Best Time to do Trekking in Nepal - Seasons, festivities
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Trekking In Nepal: Best Treks
Nepal’s incomparable Himalayas are best known for offering diverse trekking trails for trekking lovers. The trekking adventures in Nepal range from the easy level trek to the rugged path, which is quite challenging to complete due to its high altitude and, of course, a rough trail. Nonetheless, with various ranges of mountains and the vibrancy of the culture, Trekking in Nepal is one of the best things to do in Nepal. The elevation while trekking in Nepal ranges from 1,200 m to 5,500 m and above. So, you can enjoy all sorts of trekking limits while trekking in Nepal. In this article, we have listed the seven best treks in Nepal . You can go through these popular trip plans and pick the best one for you.
Best Time To Do Trekking In Nepal
When to go for trekking in Nepal
Seasons, climate, festivities
March to May
Hiking in Nepal in the spring comes with the same risks and rewards of any spring time activity: beautiful, blooming flowers and mild temperatures, but also the risk for the spontaneous chilly day in the early season. You can expect mild temperatures in areas of lower elevation (800-2000m) in the spring, making trekking in areas like lower Annapurna very pleasant. Locations with elevations above 4000m usually have moderate temperatures, making way for cloudless skies and warm weather trekking conditions.
Spring is considered one of the best seasons to trek and climb in Nepal, not only because of the weather but because of the gorgeous, growing landscape.
June to August
Monsoon season runs from late May until mid-September, so your standard summer vacation may not apply in Nepal. Trekking or climbing during this time of year is dangerous and discouraged. Monsoon season in Nepal also means warm, humid conditions that would make for uncomfortable climbing weather. The lower elevations tend to get completely saturated with rain, mud, and even leeches. But this by no means implies summer is totally off limits for the region. While Nepal likely won’t be your destination of choice, these months are ideal for exploring the Ladakh region in India. Because of its elevation on the Tibetan plateau, this time of year is mostly dry and sunny, not to mention surrounded by incredible scenery.
September to November
Autumn is considered the best trekking season in Nepal. While springtime runs the risk of some cooler afternoons, after monsoon season clears, you can almost guarantee sunshine and cloudless skies all day long. Autumn in Nepal means moderate temperatures and pretty excellent trekking and climbing conditions, topped off by incredible views made possible once the dust and pollution are cleared from the atmosphere by the monsoon. But of course, you have to be careful: start too early and you could still run into monsoon trouble. You are usually safe starting around the middle of September, once the weather has fully settled. The end of September and November will generally see quieter trails and the best weather. However, beware of treks set too late in the year. Once you hit December, the temperatures can plummet.
December to February
For the majority of travellers, those December temperatures could mean a miserable trek in Nepal. The winter climate ranges from 9 - 12⁰C during the day to below zero at night. If you can survive the polar climate, you can certainly avoid the crowds, since most climbers explore during the more temperate times of the year. The Everest region, in particular, is far less crowded than in the Autumn, for instance. However, because of morning fog, high passes in the Everest region, such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La are usually closed from November until March.
Holidays and festivities
Holi - The Festival of Colours
February
The Holi festival is an explosion of colour held in Kathmandu each year in February or March. The festival is famous for huge crowds celebrating this Hindu festival by showering each other in water and coloured powder. It can get a little messy!
Bisket Jatra - Nepali New Year
April
Nepali New Year falls in mid-April and is celebrated all around the country, though the best place to be is in Bhaktapur, where the celebrations are immense.
Indra Jatra - Lord of the Rain
September
The Indra Jatra festival celebrates both the end of the monsoon, and Indra, the annual appearance of Kathmandu's living goddess. Indra is one of the most important Gods of the Hindu religion, and Kathmandu's living goddess represents Indra on earth.
· Peak Season
October to November is the autumn season in Nepal. During this time, the sky is clear, and days are warm. Thousands of trekkers opt for trekking in Nepal during this time of the year due to favorable weather.
In the same way, the spring season, which falls from March to April, is another peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is warm as it invites the summer season simultaneously. In this season, flowers fully bloom, and trails are green. In general, it offers spectacular weather to view the mountains.
· Low Season
From June to September, we experience the monsoon season in Nepal. The monsoon rain brings landslides which increase the chances of blocking trails. Also, the clouds obscure mountain views.
Best Trekking Destinations In Nepal
· Everest Base Camp Trek – Best Of Nepal Treks
First on our list is Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek has secured a place in many people’s bucket lists as it takes you to the lap of the world’s highest mountain. And it is one of the most exciting trekking trails in the world. Everybody wants to be here at least once in their lifetime. So, it is one of the best treks in Nepal for anyone should do.
Most come here to glimpse Mount Everest, but the surrounding peaks will take your breath away. The mountain views on the trail are genuinely superb and alluring. The glorious views of the mountain are beautiful about this place but experiencing Sherpa culture is another highlight of this journey.
Generally, the trek is 16 days which can be limited to a 2-week journey. The trek starts with an elevation of 2,800m at Lukla, which is quite an elevation gain. Thus, it requires better attention to adapt yourselves to the elevation nicely. Afterward, you will be hiking every day for 4-5 hours on average and gaining an elevation of 400-500m every day, so your body should be prepared to get acquainted with this nature of the trek. Indeed, prepare yourself for this adventure because Everest Base Camp Trek is not easy.
· Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is as famous as Everest Base Camp Trek. People who want to experience the lush green valleys and the villages with authentic culture amidst the massive mountains opt for this trek. The trail offers the amphitheater of stunning peaks that ranges from 7,000m to 8,000m.
Those who opt for this trek will remain spellbound when they find themselves in the middle of the massive mountains. And cascading waterfall from the cliffs will make it even more remarkable. One can truly enjoy the elements of nature to the fullest in this trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 2-week journey. But we can customize it as per your schedule. Unlike the EBC trek, the elevation gain in this trek is gradual. The trek starts from Nayapul, which sits at 2,070m height to adapt to increasing elevation persistently. Although the journey takes on slowly, doing physical exercise before the trek is worthwhile. Overall, the ABC trek is a beautiful journey in the lap of the Himalayas, making it one of the best treks in Nepal .
· Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is becoming increasingly famous as another trekking destination, yet it fails to gain many trekkers, unlike the other trekking trails mentioned above. Manaslu trek is so beautiful that whoever has been here previously has a solid attachment to this place. Moreover, the trail is less crowded and has significance because many like to avoid being on a crowded trail.
Moreover, the trip offers astounding views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range. Likewise, you traverse through an intriguing blend of Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist towns. The trail follows streaming Budhi Gandaki River from Arughat to its source underneath the Larkya Pass (5,125 m).
The trek is from 14 days to 17 days. The trek starts around 700 m in height, and progressively you will gain elevation. This journey is not easy so having prior trekking experience is very important.
· Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley is one of the closest Himalayan destinations from Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the best treks in Nepal after the Annapurna and Everest region. Although it is a popular trekking trail in Nepal, it does not garner much traffic; hence, it is less crowded. Similarly, it is off the beaten path so you will experience the remoteness of Nepal through this trek.
The trip offers the excellence of Langtang Himalayas and the Tamang culture of Nepal. Tamang is an indigenous ethnic group of Nepal that has similar culture and tradition as Tibetan.
Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect destination if you are looking for a short gateway. It is a week-long trek that fits into a quick schedule. Likewise, it is an easy trek, so it does not matter if you have previous trekking experience. If you are physically fit enough, you can efficiently complete this trek. On the same note, being prepared by physical exercise is much recommended.
· Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous off the beaten trekking path of Nepal. Due to its easy accessibility, many trekkers opt for this trail for a more thrilling and adventurous experience. The trail offers the tranquility of Trans Himalayas, forgotten villages, and their cultures. So if you are looking for something daring and unspoiled, it is perfect for you.
One who opts for this trail will have to cross Thorong La pass (5,416m), one of Nepal’s highest mountain passes. Also, the trail takes you towards Manang valley, where you can meet Manang and learn about their tribe.
Annapurna Circuit Trek lasts from 14 days to 19 days. You can plan your trek within these days. Since it is a relatively long and challenging journey, having prior trekking experience will be advantageous.
· Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a recently opened trekking trail in the Annapurna region. Although it is new, it has garnered lots of attention and love from the people who have done the trek. Like other trekking trails of Nepal, it also offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and cultural vibrancy.
This trek is a week-long journey in the Annapurna region, so you can opt for this trek if you are less in time. Through this trek, one can experience what it’s like to trek in Nepal in just a week.
The trek goes through lush jungles and ghastly flowing rivers so you can enjoy all the elements of nature profoundly. Also, if you are a novice trekker, then Mardi Himal Trek is perfect to flourish your trekking experience.
· Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the remote and isolated parts of Nepal. The desert-like scene of the Upper Mustang will amaze you. The trail takes you along the path adorned with Gompas, prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries, as the location fosters Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The region is a rain shadow area that is attainable throughout the year. On the same note, it is one of the trekking trails of Nepal, which is mainly opted for during the monsoon season of Nepal. So those looking to explore the unique cultural experience, the Upper Mustang trek remains pending in this case.
Visiting the Upper Mustang will undoubtedly give an insightful memory that will forever stay with you.
So these are our best treks in Nepal for the year . And these are some noteworthy trekking ventures of Nepal that enlighten the best parts of Nepal. All the above treks present Nepal’s natural and cultural grandeur you need to reveal.
Conclusion: The Best Time for Trekking in Nepal
Overall, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons are the best times for trekking in Nepal, comprising mellow climate, clear skies, and stunning mountain views. Whereas both seasons are perfect for trekking, spring is particularly recommended for those looking for dynamic scenes and ideal climate conditions. Autumn time, despite the fact trail is somewhat more swarmed, gives comparative advantages.
For trekkers who look for a more challenging involvement or a calmer path, winter can moreover be an extraordinary time, but it requires legitimate planning and an understanding of the cold conditions. On the other hand, the summer Monsoon season ought to for the most part be maintained a strategic distance from due to the dangers posed by overwhelming precipitation, avalanches, and destitute path conditions.
No matter when you choose to journey in Nepal, it’s fundamental to get ready satisfactorily, check the climate conditions, and select a course that suits your inclinations and involvement level.
Need Help Planning A Trip In Nepal?
If you have queries and looking forward to planning a Nepal trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us. However, we assure prompt response to all your inquiries at our best. We can likewise organize a comprehensive list of travel journeys around Nepal. Let us be your travel manager to assist you in an exceptional adventure around the Himalayas.
