The Best Winter Destination In Nepal in 2025 and 2026
Mardi Himal Viewpoint
The Mardi Himal Viewpoint Trek is a shorter trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre peaks. The trek starts in Pokhara and takes you through rhododendron forests and villages, culminating at a viewpoint at an elevation of approximately 4500 meters. The trek can be completed in 3–7 days, depending on your pace and route. It's a relatively easy trek suitable for people with good physical fitness. The best time to do the trek is during the autumn and spring seasons, when the weather is clear and the views are at their best. It's a great option for those looking for a shorter trek in the Annapurna region with beautiful mountain views.
Outline Trek Plan for 3-day Mardi Himal Winter Trek
Day 01: Pokhara drive to Kalimati and trek to Forest Camp.
Day 02: Forest Camp Trek to High Camp.
Day 03: High Camp, Mardi viewpoint, trek to Siding village, drive to Pokhara.
Ghorepani, Poon Hill
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its stunning mountain views and cultural experiences. The trek starts in Pokhara and takes you through rhododendron forests and small villages, culminating at Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The trek can be completed in 2–5 days, depending on your pace and route. It's a relatively easy trek suitable for people with good physical fitness. The best time to do the trek is during the autumn and spring seasons, when the weather is clear and the views are at their best.
Outlined Trek Plan for the 2-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Winter Trek
Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani.
Day 02: Poon Hill sunrise and trek back to Ulleri; drive to Pokhara.
In the Dolakha District of the Janakpur Zone, there is a well-known hill town and pilgrimage destination called Kalinchowk. The Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, which is situated on a hilltop at a height of 3,800 meters, is one of the region's most historic sights. The Kalinchowk winter season normally lasts from December to February, and during this period, it can get quite cold, even below zero. During the winter, snowfall may also occur in the region. If you intend to visit Kalinchowk at this time of year, be sure to dress warmly and be ready for chilly, possibly snowy weather.
Outline the tour plan for Kalinchwok Kuri
Day 01: Kathmandu drives to Kuri village via Charikot.
Day 02: Morning Kalinchwok Bhagwati Temple, Dolakha Bhimsen, Drive back to Kathmandu
Dobato Muldai Viewpoint
Muldai Viewpoint is a beautiful and rewarding trek, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range, Mt. Fishtail, and Mt. Dhaulagiri and the opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of the local ethnic groups. The Annapurna region is known for its diverse landscape and cultural richness, making it a popular destination for trekkers from all over the world. The Muldai Viewpoint Trek is a shorter option that can be done in just a few days from Pokhara.
Outline Trek Plan for the Dobato Mulde Viewpoint Trek
Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ghandruk village and trek to Tadapani.
Day 02: Tadapani trek to Dobato (Mulde Hill).
Day 03: Dobato Muldai viewpoint: Trek to Ghorepani.
Day 04: Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek to Ulleri-Drive to Pokhara.
Khumai Danda Viewpoint
Another stunning vantage point in the Annapurna region and an alternative to the Mardi Himal Trek is the Khumai Danda Trek. Although Khumai Danda is a shorter version of the greater Machhapuchhre Model Trek, it is nonetheless quite popular. One of the most popular treks departing from Pokhara is the Mardi Himal; however, because of its high popularity, the Khumai is the ideal alternative. The breathtaking surroundings and distinctive culture of the locals draw in every trekker. A number of trekking routes connect this area. The Khumai Danda Trek is one of Nepal's simpler trekking routes, making it a great choice for families with young children or novice hikers.
Outline 3 Days Trek Itinerary of Khumai Danda Winter Trek
Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ghachowk and trek to Hile Kharka (2,000 m). 6hrs
Day 02: Hile Kharka Trek to Khumai Danda (3,245 M). 4-5 hrs.
Day 03: Khumai Danda trek to Ghalel via Korchan Danda (3,682 m) and drive to Pokhara. 6 hrs
Nagarkot, Bhaktapur
Nagarkot: Just outside of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a well-liked vacation spot thanks to its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. In the winter, Nagarkot has colder temperatures, with daily highs of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and overnight lows of below freezing. Nagarkot is about 32 kilometers from Kathmandu and has a height of 2175 m. Nagarkot can be more convenient if you don't want to hike but instead only want to be in the snowy region.
Nagarkot Tour & Trek Package
1 Day Hiking Plan from Bhaktapur Changunarayan or simply drive to Nagarkot by a private vehilce.
The extended trekking package which covers Nagarkot, Kathmandu Valley Trek
⛰️ Chandragiri Hills: Panoramic Views Near Kathmandu
Chandragiri Hills is located to the southwest of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,551 meters (8,369 feet). The site has been enhanced with new attractions, such as the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple. Visitors can enjoy a scenic ascent to the top via the cable car.
Chandragiri Hills is arguably the best location near Kathmandu from which one can clearly and recognizably see Mount Everest on a clear day. The spot offers truly enchanting panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks from the Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Khumbu regions.
Chandragiri Hills Day Trip & Tour Package
A trip to Chandragiri Hill can easily be done as a Day Trip package, and it can also be smoothly incorporated into our set Nepal tour packages, especially during the winter season.
For booking a Day Trip package, please feel free to contact us. We do not arrange inexpensive local bus travel packages, so please only inquire about private trips.
❄️ Daman: The Panoramic Winter Destination
Daman is another popular winter destination situated about 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. Located at an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, this spot offers magnificent panoramic views of the entire mountain range. On a clear day, one can see major peaks such as Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar. From the Daman viewpoint, a 360-degree Himalayan panorama can be observed.
The area is also associated with various legends concerning Lord Shiva and Goddess Parbati, which connects deeply with the faith of the Hindu community.
