Top 5 Winter Treks in Nepal 

Winter is considered to a very low trekking season in Nepal. However, some short treks like one week treks nearby the cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu still can be done. Some people really love trekking in Nepal in winter as they love the cold climate to trek in the mountains. Though Autumn ( Sep-Nov) and Spring( Mar-May) are the best trekking seasons  for trekking in Nepal, Winter ( Dec-Feb) equally rewards trekkers with astonishing mountain panoramas and thrills of adventure during the trek. 

Benefits of Trekking in Winter 

• Trekking trails are less crowded
• Perfect timing of the year solitary lovers 
• Easy availability of foods and accommodations on the trail 
• Can enjoy playing with snow on the trail 
• More fascinating mountain views than in other trekking seasons 

Some trekking trips in Nepal are very popular among the domestic and international trekkers. These top 5 winter treks in Nepal are: 

 1. Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek 

2. Dhampus- Australian Camp Trek

3. Chisapani- Nagarkot Trek

4. Everest View/Short Trek

5. Mardi Himal Trek 

Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek 

Ghorepani –Poonhill Trek is one of the best winter treks in Nepal. It takes 6-7 days to complete this trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. If the trekkers begin this trek from Pokhara, then, the duration tends to be shorter and more economical. Ghorepani-Poonhill trek is an easy trek in Annapurna region of Nepal which even can be done by the beginners and will be more fascinating during winter ( Dec-Feb). The highest elevation we get during this trek is 3200m that is Poonhill. Even in the peak of winter, there is no heavy snowfall on the trail; you may encounter some fresh snow on the trail which you will love to play with. So, Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek is still doable in winter. 

Highlights of Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek in Winter 

• Fewer people on the trail- less crowd of trekkers 
• Tranquil and peaceful trekking trails 
• You can enjoy the food items and the category accommodation you want 
• More breathtaking mountain panoramas and landscapes 
• The trail is more fascinating as the trees are in red color during winter 

Ghorepani-Poonhill Route Description 

Ghorepani-Ponhill Trek begins from Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you are already in Pokhara, then, you can begin it from Pokhara as well. Otherwise, trekkers have to begin it from Kahtmandu. The trekkers who are doing Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek either go with short flight to Pokhara or a bus/car, jeep drive. If you choose to go with flight, it takes only 25-30 minutes and if you wanna go with drive, then, it may take more than 7 hours due to the poor condition of the roadways. 

After you reach in Pokhara, you can explore it by spending a day there or you can directly begin the trip to Poonhill from Pokhara. 

Initially, you drive to Nayapool/Birethanti and begin hiking through picturesque landscapes and local towns. Gradually, you get the ascent and walk through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri village. The ascent to Ulleri village is a bit tough for the beginners. However, the triumph over it will reward you tremendously with alluring landscapes. 

Next, you begin to walk through deep woods of Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area of the world enjoying a diverse species of flora and faunas along with natural waterfalls and prayer flags.

finally, ascending up to Ghorepani village will stun you because you can believe your eyes that you can witness such majestic mountain panoramas. Moreover, climbing top of Poonhill from Ghorepani will absolutely mesmerize you with stunning sunrise and sunset along with mountain panoramas including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and many other alluring mountain summits. 

After conquering Poonhill, the final destination of this trek, you will switch your venture to Tadapani village and then to Ghandruk.Ghandruk is another important attraction of this trek. It is a classical Gurung people’s settlements with more than 500 houses in traditional styles. Everyone will adore this village and tend to stay a couple of days or sometimes even a week for refreshment with Himalayas. 

The village has historical and cultural museums, traditional houses, cafes and bakeries, grocery shops, souvenirs shops, governmental offices, security force, schools and lodges and hotels. Nowadays, Ghandruk village has banks and ATMS facility as well. 

After exploring Ghandruk Village, you can either depart to Landruk and make an exit through Pothana or can walk down to Nayapool and take a drive to Pokhara. It depends on you which path you like to choose for the wrapping up your trip. We recommend you go go Landruk and make an exit through Pothana and Dhampur or Phedi or Kande through Australian Camp becaue this route will provide you a distinct experience. 

Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy your time exploring the city and the popular sites like Phewa Lake, Talbarahi Temple, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Bidhebashani Temple and Davi’s Fall. From Pokhara, you will either fly or drive back to Kathmandu to end the Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek. 

