Trekking on the Shangri-la of the world, the Himalayan country; Nepal is dreamt by every traveler globally. For setting an escapade to the trekking world during winter, many of your answers are a big no-no. Nepal’s excellence in versatility lies in its exploring time period, which provides its unique essence that’s flexible enough for all seasons. For many, summer or spring can only be the ideal duration to pack the trekking bags. Spring is undoubtedly the beautiful season for trekkers. Whereas, winters are favorable for low-land trekking. Winters bring out the high-spirited side of an expedition. But don’t you worry.
World Alpine Treks has good news for travel enthusiasts like you to explore the hidden gem even in winter. You don’t need to make any assumptions about the deserted weather. Winter can be the season for the cleared skies, unmatchable scenic points, and low crowd adventure of its own. This peaceful season might bring some hurdles, but it isn’t an impossible and unpleasant thing to attempt. Detangle from the chaos of life and live in it as you get immersed in true Himalayan nature.
While trekking can be a once-in-a-lifetime thing, winter trekking is a package of memories, adventure, and excitement. However, there are some considerations to be made while traveling for winter, like every season, or maybe even more. But as you break through this dilemma on winter traveling, you are likely to see the thrill of divinity you have been missing. This list of satisfying destinations shall guide you to improve your decision and wise, with a range of options to try on.
Buckle up for some safest highland trekking highland expeditions!
This journey, starting off from Ulleri to Khimche, is quite brimful in winter. Being the highly celebrated trek of Nepal in the world, Annapurna short trek has so much to offer even in an extreme weather situation like winter. As compared to other seasons, the winter ABC(Annapurna Base Camp) trek is unfavorable for having thick snowfalls, making higher trek impossible. But ABC is much more fun and challenging than a mere Base Camp. A mild-low temperature around the Pokhara region with Annapurna is just amazing. Nestled in captivating Magar and Gurung lifestyle and culture is a place of Himalayan massifs. Himchuli, BarahaShikhar, Machhapuchre and Annapurna ranges stand high as if they own the whole of the sky with utmost pride.
As one ascends along the foothill, the mesmerizing bamboo forest and dense rhododendron forests welcome in open arms. 360-degree sunrise view from Poonhill in temperature ranging from -4 degrees to 10 degrees is a wholesome experience. Passing waterfalls on some snowy days of 5-6 hours’ average walk is yet another addition to an interesting adventure.
Everest base camp en route can be quite troublesome as the weather is too hard for the trekkers. The night temperature goes to a freezing temperature of minus, making it difficult. Everest view trek is absolutely doable decision with appropriate precautionary measures. The view trek is variable with appropriate precautionary measures.
The marvelous landing at look airport is the entrance to a vibrant snowy landscape with spectacular panoramic blue skies. As this is off-season get-in flight tickets and discounts could be easy to receive, which would not be the case on other days with all these exciting opportunities that 360-degree view of the Himalaya, especially the Everest.
We can easily see the first sunrise and sunset views in the mountains. Likewise, the wild and real animals around us in the national park are different propitious moments to watch. Besides, don’t forget to pass through the swinging suspension bridge Khumbu Glacier.
The characteristic landscape of Mardi Himal is an eccentric place beneath the Machhapuchre range to discover. This new off-beaten pathway is hence a beautiful alternative compensation to Annapurna and Everest camps. Unsurprisingly, the local faces in the cultural villages provide you with the coziness of home. While walking along the foothills of the mountains, the wonderful vistas of pinnacles of Annapurna and Machhapuchre join you.
Mardi Himal trek is probably a budget-friendly trek for some isolated time for natural healing. Besides, not that hard in order to match up. Start off with Pokhara, Pothana into the camp in the forests. The appealing meadows, oak trees, and rhododendron forests of terrific colors would get laid with snow. Not to forget the narrow paths, gentle springs, and up-close views of icy rivers. Mardi Himal Trek has booked its name for being celebrated trendy trek of winter trek to venture up to.
Three Seasons-December, January, and February are winter seasons in Nepal. this is the best time for enjoying snow-covered views. Helambu Trek lies in the Langtang region. It is a popular trekking route in terms of weather. This trek homes mystical flowers, colorful landscapes, and wild animals that add beauty to outdoor trekking. Unlike the busy seasons, the trails are quieter. Fear of scarcity welcoming lodging houses vanishes while trekking in winter. The aroma of the cultural value of Hyalmo, Tamang, and the indigenous people settlements inspire living.
The rhododendron surrounded pristine scene gives a glimpse of the wildness of floras and faunas on Shivapuri National Park. The green valley of Helambu comprises turquoise lakes, waterfalls, dramatic lands, and grassy meadows that provide a distinctive horizon of experience. Savor the journey for an awe-inspiring walk in an unchallenging cultural Himalayan setting.
Lying on the Himalayan north, Lower Mustang lies on the rain-shadow zone at an altitude of 2700 meters, hence do not experience the monsoon. In the winter, the trail of the lower Mustang might be covered with snow. It wouldn’t be a problem for trekking. This isolated kingdom was previously the independent Tibetan Kingdom. It keeps the mystical rugged landscapes as an escapade to many green treks. It brings a whole sort of new experience.
This dryland of conical structures, hooded caves, Tibetan highlands adds a spectacular trekking paradise with wonders. The place provides a Tibetan-inspired aura. The land transport is quite difficult here. Many of the lodges here were built in earlier centuries and renovated later. The apple orchards of Marpha and their varieties enhance the organic authenticity of the Mustang. An unpopular domain of Hindu-dominated society to Buddhist-spirited land is such a fresh breath. If someone is religious-minded, then it can be a perfect excursion as one gets the chance to visit the Muktinath shrine. Go get a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara, right now to the culturally and geographically fascinating diversity of Nepal.
