The Ultimate Month-by-Month Trekking Calendar for Nepal

The Ultimate Month-by-Month Trekking Calendar for Nepal
When to go, where to trek, and what weather to expect—without sugarcoating it.

🌄 January – Frozen Beauty for the Brave

• Weather: Bitter cold, crystal-clear skies, minimal crowds.

• Where to Trek:

  • Lower Annapurna (Ghorepani-Poon Hill)

  • Kathmandu Valley hikes

  • Chitwan + short jungle walks if you need a break from snow.

• Avoid: High passes (Thorong La, Larke Pass) – usually closed or dangerous.

• Vibe: Peaceful, snowy, fewer tourists. Your water bottle might freeze, but so will your distractions.

❄️ February – The Quiet Before the Spring Boom

• Weather: Cold mornings, sunny days; trails still icy up high.

• Where to Trek:

  • Langtang Valley (if snow is manageable)

  • Khopra Danda

  • Helambu Circuit

• Avoid: Remote, high-altitude routes unless you have experience and gear.

• Vibe: Still off-season but beginning to wake up. Great if you like solitude and snow crunching under your boots.

🌱 March – Spring Sneaks In with Rhododendrons and Energy

• Weather: Warming up, longer days, blooming forests.

• Where to Trek:

  • Everest Base Camp (EBC) – starts to reopen

  • Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

  • Manaslu Circuit

  • Rhododendron-laden treks like Ghorepani & Mardi Himal

• Vibe: Colorful, energetic, and blooming—literally. Great visibility and friendly trails before the spring crowds explode.

🌸 April – Peak Spring Magic

• Weather: Ideal—clear skies, perfect temps, mountain views galore.

• Where to Trek:

  • Almost ANY major trek – Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Upper Mustang.

  • Nar Phu Valley (for off-the-grid types)

• Vibe: Crowds start picking up, but the conditions are worth it. This is one of the best months to trek in Nepal, hands down.

☀️ May – Warm Days, Dusty Trails, and Pre-Monsoon Vibes

• Weather: Still decent, but getting warmer; clouds start sneaking in.

• Where to Trek:

  • Upper Mustang (in rain-shadow area—your monsoon loophole!)

  • EBC & Manaslu still doable, but start early in the month.

• Vibe: End-of-season feel. Trails thinning out, weather still mostly on your side.

🌧️ June – Here Come the Leeches and Landslides

• Weather: Monsoon begins. Hot, humid, and wet.

• Where to Trek:

  • Upper Mustang

  • Dolpo (both in rain-shadow regions and less affected)Avoid: Anywhere south-facing or forested—slippery slopes, poor visibility, transportation delays.

• Vibe: Lush but risky. Great if you like having the trail all to yourself and don’t mind mud.

🌧️ July – Leech Season in Full Swing

• Weather: Monsoon peak. Expect daily rain and landslides.

• Where to Trek:

  • Upper Mustang

  • Dolpo

  • Maybe… a meditation retreat in Pokhara.

• Vibe: Avoid mainstream trekking unless you’re part amphibian.

🌦️ August – Still Wet, But with Hints of What’s Coming

• Weather: Monsoon winding down (sort of), trails still soggy.

• Where to Trek:

  • Upper Mustang & Dolpo still okay

  • Start prepping for September treks.

• Vibe: Warm, green, unpredictable. Not ideal, but doable if you’re committed.

🍂 September – Welcome to High Season

• Weather: Post-monsoon perfection begins.

• Where to Trek:

  • Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Makalu—you name it.

  • Tsum Valley or Three Passes for something epic.

• Vibe: Fresh air, clear views, and a LOT of trekkers. Book early.

🍁 October – Peak Trekking Bliss

• Weather: The best. Period. Blue skies, mild days, chilly nights.

• Where to Trek:

  • EVERY trail in Nepal is now open and glorious.

• Vibe: Most popular month for a reason. If you want dream views and dream conditions, this is it. Just don’t expect solitude.

🍃 November – Cooler, Quieter, Still Amazing

• Weather: Clear skies continue, but colder at night.

• Where to Trek:

  • EBC, Annapurna, Manaslu

  • Shorter treks like Mardi Himal & Pikey Peak if you’re pressed for time

• Vibe: Great for those who want the best of October with fewer crowds. Just bring an extra layer.

❄️ December – Quiet Trails & Cracking Fires

• Weather: Cold but calm. Snow may block high passes later in the month.

• Where to Trek:

  • Lower-altitude treks like Ghorepani, Bandipur hikes, and cultural walks near Pokhara

• Avoid: Larke Pass, Thorong La unless you’re very experienced or masochistic.

• Vibe: Cosy, festive, and peaceful. A unique way to spend the holidays.

🧭 Final Tips:

• Always check latest trail updates and weather forecasts, especially in shoulder and monsoon seasons.

• Choose treks based on your experience level and altitude comfort zone.

• And yes—permits, gear, and guides vary by region and season. Check TrekHeaven.com for updated info before you book that flight.