Are you looking to trek this winter? Not to worry because we present you all the information that you need to know before choosing your ideal winter trek. Well, the highest mountains in Nepal are particularly dramatic in the winter, when snow covers the peaks and clear days offer you a white, seemingly endless Himalayan panorama. While most trekkers prefer the spring and autumn season. For winter trekkers, trails are quiet, lakes are frozen, villages are silent, and forests are covered by snow and ice, making winter a perfect time for trekkers like you!
With over 70 glaciers sparkling under blue skies, the Langtang region is particularly magical in winter, and while it can be cold and snowy, the upside is that December through February is trekking time in Nepal, and lodges are easy and wildlife sightings are more likely. If you want to trek peacefully without the disturbance of the crowd then winter trek it is.
From classic routes like Everest Base Camp to off-the-beaten-path options like Mardi Himal and Pikey Peak, these 15 greatest winter treks in Nepal prove that some of the best experiences in Nepal can happen in winter. So let's discuss more about what to expect from different treks during the winter season.
Here are 15 Best Winter Treks in Nepal that you can choose from!
Nepal's winter, from December to February, turns the Himalayas into a white wonderland, so no matter which trek you choose you are bound to be blessed with breathtaking views. Some of the higher passes become snowbound, but many lower and mid-altitude trails remain open and in good condition, so even if you are a novice trekker there are few options just for you. Clear skies, quiet trails, and crisp mountain air makes your journey a peaceful and rewarding experience. The white summits and tranquil vistas provide each trek an experience of sheer magic in winter that you will never forget in your life.
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Region: Annapurna
Max Elevation: ~3,210 m
Duration: 4-6 days
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal's most famous short treks. It is ideal for those who have limited leisure time but want to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas. It is also a great option for experienced trekkers who want to feel real challenges in a short amount of time. The 5 to 6-day trek takes you through lush rhododendron forests that look like a nature gallery in itself.
The Gurung and Magar communities here continue to live as their forefathers did several decades ago. You will see various traditional settlements during the trek. The highlight is at Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), where sunrise illuminates the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges glistening golden.
Ghorepani and Ulleri are villages that receive trekkers with warm hospitality, and you'll find yourself sitting over a cup of tea and exchanging stories with the locals.
Winter makes this trek quite appealing as the moderate altitude guarantees that it is comfortable for trekking. The rhododendron forests get a dusting of snow that converts ordinary trails into peaceful winter wonderlands.
2. Mardi Himal Trek
Region: Annapurna region
Max Elevation: ~4,500 m for higher viewpoints; base camps are lower.
Duration: 6-8 days
The Mardi Himal Trek gives you one of Nepal's best-kept secrets of the Annapurna region within 6 to 8 days. The trek culminates at Upper View Point (4,200 meters).
The trek gives you access to simply breathtaking up-close views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli without fighting crowds for a photo op. The trek passes through authentic Gurung and Magar villages where families still live traditional mountain existences. Winter transforms this trek into an actual gem since the moderate elevation makes it ideal for winter trekking.
3. Khopra Ridge Trek
Region: Annapurna region (near Ghorepani)
Max Elevation: ~3,660 m
Duration: 7-9 days
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a 7- 8 day enriching trek in the Annapurna area that is perfect for trekkers who are trying to avoid the crowds as well as the commonly followed trails. Khopra Ridge at 3,660 meters (12,008 feet) offers you spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Along the way, you'll pass through welcoming villages like Tadapani and Ghorepani, with warm hospitality and local flavor that will make each halt forever etched in your memory. In winter, the trek turns into a snowy wonderland- a photographer and nature lover's paradise. Teahouses along the route provide the perfect haven on chilly evenings, where you can enjoy hot meals and share stories beside the fire with local families.
