December in Nepal is the beginning of the winter season. Nepal is the best place to be when it comes to trekking. Be it the world’s most famous trekking destination or the most remote trials, Nepal has it all. And trekking in Nepal in December is absolutely spectacular.
Though trekking in Nepal is best in Autumn and spring season, yet winter has its own beauty and uniqueness to offer. The mountain views are the best in winter and the weather is often clear.
No wonder trekking in Nepal is December is appealing to thousands of trekkers and adventure seekers.
The weather in December is dry, sunny and warm during the days. But it doesn’t make you sweaty. The nights, however, are chilly and it gets colder as you ascend to a higher altitude.
The temperature at higher altitude in December drops significantly. Hence it is extremely challenging to trek at a higher altitude above 4000m. It is possible only for professionals and experienced trekkers.
However, most of the Annapurna, Everest and Langtang treks are possible this month. Whereas some of the other popular treks such as Mustang and Simikot remain closed once the snowfall starts.
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Weather in December in Nepal
Winter in Nepal starts from December till late February. December is one of the coldest months of the year.
Due to diverse geographical features, Nepal’s climate varies. The plains are moderately cold with the average temperature of 15-degree Celsius at daytime and around 7- degree Celsius at night.
But in the Himalayan region, the winter temperature declines to sub-zero degrees. Rainfall is very rare in December as it is mid-winter and would be generally dry.
During this time, if you plan to start your trek before dawn you will have visibility problem due to mist. But during the daytime, it gets cleared up. This is one of the best months for great views of the mountains. In the higher altitude, you will get to enjoy the snow along the trekking routes.
Best trekking destination In Nepal in December
Allow us to introduce some interesting packages that are simply refreshing for trekking in Nepal in December.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in December
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region. It is a short and adventurous trek that is suitable for all kinds of trekkers. It is a great pick for the winters, especially December.
The weather doesn’t affect your trek. On the contrary, it makes your trip and photographs a lot more enticing. This trek will leave you mesmerized with its panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
Pokhara is the starting and ending point of the trek. Compared to other months, Ghorepani in December is cold with an average temperature of 2 degree Celsius.
This trek starts from Nayapul followed by crossing the Modi Khola on the way to Hile. The trail will then lead you to the fascinating Ghorepani Village.
This village is home to a community named as Gurungs. Here you will get to witness the Gurungs’ culturally rich tradition.
Next day, you will reach Poon Hill after an hours walk. Overall this trek is short and worth the experience.
Highlights of the trek
- Amazing mountain views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal.
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Visit charming Gurung Village
- Walk around the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
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Everest Panorama Trek in December
Another trekking destination favourable in December is the Everest Panorama trek. It is also a short and easy trek in the Everest region of Nepal.
In December, this short trek offers you a majestic view of the mountains like the Everest, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Thamserku etc all covered in snow. The weather will be cold and dry. Night time temperature will drop below zero degrees. So you should prepare well to tackle the cold temperature.
The trek starts from Lukla. You will get to witness the unique culture of the famous sherpas in the village of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the major attraction of the Everest Panorama trek. It is the gateway to the Himalayas and lies at 3440m.
This village is well equipped in entertaining guests from all around the world. After a short rest in Namche, you will hike to the beautiful village of Thame. You will then reach the final destination of the trek that is Tengboche. Here you can visit the ancient old Tengboche Monastery.
Highlights of the trek
- A thrilling experience of the majestic Mt Everest
- View diverse flora and fauna
- The unique socio-cultural lifestyle of the Sherpas and the locals.
- Visit the Buddhist monastery in Khumbu region-Tengboche Monastery
- Lukla airport
Langtang Valley Trek in December
Langtang Valley trek is one of the popular trekking regions after Annapurna and Everest region. It lies north of the capital city of the country.
The weather in Langtang during December is sunny and warm. The chance of a clear Mountain View and open sky in December is around 80 percent. Due to its high altitude, it is a bit colder than Kathmandu.
