Trekking in Nepal is possible throughout the year. It depends upon the region you are traveling and the type of trek you are opting for. Nepal has a high variation in the altitudinal region. The variation in the altitudinal region gives rise to the variation in climatic conditions. The low land plains (600-1200meters) are sub-tropical, midlands hills (1200-2100meters) are warm, high hills (2100-3300 meters) are cool and the high mountains (alpine vegetation at 3300 -5000m and tundra at 5000-8848 meters) are very cold.
In general, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best trekking season in Nepal. During these seasons, Nepal receives the maximum number of travelers. Though these seasons are considered the best ones for trekking, the best time for trek may vary with your purpose of traveling to Nepal.
The trekking seasons in Nepal are categorized into four main seasons –
If you ask anyone regarding the best time to visit Nepal, the first recommendation that they would give is the autumn season i.e. from September to November. It is the best time to visit Nepal for trekking. The weather is clear, dry, and excellent. The clear sky offers some spectacular views of mountains, hills, valleys, etc. The weather condition ranges from mild to warm however the nights are cold. It is also a festive season. The main festival of Hindu Nepalese – Dashain and Tihar lie in this period. So, if you want to have the best trekking experience in Nepal, make sure to visit Nepal in autumn. However, as the season is peak time, the trail may be crowded which may act as a minus point. Otherwise, it is the best time for your trek in Nepal.
Winter is not recommended for trekking in Nepal. Generally, the high-elevation region receives thick snowfall. Trekking can be quite challenging as the trail is full of snow. Walking becomes difficult and even the cold is unbearable. However, trekking to lower-elevation regions is not a problem. It may be the best time to visit the lower altitudinal regions in Nepal. This time is also suitable for tours in Nepal.
Spring is one of the most enchanting periods to travel in Nepal. The trail is lush, green with colorful flowers all around. The sparkling views of mountains in the backdrop add to the joy of trekking in this season. The moment when you walk along a jovial path, full of colorful flowers, mountain views, and the melody of birds chirping, doesn’t that sound great? Spring is one of the best times to travel to Nepal. In the lower elevation region, the weather is mild and clear while in higher elevation, the weather might be a bit cold but full of astounding mountain views. If you are a flower lover, then you can get an amazing sight of entire forests decorated with flower blossoms; especially the rhododendron forests.
Summer is not preferred for trekking in Nepal. During this season, the weather is very warm and it marks the onset of monsoon. Skies are full of patches formed by clouds. Due to rainfall, the trail gets wet and slippery. The trail is full of leeches which makes walking difficult and clumsy. Even there are high chances of natural disasters. Landslides and floods are very common in monsoons. Furthermore, mosquitoes and insects will make your nights troublesome. However, if you are a botanist or researcher of biodiversity/ecosystems, this might be the perfect time for your visit. Even dry places like Manang, Mustang, and Dolpo treks can be a good option at this point in time.
Evaluate the pros and cons of traveling in each season and pick the best time suitable for your travel. World Alpine Treks is ready to serve you at any point in time in any trekking season.