Some FAQs Answered 

1. How high is Ghorepani and Poonhill? 

Ghorepani village is 2800m and Poonhill is 3200m. The difference altitude between Ghorepani and Poonhill is 400m. The trekkers who are climbing Poonhill from Ghorepani have to gain more 400m. For getting this 400m from Ghorepani for Poonhill, trekkers have to spend around 1.30 hours and they have to buy an entrance for going up to the top of the Poonhill. Both Ghorepani and Poonhill offer an astonishing mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas and alluring Machhapuchhre ( Fishtail). 

2. Can we see Everest from Poonhill? 

Some people may say ‘Yes, You can see Everest from Poonhill’, but it is not true. One cannot see Everest from Poonhill. Poonhill trek route is completely different and located in far distance from Everest Base Camp Trek. Actually, if you want to see Everest, then, you have to go with Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Short Trek or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. 

3. Do I need to hire guide or porter for Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek? 

It is mandatory hiring guide or a porter for Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek. No solo or individual traveler is allowed to do this trek independently by the ministry of tourism of Nepal. You have to hire either a guide or a porter; better hire a licensed guide so that you won’t have any problem on the trail and all arrangement regarding foods and accommodation will be arranged by the guide. 

4. How will be the food and accommodation like? 

You are going to spend the nights in local guesthouses except in Pokhara. You are going to have the foods offered by the local guesthouses as mentioned in the menu. But, you enjoy a luxury accommodation in Pokhara. 

The accommodation will normally be on the twin sharing basis and you have to pay for the foods and accommodation extra if it is not included in your packages. One item of food costs between $2-6 and one accommodation on the trail costs between $5-10. 

4. How many days does it take to get Ghorepani-Poonhill from Pokhara? 

It takes two days to get Ghorepani-Ponhill from Pokhara but it takes 3 days from Kathmandu. The first day, you will fly/ drive to Pokhara and then go for two days trek through Tikhdhunga/ Ulleri and Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, you will ascend up to Poonhill next morning. 

5. What is the cost of Ghorepani- Poonhill Trek? 

If you begin Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek from Kathmandu, the cost ranges between 700-800 USD but if you begin it from Pokhara, then, the cost ranges between 500-600 USD. The transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu will be extra cost if you begin it from Kathmandu. This cost includes all required transportation, bed and  breakfast, guide and porter, required permits, official expenses and the medical expenses of guide and porter. 

Dhampus- Australian Camp Trek

Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek is one of the short and easy trekking trips in Nepal for the beginners. This trekking trip takes the trekkers up to Australian Camp (2150m) via Dhampus village ( 1650m) and offers magnificent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal with the experience of typical country life-style of the people of Nepal.                          

If you go only up to Dhampus village, you don’t need to collect TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. But, if you ascend up to Australian Camp, you have to obtain and present both TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. But, sometimes, trekkers can go Australian Camp without these trekking permits too. 

The highest elevation of Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek is 2150m which is Australian Camp. The trek is maximum of 3 days including ascending and descending and a night stay in Pokhara. If you begin this trek from Kathmandu, then, it takes total 5 days. In 5 days, you can do Pokhara sightseeing tour too. 

Highlights 

- A perfect trekking/hiking trip for the beginners 

- Experience of typical village lifestyle of the local Nepali people

- Serene and cool trekking trail 

- Astonishing sunrise and sunset

- Majestic mountain views including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal

- Local food items and local lodge accommodation 

Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek Route 

Dhampus- Australian Camp Trek begins from either Phedi/Ghattekulo or Kande. Actually, these places are located a few hours drive from Pokhara city. To get Phedi or Ghattekulo, it takes 1 hour but if you going to Kande, it takes around 2 hours. Starting this trek from Kande is anti-clockwise and beginning it from Ghattekulo or Phedi is clockwise. Frankly telling, it is easier to begin this trek from either Phedi or Ghattekulo. 

Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek is a beautiful two days hike around Phokara city to see mountains. One can see breathtaking Annapurna Himalayan Range including alluring Machhapuchhre/fishtail and other neighboring snow-fed peaks from this trekking trail.                     

As you begin your Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek from Kande or Phedi after a short drive from Pokhara city, you will ascend up to the top of Dhampus village through local settlements and paddy fields. The trail is all the way up until you get Dhampus Village. Some people walk up to Australian Camp directly without spending the night at Dhampus but most of the trekkers spend a night at Dhampus village. 