A drive from Kathmandu to Syarabesi marks the beginning of this wonderful journey. This is the nearest Himalayan region from Kathmandu. Despite being just a few kilometers away from Kathmandu, this place still remains uninfluenced by modernization.
During this trek, you will walk in lower parts of the valley through different villages and landscapes. Here you will enjoy the spectacular views of the Mt. Langtang and other Himalayas ranges.
The trek also offers you stunning views of the towering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers. This trek allows you to connect with the rich culture of the Tamang people. This trek is for all those trekkers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal in a short time.
Highlights of the trek
- Langtang National Park, the second biggest national park in Nepal
- Explore the Tamang culture, traditions, and lifestyles
- Spectacular mountain views such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Langtang II
- Visit culturally rich villages like Syabrubesi, Reimche, Ghoda Tabela, and Langtang village
- Scenic slopes, rural settlement and a wide variety of vegetation
Tips on what to carry for trekking in December
Since trekking in higher altitude during December is cold. It is important that you pack the necessary clothing and trekking gear for a smooth trekking experience.
A warm and insulating jacket is a must. Also, carry snow gaiter for the snow and warm pair of socks to keep your feet warm. You can keep your head warm with a fleece beanie cap.
A good pair of goggles for the snowy days and trekking poles will help you walk in the snow. You can also consider crampons.
Carrying sleeping bag with insulating liner can be of great use for cold mornings and nights.
Pros and cons of trekking in Nepal in December.
Pros
Winter is the most adventurous time of the year in Nepal. The snowfall, fog, and chill atmosphere add an element of adventure to your trek in the month of December.
Also, while trekking during this time of the year, you can experience the spectacular trails at a quieter time. During this time there will be less crowd. The lodging is going to be more available and the hiking is more accessible.
Cons
With extreme cold and blizzards, trekking in December can be unforgiving at times.
During the winter, there is a high chance of facing trail blocked if you trek to higher altitudes. Hence prepare yourselves to fall back. There is a high chance your backpack will be on the heavier side. You will be carrying extra things like sweaters and thick socks and so on in your backpack.
Useful Tips for Trekking in Nepal in December
In Nepal, the winter is not as severe as other parts of the world. Yet the mountain regions can be cold esp in the mornings and nights. The afternoon, however, can be warm and sunny.
Besides the fact that the temperature can be chilly, there are also more benefits of trekking at this time of the year. Thus up until the altitude of 3000m, trekking in December in Nepal is fun and adventurous at the same time.
Here are some useful tips for trekking in Nepal in December:
- Since it is winter in December, you need to prepare yourself for cold and snowfall. Thus it is best to dress in layers.
- Having warm feet is important while trekking in winter. So, you need to carry sturdy boots for trekking in the snow.
- If you are not an experienced trekker, then you can trek in the lower altitudes.
- Staying hydrated is very important. So, drink plenty of water
- If you are trekking over the altitude of 2500 meters, you need to be aware of the symptoms and precautions of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Before heading towards your trekking destination, it is wise to learn about the local communities. This will help you in communicating with them and knowing their culture.
- December trekking in Nepal can get a little dangerous if you are traveling solo. To be safe, traveling with a group or/and with a guide is best.
- Try to make room for a few extra days on your trip as flight delays and blocked trails may hamper your plans.
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal in December is amazing with low humidity and precipitation. And especially if you love winters and are looking for trekking in snowy trails, then it is the right time of the year to visit.
The mountain views are also perfect and the weather is usually clear. Although trekking at this time is colder than other months. With proper planning and right gears, trekking in December shouldn’t be a problem.
The trekking trails are crowd-free hence you get to enjoy the peace. The trekking routes during this time are open and you will easily find accommodation and guide service.
All you need to do is keep some extra days in case of flight delays. If you have any further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.
Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.
He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.
