The good news about trekking in Nepal is that you can dream of doing it at any time of the year. The trails are always open. The season you come in, the Nepal you see and experience will change but the way you are welcomed is the same. There is a beauty and challenges and little surprises that comes with each one.

Due to Nepal’s highly varied geography, the weather can change quite drastically from location and altitude. Consequently, it is useful to know roughly what to expect and what are appropriate conditions to bring with. The trekking seasons in Nepal is divided into above four main seasons namely spring, the monsoon, autumn, and winter. Now, in this case, let’s take a dive and have an understanding of what each season is like.

Spring (March to May)

Undoubtedly, spring, most specifically April, is the best possible time to pack your boots and hit the trails in Nepal. At this time the weather is pretty perfect, warm days, cool nights, and nighttime skies that seem to go on for miles and miles. Down in the lowlands you are cozy and comfortable, by May the hills and forests are bursting forth with bright rhododendron flowers. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

The months leading to this one are very common for trekking routes like Manaslu Circuit , Annapurna Base camp and Langtang valley. If you have to head to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can be sure you will be able to see Mount Manaslu and other tall neighbors without interruption. 

It also happens to coincide with the time climbers begin preparing for their major summit pushes. Annapurna is bursting with life in the spring, the views to Annapurna Base Camp is very magical as you walk (and walk and walk) through all the greenery and have wide open skies.

Another springtime gem is Langtang Valley. Endless forests, cool breezes, wild flowers all over and dazzling views of Langtang Lirung. The air is fresh, clean, perfect to go for a long hike. Everest Base Camp trek is also perfect for spring season. The view is crystal clear, with Everest sitting right in front of you and the locals are very cheerful, the trekkers from around the world are lively on the trail.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is definitely the peak trekking season in Nepal. Following a cleaning after the heavy monsoon rains, the skies clear and the mountains seem sharper and more dramatic than ever. The days are pleasant, night cool, and there is lots of fresh air, which is perfect trekking weather.

The Everest Base Camp Trek turns perfect during October to November. Picture being on the trail, standing looking out at Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, not a cloud in the sky. Also, autumn is a season of many cultural experiences. During this time the Sherpa people celebrate the colorful Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche Monastery, which makes this trek indeed more special.

If trekking to basecamp is not your goal, no worries, you can take an Everest base camp helicopter tour however, the views, for the skies this clear, from the helicopter are stunning.

Autumn also shines in the Annapurna region. The landscapes are painted in warm tones; they are as crisp as they get and golden rice fields stretch out below snowy peaks. Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are fantastic in the fall with picture perfect moments every step of the way.

Langtang Valley doesn’t disappoint either. Autumn is a magical time to explore this peaceful region, clear blue skies, bright forests, and colorful villages celebrate Dashain and Tihar festivals.

Winter (December to February)

The vibe of winter in Nepal for trekking is totally different. It’s cold, yes, particularly higher up, but it’s so ice cold a stillness, and something really special about the snowy landscapes. The air is crisp and pure, there is quiet on the trails, mountains are draped in white.

Trekking in Everest region gets tough as there are sections of the route that are covered with snow. It is going to be cold, you’ll need to pack well for freezing temperatures, especially at night. However, if you are game for it, the view alone from Nepal to Everest and her nearby friends snow covered will be worth every frozen toe.

However, trekking is still possible in Annapurna and while you may not be able to reach Annapurna Base Camp due to snow and icy paths. A good alternative? Ghorepani Poon Hill. The sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in winter is just jaw, dropping jaw dropping amazing.

Langtang Valley also makes good a nice winter option. It’s a bit lower in elevation and so, in cold, it’s more manageable. The valley is transformed into true winter wonderland with the forests, frozen waterfalls and snowy peaks.

Which is one trek that you must avoid in winter if you are a beginner? The Manaslu Circuit. The passes are prone to closing under heavy snowfall and should not be attempted in the absence of experience at high altitudes.

Monsoon (June to August)

As many locals will be quick to point out, monsoon season is a slightly less than pleasant time for trekking in most parts of Nepal. The mountains often are hidden behind thick clouds, trails turn muddy and slippery, and are a real risk of landslides. Also, hiking all day in soaking wet rains is quite exhausting.

But not everywhere is closed for access. Some places such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo lie in the rain shadow of the mountains, getting almost no rain even during monsoon. It is a trek to another planet like barren landscapes, the ancient Tibetan in culture, and utter peaceful untouched beauty which is completely different from what you see in the rest of the green hills.

But not everywhere is closed for access. Some places such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo lie in the rain shadow of the mountains, getting almost no rain even during monsoon. It is a trek to another planet like barren landscapes, the ancient Tibetan in culture, and utter peaceful untouched beauty which is completely different from what you see in the rest of the green hills.

How to Choose Your Best Trekking Season

When to trek to Nepal can rely fairly heavily on you. It really is a question of what form of adventure you’re wishing for and your sort. 

The stable weather as well as the beautiful mountain views are the things that most people choose spring or autumn for. Moreover, these seasons tend to be the safest and most comfortable, especially for first timers on trekking. 

However, to be honest, all the seasons have something to steal your breath away, beautiful flowers of spring, festivals of autumn, solitude in winter and dense monsoon forests.

Ultimately, it all comes down to one’s spirt of adventure. Nepal’s mountains, its culture and wild, raw beauty mark your heart no matter when you go.