After you explore Dhampus village, you ascend up to Australian Camp which is a better vantage point of this trek. You will enjoy marvelous mountain views and stunning sunrise from Australian Camp and walk down to Kande village and drive back to Pokhara. 

Australian Camp Trek or Australian Base Camp Trek ? 

It is Australian Camp Trek not Australian Base Camp Trek. Some people ask if it is Australian Base Camp Trek. But, it is not true. 

There is no such kind of trekking trip like Australian Base Camp Trek in Nepal. The Asutralian Camp Trek is for the beginners who want to witness Annapurna mountain panorama with a serene and cool hiking around/near Pokhara city. This trek is a find idea/way to escape the bustling Pokhara city and go to the serenity of nature in the lap of Annapurna Himalayan range directly facing towards Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). 

Major Attractions in Australian Camp Trek 

We have some very important and inevitable attractions in Australian Camp Trek. The major attractions of Australian Camp Trek are: Dhampus Village, Australian Camp, Annapurna Maounrain Panoramas, stunning sunrise view and an exciting hiking through local villages, awe-inspiring landscapes and deep woods. 

1. Dhampus Village 

Dhampus village is a popular destination for a short trek/hike for relaxation and to witness Annapurna Mountain panorama. Located near Pokhara city, Dhampus village is situated at an elevation of 1650m above the sea level. The village is also popular for picnics and a day outing for domestic tourists.

Dhampus village is popular for local food items, remote lifestyle of the people, a perfect place for rest and relaxation, yoga and meditation facing towards Annapurna Mountain ranges and most importantly, stunning mountain ranges including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal with stunning sunrise. It take only 3-4 hours to get Dhampus village from Pokhara ( 2.30 hrs hiking and 1.30 hrs driving). The village has local homestays, lodges and luxury hotels for food and accommodation.                                                 

2. Australian Camp 

Just above Dhampu Village, another village is located with some lodges and resorts after passing through deep woods with the stone steps going all the way up, this village is Australian Camp(2,150 meters (7,054 feet), Australian Camp is, as Dhampus, astonishingly popular as a vantage point for awe-inspiring landscapes and mountain panoramas. Actually, comparatively, Australian Camp is far better than Dhampus village for mountain views and landscapes.

Like Dhampus Village, trekkers/hikers will relish magnificent mountain views including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. At the same time, trekkers can view and capture mesmerizing sunrise and awe-inspiring landscapes from Australian Camp. If you want, you can perform yoga and meditation here.

Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek 

 Chisapani- Nagarkot Trek is all-time favourite of trekkers as a short and easy trek/hike around/ near Kathmandu Valley. This two days hiking/trekking near Kathmandu will delight you with tremendous exciting moments including the serene walk through deep woods of Shivapuri National Park and local villages and most impotently,  with dazzling mountain peaks including Mt. Everest, the top of the world from Nagarkot with stunning sunrise. This easy but magnificent walk takes you to the highest elevation 2195m that is Nagarkot.                             

Actually, there are three major things to do in Chisapani- Nagarkot Trek: a magnificent walk through serene and cool woods, getting away from noise and pollution and witness magnificent mountain views including Mt. Everest from Nagarkot. 

Highlights of Chasapani- Nagarkot Trek 

-     A beautiful walk though rural villages and deep cool woods

-    A perfect destination for rest and relaxation / getting away from hustle and bustle of Kathmandu 

-    An exciting walk through Shivapuri National Park with diverse species of wildlife and plants 

-    You can yoga and meditation on the way at both places: Chisapani and Nagarkot

-    Stunning snrise and mountain views from Nagarkot including Mt. Everest in fair weather 

-    Enjoy walking around Dhap Dam on the way to Chisapani 

Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek Route 

Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek Route commences from Sundarijal from where you enter into Shivapuri National Park whichis the nearest national park from Kathmandu valley. You have to present Shivapuri National Park entry permit here and you will walk up to the village of Mulkharka. You will really love walking through local villages and deep woods of Shivapuri National Park in absolute serenity and calmness through the walk is all the way up.                         

On the way to Chispani, one new tourist attraction is officially opened that is known as Dham Dam. Actually, Dhap Dam is a freshwater lake in Shivapuri National Park, a major attraction of Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek for both domestic and international tourists located two hours walk from Sundarijal. Trekkers can get all kinds of foods and accommodation near the dam. The Dhap Dam trip will be a perfect day out trip for every domestic and international trekkers.  The lake is completely surrounded by  deep woods of Shivapuri National Park. The availability of hotels and resorts for overnight stay and meals make the destination more fascinating. 