Though it is primarily an agricultural land, the area is equally popular in the spring season due to the enchanting sight of the blooming Laligurans (Rhododendrons). Daman is a suitable and enjoyable place for people of all age groups to visit during the winter, and it offers excellent, well-appointed star hotels and resorts for a comfortable stay.
Daman: 1 Night 2 Days Private Tour Package
Similar to Chandragiri Hills, we only arrange private tours for Daman. We do not organize packages that rely on local sharing buses, so please only inquire about Private Tours for Daman.
We would be happy to craft a tailored 1 Night and 2 Days Tour Package specifically for you.
🏔️ Sailung Danda: The Land of a Hundred Hills
Sailung Danda is located in the Dolakha district and is an accessible destination during the winter season. It is situated approximately 125 kilometers from Kathmandu, with the typical route passing through Dhulikhel and Mude before reaching Sailung. Situated at an altitude of 3,140 meters (10,302 feet), the uppermost mound of Sailung offers truly breathtaking panoramic mountain views.
This area is famously known by the moniker "the land of 100 hills," and it sees a large crowd of visitors, particularly during winter. Currently, several excellent hotels and guesthouses are operating to accommodate tourists.
Sailung is equally significant from a religious perspective. There is a popular belief that this place marks the navel of the Earth, and it is also linked to a legend concerning the footprints of the Buddha. Furthermore, the area is connected to certain stories from the Mahabharata war, with some saying it was once the dwelling place of a Mahadeva (Lord Shiva).
A trip here is excellent in two ways: it offers a chance to get close to nature and serves as a wonderful destination for finding spiritual enlightenment and energy.
Sailung Tour Packages: 1 Night / 2 Days or Extended to Kalinchowk
We can arrange a dedicated 1 Night and 2 Days Tour Package for Sailung Danda. For those who wish to extend their adventure, we can easily craft a 2 Nights and 3 Days Tour that includes the magnificent Kalinchowk Hill as well.
Simply inform us of your preferences and convenience, and we will arrange a premium, tailored trip for you, complete with all-private vehicles and quality accommodations.
Muktinath, Lower Mustang: A Spiritual and Scenic Winter Escape
Nestled high in the hills of Lower Mustang, at 3,800 meters, lies Muktinath—a place that feels like it touches the heavens. More than just a destination, it's a profound spiritual crossroads, revered by Hindus as "Mukti Kshetra" (the Place of Liberation) and by Buddhists as "Chumig Gyatsa."
The air itself hums with a unique energy. You feel it as you pass under the 108 sacred waterspouts, where pilgrims cleanse their souls, and along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, where people search for sacred Saligram stones. Many travelers find that the journey here isn't just a physical one; it often marks the beginning of a new personal chapter or a deepening of their own spiritual path.
From Pokhara, Muktinath is conveniently accessible by vehicle in a single day. The destination is highly recommended for those who enjoy the experience of snow during the winter season and for travelers seeking novel and profound experiences. Furthermore, unlike the basic lodging often found on rugged trekking paths, the Muktinath area features a range of quality hotels and resorts, allowing visitors to comfortably plan their trip according to their specific budget. This makes it an ideal spot for a spiritually enriching and geographically stunning winter getaway.
🙏 Muktinath Tour Package: Flexible 1 Night / 2 Days from Pokhara
Our Muktinath Tour Package is typically a 1 Night and 2 Days trip starting from Pokhara. We can reach Muktinath via a private jeep ride that generally takes 6–7 hours.
We offer flexible itinerary options based on your health and interest:
- Standard Option (Altitude Acclimation): We can plan to stay the first night in Jomsom, then proceed to Muktinath the following morning for the pilgrimage, and return to Pokhara the same day. This is often recommended for better altitude management.
- Direct Option (Time Saving): If you are confident you will not have issues with high altitude, you can drive directly and stay overnight in Muktinath itself, and then enjoy a scenic return ride to Pokhara the next day.
Should you have more time, the trip can be extended by one additional day to explore the beautiful surroundings of Muktinath and stay overnight in the charming village of Marpha.
❄️ Essential Advice for Winter Travel: Stay Safe and Prepared
Traveling during the winter season requires considerable attention and preparation. Please ensure you pack proper, thick clothing, including gloves, warm hats, mufflers to cover your face, appropriate footwear, and extra pairs of socks.
This is especially important for Nepali travelers: unlike movie heroes and heroines who may take photos in light clothing, often wearing shoes with poor grip or, in some cases, Converse shoes or even flip-flops, this is strongly discouraged. While taking photos is fine, you must prioritize and be mindful of the health and physical problems that can arise during the winter season.
Key Safety Precautions:
- Health: The cold can often lead to headaches, so please carry necessary medication with you.
- While Playing in Snow: Try to wear warm clothing when playing in the snow.
- Photo Safety: Be cautious when taking photos near cliff edges or steep slopes. There may be hidden holes or crevices where your foot could slip, or you might slip and fall from the cliff.
Always prioritize your safety and health over photographs, especially in cold and snowy conditions.
Conclusion: Embrace the Snow This Winter
While Nepal offers countless winter adventures, this guide has been specifically curated for those who dream of playing in fresh snow and experiencing its magic firsthand. From the panoramic views of Chandragiri to the sacred grounds of Muktinath and the serene trails of Mardi Himal, each destination we've listed promises a genuine and enchanting winter wonderland experience.
Remember, the key to enjoying the snow is being prepared. Pack those warm layers, sturdy boots, and a sense of adventure—and leave the flip-flops for the movies.
Ready to answer the call of the snow? Contact Rugged Trails Nepal today, and let us help you craft a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable snowy getaway.
