10 Best Winter Treks In Nepal

10 Best Winter Treks In Nepal

The 10 best winter treks in Nepal are for trekkers and adventurers to enjoy scenic and exciting Himalayan destinations.

Nepal is a unique country with the world’s 8th highest peaks and hundreds of giant mountains. Make Nepal one of the sought-after adventure premier destinations around the Himalayas.

Mount Everest
Mount Everest

The 10 best winter treks in Nepal are for trekkers Nepal is a country of great charm and beauty with a diverse topography of landscapes. From the lower land of Terai, with mid-hills and deep verdant valleys, to the higher mountainous region and the great Himalayas. Nepal is a blessed country with a unique geographical position and altitude variations, where elevation ranges from 60 m above sea level.

Extending to the highest point on earth, the top of Mt. Everest at 8,848.86 m. All within a distance of 150 km, resulting in climatic changes from sub-tropical alpine to Arctic temperatures.

Nepal is a country of various ethnic tribes of people of mixed religions and different cultures from one area to another region. Make Nepal a fascinating country for its picturesque scenery landscapes and Snow Mountains, with an impressive varied heritage and cultures. Including diverse exotic flora and fauna and 2 % of all the flowering plants on earth. As well as 08 % of the birds with more than 857 species, with 4 % of mammals on earth.
The best 10 winter treks are for all types of people and age groups.

The altitude gains slowly and gradually as you walk from one place to another before completing the trek.
Adventure in Nepal is for all seasons, but winter treks are short and exclusive. It leads to exciting walks with fewer groups of trekkers to encounter than in the busy high seasons of spring and autumn.

Vertex Holiday provides the best ten winter treks in Nepal with various destinations around the Himalayas.

Annapurna Region Trek:

01: Annapurna Base Camp  Trek.

The best and shortest 8,000 meters base camp in all the Himalayan ranges, due to its proximity to Pokhara city. An adventure that leads you to the heart of the world’s tenth highest Mt. Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,545 ft.).
Annapurna base camp trek is located within a picturesque sanctuary enclosed by amphitheaters of gigantic peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas.

View from Annaprna Base Camp lodge
View from Annapurna Base Camp Lodge

Visitors can enjoy the adventure of the Short Annapurna Base Camp trek within a week or more. The walk leads to ups and downhill through lovely rhododendrons and pines forest, exploring mountain traditional farm villages. The highest spot of the trek is walking to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m /13,550 ft. Starts with short drives from Pokhara, and vice-versa on concluding the treks.

02: Mardi Himal Trek.

Mardi Himal trek, also known as the ‘Other Sanctuary by early pioneers and explorers, due to its close distances. From the original Annapurna Sanctuary, bounded by a deep gorge of the Modi River and high cliff walls. The adventure takes you to Mardi Viewpoint, the highest spot of the trek at 4,500 m/ 14,850 feet.

The Mardi Himal trek is often known as off-the-beaten-tracks, but in present from past few decades, it has become more popular among trekkers. A scenic walk on the high ridges through a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pine trees.

Mardi Himal Trek of 7 days or more as per the itinerary chosen from respected local trekking agencies. Mardi Himal the Other Sanctuary Trek includes drives both ways from Pokhara to Pokhara.

03: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek are the most popular and favored country walks around the southern hills of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges. Due to its charming scenery of surrounding landscapes in the backdrops of towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas.

The Ghorepani  Poon Hill trek is one of the shortest treks around the Annapurna region. As well as with various options of routes to start and end the trekking. But the shortest itinerary of only a minimum of 3-4 days or more, as per the itinerary chosen. The Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek takes you around the high scenic hills to reach Ghorepani Mountain Village. Located amidst beautiful rhododendrons forest surroundings at the base of Poon Hill.
The next early morning hike of an hour takes you to the top of Poon Hill at 3,210 m/
10,531 ft. The highest point of the trekking offers stunning views of sunrise over a chain of Himalayan peaks. The panorama of the Mid-West Himalayas includes the world’s three highest peaks Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Annapurna.

Nepal Tours
Nepal Tours

Includes arrays of snow peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail Peak, which dominates the southern Annapurna hills and valleys.

04: Annapurna Semi-Circuit Trek.

Annapurna Semi Circuit trek is one of the most popular adventures, the walk follows around the northern massif Annapurna Himalayas.

The journey of more than a week includes rest days in Manang at 3,550 m for acclimatization. Before the big climb to cross over Thorang-La Pass at 5,416 m/
17,769 ft. The highest point of the adventure offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding towering peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Chulu.

