Winter treks can be a rewarding and unique experience, offering the chance to explore beautiful mountain landscapes in a completely different season. Snow-covered peaks, frozen waterfalls, and stark, barren landscapes create a stunning backdrop for your trek. Nepal, which provides a range of Himalayan trekking routes, is one of the most popular places to go on a winter trip. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek,Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek are a few of the prominent winter treks in Nepal. But during the middle of winter, long treks are difficult to plan and finish; as a result, we recommend the top best winter vacation treks of Nepal that are simple and realistic.
However, winter treks can also be more challenging due to colder temperatures, shorter days, and the possibility of snow and ice on the trails. It's important to be well-prepared, to hire a reputable guide, and to have perfect trekking gear for the treks. Nepal is a beautiful country with a diverse range of climates, making it a great destination for a winter vacation. There are several snowy spots in Nepal; however, we recommend some popular winter destinations in Nepal, including:
Best Winter Destination in Nepal
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).
- 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.
