Top 5 winter Treks in Nepal

Being a Himalayan country, Nepal offers numerous exciting and adventurous trekking to passionate trekkers around the globe. Trekkers can pick up a particular trekking trip to suit their interests, time frame, and budget.

Among various trekking trails in Nepal, some can be done all around the year and some require favorable weather conditions. Similarly, all treks cannot be done during the winter season in Nepal. Longer and more adventurous trekking cannot be accomplished during the winter season. It is because of heavy snowfall and chilling cold weather in the mountains. There is the threat of avalanches and heavy snowfall in winter in the Himalayas.

However, some adventure enthusiasts love to trek in the Nepal Himalayas during winter. It is not recommended to do longer and more adventurous trekking in winter in Nepal.

According to the elevation of the treks and the weather conditions during the winter,  We have proposed the top 5 winter treks in Nepal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Trekkers can do the Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek even in Winter in Nepal. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is the most popular trekking trail in the Annapurna region trekking. This trek takes us to Poonhill, a popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region, and offers us an opportunity to capture mesmerizing mountain panorama including Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. We also will celebrate the magnificent sunrise from Poonhill.

 We can do the Ghorepani Poonhill trek in winter because the weather is not as cold as in other trekking trails and we generally do not have heavy snowfall in winter. This trekking trail is below 4 thousand meters.

 Ghorepani Poonhill Trek begins from Nayapool after a 1.30 hrs drive from Pokhara. If we are beginning this trek from Kathmandu, we need to either drive or fly to Pokhara first. Then, we begin our trekking through lush forests and traditional settlements. We finally get to Ghorepani and climb Poonhill. We experience stunning sunrise and mountain panorama and trek back to Nayapool via Tadapani and Ghandruk.

Everest View Trek

The Everest View Trekking trail is located in the Everest region. We begin Everest View Trek after our short and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We trek to Namche via Phakding and begin to experience Sagarmatha National Park. We need to buy Sagarmatha National Park and Location entry permits before we begin Everest View Trek.

Everest view trek

Everest View Trek offers us an opportunity to witness the mightiest Mt. Everest without being at Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar.

Namche, the capital of the Khumbu region is one of the major attractions of Everest View Trek. We can observe the classical Tibetan market, Sherpa Cultural Museum, and European standard facilities like luxurious hotels and restaurants, etc.

We climb to Everest View Hotel and capture an astonishing mountain panorama with a stunning sunrise. This includes the entire Everest mountain panorama including the top of the world, Mt. Everest.

Then, we backtrack to Lukla via the same trail and take another short flight to Kathmandu.

Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek

The nearest trekking trail from Kathmandu Valley, Chispani-Nagarkot Trek is one of the best winter treks in Nepal. This trek takes us to two different viewpoints: Chisapani and Nagarkot. Both viewpoints are popular for witnessing stunning mountain panorama and sunrise.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek begins from Sundari Jal or alternatively from Nagarkot. We trek via Shivapuri National Park and experience some unique and rare species of flora and fauna. We also meet friendly people and their traditional settlements. Our trek via lush forest takes us to Chisapani first. We capture mesmerizing Langtang, Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu and we further trek to Nagarkot.

Nagarkot is a hill station located close to Kathmandu which is popular for its incredible sunrise and mountain views including Mt. Everest. We finally drive back to Kathmandu from Nagarkot to end our Chispani-Nagarkot Trek. `

Dhampus – Australian  Camp- Sarangkot Trekking

Dhampus – Australian  Camp- Sarangkot Trekking is popular trekking near Pokhara which also can be done during winter. Dhampus – Australian  Camp- Sarangkot Trekking is to witness unbelievable Machhapuchhre and Annapurna massif.  This trek also offers us an opportunity to have insights into the traditional lifestyle of ethnic people.

Dhampus – Australian  Camp- Sarangkot Trekking begins from Phedi or Ghattekulo after a 1-hour drive from Pokhara. Then, we trek via the lush forest and picturesque traditional settlement and get to Dhampus.

Dhampus is a beautiful village facing alluring Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks in the Annapurna region. Then, we hike up to Australian Camp and capture a more fascinating mountain panorama and sunrise. Finally, we trek to Sarangkot and experience breathtaking sunrises and mountains including Annapurna-I, Annapurna-IV, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. We trek back to Pokhara to end our Dhampus – Australian  Camp- Sarangkot Trekking.

Ghandruk Circuit Trek

Ghandruk Circuit Trek is a  doable trek even in Winter in Nepal. Ghandruk Circuit Trek takes us to the largest  Traditional Gurung village in Nepal and offers an opportunity to witness a fabulous mountain panorama. We also experience Gurung culture and lifestyle at the same time. Dhampus, Pothana, Landruk, and Ghandruk are the major viewpoints in this trekking.

Ghandruk Circuit Trek begins either from Phedi or Kande. I begin it from Kande, it links to Australian Camp and if it begins from Phedi, it passes via Dhampus. Then, we get to Pothana which is a popular traditional village for stunning sunrise and mountain panorama.

We further trek to Landruk. Landruk is a fascinating Gurung village with its age-long tradition. It is also a popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region. We can see the mighty Annapurna South from Landruk.

Finally, we trek to Ghandruk. We visit the Gurung Museum, a German bakery, and also taste organic food items. Along with this, we witness mesmerizing Machhapuchhre and trek back to Nayapool.

 Helambu  Trek

Culturally important, Helambu Trek is one of the closest short trekking trails to Kathmandu Valley. This short trekking can be one of the best choices for winter trekking in Nepal. Helambu Trek takes us to a beautiful traditional Tamang village where one can explore the unique Tamang culture and civilization.

Helambu Village is also popular as one of the finest viewpoints for capturing a stunning mountain panorama. We can witness Langtang. Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and several other alluring mountain peaks from Helambu Village. Similarly, the Helambu Trekking trail offers us magnificent views of landscapes and terraced fields. Helambu Trekking Trail covers some parts of Shivapuri National Park and Langtang National Park too. Helambu Trek is both culturally and naturally important. We get an opportunity to have both natural and cultural diversities in Helambu Trek.