Nepal is a trekking destination all year round and the trails remain open all year as well. Come whenever, there is an adventure waiting. But each season has their own personality which changes the light of Nepal. Landscapes and altitudes across the country are so incredibly diverse that weather conditions can be radically different depending on where you are going to.
Learning what each season provides can really be helpful for planning properly and seeing what to expect of it. Spring, autumn, winter and monsoon seasons are the seasons into which Nepal’s trekking year is divided, each with its own charm.
Spring (March to May)
Without any doubt, spring is the best time to trek in Nepal and April is the most popular time. The temperatures are exactly what they should be, warm during the day and perfectly cool at night. However, the skies are usually clear providing absolutely spectacular mountain views.
By May the colours come alive, with rhododendron forests blooming in splashes of colour on the hillsides. For trekkers, it’s a dream setting.
The Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp treks as well as Langtang Valley are also busy with treks during Spring. Mount Manaslu and its neighbouring peaks like Annapurna, Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal stand not only for their beauty but also uninterrupted during the entire trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The season is given a sense of energy and excitement by climbers preparing for their summit bids.
The Annapurna region is full of dense colour at this time of year and relatively easy to trek. Annapurna Base Camp is much like the pages of a living postcard.
When it comes to cool, refreshing air, bright wild flowers and forests, you have Langtang Valley with Langtang Lirung at your feet. Again, spring is also a great time for the Everest Base Camp Trek as the migrated trekkers are back, the trails are buzzing, and the clear weather offers the best views of Everest and beyond.
Autumn (September to November)
Nepal is one of the best places for trekking and autumn is the season for trekking in Nepal, which is not difficult to understand why. The skies are bright blue, and the air is fresh after the summer monsoon. Days have quite pleasant, comfortable temperatures but the nights are cool but not all that cold.
The Everest Base Camp Trek can be done in October and November. The views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are crystal clear. Not to mention the experience of the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery is a cultural gift wrapped up in this special season, and it’s a beautiful event to enjoy as part of your journey.
For something a little different you could also enjoy an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour during these months, which will be give you flawless aerial views of the tallest mountains.
But the fields in the Annapurna region are gold and the hills are aflame in autumn. Annapurna Base Camp and the Ghorepani Poon Hill treks in Annapurna Region are both incredible! Expect a moderate temperature, magnificent sightseeing and the most incredible trekking conditions of the year.
Autumn in Langtang Valley is also beautiful, bright blue skies and lively village celebrations to accompany the festivals of Dashain and Tihar. The forests are still intact and lush and the trails are in good shape.
Winter (December to February)
Winter trekking in the Nepal is not for everyone but for those that do love the quiet trails as well as snowy scenery, it’s magic. Although it gets cold, the nights can be freezing, and it sometimes snows.
Trekking in the Everest region is bit more difficult in winter due to the cold conditions, and in some parts of the trail can be buried in snow. But the payoff is that you will have the most awe-inspiring, crowd-free views of Everest and the surrounding frozen landscape.
Obviously, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is much tougher in the winter with snow and ice, however, this does not make trails like Ghorepani Poon Hill out of the question. An unforgettable experience is to watch the winter sunrise paint the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in gold.
Another good winter choice would be the Langtang Valley trek. It’s a bit less harsh since it’s at a lower altitude than Annapurna or Everest. You’ll have snowy forests, frozen waterfalls and be able to enjoy the dreamy landscapes in peace. Of course, it’s still cold but manageable.
The Manaslu Circuit is something to consider if you are planning it in winter. The passes usually get closed by heavy snowfall and it can be very tough for less experienced trekkers.
Monsoon (June to August)
The monsoon season is the least popular time to Trek in Nepal as the trails may be muddy, slippery and prone to landslides. The mountains are often heavy with rain and the heat and humidity is exhausting.
Whereas, if you are determined, then there are certain parts of Nepal where trekking is done even during the rainy seasons. Upper Mustang and Dolpo are in the rain shadow and hence receive very little rainfall.
Unlike the verdant Himalayan kind, the trekking experience in these places is completely different, with barren, dramatic landscapes, Tibetan culture and ancient monasteries.
The monsoon season, however, requires a little extra grit to the trek. You need good waterproof gear and a lot of patience with the weather as it’s likely to cause delays. The rewards, however, offer powerful waterfalls, vibrant green forests and an almost eerie quietness on the trails. Rich rewards indeed.
Finding the best time
So, when is the ideal time to lace up your boots and head out into the trails in Nepal? In reality it all depends on what you want to get out of your adventure.
Spring and autumn deliver clear skies, safe trails and moderate temperatures if you are looking for sky high weather. They are also the best seasons for beginner trekkers.
If you feel a need to be alone and like a quieter snow-laden landscapes or you just seek something offbeat, then there are a few special things in winter and during monsoon seasons, provided you are ready to take on the extra hurdle.
No matter when you decide to visit Nepal, the mountains are always ready to welcome you. It’s all a question of what part of their beauty you want to experience.
Image by Der_Thiemo from Pixabay
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