If crowds are not your thing, trekking in Nepal in the Winter months of December, January and February is a great alternative. Skies are mostly clear and being in the mountains with very few other travelers is quite a wonderful experience.
In the Winter months, treks to the Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang (Kyanjin Gompa) and Everest Base Camp are relatively safe. For novice trekkers, treks going to lower elevations such as the Annapurna Skyline Trek, Tengboche Monastery Trek and the Pikey Peak trek are good options. Unless you are an experienced trekker/climber, avoid trails that involve crossing high mountain passes.
We have organized several Winter treks to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp including one that involved crossing the Selela pass. Although there was a day with snow fall, our trekkers enjoyed great daily views of the mountains. All Winter treks, even if you are an experienced trekker/climber, should be accompanied by an experienced and strong support staff. We recommend subscribing to a weekly weather report which will also provide a storm alert. Be prepared to walk on snow (bring gaiters) and bring warm clothes. More importantly, ensure that your operator provides adequate gear for the staff (especially good hiking boots). During the Winter months night-time temperatures can dip to -25 Centigrade (-13 Fahrenheit). A warm sleeping bag is critical especially if you are camping in tents.
The usually bustling Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara thin out in the Winter months. Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara provide a discount during the Winter months. Some lodges (not all) on the trekking trail too provide a discount. Entire villages (including some lodge owners) shut down their homes and move to lower elevations. Do inquire about lodge facilities prior to your trek. Some trekking companies too will provide a discount for their services. We offer $150 discount on all our Winter treks.
