Most people picture Nepal trekking in spring or autumn. But winter has its own magic. The skies are often clear, the trails are quiet, and snow-dusted peaks look even sharper against the blue. The catch is that winter is also cold, and not every trek works in December and January.
This guide shows which treks are good choices, which ones are risky, and which ones you should leave for another season. It also covers temperatures, gear, and safety tips so you can plan with confidence.
Last updated: November 2026. Winter conditions change from year to year. Check trail and lodge status with your operator close to your dates.
Quick Answer
- Best winter treks: Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal (early December), Khumai Danda, and lower sections of Langtang Valley.
- Possible with care: Annapurna Base Camp in early December, and Everest Base Camp for experienced, well-equipped trekkers.
- Avoid in winter: High passes like Larkya La, Thorong La, Kang La, and the Three High Passes, plus remote high-altitude routes.
- Best month: December is the mildest winter month. January is colder, and February can be harsher.
What Winter Is Really Like
The good:
- Clear skies and sharp views. Dry, stable weather is common in December and January.
- Fewer crowds. Popular trails and lodges are much quieter.
- Snowy scenery. Peaks and ridges look dramatic.
The challenges:
- Cold nights. Temperatures drop well below freezing at altitude.
- Snow and ice on higher trails, especially in January.
- Some lodges close at high altitude, or run reduced services.
- Shorter daylight hours, so you have less time for long days.
Which Treks Work in December and January?
| Trek | Winter verdict | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | Best winter trek | Stays below about 3,300 m. Often called the best first winter trek. |
| Mardi Himal | Good in early December | Snow near High Camp can make the final stretch difficult in late December and January. |
| Khumai Danda / Machhapuchhre Model Trek | Possible | Lower than Mardi Himal. Nights are cold and the Korchan Danda sunrise is very cold. See our Khumai Danda guide . |
| Langtang Valley | Possible, lower sections | Kyanjin Gompa gets very cold, and some lodges there reduce services in December and January. |
| Annapurna Base Camp | Early December only | Snow above Deurali and an avalanche-prone stretch make late December and January hard. |
| Everest Base Camp | Experienced trekkers | Some high lodges close in late December and January, and the final stretch is colder. |
| Tsum Valley | Limited | Heavy snow can close the Mu Gompa lodge. See our Tsum Valley season guide |
| Larkya La, Thorong La, Kang La, Namun La, Three High Passes | Not recommended | Snow and extreme cold make high-pass crossings risky. |
Operator sources disagree on some details, so treat this as a guide and confirm with your agency.
The Best Winter Treks, Explained
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill: The Safest Winter Choice
Poon Hill is the lowest and mildest of the Annapurna treks. It reaches about 3,210 m and sleeps at Ghorepani, about 2,860 m. Teahouses are warm, days are short, and the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is just as good in winter, often better. Expect cold nights near freezing or below, and some snow in January.
Read more in our guide to Poon Hill itineraries.
2. Mardi Himal: Great in Early December
Mardi Himal works well in early December, with clear skies and quiet trails. By late December and January, snow near High Camp (about 3,580 m) can make the last stretch to the viewpoint hard without proper winter gear. See our Mardi Himal Trek.
3. Khumai Danda: Quiet and Low
Khumai Danda sleeps at about 3,245 m, with an optional sunrise climb to Korchan Danda at about 3,700 m. Winter nights are cold, and the sunrise hike can be very cold, but the trail is lower and quieter than Mardi Himal. See our Khumai Danda guide .
4. Langtang Valley: Possible if You Stay Lower
Winter can work in Langtang because much of the route sits lower than treks like Manaslu or Kang La. But Kyanjin Gompa (about 3,870 m) can reach -15°C to -20°C at night in January, and some lodges there reduce service. Confirm which lodges are open. See our Best Time to Trek Langtang Valley guide.
5. Annapurna Base Camp: Only Early December
One source puts night temperatures at ABC (4,130 m) around -10°C to -14°C in December and January, with snow above Deurali and an avalanche-prone stretch of the trail. Early December is possible if you take the cold seriously. From mid-December to February, it’s hard, and it isn’t a good first winter trek. Authorities have temporarily closed the trail in heavy snow in some winters.
