Trekking in Nepal in December offers the best views of the mountains and surroundings. The days are dry, sunny, and warm. There is less probability of sweaty and gets you sunburns.
The evenings and early mornings are chilly. The nights are cooler and there is occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.
No wonder trekking in Nepal in December is appealing to thousands of trekkers and adventure seekers. The trekking trails are less crowded this time of year.
There will be fewer trekkers in comparison to November and October. Because winter is considered the off-season, you will have no trouble getting a bed at teahouses.
You are less likely to be in the snow in December at an altitude of 3500 m. above the sea level that altitude and you will experience snowfall. Still, you can find a few lodges for accommodation.
Trekking in Nepal in December offers sharper views of the mountains and a clearer sky. There is less humidity. However, one must be careful to trek in December. Sometimes the weather can be bad, and you might have to return from the mid destination.
Most of the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang treks are possible this month. But some of the popular trekking areas such as Upper Mustang, Annapurna Circuit, Everest High Pass, Upper Dolpo, and Simikot may get closed down due to heavy snowfall.
Winter remains from December to Late February in Nepal. Therefore December of course is one of the coldest months in Nepal. The climatic conditions vary due to its geographical diversity.
As the country situates from 59m to 8848.86m above sea level, you may witness great changes in temperature within a single day.
The plains of Terai remain moderately cold witnessing 10-15 degrees Celsius in the daytime whereas 5-7 degrees Celsius in the nights and early mornings. However, in the Himalayan regions, the temperature declines to sub-zero degrees.
Although the chance of precipitation is rare, trekking can be affected by snowfall in higher altitudes.
The days generally remain dry and sunny with the best views of the entire panorama. Trekking higher elevated journey will be adventurous as trekkers need to walk in the snow lands for some days.
Trip duration: 8 days
Max altitude: 3,860m
Minimum temperature: -7 °C
Trip Highlights
Trip duration: 7 days
Max altitude: 3,210m
Minimum temperature: -3 °C
Trip Highlights
Trip duration: 11 days
Max altitude: 4,350 m
Minimum temperature: -2 °C
Highlights of the trek
Trip duration: 3 days
Max altitude: 2170m
Minimum temperature: 0°C
Highlights
Trip duration: 9 days
Max altitude: 1,730m
Minimum temperature: 3°C
Highlights
Trip duration: 10 Days
Max altitude: 3,870 m
Minimum temperature: 0°C
Travelers having a short time in Nepal and eager to explore hamlets around Kathmandu valley can choose amid several day hikes. Hiking around Kathmandu makes you free from the hectic hassle of Kathmandu valley.
Champa Devi Hills Hike - 1 Day
Dhulikhel Nagarkot & Changunarayan Hike - 2 Days
Sundarijal, Chisapani & Nagarkot Hike - 3 Days
Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel & Namobuddha Hike - 4 Days
Changunarayan Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hike - 2 Days
Chandragiri, Chitlang, Markhu & Kulekhani Hike - 2 Days
One of the most frequently asked questions while trekking Nepal in December is what should I pack? Many people often get worried that the Himalayas of Nepal is filled with snow, low unbearable temperature, and strong winter winds.
In picking your equipment, one needs to be careful enough. Your backpack should properly packed, light, and must include multipurpose clothing items. And, it always includes sufficiently warm clothing, especially during winter (December to February) months.
Here is a list of essential trekking equipment that you need to carry on your trek in December.
General
Sleeping bag (although most of the trekking agencies offer)
Daypack
Down jacket
Duffel or Rucksack Bag
Head
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sun hat or scarf
Footwear
Camp shoes (sneakers/sandals)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Gaiters for hiking in winter
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Handwear
Waterproof shell outer
Heavyweight gloves or mittens
Lightweight gloves
Lower Body
Waterproof shell pants (preferably breathable fabric)
Fleece or wool pants
Lightweight cotton long pants
Under Garments
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Upper Body
Fleece jacket or pullover
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Waterproof shell Jacket
T-shirts
Fleece Wind-Stopper Jacket
Accessories
Basic First Aid Kit
Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
Large plastic bags
Day pack
Water bottles
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Trekking poles
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Multipurpose soap/ hand wash
Quick-drying towel
Face and Body Moisturizer
Deodorants
Tissue / Toilet roll
Wet wipes
Feminine Hygiene products
Anti-bacterial hands wash
Extra / Luxuries (Optional but recommended)
Binoculars
Trail Map/ Guide Book
Camera
Sleeping bag liner (although most of the trekking agents provide)
Pillowcase (although most of the teahouses offer)
Trekking in the high altitudes above 4000m may be more challenging in late December. Early December might be compatible with most trekking routes. Trekking may be affected by heavy snowfall and the trails may get slippery due to the fresh snow.
Trekking Everest Base Camp, Everest High Pass, Gokyo Lakes, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, Manaslu circuit, Tsum Valley, Tilicho Lake, Upper Dolpo, Humla Valley are possible but need sound preparation beforehand.
Trekking in December is reasonable and you will get to enjoy your journey. Since there are some high altitudes involved in these trekking routes, you must always be extra careful.
There are probabilities of getting altitude sickness. Some places are remote and far from civilization. And if something happens to you, or the weather gets bad, you might be in huge trouble. The emergency helicopters would not be able to land properly or get to your location in time.
Besides its challenges and difficulties, trekking in Nepal in December can be one of the best experiences.
Although the hills and mountain regions are chills in the early mornings, late evenings, and nights, you shall have a favorable atmosphere in the daytime which is warm and sunny. For a comfortable, enjoyable, and successful journey, here are some useful tips to follow.
Since December is the start of winter in Nepal, you may not encounter snowfall in the lower altitudes. Thus, the routes at lower altitudes are ideal for trekking.
You will see the dazzling mountains standing tall at a distance. These mountains are snow-capped and incredible. Yes, trekking in Nepal in December is possible.
It is a rare chance to encounter rainfall during December. The skies look crystal, the surroundings are sharper and everything looks more beautiful. You would better avoid trekking to a higher altitude in late December.
Although it is doable, the weather could get worse suddenly, and you might be in trouble. It is therefore suggested to pack a sleeping bag with at least -20 degrees C capacity if you are trekking to the mountainous sections of Nepal.
See also
Leave Your Comment