4. Everest View Trek
Region: Everest / Khumbu fringe
Max Elevation: ~3,870–3,900 m (around Tengboche / Everest View Hotel)
Duration: 7-10 days
The Everest View Trek is a fascinating 9-day adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, within the breathtaking Khumbu region. This journey beautifully blends rich Sherpa culture with the awe-inspiring natural wonders surrounding the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,848 m). Designed as a short yet rewarding Himalayan experience, the trek offers the true spirit of the Everest region, all while keeping the risk of altitude sickness (AMS) comfortably low.
5. Langtang Valley Trek
Region: Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu
Max Elevation: ~4,900 m if including viewpoints like Tserko Ri; more moderate if staying in the valley.
Duration: 7-9 days
The Langtang Valley Trek is a breathtaking 7–10 day journey that brings together the finest Himalayan vistas where you can explore the colorful culture of the Tamang people. Known as the "Valley of Glaciers," it offers breathtaking vistas including Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, and Dorje Lakpa looming above the trail.
The peak experience is at Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m), where you will be rewarded with an unforgettable 360°12-day of white-capped mountains and shimmering glaciers. Along the way, you can sample fresh yak cheese and visit peaceful Buddhist monasteries.
Winters in Langtang are a genuine wonderland, blue skies, sunbeams on the tops, and tranquil trails make it just great. If you are seeking for a perfect mixture of nature and genuine culture, Langtang Valley magical winter trek is the one for you in Nepal.
6. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Region: Annapurna Sanctuary
Max Elevation: ~4,130 m at the Base Camp
Duration: 7-12 days
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a breathtaking 12–14-day expedition that takes you into heart of the Annapurna mountain range. Reaching the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), you'll be right in the midst of gigantic mountains like Annapurna I, the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.
The path winds its way through quaint mountain towns, rice fields, and alpine meadows filled with yaks. A side trip at sunrise to Poon Hill provides one of Nepal's premier views, while the base camp provides you with a 360-degree panorama of the giants.
The end of Winter makes this trip even more enchanting- the air is fresh, the sky is like a shard of crystal blue, and there is no worry that higher altitudes may cause because of the average altitude. The valleys and forests are a white blanket, and you walk in a Himalayan wonderland.
7. Everest Base Camp Trek
Region: Everest (Khumbu) Region, Sagarmatha National Park
Max Elevation: 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at Everest Base Camp
Duration: 12-14 days
Nepal's most renowned adventure is the Everest Base Camp Trek, which gets you to the base of the world's highest mountain in approximately 12–14 days. The hike up to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters provides breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and the iconic Ama Dablam.
In the winter, the region transforms into a peaceful, snow-covered retreat. The trails are still, the air is crisp, and every step you take in the fresh-fallen snow is magical. While the cold is often bitter, the brilliant blue skies and clear mountain views make it all appear worth it.
With fewer trekkers around, you’ll also find more time to connect with Sherpa families, hearing stories of life in the high Himalayas. Proper gear and warm layers are essential, but the reward is unforgettable- dazzling blue skies, serene landscapes, and the feeling of standing in the heart of the world’s greatest mountains.
8. Nagarkot Chisapani Trek
Region: Near Kathmandu Valley
Altitude: ~2,000-2,500 m max depending on route
Duration: Short (2-4 days)
The Nagarkot-Chisapani Trek is one of the best winter treks because you don't need weeks in the mountains to experience the magic of Nepal: Starting just outside Kathmandu, the trail winds through green terraced hills and peaceful villages, and watching the sunrise from Nagarkot is unforgettable as the first light casts Everest and Langtang in golden hues.
The trail continues on to Chisapani through quiet forests, where there are many opportunities to appreciate the peace and serenity of the surroundings.
Winter is especially pleasant: The moderate altitudes ensure comfortable conditions, and clear skies make for excellent photo opportunities, while cozy lodges, crackling fires, and hearty meals make evenings all the more welcoming, and fewer crowds mean you can take your time and enjoy the views
9. Gokyo Lake Trek
Region: Everest (Khumbu) Region, Sagarmatha National Park
Altitude: 4,790 meters (15,715 feet) at Gokyo Lake / up to 5,357 meters (17,575 feet) at Gokyo Ri viewpoint
Duration: 12-14 days
The Gokyo Lake Trek is a 10-12 day trek to the most spectacular glacial lakes in the Everest region. At the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft), you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, a row of Himalayan giants in the background.