6. Everest Base Camp: For Experienced Trekkers
EBC is open in winter, and the trail is much quieter. But by late December and January, some high-altitude lodges start closing, and snow and ice make the final stretch to Base Camp harder and colder. Late January and February are harsher still. It suits experienced, well-equipped trekkers with a flexible schedule. See our Everest Base Camp Trek.
Treks to Skip in December and January
- Manaslu Circuit (Larkya La) and Annapurna Circuit (Thorong La): High passes can be snowed in or dangerous.
- Kang La, Namun La, and the Three High Passes: Remote, high, and very cold.
- Remote high valleys without reliable lodges.
For these, wait until spring or autumn. See our guide to the best time to visit Nepal for adventure .
Great Winter Trips That Aren’t Treks
If trekking feels too cold, winter is perfect for the lowlands:
- Chitwan Jungle Safari: Comfortable temperatures and good wildlife viewing.
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan Tour: Culture, lakes, and safari with no cold nights in the mountains.
- Dhampus Sarangkot Trek: A low-altitude village trek with mountain views.
What Winter Temperatures Look Like
Temperatures vary a lot by height and by source. As a rough guide, from one operator’s data:
| Place | Height | Typical winter night |
|---|---|---|
| Chomrong | About 2,170 m | About 1°C to 4°C |
| Deurali | About 3,174 m | About -7°C in January |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m | About -10°C to -14°C |
Treat these as close estimates. Nights above 3,500 m are usually well below freezing.
Winter Packing Essentials
- A sleeping bag rated to -15°C or colder for high treks (you can rent one)
- A warm insulated jacket, thermal layers, a warm hat, and insulated gloves
- Waterproof, insulated boots and warm socks
- Microspikes if your operator recommends them for icy sections
- An insulated water bottle (water can freeze overnight)
- Sun protection. Snow glare is strong.
- A headlamp, since mornings start dark
For the full list, see our Nepal trek packing list .
Winter Safety Tips
- Choose the right trek for your fitness and experience.
- Start early and finish in daylight, since days are short.
- Keep a spare day for snow, cold, or flight delays.
- Watch for cold injuries like numb fingers or toes, and warm up early.
- Listen to your guide. Closing a trail or turning back is a smart choice.
- Take altitude seriously, even in winter. See our altitude sickness guide.
- Check your insurance covers winter trekking and helicopter rescue.
When to Go in Winter
- Early December: The best window, with clear skies and milder nights.
- Late December to January: Coldest, with more snow at altitude.
- February: Harsher, though it starts to improve late in the month.
FAQs
Can you trek in Nepal in December?
Yes. Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley, and Everest Base Camp are reported open, with the best conditions in early December.
What is the best winter trek in Nepal?
Ghorepani Poon Hill, because it stays below about 3,300 m and has warm teahouses.
Is Annapurna Base Camp possible in winter?
Early December is possible with care. From mid-December to February, it’s hard because of cold nights, snow, and avalanche-prone ground.
Is Everest Base Camp open in winter?
The trail is open, but some high lodges close in late December and January, and it’s much colder. It suits experienced trekkers.
Are teahouses open in winter?
Many are, especially at lower and mid altitudes. Some high lodges close or reduce services, so confirm with your operator.
How cold does it get?
Nights above 3,500 m are well below freezing. One source estimates about -10°C to -14°C at Annapurna Base Camp.
Is winter trekking suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you choose low routes like Poon Hill. Avoid high or remote treks.
Which treks should I avoid in winter?
High passes like Larkya La, Thorong La, Kang La, and the Three High Passes.
What sleeping bag do I need for winter?
About -15°C or colder for high treks. You can rent one in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Are there good winter alternatives to trekking?
Yes. Chitwan safari and Kathmandu–Pokhara tours are great in December and January.
Is winter trekking cheaper?
Some places are quieter, but prices vary by operator, so check each package.
What is the best month for winter trekking?
December, especially early December, with milder temperatures and clear skies.
Planning a winter trek? Browse Snowbank Adventure treks, and tell us your dates so we can suggest a safe choice. For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board .