Top 3 Best Winter Treks in Nepal

Nepal has primarily four main seasons – Autumn, Spring, Summer, and Winter. Among these seasons, Autumn and Spring are considered to be the best for trekking. But still, the trekking can opt during Summer and Winter seasons. The finest attraction of Winter Trekking is the alluring weather and the alpine climate. The treks to higher elevations are not advisable during the winter season but still many treks are conducted to the medium and lower elevations with all the safety required. Hence, Step On Himalaya has brought you many options for the Winter Treks in Nepal.

One of the main reasons to do the Winter Treks in Nepal is the amazingly chilling and crispy weather. Though the winter brings a melancholy while trekking, it is still interesting, charming and unique trekking experience in its own. Secondly, the winter treks are somewhat less strenuous and comparatively easy to moderate level treks. And the third reason is the trekking routes a bit less crowded because many trekkers opt for Autumn and Spring seasons for trekking. Hence, there are more chances of getting better accommodation due to less trekker. The mid-day scorching sun and the late evening and early morning foggy climate give you awesomely feeling.

Even though you do not have any previous trekking experience or have not been to any trips to mountains, the Winter Treks in Nepal are easier and exciting. You must be able to walk at least 5 – 6 hours daily and be acknowledged about the Altitude or Mountain Sickness. Control over food i.e. mainly selection of hygienic food is highly advisable. Even though the foods are freshly prepared sometimes the luck might not favor. So veg items are greatly recommended. Though Step On Himalaya has various itineraries, here are our top 3 selections for the winter treks in Nepal:

1. Everest View Trek/Short Everest Trek

During the winter season, Everest View Trek is one of the highly chosen treks in Nepal. Even though it is chilling cold out there in the mountains, the trekkers will feel warm enough by the 6 – 7 hours’ walk daily and the heart-warming sceneries. This Everest View trek will take you till the elevation of 3860 meters in 11 days duration trekking. The cool weather of the winter season will boost up your energy. The fastest way to reach the Everest region is via flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The early morning mountain flight to Lukla is scary but worth flying when the snowy Himalayan peaks are seen along with the stunning landscapes. This Everest View Trek is a well-intentioned by its name as you will get the golden opportunity to view the Mt. Everest, the top of the world towering in front of you. The panoramic view of the Mt. Everest including the other Himalayas like Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. mesmerizes and soothes your pain due to strenuous walks. This Everest View Trek follows the trail passing through Phakding village, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche village, and Tengboche monastery, Khumjung village, etc.

The Sagarmatha National Park, the bustling Namche Bazaar, the pious Tengboche monastery, the Khumjung monastery, Kalapatthar – the best viewpoint of Everest Region, the Khumbu glacier are some main highlights of Everest View Trek. Every trekker will enjoy at every stop by points. The busy Namche Bazaar is equally enchanting as the hike to Kalapatthar. The visit to the monasteries boosts up the spirituality. Similarly, the traditional authentic food, as well as some international cuisines available at the mountains of Everest region, will also energize you to continue the trek. The views of the Everest massifs, especially from the Everest View Hotel and the Kalapatthar, are simply mind-blowing and very clear. The Himalayas are more enchanting during the winter season as the snows are thicker and glittering. These attractions have this Everest View Trek as the best package selected during the winter season. Hence, Step On Himalaya has prepared the itinerary as “Everest View Trek”. Choosing the team of Step On Himalaya will surely provide you the fun and the adventure you want during the trekking to Mt. Everest.

2. Annapurna Panorama Trek/Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking

Annapurna – the Goddess of crops. Annapurna region is famous for trekking in a different destination. Among those trekking, Annapurna Panorama Trek is also highlighted one. This trek not only offers the views of immensely beautiful Annapurna ranges but also provides the chance to enjoy the amazing landscapes with the alpine climate of his region. After a sightseeing tour in the capital city, Kathmandu, you will either take a tourist coach via road or a mountain flight to Pokhara. Once you arrive at Pokhara, you can roam around the valley as it is a well-known Tourist hub and has got many attractions like Phewa Lake, Barahi Temple, World Peace Stupa, Gupteswor cave, Seti Gorge, Devis Fall, etc. The evening walk or cycling by the lakeside is very beguiling. After spending a night in Pokhara, the very next day is the start of the Annapurna Panorama Trek.

The trail to Annapurna at an elevation of 3,210 meters will let us experience the ancient and unique cultures and traditions of Magar and Gurung communities. There are many settlements on the way of Annapurna Panorama Trek like Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ghandruk, etc. The visit to Poon Hill is a little bit more fascinating as the sunrise or sunset view from this point is simply out of the world. The mesmerizing effect of the view will be a lifelong memory giving you pleasure. The panoramic view of the Annapurna massifs including Machhapuchhre Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal, Manaslu peak, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri Himal, etc. is intriguing. The serene surrounding and the alpine climate are equally breath-taking. There is no doubt that the Annapurna Panorama Trek is one of the best winter treks in Nepal letting you dip into the oceans of natural and cultural wonders. Step On Himalaya has designed a well-organized and affordable itinerary for Annapurna Panorama Trek and assures you for the utmost satisfaction with the quality services and the best possible arrangements.

3. Langtang Valley Trek

Situated at the altitude of 5050 meters, away from the buzzing town of Kathmandu, Langtang valley is a pearl of the exotic nature. Langtang Valley Trek is also considered as one of the off the beaten trekking trails as in earlier days, few trekkers opt for it. But nowadays, due to the easy accessibility of transportation and well-developed communication and accommodation facilities, the number of trekkers to Langtang valley has immensely increased. 19 miles north of Kathmandu, the Langtang valley is a settlement of mainly Tamang community following Buddhism religion. The cultures and traditions are similar to those of Tibetans. The topography of Langtang valley is complimentary with the amazing meadows and the pastures for yaks and horses. These animals are the main transport in the mountains as you up higher. The Langtang National Park is another highlight of this region that houses many wildlife, birds, animals, and plants. Cheese factory and the Kyanjin Gompa are also listed in the highlights of Langtang Valley Trek. The cheese produced from this factory is from fresh milk of yak and it really tastes awesome.

The majestic views of the Langtang Lirung Himal including other snowy peaks sooth your agony of the tiring walks. The rocky terrains and the captivating weather will make you feel amazing. The friendliness of the local people and the local traditional food give you a homely environment. After the earthquake in 2015, the Langtang Valley has emerged more beautifully with better teahouses and lodges. The local people really boosted up their energy to re-establish this Langtang valley. Now, the Langtang Valley Trek is re-started after the destructive earthquake and is declared as the “SAFE ZONE FOR TREKKING”. Hence, the trekkers are now resuming their desire to trek into the Langtang valley with safety and comfort. Step On Himalaya takes care of all the documentation and arrangements of permit to Langtang National Park, taxes, meals, accommodations and your comfort during the trek. So, choosing Step On Himalaya as your trekking mate wouldn’t go in despair for sure, instead, it will be blooming and the satisfaction after the Langtang Valley Trek will cross the max level.