The trail takes you past the vividly blue Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, before descending into the peaceful Sherpa village of Gokyo, where local families are happy to greet you with open arms.
The Gokyo Lake Trek is also special in the winter, with lower altitudes and deeply sheltered trails that make the region into a pristine, snow-covered paradise. With fewer trekkers, you may have the best views to yourself, and the warmth of mountain lodges is even more welcome after a day in the crisp cold air. Just know that the Gokyo Lake Trek in winter is Everest magic.
10. Pikey Peak Trek
Region: Near the eastern Himalaya, views of the Everest region from afar
Altitude: ~4,000-4,100 m depending on route
Duration: 5-6 days
This 9-day adventure through the quieter corners of Nepal’s Khumbu region, culminating at Pikey Peak (4,065 meters), offers you a stunning 360-degree views of Everest, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga, as well as visits to ancient monasteries like Thupten Chholing and Chiwong Gompa, where monks follow centuries-old traditions and add a cultural dimension to the trek. You will have various opportunities to explore the local culture and people as well.
Winter adds a magical touch, as the gentle ridges and moderate altitude allow snow-covered trails to be accessible, while crisp mornings provide you crystal-clear skies for sunrise from the summit. In the winter, fewer trekkers are on the trail, so it is a perfect trek if you are trying to avoid crowds. For beginners, if you do manage to pull through this trek, you will be rewarded with tranquil experience, mountain culture, and incredible views. Overall, it is a perfect winter trek in the Himalayas.
11. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
Region: Annapurna Region, near Pokhara
Max Elevation: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) at Dhampus Peak
Duration: 4 to 5 days
This 3-4 day introduction to the Himalayas starts in the lakeside city of Pokhara and traverses terraced fields worked by hand, through Brahmin and Chhetri villages.
The highlight of the trek at Australian Camp (1,990 meters), which gives you close-up, panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
The trek finishes at the popular sunrise view point of Sarangkot. During winter, the trek is particularly special as clear skies offer spectacular views of the mountains each morning, and the daytime temperatures are mild, making it a lovely winter trek.
12. Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Region: Annapurna / Mustang / Dhaulagiri side
Max Elevation: ~3,700-4,000 m near Muktinath
Duration: ~12-14 days depending on route
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a fantastic 14-day journey that leads you from the lush Annapurna hills to Mustang's arid grandeur. The trek concludes at the holy Muktinath Temple (3,800 meters), which is a revered site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims alike.
Along the way, you’ll catch the iconic sunrise from Poon Hill, trek through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, and visit traditional Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Villages like Kagbeni and Jomsom offer warm mountain hospitality and a glimpse into local life.
Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks give the experience of the trekker aesthetically pleasing. In winter, moderate elevation makes the weather nice, and Mustang's mythological winter winds sweep clean the sky to give you unforgettable, crystal-clear views of white-capped mountains.
13. Tamang Heritage Trek
Region: Langtang / around Kathmandu + border areas
Max Elevation: ~3,165 m
Duration: 7-8 days
The Tamang Heritage Trek is a comfortable 6-8 day trek in the scenic foothills of Nepal's Langtang region. You trek through stunning Tamang villages en route, where locals welcome you with affection and hospitality.
The trek highlight is the Nagthali Viewpoint at 3,165 meters with stunning vistas of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even mountains as far as Tibet. Natural hot springs after a day's walk are the perfect location to unwind and soothe your muscles.
During winter, this trek takes on another added charm. The trails are not as crowded, the weather is cool, and light snow often blankets the terrain, creating a mystical, fairy-tale landscape. Moderate altitudes render it accessible to regular trekkers, and the clear winter skies provide incredible opportunities for photography.
