Best Time to
Trek in Nepal

Spring is widely considered the best overall season for trekking in Nepal. As snow melts and temperatures rise, trails become accessible again after winter. The most iconic visual feature of spring trekking is the spectacular display of rhododendrons — Nepal's national flower — painting entire hillsides in blazing reds, pinks, and whites between 2,000m and 4,000m elevation.

March and April offer the best balance of clear skies, moderate temperatures, and blooming landscapes. May remains excellent but clouds can build in the afternoons as pre-monsoon activity begins. Temperatures at high altitude camps are warmer than autumn, making camping and early morning departures more comfortable.

This season is also when most Everest climbing expeditions take place, adding a unique mountaineering atmosphere to the Khumbu region. Expect moderate to high crowd levels on popular routes. For a full comparison of spring trek options, see our complete Best Treks in Nepal guide, or get a detailed spring packing list and route recommendations in our travel guide.

Autumn — particularly October and November — is Nepal's prime trekking season. The monsoon rains have washed the atmosphere clean, leaving skies a deep cobalt blue and mountain views razor-sharp. Daytime temperatures are pleasant across most elevations, and trails are dry and well-maintained after the monsoon's rejuvenating rainfall.

October is the single best month for high-altitude trekking in Nepal. Visibility is exceptional, winds at altitude are moderate, and the post-monsoon vegetation creates a lush, green landscape that contrasts beautifully with snowy peaks. As November progresses, temperatures drop and higher passes may receive early snowfall, but the clear skies remain.

Autumn sees the highest concentration of trekkers, especially on popular routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna. Book accommodation and flights well in advance for October treks. For off-the-beaten-path alternatives during this season.

Winter trekking in Nepal is a rewarding experience for those who embrace the cold. While high-altitude passes above 5,000m may be blocked by snow, many lower-elevation treks remain fully accessible. The trails are dramatically quieter, allowing for a more intimate and solitary mountain experience.

Skies are frequently clear and sunny during winter days, offering excellent visibility. Nights, however, can be bitterly cold, especially above 3,000m. Trekkers need quality cold-weather gear including a four-season sleeping bag, insulated gloves, and layered clothing systems. Teahouses at higher elevations may have limited services or be closed.

December is the most comfortable winter month, with January and February being the coldest. Lower-altitude treks like Langtang Valley, Poon Hill, and sections of the Annapurna foothills are excellent winter options. Winter is also a fantastic time for solo adventurers — discover which routes suit independent travelers in our guide to Best Treks for Solo Trekkers in Nepal. Budget-conscious trekkers also benefit from lower permit fees and accommodation costs in winter.

The monsoon season transforms Nepal into a lush, green paradise — but the heavy rainfall makes most classic trekking routes challenging. Leeches, slippery trails, washed-out paths, and limited mountain views are the reality on the southern and central Himalayan slopes between June and August.

However, the monsoon is blocked by the Himalayas from reaching certain regions. These rain-shadow areas — including Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and to some extent the Manaslu upper valleys — receive very little rainfall during this period and offer excellent, uniquely green trekking experiences with very few other trekkers on the trail.

Budget travelers can also find the lowest prices during monsoon season. If you're a botanist, birdwatcher, or lover of lush tropical forests and waterfalls, the monsoon transforms lower-altitude routes into incredibly vibrant natural spectacles.