The trekking routes in Nepal are never closed and you can trek the whole year round, however, each season has a special charm to offer you of the Nepal we see. Because of the country’s varied geography, different areas and altitudes can be prone to different weather all year round.
This can help trekkers to have an idea of what conditions to prepare for in going for an adventure. There are spring, autumn, winter, and monsoon seasons in Nepal when you can book your key trekking in Nepal.
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Spring (March to May)
Firstly, April would be regarded as one of the best months to trek in Nepal. This season‘s weather is moderate with warm days and cool nights. The clear skies are also good for seeing the surrounding mountains, and temperatures at lower altitudes are comfortable. In May, the rhododendron forest is at its most beautiful, providing an opening of dazzling colors amongst the trails.
It is a popular season for trekking, for example to Manaslu, Annapurna, and Langtang. Trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit Trek can see the unobstructed views of Mount Manaslu and other peaks. This time of the year attracts trekkers and climbers who are in preparation for climbing to the summit. The Annapurna region is very lush and green during spring, offering splendid views and easy trekking conditions during the Annapurna Base Camp trail.
Trekking in Langtang Valley allows visitors to have a glimpse at one of the gorgeous landscapes with refreshing cool air, and the views of Langtang Lirung, the mountains towering, dense forests and wildflowers are breathtaking. It is a cool and clear weather for hiking. The Everest Base Camp Trek is an equally good choice during the spring season as the trail will filled with travelers and one can interact with fellow trekkers and locals with excellent mountain views.
Autumn (September to November)
The most popular trekking season is Autumn. This is a good trekking period as the monsoon rains clear the sky and provide splendid views. The day temperature is mild, and overnight it cools down quite a bit. You get the best visibility of the highest mountains in the world with almost no weather conditions blocking your view in sight.
From October to November, Everest Base Camp Trek is excellent when one can get to see the wide view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Moreover, the cultural richness of the Sherpa festivals such as Mani Rimdu is celebrated in the Tengboche Monastery during the autumn season. You can also opt for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour during these months, as the clear skies provide you with amazing views of the mountains near by including the tallest mountain, Mount Everest.
Making a trek in the Annapurna region means taking in views of golden rice fields and colorful landscapes with crystal clear photos of the Annapurna Range. Autumn is ideal both for the Annapurna base camp trek as well the Ghorepani Poon hill trek as the temperature is moderate and the surrounding view is spectacular.
If you can trek the Langtang Valley in autumn, then the bright blue sky and good trekking conditions are good reasons to take the trek. Lush forest, full of life and valleys, rolling Tamang villages in their bright colors merrymaking, Dashain and Tihar festivals.
Winter (December to February)
Although winter in Nepal is cold, especially at higher altitudes, trekking is totally different. Trekking while the snow is on the ground can be more work but it is well rewarded with more peaceful trails and snowy landscapes. At higher elevations, the temperatures can drop down heavily and so trekkers should anticipate freezing, especially during the night.
Although only possible during winter, conditions for winter trekking are more difficult in the Everest region. There is snow over parts of the trail, and the trekkers have to be well prepared for the extreme cold. The only dangerous part of the trip is reaching the high camp, but the views of the snow-covered Everest and its neighboring peaks can be spectacular from there.
Meanwhile, the Annapurna region is still open for trekking, although the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is not easy as there can be snow and cold temperatures. Even in the winter months, trekkers will still be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as you can still see the sunrise.
It is a good winter option for the Langtang Valley trek as it is at a lower altitude than Everest and Annapurna. In the winter, the valley is basically turned into a winter wonderland with snow-covered forests, frozen waterfalls and beautiful views of Langtang Lirung. This trek is generally more manageable in winter, but expect cold conditions nonetheless.
Winter is the time when Manaslu Circuit Trek is not an ideal choice for the novice trekkers since it becomes rather difficult with heavy snowfall and closed passes.
Monsoon (June to August)
Nepal is not the best trekking season in terms of monsoon. Trails are slippery, mud and increased chances of landslides due to the heavy rainfall. Visibility is poor and the clouds cover the mountains. Also, trekking in some areas becomes uncomfortable and dangerous due to the constant rain.
Despite these conditions, there are a few places in Nepal that are still viable to trek during the monsoon. Three areas of Upper Mustang and Dolpo are known to be in the rain shadow and receive very little rainfall, thereby making them great trekking destinations.
What sets these apart is that they act as barren landscapes, Tibet culture and ancient monasteries that offer a totally different trekking experience than the lush greenery of other regions.
Monsoon trekking demands more preparation and persistence, but offers the chance to venture into more quiet areas of Nepal, well out of the crowds that the peak trekking time draws. For the trekkers who are willing to battle with the wet, the forests are all a dene green, waterfalls are powerful and villages are remote. But have waterproof gear and expect delays caused by the weather.
Choosing the best season for your trek
The best season to trek in Nepal varies from person to person and also with type of trekking you want to experience. Most of these trekkers prefer to visit these places in the spring and autumn since they have good weather conditions and clear views of the mountains.
Moderate temperatures are provided during these seasons and they are the best days for trekkers to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes in the most suitable time. These are the safest and most comfortable seasons of the year for beginners to do trekking.
Finally, there is no best time to trek in Nepal, as in conclusion oneself depends on personal attitude to weather conditions and trekking experience one expects to enjoy. If you are on the quest for clear skies and greenery, or snow covered peaks and solitude, then Nepal holds the answer for every type of adventurer, depending on the time of year.