Nepal is one of the best destinations for trekking, whether you want easy or challenging treks. Several popular trekking spots in Nepal are entertaining, but choosing the best time to trek in Nepal is extremely important before booking your trekking destination. There are some easy low-altitude treks in Nepal, like Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc., that are not entirely affected by trekking in the particular season.
However, most of the fun trekking spots in Nepal are high-altitude challenging treks that also depend on the time, weather, climate, etc. Treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Lower or Upper Mustang trek, etc., become much more accessible or easier if trekkers trek at the best time they are meant to be traveled. In Nepal, two seasons resonate with ideal trekking conditions, whereas two seasons are only suitable for short, low-altitude treks. So let’s get into it.
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Which is the Best Time to Trek in Nepal?
In Nepal, there are two ideal seasons for trekking, spring, and autumn, whereas the two off seasons not recommended for trekking are the monsoon and winter. Choosing the best time for trekking is ideal if you are a beginner and don’t have prior experience since the ideal time reduces the challenges of the trek.
Spring Season (March, April, and May)
Spring season is among the best season for trekking in Nepal. This season begins in March and ends in May. Spring is an ideal trekking season because of the mild temperature, sunny weather, and clear views of the skies and mountains. The spring season also brings the blooming flowers of the magnolias and rhododendrons. Since Spring is one of the ideal time seasons for trekking, the crowd surge is undoubtedly high this season.
The trials and teahouses are overly crowded, so if you want to receive excellent services, you should book your trek in advance through a trekking agency. In the Spring season, since the demand for the trek is higher, the cost of the trek also increases. So, if you are worried about your price, make sure you are exploring budget-friendly options. Many budget-friendly treks in Nepal are perfect for exploring during spring.
Recommended Treks in Spring Season
Some of the best trekking spots in Nepal are better when you combine it with the Spring season. The most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek, the most common and popular trekking spots you can enjoy in the spring season. Some underrated treks like Mardi Himal Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, and Gosiakunda Trek also apply this season. Many trekkers recommend exploring challenging treks like Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, etc, in the Spring season to minimize the difficulty level.
Everest Base Camp Trek
12 Days
Adventure Treks
USD1,199 per person
Annapurna Circuit Trek
10 Days
Adventure Treks
USD675 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 7 Days
7 Days
Trekking
USD449 per person
Autumn Season (September, October, and November)
Autumn is another good season for trekking in Nepal. This season begins in the middle of September and ends in November. Autumn in Nepal is generally warm and sunny with some humidity. This season is ideal for trekking, as the weather is usually stable, and the landscapes and mountain views are beautiful. The surroundings are vibrant with colorful flowers and active nature. In the mountains, temperatures can reach freezing in the morning and at night, while the Hilly and Terai regions remain warm
Recommended Treks in Autumn
There are tons of famous trekking regions in Nepal that are ideal for trekking in Autumn. Mostly, the high-altitude Himalayan trekking becomes breathtaking due to Autumn weather and crispy views of the mountains. Some of the recommended treks that the trekkers can explore during the Autumn seasons are Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani Trek and others. This trekking region lies in the lap of the Himalayas, so the stunning views of the mountains and sunrise can be experienced in the Autumn season.
Monsoon (Summer) Season (June, July, and August)
During the Monsoon Trekking Season in Nepal, from mid-June to September, the country receives about 80% of its yearly rainfall over approximately 105 days. This season, also known as Wet Summer, brings heavy rain and high humidity due to monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. One primary reason to avoid trekking in the monsoon season is that heavy rain leads to floods and landslides, causing damage to infrastructure and natural habitats.
Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon can be challenging but rewarding. The trails are less crowded, the villages are lively and green, and the landscapes are stunning. If you plan to trek during the Monsoon Season in Nepal, be prepared for heavy rainfall, storms, and leeches. The best months for trekking during this season are from June to September.
Recommended treks in Nepal During Monsoon
Monsoon season is understandably considered the least ideal trekking season in Nepal. However, several trekking destinations in Nepal are least affected by the monsoon season. Some of those popular trekking destinations are Upper Mustang Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc. Preparation is necessary for the successful completion of monsoon treks in Nepal. Make sure you research which regions are highly affected by rainfall and natural disasters.
Winter Season (December, January, and February)
Winter season is among the off-seasons for trekking in Nepal due to the lack of demand and the low standard of ideal trekking conditions. Nonetheless, some trekkers with prior experience still visit different regions of Nepal for mountain trekking adventures. The winter season in Nepal begins from November to the end of February. Some key conditions that the trekkers will face during the winter are dynamic weather, cold temperatures, sunny days, freezing nights, lack of teahouses, snowy trails, etc.