After you explore Dhap Dam, you will ascend up to Chisapani and enjoy overnight stay there. The next day, after breakfast, you will head  for Nagarkot through Shivapuri National Park. The flat trail into the dense and green forest with cool breeze will definitely make your trip to Nagarkot more memorizing. On the way to Nagarkot from Chasapani, you will have a golden opportunity to explore diverse species of flora and fauna of Shivapuri National Park. Simultaneously, trekkers can view astonishing mountain panorama along with the bests of the nature.                     

While reaching on Nagarkot, you will really feel blissful and ecstatic to be at the top of the hills station with awe-inspiring mountain views and landscapes. With stunning sunrise, you can view entire Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest from Nagarkot in the weather is fair. You will enjoy the serenity to walk or drive to the view-point Nagarkot and celebrate the moments before you drive back to Kathmandu.

Major Destinations to Explore 

 We have a few but very fascinating destination to explore on Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek. These are: Sundarijal, Dhap Dam, Chisapani, Shivapuri National Park and Nagarkot. 

1. Sundarijal

Sundarijal is a local town in Kathmandu valley which is half an hour drive from central Kathmandu. Sundarijal is popular for a day hiking or day outing. The specialties of Sundarijal are the entry and exit point of Shivapuri National Park, natural waterfalls and stream, a dam from water supply for entire Kathmandu Valley and local liquor. Also, people love organizing picnic programs in Sundarijal. You can find Sundarijal a serene and cool local town with no rush. 

2. Dhap Dam

Dhap is a newly opened tourist attraction on the way to Chisapani from Sundarijal. It is rocks filled water dam with serene surrounding. The dam attracts both international and domestic tourists. It is place for cooling your body and mind in complete relaxation. The dam is completely surrounded by deep woods of Shivapuri National Park.                         

3. Chisapani 

Chisapani village is popular tourist destination on the way to Gosiankunda and on the way to Nagarkot. The village has local guesthouses and resorts for foods and accommodation. A day hike from Sundarijal passing through the village of Mulkharka takes you to the village of Chisapani via passing through Shivapuri National park. Chisapani is popular for local foods, local accommodation, rural life style of the people and most importantly, stunning sunrise and panoramic mountain views. The village is completely isolated from any kind of disturbances and the noises. 

4. Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri National Park is the nearest national park from Kathmandu Valley. The national park is also popular for diverse species of flora and fauna and as a watershed. The main source of drinking water supply for Kathmandu valley is Shivapuri National Park. The park protects Chisapani- Nagarkot Trekking Trail. The park offers an excellent opportunity to explore and to experience some thrilling natural astonishment including deep-dense woods, picturesque meadows and diverse species birds.

5. Nagarkot 

Nagarkot is a popular tourist’s destination near Kathmandu for sunrise, refreshment and mountain views. It is a hill station located two hours’ drive from Kathmandu offering the opportunity of escaping from bustling Kathmandu city. You can have a cool and serene stay in Nagarkot completely isolated from city life enjoying the mountain views including Mt. Everest, the top of the world. Nagarkot is the finest choice for the trekkers to spend a couple of nights by being themselves. Also, people can do yoga and meditation in Nagarkot.                         

Nagarkot has the facility of Wi-fi, internet, banking, ATMS, Money Exchangers, lodges, local teahouse, homestays and advanced star hotels and resorts. 

Everest Short Trek/ Everest View Trek

The best way to see Everest within a couple of days walk in Everest region is Everest Short Trek or Everest View Trek.

Everest Short Trek or Everest View Trek takes you to Namche bazaar and you will ascend up to Hotel Everest View which offers you an incredible opportunity to capture Mt. Everest and all other mighty mountain summits in Everest region.

At the same time, you will experience Sherpa culture, their civilization and their lifestyle while traversing through local towns like Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazaar.

Sagarmatha National Park will be another primary attraction during this Everest Short Trek/ Everest View Trek. A cool and serene walk through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO W0rld Heritage Site and the national park located at the highest elevation of the world makes this Everest Short Trek or Everest View trek more special.

