When can you go trekking in Nepal?

Technically you can go trekking in Nepal at any time of the year. There are no restrictions. However, each season in Nepal will deliver a different looking landscape, environment and experience.

ETrekkers in Spring enjoying Mustang
Trekkers in Spring enjoying Mustang

You'll also need to prepare a little bit differently depending on what month or season you planning to go trekking (don't worry we cover that here along with climate change issues).

The most popular times with optimal trekking experiences are divided into two “peak seasons”.

1) The first peak season of the year is between late February – March – April (Spring)

2) The second peak season of the year is between late September – October – November (Autumn)

The other seasons in Nepal include

» November – December – January – February (Winter)

» May – June (Summer)

» June – July - August – early September (Monsoon)

On this page we'll look at each of Nepal's main seasons (there are five) and what to expect in each one. There's also a monthly breakdown and histocital climate data for those curious about it!

What's it like to trek in Nepal during Spring?


Spring is renown as Nepal's first peak season and it's one of the best times to go trekking in Nepal. Spring in Nepal is during March and April.

Upper Mustang in Spring
Spring in Upper Mustang is a great time to go

Traditionally February is not included in the first peak season as normally it's a winter month. However, over the past few years the cold winter and snows have ended by the middle of February and into March. Something to keep in mind.

Likewise on the Annapurna side views below 4,000m can have cloud coverage on some days. It's also worth noting that snow has fallen in winter leading into March on the Annapurna Base Camp trek which has lead to avalanches, blocks, and even deaths.

Spring is the end of the dry winter season and the second best time of year to go
trekking (September is the start of the best peak season). Visibility in the mountains can be hazy at lower altitudes if there is a lot of dust in the air. But this is countered by blooming rhododendrons and other flowers in the valleys. Trails are free from snow and it can start to get quite warm when the sun is shining. Above 3800 meters and the clouds will often be below you!

Temperatures (2000m avg) have highs around 25 degrees and can drop to around 6 degrees.

Here's a look at what each month is like for trekking during Spring including the best treks:

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in March?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in April?


What's it like to trek in Nepal during Summer?


Summer in Nepal is usually between May and June though it can stretch into July with ease. This is Nepal’s hot season and it can get very warm indeed. Mountain views are now obscured by haze from the dust and later from monsoon clouds. The closer to the end of June trekking in the mountains can be hot, sticky and not very pleasant due a constant threat of heavy rain from the incoming monsoons.

Summer on the Annapurna Circuit
Summer on the Annapurna Circuit is hot and hazy

There's rarely any water shortages along the treks but keeping covered from the sun is vital along with staying hydrated. Some people like to trek at this time of year due to lower prices on treks. However they are often disappointed by the poor views and uncomfortable trekking experience.

Temperatures (2000m avg) have highs around 30+ degrees and can drop to around 20 degrees.

Here's a look at what each month is like for trekking during Spring:

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in May?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in June?


What's it like to trek in Nepal during Monsoon season?


Monsoon Season in Nepal is usually between July and August though it can start earlier and stretch into September. This is type of season is like Nepal’s hot season but with very heavy rains and high humidity. Thunder and lightning storms are frequent.

Monsoon on the Annapurna Circuit
Monsoon rain on the Annapurna Circuit

Mountain views are are difficult at low altitude though up high they can be very clear when no cloud is around. The biggest issue is the heavy rain and high humidty which makes trekking difficult. There is also a very real threat of landslides during monsoon season in Nepal.

Temperatures (2000m avg) have highs around 30+ degrees and can drop to around 20 degrees with humidity making it feel much hotter.

Here's a look at what each month is like for trekking during Monsoon season:

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in July?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in August?


What's it like to trek in Nepal during the Autumn season?


The autumn months of mid-September, October and November are known for being Nepal’s peak and the best time to go trekking. The monsoon rains have cleared the sky of dust and the views are often spectacular. The valleys are still green and the weather is mild so trekking is far more enjoyable at this time of year.

