Frankly speaking, there is no such specific season for trekking in Nepal; in every season you can find some trekking destinations in some part of this nation with diverse climate and landscape.
Trekking in each season has its own merits and limitations for the trekkers. You may not be able to trek on the same trail in every season of the year, but you can definitely trek in at least some destinations in every season.
So, here we shall provide some information about the trekking seasons in Nepal from your perspective and hence the advice comes in the form of peak season and off-seasons based on the arrival of tourists like you.
Nepal entertains four seasons mainly- winter, spring, summer, and fall. The Pre-monsoon and Post monsoon season in Nepal also needs discussion.
Based on the trekkers who seek fair weather and the intrepid trekkers who dare to trek in any season, Nepalese trekking season may be categorized as Peak Season and Off-Season.
Autumn season (October to December): Arguably the best season in Nepal when it’s neither too hot and nor too cold. With major Hindu festivals being celebrated by a large majority, the air is filled with joy and a festive mood in this season.
In this season farmlands turn golden due to about-to-harvest crops, the sky is clear and you generally receive no rainfall, visibility is good, days are warm and nights are cool.
Trekkers come to visit Nepal in large numbers thereby the hotels and flights are overbooked. If you are a trekker who prefers quaint trails and closeness to nature along the trails, look for offbeat paths during this season.
Spring season (March to May): In one of the busy trekking seasons in Nepal, you can expect some of the best sceneries in the trekking trails.
While in higher altitudes the weather is warm and a bit hot in lower elevations, trekkers enjoy beautiful flowers such as the Rhododendron flower, the national flower of Nepal, blossom with full beauty and in different colors including red, pink, and white.
Rhododendron forest contrasts beautifully with the grand white canvass of the white Himalayas forming breathtaking scenery. You are sure to get mesmerized by the view. The challenging high passes are also open to trekking during this season.
Winter Season (January- February): In this season you shall experience cool days and colder nights or freezing nights as you go to higher altitudes. The sky is clear and mountains full of snow are visible during the trek. In the lowlands of Nepal, the weather is foggy while in the mountains days are generally sunny.
Trekking to moderate altitudes are most preferred as the trails with higher altitude generally see heavy snowfall making it sometimes impossible to cross high passes and therefore incomplete trekking expedition. You need to get prepared for such things.
Pre-Monsoon Season (June to Mid July): In this season you shall experience afternoon clouds that obstruct the sight of mountains which means that there are fewer chances of sights of beautiful Himalayas. Rain showers are occasionally seen in the lower altitudes while higher altitudes don’t generally receive such showers.
Trekkers can go trekking in high altitudes and individuals who care less about the views and more about walking in the beautiful surrounding better enjoy trekking in this season. Best views are not assured in this season.
Monsoon Season (Mid-July to Mid-September): Most parts of Nepal experience heavy rainfall during this season and thereby traveling difficulties arise obstructing trekking. The positive aspect of the monsoon is lush and green forests and meadows, colorful alpine flowers, and greenery everywhere.
Muddy and wet trails, leeches, obstructed views make this season a non-preferred trekking season. Flights get canceled for several days due to poor visibility. However, if this is the only time period available to you, you can go to rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo for trekking.
Trekking in the off-beat trails is a big no in this season as the condition of temporary bridges is less known and chances are that you may have to drop your plan in the middle of the trek due to such bridges being destroyed by floods.
Trekking in Nepal in every season shall provide you with some very special memories to be fond of. Weighing the benefits to be gained and limitations to be faced, you need to determine the trekking trail in which you shall be finding the trek of your life.
Cherish every moment of your trekking with marvelous sceneries, soaring Himalayas, diverse landscape, culture, traditions, and ancient heritages as well as warm hospitality and delicious cuisines.
Trekking in Nepal, in any season, is a welcoming act; just tally your interest and need with the climate and weather condition of the trail. Have a happy experience while trekking in Nepal.
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