Nepal in December
December in Nepal is the starting of the winter. When it comes to hiking, Nepal is the best place to be. Nepal has it everything, from the world’s most recognized trekking destination to the most remote trails. And traveling in Nepal in December is truly spectacular.
Though autumn and spring are the ideal seasons for trekking in Nepal, winter has its own beauty and unique to offer. The mountain views are the best during December and the weather is clear.
It’s no surprise that trekking in Nepal in December appeals to thousands of trekkers and adventurers.
The weather in December is sunny, dry, and pleasant during the day. But, it does not make you sweat. The nights, on the other hand, are chilly, and it gets colder as you ascend to the higher altitude.
At higher altitudes in December, the temperature drops significantly. Therefore, it is tough to trek at a higher altitude above 4000m. It is only doable for professionals and experienced trekkers.
However, most Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang treks are still possible during this month. Other popular hikes, such as Dolpo and Kanchenjunga, stay closed once the snowfall begins.
Nepal Weather in December
The month of December is one of the coldest of the year.
Nepal’s climate varies due to its diverse geographical features. The plains are moderately cold, with 15°C average daytime temperatures and night time temperatures of around 7°C.
But, the winter temperature in the Himalayan region drops to sub-zero degrees. Rainfall is extremely rare in December as it is mid-winter and the weather is generally dry.
If you plan to start your trek before dawn during this time, you will have visibility problems due to mist. But in the daytime, it gets cleared. This is one of the best months for stunning mountain views. You will be able to enjoy the snow along the trekking routes at the higher altitude.
Best Treks in Nepal in December
Allow us to introduce some interesting trips for Nepal in December that are simply amazing!
Mardi Himal Trek in December
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the Annapurna’s hidden gems when it comes to trekking. Where most people would walk to Annapurna Base Camp, you have the opportunity to go around the corner of the map and get off the beaten path.
The Mardi Himal Trekking journey brings you to the Mardi Himal base camp, which is located right in the laps of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre, and is known as Fish tail Mountain.
The views are spectacular on the Mardi Himal Trek, yet there are no crowds. Expect traditional teahouses, beautiful rhododendron forests, and spectacular views of the Annapurna Mountain Range.
You will come face to face with giants such as the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Trip Highlights
- Magnificent mountain views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtal and Lamjung Himal.
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Visit cheerful Gurung Village
- Stroll around the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
Everest View Trek in December
Another hiking trip favourable in December is the Everest View Trek. It’s also a short and easy trek in the Everest region.
In December, this short trek offers a breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains such as Mount Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku and more. The weather will be cold but sunny. The temperature will drop below 0°C at night. So, you must be well-prepared to tackle the cold temperature.
The trek begins at Lukla. You will get to experience the unique culture of the famous Sherpa people in the village of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main attraction of the Everest Panorama trek. It is located at 3440m and stands as the gateway to the Himalayas.
This village is well-equipped to entertain visitors from all over the world. After a short rest in Namche, you will walk to the beautiful place of Thame. You will then reach the final destination of the journey which is Tengboche. Here you can explore the ancient old Buddhist Monastery.
Trip Highlights
- A breathtaking view of the spectacular Mt Everest
- Various flora and fauna
- The unique socio-cultural lifestyle of the Sherpas.
- Visit the Buddhist monastery at Tengboche Monastery in the Khumbu region
Langtang Valley Trek in December
Langtang Valley Trek is one of the famous trekking regions after Everest and Annapurna region. It is situated in the north of the Kathmandu city.
The weather in Langtang is sunny and warm during December. The chances of seeing a clear Mountain View and an open sky is around 80%. It is a little colder than Kathmandu due to its high altitude.
This beautiful journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. From Kathmandu, this is the nearest Himalayan region. Despite being only a few kilometers from Kathmandu, this place is remains untouched by modernization.
During this trip, you will hike in lower parts of the region through different villages and beautiful scenery. The views of Mt. Langtang and other Himalayan ranges are stunning from here.
The journey also offers incredible views of towering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers. This trek allows you to connect with the Tamang people’s rich culture. This trek is for hikers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty in a short period of time.
Trip Highlights
- Langtang National Park, Nepal’s second largest national park,
- Explore culturally rich villages such as Syabrubesi, Rimche, Ghoda Tabela, and Langtang village
- Stunning scenery, rural settlement and a wide range of vegetation
Useful Tips for Nepal in December
Winter in Nepal is warmer than in other parts of the world. Yet, the Himalayan regions can be cold, especially in the mornings and at nights. However the afternoon can be pleasant and sunny.
Beside the fact that the temperature can be freezing, there are other benefits of trekking at this time of year. Thus, Nepal up until the altitude of around 3500m, trekking in December in Nepal is fun and enjoyable at the same time.
Here are some useful Tips:
- So, it is winter in December, you must prepare for cold and snowfall. And therefore, it is best to dress in layers.
- Having warm feet is important for trekking in winter. So, you have to carry durable boots for hiking in the snow.
- If you are not an experienced trekker, then you can trek at lower altitudes.
- Staying hydrated is very important. So, drink plenty of water.
- If you are hiking over 3000 meters, you should be aware of the symptoms and precautions of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Before heading towards your adventure destination, it is best to learn about the local communities. This will help you communicate with them and learn about their culture.
- If you are traveling alone in December, trekking in Nepal can get a little dangerous. To be safe, it is recommended to travel in a group or with a guide.
- Make room on your plan for a few additional days in case of travel delays or blocked routes.
Conclusion
Nepal in December is absolutely awesome with low humidity and precipitation. And if you love winters and want to travel across snowy trails, then this is the best time of year to visit.
The views of the mountains are also spectacular, and the weather is generally clear. Although hiking at this time is colder than all other months in the higher altitudes. With good preparation and right gears, trekking in December shouldn’t be a problem.
The trekking trails are not crowded, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. During this time, the trekking routes are open, and you can easily find accommodation and guide service.
All you need is to keep some extra days in case of delays and cancellations. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further queries. It would be our pleasure to assist and guide you.