At an altitude of 3210 meters in the Annapurna region, GhorepaniPoonhill Trek is probably the famous vantage point for sunrise and sunset. Everyone can conquer the Poonhill Trek in winter because of less risk of altitude sickness. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges dominate the trail stretching up to 50 kilometers. It is one of the celebrated short treks in Nepal. As soon as one passes sharp ascends and descends of monopolizing bamboos and lush rhododendrons lie the gorgeous scenic points of Mount Machhapuchre (popularly known as Mt. Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna of the Himalaya.
This place encounters less snow although the temperature ranges from -2 degrees to -6 degrees celsius. Call to mind about visiting UlleriMagar village and GhandrukGurung village for local lifestyle and culture. The jaw-dropping waterfalls and rice terraces on the way would definitely drag the attention. The immediate small area like Tadapani, Birethati, and Hile has enveloped the richness.
Royal treat lies on the foothills of Annapurna in the northern part of Pokhara Valley. ‘’Royal trek’’ gets its name as Prince Charles, along with 90 people, explored the route in the late eighties. The tremendous downhill and uphill provided Himalaya view, and he absolutely loved it. This scenic forested ridge begins from Kalikasthan, followed by various landmarks. Before climbing to the Shaklung village, there are many teahouses for resting and refreshment purposes. The beauty of Shailung village lies in its hooded rhododendron forest.
On descending, various lakes are present, maximizing the recreational purpose. It is also one of the econ-friendly trekking sites under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The place proudly houses the natural form of Himalayan floras and faunas. In the morning and the night, the place gets engulfed in colored dawn and sunset views. Along the steep trails lies the peaceful Himalayan panorama of the mountain giants, including 55km extended by Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Hiuchuli. The raw livelihood of the local people with dignified culture, rituals, and ethnic diversity is an apple to the eye.
Although in high altitudes, Langtang Valley Trek is the safest trek for winter. This valley of seventy glaciers is an exquisite blend of Nepal’s cultural beauty in the Himalayans. Travelers need to be careful about altitude difficulties as there are certain limitations, like avalanches and other altitude difficulties while in winter. However, that won’t hinder the joy of exploring the joyful Langtang valley trek. KyanjinRi can we appropriate place for panoramic views of the Langtang range.
There are many reasons the Langtang Valley trek is rated as one of the excellent trekking sites in Nepal. Yes, even in winter. For example, although it receives snowfall, that doesn’t affect the trekking route. The supreme glacial Valley, LangshishaKharka, is quite a walk from subtropical conditions to alpine surroundings. KyanjinGumba, Tamang culture, Langtang villages with their lifestyle, along with Tibetan influence, are some of the cultural highlights of this place. As the architecture keeps the spiritual ancient spirit, the prayer flags and other monasteries captivate the soul. More, if you are lucky, you can see wildlife species like Red Panda which is the best focus on the Langtang trek.
Among the few trekking routes suitable for both family and winter extremity would be Nagarkot Family Trek without a second thought. Often, we are constrained by time tight timeframes. We spend so little time trying something adventurous and thrilling that strengthens the bond. Nagarkot Hills lie on the east of the Kathmandu valley. The sightseeing of Kathmandu has to be one of the engaging things for all family members. The historical Katmandu valley homes are manifolds of UNESCO enlisted heritage sites.
In addition, the Nagarkot Family trek is a complete package ranging from dense eco-forests, majestic peaks, ancient architectures, and historical landmarks. In winter, the comfortable lodges are quiet where one can enjoy the beautiful ambiance, decorum and have a very comfortable stay than usual. The historic villages of the valley like Sankhu add a notable signature to the place.
The rural farmlands, varied treelines, substantial landmarks protected by the snow-capped ranges build up nature closer to the city. Sometimes, even unique birds are spotted around the area. The magnolia, rhododendron, and firs guarantee the cool breeze on the prominent ridges. On top of all, adding a jungle walk on the trek would be a favorable opportunity to explore the undisturbed habitat of wildlife.
The dream of visiting heaven-like whereabouts like the Everest region is everyone’s wish list. Verdant landscapes, efflorescent vegetations, and gleaming Himalayan ranges look great from a height above. The Khumbu region, indulged with exquisite amenities, is an Everest Base Camp-like escapade. Similarly, the lap of the majestic peak of Everest is a cozy place of Himalayan lifestyle.
The aura from the Lukla itself drags from Gorakshep in enclosed mountain ranges. Panoramic scene of Mahalangur Himalayan Range spellbinds magnificently. The ancient masterpieces and monuments insights spirituality. Likewise, the local lifestyles and traditions of the Sherpas share a hospitable environment. Teahouses and lodges welcome trekkers in the same coziness even in winter. Everest View Hotel treats the eye with spectacular Mount Everest’s view from its windows. It is affluently popular as the Guinness Book of World records, holding a hotel at the highest altitude of the world.
The rugged, complex, and rocky landscapes ascend and descend along the wildlife preserved by Everest. Acclimatization can be a problem, but with proper medications and necessary requirements on carrying bags, the visit can be amazing. The Lukla flight is exhilarating, with a bustle of Namche Bazaar and Phakding village vista. The tranquil mountains on the alpine terrain and ethically rich place add thrilling adventure. With the stimulating helicopter ride on Kalapatthar, including the Base camp, comes another magical story. This aerial view of colossal mountains encompasses a next-door view of mountains like Lhotse, Everest, and Pumori, etc.
See you trekking soon on this winter-ready magical Nepal!