Trekking in Nepal in February

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Trekking in Nepal in February is one of the pleasant experience where one can get spectacular views of Himalayan ranges, the skies generally look crystal and the landscapes seems astonishing where a thick blanket of snow is canvassed over especially the upper parts of the trekking trails.

Although February is a peak winter month, the temperature is perfect during the daytime. Gradually the temperature begins to increase although it might get negative in the cool mornings and chilly nights.

Sometimes the flights to the Himalayan airstrips may get delayed and even canceled due to the snowfall and bad weather conditions.

February offers the clearest blue skies offering the constant view of the glittering peaks. As it is considered a dry month, you might encounter lesser snowfall and rain.

The trekking trails are less crowded as it is one of the off-season’s months as it feels you are walking in your private route. As the days are relatively shorter, you will need to begin the journey as early as possible in the mornings.

Trekking in Nepal in February: Highlights

  • Peaceful trekking trails, vacant teahouses, plenty of choices for accommodations and eateries.
  • Magnificent sceneries, extremely beautiful sceneries, dazzling peaks full of snow heaps, lustrous greeneries, and more.
  • Crystal skies, unobstructed mountain views in a chill atmosphere.
  • Cheaper prices as it is off-season
  • Despite the cold nights, the sunny winter days are great for trekking

Trekking in Nepal in February: Weather conditions

weather-condition

Generally, Nepal experiences a short winter. From the middle of February, the temperature begins to increase gradually. It is a dry month that receives 25mm rainfall on average.

The average temperature of Kathmandu is 4°C-19°C which is quite tolerable. The average temperature of Himalayan foothills is 1°C-13°C and with the increased elevations, the temperature decreases.

Most people from the higher elevation migrate to the warmer lower elevations.  

While trekking in Nepal in February, the cities seem covered with dew while overnight snowfall is usual in the higher region. The breeze blows in the morning making the environment chill.

The weather of Nepal in February is foggy during the morning hours in the valley but around mid-day, the sky is clear and the views are excellent.

Nepal in February weather during daytime means clear sky and magnificent views of the mountains.

In spite of these all, you shall witness the crystal skies creating an extremely perfect atmosphere to trek in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal in February: Recommended destinations

Ghorepani Poon-Hill Trek

 One of the best trails for trekking in Nepal in February, this trip offers astonishing views of mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri along with Mt. Machhapuchre and Manaslu ranges.

Trekkers can complete the journey without the hassle of the long and strenuous days of trekking.

As during the peak months, the trekking trails remain jam-packed, the teahouses may get full of travelers, guides, and porters. However, in February, the traffic of the trekkers is generally lesser and you may trek leisurely.

The Journey begins from Nayapul, 1:30 hrs.’ drive from Pokhara. Spending a couple of days, you reach Ghorepani and further to Poonhill passing several ethnic settlements as Birethanti, Ulleri, and Tikhedhunga.

The rhododendron, pin, fir forests seem lustrous throughout the journey. If you trek in late February, rhododendron flowers start to blooms which seems appealing.

Upon reaching Poon-Hill, you get to witness the magnificent view of the sun gleaming peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu ranges along with Machhapuchre peak.

Poonhill, a vantage point elevates at 3,210m above sea level. As this is the highest point of the trek, trekkers will not have the problem of Acute Mountain Sickness or the threats related to the elevation.

Other than getting rewarded by the incredible view of the mountain, you witness the lifestyle and culture of the Magar and Gurung Settlements throughout the trek.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

One of the closest trek from Kathmandu valley- the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is best for those who have less time in Nepal and eager to walk passing the lustrous sceneries, thick woods of Shivapuri National Park witnessing the diverse flora and fauna around.

En-route one can have the picturesque views of Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest.Typical Nepali culture and lifestyle can be obtained while passing several settlements.

Reaching Nagarkot- a vantage point, one can have an astonishing view of the sunrise over the giant peaks. Great views of Annapurna, Ganesh, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang mountains along with spectacular views of Shivapuri National park and Kathmandu valley can be obtained from Nagarkot.

The journey begins from Sundarijal, an entry point of Shivapuri National Park with a magnificent waterfall.

Commencing the journey from there, you shall pass the lustrous jungle and some settlements before reaching Chisapani- the day destination.

The journey continues to Nagarkot the following day passing some of the settlements and spectacular backwoods with panoramic views of the glittering peaks all around.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley is one of the most beautiful and short treks of the Langtang section of Nepal.

Inhabited by the Tamang people mostly, the settlements throughout the trek offer to explore the cultural richness and ethnicity of Tamang people who are believed to be the descendants of Tibetans.

Generally, the journey commences from either Syabru Bensi or Dhunche. This moderate trek occurs below 5000 m and the temperature remains not less than 1°C.

In the day, it is warmer and the view is spectacular. During this time of the year, there is more than an 80% chance of clear Mountain View.

Generally, it snowfalls above 3000 m in this season so you don’t have to face too cold.

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

One of the short trek from Pokhara, Dhampus, and Sarangkot Trek offers astonishing views of the Annapurna massifs with other neighboring peaks.

Diverse landscapes, different vantage points, views of heavenly Pokhara valley and lakes nearby, lustrous backwoods of rhododendron, and others make the journey special.

The gorgeous Gurung settlements with unique styled slate-roofed houses, decorated walls, paved courtyards, cultivated lands all around, green rice fields are other attractions of this trip.

The spectacular views of sunrise or sunset with amazing snowy peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machapucchre, Mt. Annapurna South, Himchuli, etc. from Dhampus and Sarangkot is breath-taking.

This trek is taken as the preparation trip before trekking in the high Himalayas. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Circuit, Upper Dolpo, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu round trips are relatively higher elevated journeys and recommended to have some small hiking or trekking.