Trekking in the winter brings challenges, such as continuous snowfall, blocked trails, and the possibility of snowstorms, blizzards, and avalanches. During winter, since teahouses are generally closed at high altitudes, trekkers will likely have to camp in tents, which is very risky due to the possibility of such natural disasters.
Recommended Treks for Winter Season in Nepal
Winter treks in Nepal offer a unique but difficult challenge to the trekkers. During this season, there are fewer trekkers, so you can enjoy the famous trekking spots with more tranquility. Additionally, winter treks in Nepal experience less precipitation, especially at higher altitudes, providing clear views of the snow-capped peaks against the blue skies. Some recommended winter treks in Nepal include Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Best Time For Different Types Of Treks
High Altitude Treks
The best time for high-altitude treks is from March to May and September to November. These seasons offer you stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it an ideal choice for trekking elevations above 4,000 meters. Some of the popular treks of this category are Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Treks, and Annapurna Circuit Trek. These months provide the best chance for acclimatization along with breathtaking views.
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
our honeymoon trekking
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
We met Harka in September 2010
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya  Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023
my second trek with Himalaya Trip
This is my second trek with Himalayan trip. Last year 16 day to Manaslu Circuit with my daughter, and this year 20 day Annapurna Circuit and side trips with my wife and friend. Harka and his amazing team delivered an unbelievably enjoyable product. Many highlights. They include partially: Exposure to the Gurung culture. Most fascinating. Mountain scenery beyond belief. Patient, caring porter/guides-Bassu/Deep on Annapurna/Harry/Soroz on Manaslu, all of whom continually assessed our health and well-being, bent over backwards to make this journey a fantastic experience. Dahl baht! Momos! Yaks! Water buffalo. Chang beer! Super pleasant Nepali people en route. Turning 60 en route. Memorable birthday. Challenging altitudes. A very interesting menagerie of fellow Trekkers. Great villages loved Ghandruck, a special Gurung village.
If you are considering a trekking adventure, this family-run company has the experience and knowledge to make it memorable. This year, our porter/guide, Bassu, was incredible. Totally flexible, patient, never without a smile, totally cognizant of our needs, we felt so fortunate.
Deep our porter also never stopped smiling, most contagious. Many great laughs on the trails, such an awesome rich and rewarding experience with these two gentlemen.
Canada, October 2016
Annapurna trek with Harka
Outstanding service. It was like having a VIP experience with Jay and Harka. Our porter, Meshak, never stopped smiling!
Jay, Harka, and Meshak were outstanding. My friend and I were treated like VIPs throughout the experience. Everyone was a professional, polite, courteous, organized, patient, and extremely friendly. I would recommend all of them in heartbeat.
USA, November 2023Short and Easy Treks
Short and easy treks are best to be undertaken from March to June and September to November. However, due to the relatively short distance and easy trekking route, one can consider trekking these during other months. All year round, trekking is possible for short and easy treks. However, if you are trekking in the off-season, make sure you are prepared well. This category includes treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill and Langtang Valley Trek.
Monsoon Treks
Monsoon treks are best attempted from July to August; however, they come with more challenges due to heavy rainfall. Certain region treks, such as Makalu Base Camp and the lower Annapurna Region trek, can be done during these seasons. The lush landscapes and fewer trekkers can offer you a more scenic experience and take you close to nature. While trekking in winter, make sure you are prepared for slippery paths and gear to handle heavy rain.
Winter Treks
December to February are ideal months for those seeking a unique trekking experience in snowy conditions. While you get the freezing cold temperature, this time, it offers you stunning snow-covered landscapes and a quiet trekking experience. Treks like Mardi Himal and Everest Base Camp are ideal if you have some prior trekking experience. However, make sure you carry warm clothes and waterproof jackets with you.
Cultural and Historical Treks
The trek offers a cultural and historical experience that shines during the spring and autumn seasons. The weather is favorable for exploring ancient villages, temples, and historical sites. During these seasons, you can also take part in some major festivals in Nepal, enhancing your overall experience. No matter which trekking route you choose, each offers unique cultural experiences.
Conclusion
Hence, it is essential to research and learn about the best time to trek in Nepal to minimize the trekking challenges. Several trekking destinations in Nepal become more fun when you are trekking at a particular time or season.
We have provided details on the two best times for trekking and two offseasons for trekking in Nepal. If you are a beginner, you should consider trekking an easy trek in suitable conditions, and if you are a trekker with prior experience and are confident you can trek in any season, then make sure you carry clothes and equipment that will help you during your trek in the off-season.
