Trekking Season in Nepal

Nepal is a country of many faces and possibilities and it can satisfy and offer something even to the most demanding of visitors.

For mountaineers and trekkers keen to capture the most out of their adventures, it is advisable to visit Nepal during the period when there is no monsoon, usually either between September and December or between March and June. In these periods, there is little dust in the air, skies are clear, and mountain ranges can be seen even from Kathmandu or Pokhara, two main cities of Nepal.

The best (driest and warmest weather is from April to June) period for visiting (trekking, climbing, bungy jumping, etc) Nepal witnesses abundant blooming of flowers in the Himalayas, with rhododendrons (national flower of Nepal) in particular, adding a splash of colour to the otherwise whitish-grayish landscape. Temperatures at higher elevations may reach or exceed 40°C (104°F) while Kathmandu temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F).

For the most extreme or spontaneous of visitors, a monsoon won't be a show-stopper as rains are not very intense on higher altitudes. And with rains come leeches! The most "annoying" part is that during monsoon season, mountain ranges are generally wrapped in fog and clouds and not easily seen from lower altitudes. Generally, it rains couple of hours per day in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara during monsoon. In mountainous areas, rains are usually light but persistent, sometimes lasting few days in a row.

However, if you do come in the monsoon period, you will find lower prices even in touristic areas, and it would very easy for you to find accommodation or equipment not only in cities but in trekking areas too.

Popular treks such as Annapurna Circuit, and Upper Mustang can be trekked easily even during monsoon season, and low-altitude (but still Himalayan) treks such as Ghorepani, Langtang Valley, Namche, and Helambu can be enjoyed during the winter season.

Winter season, from January till March, sees temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) in Kathmandu during nights, and much colder at higher altitudes. Trekking and climbing (also in Everest National Park) are both possible during this period, but there is risk of snowfalls and avalanches which might prevent going above 4,000 - 4,500 metres (13,000 - 15,000 feet).

If you want to avoid all risk during a winter period and still trek, do Jomosom trek, which is below 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) with expected minimum temperatures about -10°C (14°F) (and much better chances of avoiding heavy snow).