14. Helambu Valley Trek
Region: Near Langtang / close to Kathmandu Valley
Altitude: Lower elevation (peaks around ~3,000-3,500m depending on route)
Duration: Short - moderate (5-7 days)
The Helambu Trek is a serene 5–7 day journey just outside Kathmandu, offering a perfect mix of culture and mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass Hyolmo villages, terraced farmlands, and lush forests, all framed by stunning views of Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa.
The trek reaches its highest point at Tharepati Pass (3,650 meters), from where you can gaze out over the Langtang and Jugal ranges. Friendly local families and cozy teahouses offer a home away from home in each village, offering hot meals and genuine hospitality.
Winter transforms Helambu into a peaceful retreat. Villages are sprinkled with gentle snow, prayer flags flutter in the cold breeze, and the mountains are sharpened more than ever under brilliant blue skies. Nights spent with hospitable Hyolmo families renensure guesthouse stays completely unforgettable experiences.
15. Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Region: Langtang / Rasuwa district, Nepal
Max Elevation: ~4,380 m for Gosainkunda Lake; passes like Laurebina ~4,600m.
Duration: 6-9 days depending on route and side trips.
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a remarkable journey that blends stunning mountain scenery, rich local culture, and sacred sites. Along the way, you’ll experience the warmth of mountain communities, see colorful prayer flags fluttering, and arrive at the revered Gosaikunda Lake, believed by Hindus to have been created by Lord Shiva.
In the winter, this trek becomes sheer magic. Less crowd on the trail means you can enjoy the views in peaceful solitude. Gosaikunda Lake is a sight of otherworldly beauty, with its ice-covered surface shimmering in sunlight, and the bracing mountain air offering crystal-clear vistas perfect for photography. For adventurers seeking challenge, as much as peace, winter is the ideal time to trek in the Himalayas at their peaceful best.
Final Words,
While most trekkers avoid Nepal in the winter, this is when the mountains are at their most dramatic and beautiful, when trails are dusted with snow, crowds vanish, and peaks feel sharper.
From family-friendly routes to classic adventures such as Everest Base Camp, from little-known trails like Pikey Peak and Mardi Himal, here are 15 treks to get you out into the mountains in winter for solitude, breathtaking scenery, and genuine cultural experiences.
Winter trekking in Nepal offers crisp air, clear skies, and warm evenings in cozy lodges and, with the right preparations and information, can lead to unforgettable Himalayan adventures. Let us plan your dream mountain journey with Ammonite Adventure.
Feel free to reach out to us on www.ammnoiteadventure.com for more information.
Happy Trekking!!
FAQ’s
Where can I trek in Nepal?
In winter, treks to Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Langtang Valley are all good choices as they are at low elevations, and the Everest View Trek, Jomsom Muktinath, and the Tamang Heritage Trek are all excellent for the same reasons.
When does winter fall in Nepal?
Nepal’s winter spans December to February, with January usually being the coldest month. While most trekkers prefer spring and autumn for milder weather and clear mountain views, winter treks have their own magic.
The days are often sunny and ideal for hiking, though mornings and evenings can be chilly. Bundle up, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most peaceful, snow-covered trails and spectacular Himalayan scenery anywhere in Nepal.
Which is the best winter trek in Nepal?
The best winter treks in Nepal include those that offer the most beautiful snow-capped mountains, cultural experiences, and tranquil trails, such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, which are all popular beginner-friendly routes with less crowding.
Higher-altitude treks like Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, which require additional preparation and gear; and cultural routes like the Tamang Heritage Trek, which provide a more leisurely, interactive experience.
Can a novice trekker do winter trek in Nepal?
Absolutely! beginners can definitely enjoy trekking in Nepal during winter! Trails like the Everest View Trek, Helambu Trek, and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are beginner-friendly, with manageable paths and cozy teahouses to warm up in each night.
Winter trekking packages usually include experienced guides who help you stay safe, comfortable, and make sure you have the right gear. The season offers peaceful trails, crystal-clear mountain views, and a unique sense of accomplishment as you embrace the crisp air and snowy landscapes on your first Himalayan adventure.
