Winter in Nepal: Weather Tips and Top Destinations

The weather in winter varies considerably depending on where you’re traveling in Nepal. For instance, in January, the coldest month of the year, the average temperature in the capital Kathmandu ranges from a minimum of 2°C to a maximum of 19°C. This month experiences the coldest temperatures in Nepal. Although the nights can be chilly, you can still see a warm winter sun at midday. Snowfall is rare in Kathmandu, but you can visit Phulchowki, 20 km southeast of Kathmandu, where snow is more common in winter. Phulchowki is the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley.

The winter temperature at Everest Base Camp ranges from a maximum of 1°C to a minimum of -13°C. Though the season is relatively dry, expect heavy snowfall as you go higher on the Everest Base Camp trek route. You will get to Dingboche during this trek, which is said to be the coldest place in Nepal.

Bandipur is a charming winter destination known for its traditional architecture and well-preserved heritage buildings. In January, it has highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Pokhara has more moderate temperatures in January, with an average high of 20°C and a low of 7°C.

For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Nepal.

Insider's tip: Consider Nepal in October-December for festivals and March-June to experience local life. A friendly reminder: a smile goes a long way, as it's a hallmark of Nepal's warmth. Opt for cash, as not all places accept cards. Explore diverse local cuisine, sampling Newari, Thakali, and homemade dishes, each with its distinct flavor. Every home offers a unique culinary experience. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, savor the local flavors, and relish the positive vibes during your Nepal journey. — Naresh Dahal from Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition

Winter in Nepal is the low tourist season, but you can get great discounts, and there are still plenty of delights. Here’s why you should consider touring Nepal in winter.

• Low tariffs: Rooms are cheap in Nepal throughout the year, but in winter, you can get even better discounts, with prices dropping by as much as 50 percent.
• Fewer crowds: Since this is low season, you don’t have to jostle with crowds in the main tourist areas.
• Great views and lower treks: While trekking in winter may be chilly and not ideal in some higher areas, lower-altitude treks are a good choice. The season has spectacular views thanks to the clear skies, and few people will think you have the whole mountain to yourself. Shorter treks like Poon Hill, Nagarkot Hill, and Mardi Himal are popular in winter.
• Celebration time: Nepal has some intriguing events in winter, such as the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival; a street festival in lakeside Pokhara; and Basanta Panchami, where Hindu devotees worship Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge; and Losar, celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists to mark their New Year. Tamu and Sonam Lhosar are celebrated by different communities in winter.

The weather in Nepal in winter is ideal for exploring tourist hotspots like Kathmandu and Pokhara and smaller gems like Gorkha.

1. Kathmandu & Surrounds

The beating heart of Nepal, the capital Kathmandu is gloriously chaotic, and once you get used to the crowds, it is an enticing place to spend a few days. Though cold in the mornings and evenings, the days are often quite sunny and pleasant for exploring the city. Apart from the incredible temples, there are plenty of great restaurants, arts, music and nightlife to discover. Meanwhile, the surrounding hills offer plenty of options for overnight getaways and hikes. Check out our tours in Kathmandu.

Major attractions: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudha and Pashupatinath Temples.

Pros:

• Winter typically sees fewer tourist crowds than other times of the year and you can get excellent deals on hotels.
• The city hosts fascinating festivals like the Kathmandu film festival and Makar Sankranti.
• Kathmandu Valley is home to three medieval city-states: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, each with its own durbar square and temples to explore.

Cons:

• Temperatures in Kathmandu and especially adjoining areas can drop close to the freezing point.

2. Pokhara

Geared towards tourists and a world away from noisy Kathmandu, Pokhara offers excellent adventure sports opportunities and lovely views of the Annapurna range. But what draws most tourists here for winter holidays in Nepal is its relaxed lakeside vibe and dreamy weather—averaging from a high of 22°C to a low of 7°C. Here are our tours to Pokhara.

