Nepal is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural history. The country is the land of Mount Everest and the deepest canyon/valley, the Arun Valley. This is the land of the brave and the place of peace where the Buddha was born.
The country’s rich and diverse resources make it the perfect choice for a year-round visit to Nepal. That being said, depending on the season, there are several places that are better for travel. So, here is an overview of places to travel to Nepal based on the season.
1. Autumn
Autumn in Nepal welcomes you with clear blue skies. It usually starts in September and lasts until November, with pleasant breezes and 18 °C to 22 °C weather.
This is the best time to visit Nepal, walking or strolling the trails of stunning peaks like Mount Everest and Annapurna. People also love to visit Pokhara during this season for its stunning lake and mountain views as well as bungee jumping and paragliding. Another popular destination is Ilam and tea plantations.
You can also enjoy various festivals such as Indra Jatra, and Dashain and Tihar, two of the biggest and most important festivals in Nepal. They are celebrations of the triumph of good over evil, and one can see the vibrant Kathmandu during the festival.
2. winter
If you want to travel in the mountains, winter in Nepal can be a bit restrictive as the temperature can drop to zero or even sub-zero. However, hilly and plain areas are great for travel. The season starts in December and runs through February.
Kalinchok, a snow paradise and a popular destination in recent years, would be a great place to travel during this time. But if you’re up for the challenge, the Ghorepani trek and Chisapani-Nagarkot trek are for you. Located in the hilly region of Nepal, Pokhara is another great option for a trip, as it is dotted with lakes, beautiful mountains, and a variety of adventure sports options. Other places to visit include Nagarkot, Panshan, Bandipur, Kakani, Chitwan and Mustang.
Winter is often referred to as Nepal’s low season because there are fewer travelers. However, this gives you a great opportunity to travel as there are less crowds and more discounts. As winters can be harsh here, it is imperative to be prepared. It is wise to plan in advance, bring thick clothing to keep warm, and the necessary medication to stay safe.
3. Spring
Spring means new beginnings, fresh flower buds bloom and nature is full of beautiful flowers and greenery. The season starts from March to May with temperatures ranging from 28 °C to 8 °C. If you are a nature lover then this is the best time to travel in Nepal.
Spring is the best time to hike to Ghorepani-Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Also, you can visit Chitwan National Park and Badia/Bardia National Park for jungle safari. And, you cannot miss the beautiful World Heritage Sites like Buda, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and many amazing places located within the Kathmandu Valley. People here also warmly celebrate the Nepalese New Year and the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha.
When traveling to Nepal in spring, it is best to bring a light jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses.
4. Summer
From June to August, Nepal experiences summer with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The days are warmer, hotter, longer and more humid. However, it also makes summer a great season for sightseeing and hiking.
During this season, one can enjoy jungle adventures in Shivapuri, Banke, Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit and Upper Mustang is another way to explore Nepal. You will see the region’s beautiful natural scenery, scenes, diverse cultures and traditions, and wildlife.
If you’re more adventurous, mountain biking is also for you. For those who love history, culture and art, the Kathmandu Valley offers a variety of cultural heritage to visit.
It’s also monsoon season, so you may see light to heavy rain from time to time, which means you’ll need to plan and bring an umbrella or raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen, or a light jacket. Also, take extra care when walking through the woods as leeches and other wildlife may be lingering nearby.
It should also be noted that roads can be slippery and hiking trails can be blocked due to landslides and other natural disasters. Therefore, people should stay informed about the latest news and carry light and warm clothes and sunglasses.