As far as Damodar Himal in the north with Manaslu towards the east horizon, from the pass a long descent. To reach the Mustang area at the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered as a sacred place with a Hindu Temple. From Muktinath either drive for a few hours or walk to Jomsom Town, located around Kaligandaki River Valley. Jomsom is a big town and headquarters of Mustang district, with a small airport for the short flight to Pokhara.
Annapurna Semi Circuit includes drives from Kathmandu to Dharapani Village at Manang via Bhesishar Town, to start the trek. The ends at Jomsom with a flight to the scenic city of Pokhara.

Everest Region Trek :

01: Everest base camp trek.

The Everest base camp trek is the most popular and favored adventure around the whole Himalayan regions. Where walk takes you to the foot of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest at base camp. An adventure of 11 to 12 days as per the standard itinerary, includes ample time for rest days. It is important to have extra days at certain heights for acclimatization before reaching Everest Base Camp.

Winter treks in Nepal Everest base camp trek involve a scenic short flight both ways from Kathmandu-Lukla and back to Kathmandu. An exciting walk following through nice traditional Sherpa villages then heading high to the famous Namche Bazaar. The hub of Khumbu Sherpa Villagers, as well as the trekkers, offers various facilities.
From good lodges, restaurants, shops, and stores with banks, including ATMs, a perfect height for acclimatization day. Spending time in Namche Bazaar the walk follows a higher scenic trail facing the grand vista of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

The trail follows uphill through the lovely alpine forest to the beautiful spot of Tengboche and the monastery. Then heading further high, on leaving the green vegetation and trees for sheer mountain wilderness. The walk continues through the Dingboche and Lobuche settlements to reach the Everest base camp.

Everest base camp covered in remorseless fields of moraine, ice, and glaciers at
5,364 m / 17, 598 feet. Standing beneath the towering peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse and massif Khumbu Ice-Fall. After the visit to the Everest base camp trek, an adventure then takes you to the top of Kalapathar the best viewpoints. As you stand on the highest spot of Kalapathar Hill, at 5,643 m /18,514 feet. The most popular and best viewpoints for close views of Mt. Everest with surrounding towering giant snow mountains. After a great experience down to Namche Bazaar and back to Lukla for a flight to Kathmandu.

02: Everest Panorama Trek.

Everest Panorama Trek is a short moderate adventure of a week duration. Involves a panoramic flight of half an hour from Kathmandu to Lukla both ways. The trek follows the same route from Everest base camp to Tengboche Monastery at 3,867m/12,687 feet high.

Everest Panorama Trek
Everest Panorama Trek

winter treks in Nepal An exciting and picturesque spot of Tengboche, located on a small plateau amidst a beautiful forest of rhododendrons, pines, and firs. Great place for a stunning panorama of towering gigantic peaks of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.Includes magnificent peaks of Ama Dablam, Kangtiga, Thamarsaku, and Kwangde Himal ranges. Tengboche beside its spectacular mountain panorama is also famous for its colorful monastery, and a great Mani Rimdu Festival held annually. From Tengboche back to Lukla follow the downhill trail past Namche Bazaar to reach Lukla. For early morning swift flight to Kathmandu, with grand last panorama of Everest during flights.

03: Pikey Peak Trek.

Pikey peak trek at 4,302 m/14,114 feet high. Located around the district of lower Solu-Khumbu district. The southern hills of the Everest region and home to various mixed tribes of eastern Nepal. The trek to Pikey Viewpoint is also referred to as Pikey Peak trek, a scenic hilltop. One of the best viewpoints around the Himalayas offers more than 360° panorama of the Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. The views from Pikey ridge top offer stunning sunrise over the chain of snow-capped peaks. From Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himal towards the west, and Jugal Himal with Gaurishankar and Numbur straight north.

Pikey Peak Trek in Winter
Pikey Peak Trek in Winter

Winter Treks in Nepal pikey peak trek offers Snowcoverd Mountain Views Including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu with Kanchenjunga Himal on the far eastern horizon. Pikey Viewpoint Ridge is surrounded by dense forest of tall rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and fir trees.

The Pikey Peak trek was the least visited in the early days. But at present from last few years attracting more trekkers every best season of the year.

Pikey Peak Trek includes an exciting overland journey both ways in the comfort of a 4WD Jeep or similar vehicle.

04: Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri Trek.

Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri Trek is located in one of the picturesque areas around the high Khumbu and Everest regions. The Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri Trek of 11 to 12 days, one of the most exciting adventures around the central part of Khumbu. Which is on the midways of the two highest passes of Cho-la and RenjoLa Pass. Gokyo is famous as the valley of lakes, enclosed by towering peaks with mass mountain ranges. Which is also en route to Mt. Cho-Oyu base camp, the world’s 6th highest peak.