Major attractions: Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Sarangkot, Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, Pumdikot and Gupteswar Gupha.

Pros:

• There are pleasant weather conditions in winter in Pokhara.
• Since it's a low tourist season, hotel tariffs are at their minimum.
• Crowds are thinner in the winter months.
• Catch lovely views of Annapurna thanks to the clear winter skies.

Cons:

• Some of the longer treks that start from Pokhara may be inaccessible because of snowfall.

3. Gorkha

Gorkha is not usually on the tourist circuit, but this district is the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified Nepal in the 18th century. The weather in winter is ideal for walking around the place and visiting its fascinating monuments, with average temperatures ranging from highs of 23°C to lows of 8°C.

Major attractions: Gorkha Palace and museum and Bhimsen temple.

Pros:

• The weather is excellent for sightseeing in Gorkha in winter.
• You won’t find too many tourists during these months.
• You can grab great deals on hotels due to fewer crowds.

Cons:

• The choice of hotels in Gorkha is limited compared to the big tourist cities.

Have a blast in any of these destinations during your winter trip in Nepal.

Nepal is the mountaineering capital of the world and the gateway to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. But not just the iconic climbs make Nepal a trekker’s delight. There are scores of treks, long and short, in all parts of the country. And many of them can be done in winter. Winter in Nepal is also great for adventure sports, wildlife safaris, and sightseeing.

• Trekking: Winter is ideal for shorter treks at lower heights. Besides fewer crowds, you can enjoy clear skies and lovely views of the taller peaks. One of the most popular treks in Annapurna is the Poon Hill trek. You’ll pass through villages and dense forests and enjoy magnificent sunrise views from the top during this easily accessible trek. You can also trek in Kathmandu Valley: Start from Kathmandu city and trek to Nagarkot, then move on to Bhaktapur via Dhulikhel. You can complete this trek at a comfortable pace within 3 days. The Mardi Himal Trek near Pokhara crosses verdant oak and rhododendron forests. See snow and springs on the way, along with fast-flowing streams and bamboo bridges. Pure delight. Here are our trekking tours in Nepal.
• Wildlife safaris: The weather in winter in Nepal is perfect for trips to the country’s national parks. Some parks lie at lower elevations and tend to get very hot in summer. The cold months offer great weather and many opportunities for animal sightings. Many animals can be seen during the winter season in Nepal. Go on a jeep safari to spot Bengal tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinos in the top-rated Chitwan National Park. A boat safari will take you within a few feet of Gharials. Bardia National Park offers opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, and big cats and enjoy rafting in the Karnali River. Known for its Asian wild buffalos, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is also home to river dolphins, turtles, vultures, and migratory birds. Find more safari tours in Nepal here.
• Adventure sports: Nepal is fast turning into a popular destination for adventure and extreme sports. The dry winter weather is good for skydiving and rock climbing. If you’re keen on bungee jumping while traveling to Nepal in winter, head to the Bhote Koshi Gorge. This spectacular bungee jumping spot is on a 160-meter-high bridge near the Tibet border. Bimal Nagar is the go-to spot for rock climbing, with several single and multi-pitch climbing options and overhanging routes. Ice climbing is relatively new in Nepal but gaining popularity among tourists. The most popular spot for ice climbing is the Eagle Nest Waterfall in the Langtang region.

You have plenty of options to keep you occupied during your winter holiday.

• Be prepared for power outages in winter in remote areas. Carry a power bank.
• On long winter treks in Nepal, many guesthouses on the route may be shut for winter. So sort out your accommodation options early.
• Flight delays and cancellations in winter are quite likely, so plan accordingly.

The winter season in Nepal is an unforgettable experience. Trek through virgin forests and past ice-cold streams, enjoy the thrill of adventure sports, spot exotic wildlife, and marvel at exquisite temple art. Still trying to figure out where to go? Contact us today, and our travel experts will help you plan a customized trip to Nepal that fits your interests. It’s time to give wings to your Himalayan dreams.