Autumn is peak trekking season in Nepal
Autumn is peak trekking season in Nepal

Traditionally September is known as being a peak trekking month, however in recent years the monsoon rains have hung on until mid-September. Likewise December was traditionally known as a winter month but the first half of December in recent years has been good for trekking while the latter half is very much a winter month.

The only downside to this time of year and trekking is that the popular treks also tend to be full of trekkers and tourists! Picking a less popular trek can help here if this annoys you.

For those trying to plan you might have issues with early September rains. In my estimation if you want to avoid the rain then it's best to plan a trip to Nepal after the middle of September. Likewise if you want to avoid the possibility of snow blocking trekking paths then it's best to have completed your trek by the middle of December.

Always keep in mind – it's the weather and it's often unpredictable, especially in the mountains.

Temperatures (2000m avg) have highs around 25+ degrees and can drop to around 0 degrees.

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in September?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in October?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in November?


What's it like to trek in Nepal during the Winter?


December, January and February are the traditional winter months of Nepal which make up the winter season. Many years ago November used to be included, but it's rarely so cold in November these days. In winter the skies are clear but it can get very cold especially at night.

Winter in Nepal means frozen trails
Winter in Nepal means frozen trails

Trekkers need to be well prepared for snow and the possibility of turning back due to paths being blocked. This is particularly true on the popular Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp Treks.

Personally I've always enjoyed winter treks in Nepal. Though they've not been without incident. Blocked trail passes are a constant threat in late December and January. A blocked pass might mean you can't continue on or can't get back. Avoiding late December, January and February is best if you are stuck for time on treks with high passes or base camps.

Once again you can get lower off-peak prices for trekking during the winter in Nepal. However winter treks can be vastly more dangerous and can end abruptly due to trails being closed.

Temperatures (2000m avg) have highs around 18+ degrees and can drop well under 0 degrees.

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in December?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in January?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in February?


Recommended trekking seasons in Nepal


The best time to go trekking in Nepal is between late September – October – November (Autumn). If this is your trip of a lifetime then it's best to leave your trek until October or November so the weather stands the best chance at being great.

The next best period to go trekking in Nepal is between late February – March – April (Spring). There is a danger of snow still being on the passes in February. It can also rain (especially on the Annapurna side of the country) in March or April. The rain during this period usually lasts an hour or so. The great positive for trekking at this time of year is that there are fewer tourists and you do get a lot green valleys, wildlife and the same great mountain views.


Essential things to remember no matter the time of year you go trekking in Nepal


» Get the right travel insurance: It's vitally important to get the right travel insurance for trekking in Nepal. Anything can and does happen in the mountains. The weather can change in a matter of minutes and leave you stranded. Do read my page on getting the best travel insurance for Nepal.

» Don't skimp on budget : If this is your trip of a lifetime that you are only going to do once, then make it count. Don't try to squeeze for the cheapest guide service in the country (don't get cheated either) as you'll come away with with a poor experience. It does really pay to have the right guide. Not only can they show you the best routes, wildlife, nature and mountains but they'll also know what to do in an emergency. Do read my article on how to choose a trekking guide in Nepal.

» Choose your trek carefully: Just because Everest Base Camp is the most widely known doesn't mean you “have to do Everest”. Short treks like Mardi Himal, or long epic treks like the Annapurna Circuit can offer so much as well. This is especially true if the weather is not great. Annapurna treks are easier to change around at the last minute than Everest treks! See my lists of treks in Nepal.

» Explore more: There's more to Nepal than just trekking. If possible add in some historical culture too. Or, try historical culture mixed with hikes like those around Dhulikhel. There's lots to do in Nepal so do check some out in online Nepal guide when planning out how long your want to stay in Nepal.

» Get the right guidebook: Lastly do get my trekking in Nepal guidebook below. It covers trekking better than any other guidebook out there. And well, you did reach this far online so just imagine how much better the book is! Better yet, get my complete Nepal guidebook which includes the whole trekking book as a section!


More information on Trekking in Nepal


The above information should give you a brief outline and understanding about when to trekking in Nepal.


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