Best Time To Visit Nepal

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is generally considered the best time to visit Nepal. It offers a blue sky with clear and dry weather which makes trekking easier with good visibility of mountains making it perfect for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

 Autumn season is the best time for trekking in the Annapurna region, Everest region, Langtang region, and several other popular trekking trails in Nepal. Autumn starts after the monsoon ends,  so you may encounter wildlife as they become more active. The trekking trails are well-maintained as it has been freshly washed by the monsoon seasons. The season is also ideal for high-pass trekking routes as it provides the best conditions where the weather is stable and trails are accessible making it easier and safer to trek. During autumn seasons the entire country is filled with festive vibes as two main festivals fall in this season which is  Dashain and Tihar so you can have an insight into Nepalese culture and traditions.

Nepalese people from all over the world gather together to celebrate the festival. You can also encounter the streets, houses, and public places being decorated with colors and lights. People are more welcoming in these seasons as they are in a festive mood they feel proud of their culture, so they want to share their warm hospitality, and culture with travelers. It is also harvest season, so people in rural regions are busy harvesting as it is their primary occupation. Nepal offers different breathtaking destinations for the autumn seasons. Here are some trekking packages listed for the autumn season.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek 

The Trek allows you to witness the stunning view of Mt Everest and experience the Sherpa people's culture and their basic lifestyle. Mount Everest base camp is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Everest base camp trek is popular among many trekking routes in Nepal. As it offers the trekkers spectacular mountain views and the cultural heritage of the Everest region. It is also the base camp for the climbers who prepare to ascend to the summit of Mount Everest.  

The trek starts from Lukla after a scenic flight from Kathmandu, Passing  through stunning landscapes, Hills and snow-capped mountains, suspension bridges local sherpa  villages such as Namche bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching the base camp (alt.5364m)

2. Langtang Valley Trek:

Langtang Valley trek where you will be immersed in the culture and scenery of the northern part of Kathmandu. It is one of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal after the Everest base camp trek and Annapurna base camp trek. Langtang Valley Trek offers you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Langtang Lirung and Yala peaks including many beautiful peaks, and explore the Buddhist and Hinduism cultures along the way to Langtang Valley. Moreover, you can also have a great chance to visit the Yak cheese factory and old monastery in Kyanjin Gompa, Langtang Lirung Glacier, and many more.

Langtang Valley trek takes you to the Langtang national park which is the first park in the Himalayan region of Nepal, where you can encounter the different wildlife, and species of exotic birds, and discover various types of flora and fauna. The travelers who have limited time but want to have an easy-moderate trek experience then this trek is ideal as this trek is for like 7-9 days.

3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The trek will take you to the base camp of Mount Annapurna, which is one of the eight highest peaks in the world. Annapurna base camp trek allows you to discover different landscapes, stunning views of surrounding peaks, and diverse cultures like Gurung, Magar, and Thakali each having different cultural practices. It is considered to be a moderate trek as it is suitable for people with reasonable levels of fitness. You can enjoy meals and a comfortable stay as it is known for the tea-house trek.

Discover different types of flora and fauna and even endangered animals like snow leopards and Himalayan black bears above 4,000 m. Annapurna Base Camp trek starts after 1.5 hours of driving from Pokhara to Nayapool or New Phedi. During trek, we will cross several local villages and encounter their basic lifestyle and waterfall, Hills, Charming people, and fascinating culture. Annapurna base camp is one of the popular trekking packages after the Everest base camp trek in Nepal. If you want to see the Annapurna range including Mt. Fishtrail (Machhapuchhere )  from a close distance with your own eyes then Annapurna Base Camp would be the best spot. More popular trekking routes are given below. 

4. Kanchenjunga circuit trek

5. Manaslu circuit trek

6. Makalu base camp trek 

7. Langtang valley with Gosaikunda lake trek

8. Upper Mustang  trek 

Spring Season (March to May )

The Spring season is considered to be the best season for Trekking, mountaineering, peak climbing, and expeditions after the Autumn season in Nepal. Spring season offers a moderate temperature which will make it comfortable for hiking during the day, and at cool nights. During the autumn season, a clear sky will help you witness the stunning landscape and snow melting on mountains with trails filled with different species of flowers. Walking deep in the evergreen forest covered with rhododendrons will make you feel like paradise. Spring is also a good time for wildlife spotting so, you might encounter various bird species, and other wildlife flora and fauna. In this season you can trek all over Nepal as it provides the best weather with the frolic view. This season is also famous for Tibet, the Kailash Manasarovar lake tour and China.

Here are some popular trekking routes suggested to all adventure seekers from around the globe.

1. Kanchenjunga Trek 

Kanchenjunga Basecamp trek offers the adventure seeker to discover the unique landscape and breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains, alpine forest, and diverse flora and fauna. It takes you to the south and north base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 m ) which is the third-highest mountain in the world. 

On this trek, you can see different wildlife such as deer, red Panda, Tiger, and Bear. Kanchenjunga trek falls under a remote area of Nepal so you need to be physically and mentally prepared for different facilities like Internet and guest-house which is basic compared to Everest and Annapurna base camp. This trek is recommended for those trekkers who want to have a long trek as it takes 2-3 weeks to complete it.

2. Upper Mustang trek.
 

Upper Mustang trek is located behind the Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri Himalayas range and borders the Tibet plateau. The remote area journey with the unique and off-beaten path in the northern part of Nepal is all about exploring the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. This area was restricted until 1992 still trekkers require special permits to enter and explore this region. This region is highly influenced by the Buddhist culture. You can discover a panorama view of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains,  caves, and old monasteries that hold historical and cultural importance, and on the way back from the trek on the bank of Kaligandaki, you can find the fossils of the Hindu god symbol on it.

