvenir from Nepal. You can find exquisite Pashmina shawls, scarves, and other woolen garments at reasonable prices in the local Thamel market in Kathmandu.

Win Big at Casinos

Some of the best casinos in Kathmandu that you should try your luck at. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play your hand amidst the Himalayan mountains and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Casino Mahjong: Visitors pay an entry fee of ₹3,200, which includes dinner, six drinks, free drop-to home, and complimentary coins worth ₹1,000
Casino Pride Nepal: No entry fees
Millionaire’s Club: No entry fees

Go on Cable Rides

You must take a scenic cable car ride to enjoy breathtaking panoramic Himalayas views. Popular options include

Manakamana Cable Car: Know the ticket price
Chandragiri Hills Cable Car: Know the ticket price

Try Local Delicacies

Winter is the perfect time to savor the flavors of Nepal. Indulge in seasonal foods in Nepal during winter, such as Momos, Thukpa, Dal Bhat, and Sel Roti, while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of local eateries. The top recommendations are:

Bagaan Thakali Kitchen in Kathmandu
Yala Cafe & Coffee Shop in Kathmandu
Nepalaya Rooftop Restaurant in Kathmandu

Sign up for Himalayan Retreats

Nepal offers amazing Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurvedic retreats at affordable prices. These retreats include guided nature walks, immersive exercises, and delicious fresh meals. It is the best way to escape city chaos and enjoy fresh air in the Himalayas.

Shopping in Thamel

Shopping in Nepal

Explore the vibrant and bustling Thamel district in Kathmandu. The place is a shopper’s paradise. You can find many souvenirs, handicrafts, trekking gear, and local products. You will find nightclubs like House of Music and Tamas Lounge to enjoy Nepalese nightlife.

Trekking and Hiking

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is known for its trekking and hiking adventures in the Himalayas. You can choose from various trails, from short day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, to capture beautiful sunsets, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences. You will spot beautiful yaks and goats on your treks, too!

Festivals & Events in Nepal

Explore the best events and festivals in Nepal during the winter months:

Yomari Punhi

If you are in Nepal in December, you can celebrate the harvest festival of Yomari Punhi, a unique cultural experience with the offering of “yomari,” a sweet dumpling filled with sesame seeds and jaggery. The locals worship Annapurna, the goddess of grains, and pray for a good rice harvest.

Losar Festival

Losar is a Tibetan festival celebrated in February in Nepal to celebrate the new year. The locals celebrate by decorating their homes and temples with lamps. There are dance and song performances in honor of Ibex. Within Nepal, there are different ways of celebrating this unique festival that you must experience!

New Year’s Eve at the Casinos

Ring in the New Year with a touch of excitement at one of Kathmandu’s vibrant casinos! At the casinos, you can enjoy live music, unlimited delicious food and drinks, free transportation, and the thrill of the game while celebrating the arrival of a new year.

Lakeside Pokhara Street Festival

Lakeside Pokhara Street Festival is a lively event featuring live music, street food, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere. It is organized by The Restaurant and Bar Association of Pokhara (REBAN) on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the firecracker celebrations at midnight and immerse yourself in the local culture!

Dates: December 31 to January 1
Address: 6X38+445, Park Sadak, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Socials: Facebook

What to Wear in Nepal During Winters?

Staying warm during Nepal’s dry winters is essential. The key is to layer your clothes and stay protected from the frosty cold.

Irrespective of your gender or age, here’s what you need to wear in Nepal during the winter season to keep yourself healthy:

Item	Individuals	Notes
Base Layer	Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve shirt & pants	Avoid cotton; wicks moisture
Mid-Layer	Fleece jacket or sweater	Breathable and packable
Outer Layer	Down jacket or insulated jacket + Waterproof/windproof shell	Adjustable hood & cuffs
Bottoms	Insulated pants or thermal leggings + Waterproof/windproof shell pants	Consider convertible pants
Accessories	Warm hat, thick wool/synthetic socks, waterproof gloves, scarf/neck gaiter, sunglasses	Buff for extra protection
Footwear	Waterproof & breathable hiking boots (or sturdy shoes)	Break in shoes before travel
Essentials	Sunscreen, lip balm, and a first-aid kit

Note: You can rent winter gear in Nepal. You will find down jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles in Kathmandu and other major cities.

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FAQs

How cold is Nepal in winter?

Nepal’s temperatures during winter can fall to sub-zero Celsius. The cities & plains experience minus 3°C to 23°C temperatures while the hills and valleys get minus 20°C to 12°C.