Winter trek in Nepal, Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri Trek is a beautiful scenery with glacial lakes, it is also famous for its viewpoints. A high scenic ridge Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m/17, 575 feet high, offers a striking sunrise with a panorama of the world’s four highest peaks.

Winter Treks In Nepal Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri Trek offers amazing views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu with Mt. Cho Oyu, with an array of snow peaks. As well as a panorama of the Gokyo Valley and the lakes with Ngozumpa the longest glaciers in Nepal Himalayas.

Winter Treks in Nepal After an enjoyable moment at Gokyo Valley, enjoy the walk back to Namche Bazaar and down to Lukla.

Langtang Region Trek:

View from Annaprna Base Camp lodge
View from Annapurna Base Camp Lodge

01: Langtang Valley Trek.

Langtang Valley Trek is the third most popular adventure destination around Nepal Himalayas. An enjoyable and exciting trek towards Langtang Valley at the highest spot Kyanjin Gompa. The last lovely settlements and overnight stops for the trekkers at 3,870 m /12,697 feet high. The valley is surrounded by massif mountain ranges of Langtang Himal, the closest mountains to Kathmandu city.

Winter Treks in Nepal Langtang Valley is a short trek of a week duration and includes drives both ways from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Village. The walk leads through a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pines with some bamboo. As the trek continues reaching the beautiful Langtang Valley above the tree lines. At Kyanjin Gompa have an extra day for an exciting activities hike to the top of Tserko or Kyanjin-Ri.

These two viewpoints Kyanjin-Ri at 4,773 m/15, 655 feet, and Tserko-Ri at 5,033 m/16,500 ft. Both scenic ridges offer a breathtaking panorama of the whole Langtang Himal ranges, as far as Jugal Himal towards the east.
After an enjoyable and exciting at Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa, return journey on the same route to Syabrubesi Village.

02: Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Trek.

Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Trek is a combination of the best two scenic areas of the Langtang Himal range. Located in the district of Rasuwa and within Nepal’s first national park around the Himalayan regions. An enjoyable and exciting scenic adventure of moderate grade with a slight touch of altitude gain.

The first part of the trek takes you through lovely dense woodland of tall rhododendrons and pine trees. Then reaching at Kyanjin Gompa a moderate-sized settlement amidst picturesque Lang Valley. A great place for an extra day of hike to high Kyanjin-Ri or Tserko-Ri offers incredible mountain panorama.

Includes all of Langtang and the Central Himalayan range of peaks as far as mountains across the border in Tibet. Also a good climb for acclimatization before heading towards the Gosainkunda area, which is higher than Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Valley. The next part of the walk leads northeast around the high ridges of Langtang Himal. The walk with stunning views of Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himal as well as far towards Annapurna Himalayas. The climb leads you to a serene glacial pond of Gosainkunda at 4,381 m / 14,375 feet high.

The Gosainkunda is regarded as the holiest site for Hindu followers, where once a year a religious fair is held. Hindu pilgrims visit for worship, and a prayer as well as a bath in the holy icy pond of Gosainkunda. After visiting both exciting and scenic areas of Langtang Himal return walk downhill to Dhunche. The headquarters town of Rasuwa district and entrance to Langtang National Park. From Dhunche an interesting drive to Kathmandu, after a mesmerizing adventure around Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Trekking.

This Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Trek covers 14 to 16 days, one of the best trekking during winter as well as around all seasons.

Why Winter Treks In Nepal:

The 10 Best Winter Treks in Nepal, allows trekkers to enjoy more of the lovely scenery with pleasant trekking. The busy and peak times are spring and autumn seasons with the main flow of trekkers encountering along the trail. In winter times due to the low seasons of tourists in Nepal and around the Himalayas. Which makes the scenario of trekking much different than in other high main seasons.

Annapurna base camp view
Annapurna base camp view

Winter Treks in Nepal The weather is at its best nice with crystal clear blue sky most days, an enjoyable time. During the winter months of December to February, with less crowd of trekkers, and fewer people to come across. Winter can be the best way to enjoy the adventures around the Nepal Himalayas despite the cold.
However Himalayan region is always cold around all seasons of the year, especially in the morning, late afternoon, and night.

The only difference in winter is as per temperatures and sunlight hours, during winter it is a little more freezing temperatures. During the morning, in the shade, and the night times, days are much shorter as it gets dark by 5:30 p.m. The sunrise is late by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m., but an enjoyable season.

Especially trekkers enjoy snow-covered landscape views during the Winter Treks in Nepal and people who prefer less crowded trekkers enjoy the walks without many visitors to encounter.