Travelers who want to go to Upper Mustang now can also go by driving all the way to Lo - manthang. it takes one week to complete the whole trek by driving. And if you want to do the classical way you can still trek, but there is already a car road so it may not be as interesting to walk as before. Most of the trekkers who visit Upper Mustang go by driving and spend a few nights in Lo-Managthang and explore around and then back to Jomsom-Pokhara and final tours to Kathmandu before you fly out to the next destination.

3 Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is known for its stunning mountain scenery and off-beaten path which will take you through the various ethnic communities like Gurung, and Tamang each having unique culture, Tibetan, and tradition. Manaslu circuit trek takes you around Mt Manaslu which is the eighth highest mountain in the world. 

Manaslu circuit trek offers a traveler's sense of adventure as it is in a remote area. Like an upper Mustang, you need a special permit to explore this trek. You will be immersed in the beauty of the glacial valleys, landscapes, and lush forests. You will encounter different monasteries so, it offers spiritual experience.

Winter season (December- March)

Trekking in the winter season can be a unique and rewarding experience.  Winter season can be cold, especially in the higher regions but it also gives the sky clear view. Though some winter treks are quite challenging there are plenty of things that winter seasons offer which is less crowded compared to autumn and spring. In this season, you can still go on short treks like the Ghodapani Poon hill trek, Pike Peaks, and in the Everest region,Langtang valley trek, Dhampush trek, Mardi Himal trek, Everest view trek, Gokyo lake Trek. Winter season is also suitable for tours in different cities such as Kathmandu World Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini (The birth palace of Gautam Buddha), Pokhara, known as the abode of Annapurna Himalayas range, Bandipur, Palpa Tansen where you get an insight into Nepalese culture and history. 

 Winter season in upper remote areas( Himalayan region) means snowfall and temperatures can drop below freezing so, some trekking routes will be closed down due to heavy snowfall. it also means you’ll encounter fewer trekkers on the trail which creates a peaceful trekking experience, allowing you to connect better with the environment. We don’t recommend you to trek in the higher regions and longer remote treks but the easy treks which we mentioned above are highly recommended.

Recommended treks in the Winter season: 

1. Helambu Trek:

Helambu trek is for those who have limited time but seek an adventurous experience. It is perfect for short treks near Kathmandu such as the Nagarkot Chisapani trek. The trails pass through the lush forest of rhododendrons, oak, pine, and bamboo which offers you a stunning view of snow-capped peaks.

 You’ll get a chance to be immersed in local culture as you go through the traditional Tamang village. To trek in this region you need to have the permit of Langtang National Park and a TIMS card

2 . Chisapani Nagarkot Trek:

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is easy and suitable for people of all ages. The routes allow you to be immersed in natural beauty and discover Himalayan landscapes. You’ll hike through the lush forest, and village and enjoy the local cuisine. This trek allows you to view the Himalayas from a distance. When you reach Chisapani hilltop settlement with a stunning view of Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and Mt Everest ranges will mesmerized your eyes. Chisapani is also an ideal spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Shivapuri National Park A day hike. 

Shivapuri National Park hike can be completed in a day perfect for those having limited time and seeking a quick escape in nature. This trek allows you to discover various flora and fauna, the beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley. Since it is close to Kathmandu Valley it is popular among locals and tourists.

Monsoon/Summer Season (June - August )

Monsoon season in Nepal means heavy rainfall with hot and humid weather. So, Trekking in this season can be a bit more challenging than in other seasons but we can still have a Tour around Kathmandu and other cities while experiencing insight into Nepalese culture, food, and cultural heritage. In this season hills and valleys come alive with a variety of plants and flowers making it a beautiful sight for nature enthusiasts. Here is the list of treks this season offers.

1. Upper Dolpo Trek: 

 The journey into the heart of a unique and culturally rich part of Nepal which is situated in the northwestern part offers you to immerse in deep valleys, ancient glaciers, and stunning landscapes. One of the main attractions of Upper Dolpo is Shey Phoksundo Lake which is the deepest lake in Nepal. The culture in this region is heavily influenced by Buddhists so you’ll encounter many monasteries, religious scriptures, and ancient house artifacts, providing spiritual experiences.

2 .  Lower Dolpo Trek:

The trek provides a glimpse of the authentic Himalayan lifestyle it is a journey to a mystical land. The remote region in the western part of Nepal allows you to discover different wildlife, flora, and fauna as it is the home to Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest National park. It is also a filming location as it has been used for various movies and documentaries. This region is inhabited by different ethnic groups each having unique traditions and cultural practices.

3. TIBET TOUR:

The tour which allows travelers to explore the mystic land of wisdom, presents you immersive and spiritually enriching experience. It is a part of China and borders many countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Travelers can witness religious practices, rituals, and unique architecture associated with Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the highest regions in the world with an average elevation of 4,500 meters. Traveling to Tibet requires you to obtain a Tibet Travel permit which you can get with the help of a registered travel agency. Additional suggestion packages for the summer season in Nepal are Upper Mustang and Bhutan.

4. BHUTAN TOUR

5.  KAILASH MANSAROVAR TOUR

Summary

The best time to visit Nepal is from September to May which falls in the autumn and spring seasons as this season offers you clear sky and stunning landscapes, but it also depends upon what kind of activities you want to have, so it's best to plan according to your interest and preferences.