Do you know some very interesting and exciting things that you are doing in your Everest Short Trek/ Everest View Trek? You are traversing through the national park located at the highest elevation of the world and ascending up to the hotel located at the highest elevation of the world and witnessing Mt. Everest, the world highest mountain peak while you are making this trekking trip in Nepal in winter.Most importantly, if you love snowfall and love playing with it, ten, definitely, you will enjoy the live snowfall from the lodge/hotel you stay for overnight. Won’t it be interesting and exciting for you doing these things in your Everest Short Trek? Yes, definitely.

Though you will encounter with snowfall on the trail and outside of the lodge and hotel you stay, it is till doable trek in winter with magnificent nature and its astonishments.

Highlights

-  Traverse through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO W0rld Heritage Site and the national park located at the highest elevation of the world

-  Ascending up to the hotel located at the highest elevation of the world, Hotel Everest View and witnessing Mt. Everest, the world highest mountain peak

-  experience Sherpa culture, their civilization and their lifestyle while traversing through local towns like Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazaar.

-  enjoy the live snowfall from the lodge/hotel you stay for overnight

-  Go to explore Thame monastery, Khujung Village and Tengboche if you have some spare time/days

-  Spend some quality of time with local people and nature

Route Description

Everest Short Trek/ Everest View Trek is also known as Everest Panorama trek either begins from Manthali after 7 hours of walk from Kathmandu or after a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

The trail after reaching Lukla airport and the Lukla town, descends down to Phakding and then ascends up to Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar(3400m) is one of the major attractions of this trek and even of Everest Base Camp trek and all trekking trips based in Everest region of Nepal. Actually, the Namche Bazaar astonishes you with some marvelous highlights like advanced and luxurious markets, banks, ATMS, Money Exchanges, restaurants, hotels, museums and most importantly the mountain views including Thamserkhu and Amadablam.Next, after exploring Namche Bazaar, you will ascend up to Hotel Everest View (3880m), you will celebrate astonishing Mt. Everest and the sunrise with other mighty mountain peaks sitting at the lap of Hotel Everest View, the hotel located at the highest elevation of the world.

Next, it’s your choice to go up to Tengboche or not. If you want to spare one more day for getting up to Tengboche( 3860m), you can go to explore the holy Tengboche monastery and the serene Tengboche Town.

Some important FAQS

1. Can I see Everest in Everest Short Trek in winter?

Yes, definitely, you can witness Mt. Everest in your Everest Short Trek whenever you undertake it and you can do it even in winter. You can ascend up to Hotel Everest View and can capture mesmerizing Mt. Everest with a good taste of coffee and snacks at Hotel Everest view.

If you are interested then you can take helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp from Namche and land there to have closer view of Everest.  This helicopter ride from Namche to Everest Base Camp and witnessing Mt. Everest and Khumbu glacier will be another thrilling part of this trip.

2. How will be the Everest Short Trek in winter?

The weather will be very fair in winter though the fog covers the Kathmandu valley. The weather in Lukla and Namche will be exceptionally fair and the trekkers can enjoy the walks and the explorations there during their Everest short Trek.

You may have snowfall if you are doing this trek in winter, but not heavy. If you love the snowfall, then, you will find this trek a mesmerizing in winter. You may need crampons while ascending up to Namche and Hotel Everest View Hotel in winter. Sometimes, the temperature gets lower to -10 too and you have to prepare for this very well. If you have got some problems related to cold and heart, you’d better not to do this trek in winter.

Overall, the trek will be very exciting and adventurous if you chose to do Everest short Trek in winter.

 3. Can I fly directly to Namche and fly back to Kathmandu?

Yes, you can fly directly to Nacmhe Bazaar and also can fly back to Kathmandu with helicopter. Even, you can fly to Everest Base Camp directly from Kathmandu and fly back to Kathmandu in 3 hours with Everest Base Camp helicopter Tour. However, we don’t suggest you to fly directly to either Namche and Everest Base Camp due to high elevation. It means, you are not suggested to go higher elevation directly and you may have altitude sickness problem and that may bring any kind of unexpected consequences.However, if you prefer, you can take a direct flight to Namche bazaar or Everest View Hotel or Everest Base Camp by helicopter and can fly back to Kathmandu. 

4. Can beginners do Everest Short Trek?

Yes, Everest Short Trek is one of the best beginners’ treks in Nepal. It is in the list of Best Beginners Treks in Nepal. Beginners can do this trek since the treks takes you to the moderate height that is Hotel Everest View (3880m) without any challenges on the trail. Moreover, the trekkers won’t have to face any kinds of challenges during the trek like climbing the steep rocky hills and the traversing through the snowy slippery trail.