This trip is the perfect choice for this as well. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is perfect for the new trekkers or those who prefer less walking and have less physical endurance.

Pikey Peak Trek

Within a short period of time, in the off-seasons Pikey Peak Trek is possible and it stands as one of the best alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Magnificent views of the snow-clad peaks of the entire Khumbu section of Nepal. Some of the significant ones include Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Dhaulagiri, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Pikey Peak elevates at 4000m above sea level which is perfect for trekking in February. As most of the teahouses are already in action, you need not worry about the accommodation facilities. February witnesses very few tourists allowing you to trek in absolute leisure and comfort.

The journey to Pikey Peak commences from the small townships of Shivalaya. It continues passing a couple of settlements as Bhander, Namkheli, and Ngamor Gompa before summiting the Pikey Peak.

Upon reaching the peak, one can witness spectacular astounding sceneries of towering peaks, glaciers, and changed landscapes.

Everest View Trek

As its name suggests, Everest View trek awards remarkable visions of the world’s uppermost highland Mt. Everest, and its neighboring peaks from an ideal vantage point.

Trekkers having a short time and eager to explore the Khumbu region along with its surreal beauty and scene the charismas of mountains while relishing this comfortable trip in February.

A short, lower elevated journey- Everest View Trek is suitable for February. It will be less affected by heavy snowfall and precipitation.

Gorgeous pine and rhododendron forest, torrential Dudh Koshi River, rare species of flora and fauna inside Sagarmatha National Park make the journey special. 

The journey commences from a short but adventurous flight to the small township of Lukla. Then the trek continues to Phakding following a well-marked trekking trail.

The trek endures through the lush vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park with, rhododendron forests, pine forests, and plenty of wildlife, to Namche Bazaar, a trade hub for the people from the entire Khumbu region.

Viewing Everest from the popular vantage point-Everest View Hotel, one gets back to Namche and further to Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Trekking in the Kali Gandaki Valley- Jomsom Muktinath Trek is ideal in February. The journey commences from the Jomsom- and administrative headquarter of Mustang district after a short but thrilling flight from Pokhara.

Trek continues to Kagbeni, a pilgrimage site, and further to Muktinath temple (3850m asl.), one of the renowned temples dedicated to Lord Bishnu- one of the major gods in Hinduism.

The temple surroundings, a couple of ponds, 108 water sprouts, religious faith, and spectacular views of mountain panorama along with semi-arid lands make the journey incredible.

The deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki Gorge, apple orchids, river valley, amazing Mountain View, natural hot spring are some of the other charms of this trip.

Clearer skies, magnificent sceneries, quiet with clear weather transverse via some remote villages, ancient monasteries, and various sacred monuments are other aspects of this journey.

Helambu Trek

Helambu Trek is another best trail for trekking in Nepal in February that lies quite close to the Kathmandu valley.

Relatively less explored destination Helambu offers magnificent sceneries of glittering rivers, snow-clad mountains, and verdant landscapes.

The journey begins from Sundrijal, a small township that lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

Passing Lustrous blooming vegetation, scenic views of Langtang and its neighboring peaks, we reach Helambu.

Several settlements as Gul Bhanjyang, Tharapati, Shermathang, etc. should be left behind while reaching the ultimate destination.

Along the route, you get to witness magnificent landscapes and the blooming vegetation with the mountains gleaming in the backdrop.

Trekking in Nepal in February: Packing Lists

Clothing

  •     Thermal Bottoms
  •     Undergarments
  •     Fleece or wool pants
  •     Waterproof shell pants
  •     T-shirts
  •     Fleece jacket or pullover
  •     Fleece Windstopper Jacket
  •     Waterproof Shell Jacket
  •     Thermal tops
  •     Thick insulating Jacket

Head

  •     Sun hat or scarf
  •     UV Sunglasses
  •     Warm beanies
  •     Earmuffs

Foot and Hand wear

  •     Thin, lightweight inner socks
  •     Thick, warm hiking socks
  •     Heavyweight gloves or mittens
  •     Waterproof shell outer
  •     Gaiters for hiking in winter
  •     Hiking boots with spare laces
  •     Camp shoes (sneakers/sandals)
  •     Lightweight gloves

General

  •     Backpack
  •     Duffel or Rucksack Bag

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

  •     Tissue / Toilet roll
  •     Antibacterial handwash
  •     Wet wipes
  •     Soap
  •     Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  •     Quick-drying towel
  •     Moisturizer
  •     Feminine Hygiene products

Accessories

  •     Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees
  •     Headlamp
  •     Water bottles
  •     Basic First Aid Kit
  •     Trekking Poles

Trekking in Nepal in February: Important tips

  • As February lies in the off-season, you need to well prepare than usual.
  • With proper trekking equipment and clothing, trekking won’t be impossible
  • Always choose the lower elevated journeying. Heavy snowfall and avalanches may affect the journey in the base camps
  • Stop choosing high passes
  • Carry all the trekking gears and equipment needed
  • Get comfortable hiking boots, warm clothes, and waterproof gears
  • Always hike with guides and porters. They don’t just help by navigating and carrying load but also help find better accommodation and eateries. In emergence, they have a better connection for evacuation.
  • Be sure to spare a few days regardless of the season. Unpredictable weather and enacted injuries may cause delays.
  • Be both physically and mentally prepared

Final Say

Trekking in Nepal is possible throughout the year. Trekking in Nepal in February is perfect for the great views of the giant peaks and lustrous landscapes.

The trekking trails are less crowded and you can enjoy the trip in a peaceful atmosphere.

Choices of the accommodation facilities are available at better prices than the peak months. Choosing the less elevated journeys is ideal for this month in Nepal. 

Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.

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