Overview: 

No place in the world can epitomize the natural beauty like that of the Himalayas in Nepal. Magnetic snow peaks, towering ice falls, cliff faces, roaring streams, and wild walkways. There’s everything to be found in this part of Nepal which makes it trekker’s paradise. 

Whether famed spots like Everest or hidden ones, every nook in the region has something great to explore. There are varied options for treks in Nepal with none of it alike. Every hiking destination is disparate and lies at different altitudes. 

Hence, trekking can be done throughout the year in Nepal except for the places at height. Still, there’s always the right time to get the most of any excursion and in Nepal, it’s spring and autumn. These are the two prime seasons for trekking in Nepal and favors every destination, even Mt. Everest. 

Trekking in Nepal during Autumn 

Autumn is a perfect time for the trek in Nepal with fall colors adorning the forest and valleys. There’s a great display in the woods with tree leaves changing its colors into orange and hues. Autumn starts just after the monsoon in mid-September. Therefore, the early month of September witnessed a light rainfall. 

October, on the far side, has the best weather with clear skies and bright sunny days. The mornings and nights are a bit chilly but other than that the climate remains perfect. 

This month often sees more crowds than its predecessor having offered great visibility. It’s delightful to watch the roaring streams and waterfalls in the season as monsoon leaves it to overflow.  

In October, trails coursing through the forest are wrapped in fall foliage. So trekkers feel it relaxing to walk along the path. November on the far end faces cold weather unlike the start of the month since winter prepares to make its way. 

Trekking in Nepal at Spring 

Spring resolves the problem of hikers for when to go trekking in Nepal. The season is favored by climbers due to its mild weather that suits hiking. It falls in-between mid-March to May. 

In this season, you can expect warm weather with frosty mornings and nights. Trails covered with thick snow in February start to melt slowly after March, clearing a passage for climbers. 

Sightseeing may not be the joyous thing of all at a lower altitude with poor discernibility. The dry weather sees dust in the air which obstructs the view of snow-capped mountains. Based on altitude, the temperature varied in Spring ranging from 6-25 Degree Celsius. 

The season aids wild forests to turn green while full-bloom rhododendron adorns it lavishly. Since March comes right after winter, the early days are frigid as compared to the end. The temperature during any trek varies depending on the altitude. Hence prepare yourself based on the climate and location of the site. 

Off-season Trekking in Nepal 

Winter and Monsoon are often considered as off-season trekking in Nepal. Be it pro or beginners, no one prefers trekking in winter as much as spring and autumn. Winter weather at high altitude is unforeseeable and gets brutal at times. It’ll be quite hard for trekkers to deal with both severe weather and altitude sickness if not prepared well. 

Irrespective of the climate and temperature, the views are quite stunning in winter. Snow peaks and glaciers start to gleam with the sunrise. Villages just below the peaks and campsite are washed by white snow, making it look magical from atop. 

Winter unfolds from December and lasts till February. The effects of spring season can be seen in the valleys by the end of February as birds migrate to the forest. But till then the weather is bitterly cold at high altitude so carry yourself warm clothes and hiking boots with crampons. 

Monsoon isn’t that favorite of trekkers as the season experiences heavy rainfall. This results in the trail being slippery which is tough to steer. It rains almost every day in winter except some places observe it more and others less.

Despite that, the season has its own charm as the views after rainfall are breathtaking. Inhabited in the forest, wild animals and birds are more often seen by visitors in the month. Finally, this most have given you the idea of when to go trekking in Nepal.

5 popular treks in Nepal 

From as short as a day to months long treks, each one of them is available in Nepal. Among them, the 5 popular treks in Nepal are as follows. 

Everest Base Camp Trek 

Everest Base Camp Trek is a weeks-long expedition through steep hills and alpine forest to ridge. Hikers would be gratified to walk the chain of trails in the Himalayas jammed with splendid beauty. 

Most of these paths run through rough terrains and past meadows to embrace the glaciated steeps. Navigating the trails up to base camp is not that tough unless you fail to choose the right time. 

Located in the Khumbu region, Everest Base Camp Trek is initially made from Lukla. Trekkers sneak from Namche Bazaar to old villages including Tengboche before reaching the campsite. Main attraction of the trek is the old Tengboche Monastery and wild species to be seen in the jungle.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is another masterwork of nature sewed with all splendid beauty. The rolling landscapes, river valleys and high mountain passes are the highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

With about 230 km of trek route, Annapurna Circuit has a stunning view to offer travelers. It’s highest point, Thorung La Pass, is magical in itself with sheer ice sheets and diverse landscape.

Trekkers of Annapurna Circuit are surprised with the mesmeric sight of snow peaks. The snowy trails leading to Thorung La provide the pristine view of Annapurna Massif. That’s not all, visitors also get to watch Pisang Peak, Dhaulagiri and many more. 

Langtang Valley Trek 

Often overshadowed by the popularity of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek doesn’t get the acclaim it deserves. Still, the trek remains to be one of the best hikes in Nepal.  

It lies in beautiful Langtang National Park that sprawls in an area of 660 sq. miles. With the rugged valleys, old monasteries, and dense forest, Langtang Trek delights visitors. From subtropical to alpine, the park has a mixed vegetation such as pine, conifer, deciduous oak and larch. 

Ascent to the rock-strewn trails has fabulous views to offer including scenic mountains. Visitors can see magnificent Langtang Lirung and Langtang Ri from a distance. 

Kyanjin Gompa and Gosainkunda are the major draw of Langtang Trek. The latter is a sacred lake to Hindus while the former is a Buddhist monastery. This spiritual site exemplifies the rich culture and values of the local community.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek 

Nestled in the central part of Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp is the most acclaimed of all hikes. The trek is as wondrous as it gets with unique landscapes, dry valleys, and bamboo forests. 

Falling only behind Everest Base Camp, Annapurna is the most traveled hike in Nepal. It is located nearly 40 km north from Pokhara. Climbers of base camp often pass through Thorung La which rests at 17,599 ft height. 

Despite the remoteness, the trek continues to win over people with its surreal beauty. Sights of snow-peak summits like Annapurna I are the memorable highlight of the trek. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is easily the most accessible and classic trek. Poon Hill is just 270 km far off from Kathmandu on the west side. Most hikers start their trip from Nayapul and make their way through Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani.

The sweeping beauty of the hike is never to be surpassed with lush-green terrains and forest. Villages along the way to Ghorepani are impressive with authentic traditional houses. 

The trails are often peaceful with only sounds of birds and wild animals in the forest. Conserved by locals, forest on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is filled with oak trees and rhododendron. 

Far more crowded than anywhere else, Poon Hill is praised for its beauty. The Hill station is too popular amidst trekkers having provided a beautiful sunrise and sunset view. More often travelers visit the viewpoint to watch the magical Annapurna Massif.