Nepal is a beautiful destination to visit year-round, and the winter season covering late November, December, January, and February adds a special charm with snow-capped mountains and clear skies.
From stunning mountain views to enjoying outdoor adventures, winter special dishes and experiencing grand festivals, Nepal offers an unforgettable moments in winter.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal in winter.
Quick Answer
- Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, Kalinchowk, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Lumbini, Illam, Mustang, and Dharan are the best places to visit in Nepal during winter season.
Why Visit Nepal During the Winter Season?
Winter is one of the best time to Visit Nepal because of
- Fewer Crowds: Winter is considered as off season for tourists. So, there will be less crowd and you can travel popular destinations peacefully.
- Stunning Mountain Views: Winter comes with clear blue skies, offering stunning views of snow-covered mountains.
- Ideal for Wildlife: Winter is the best season of the year to experience wildlife in Nepal. It’s easier to spot wildlife in different national parks.
- Great Offers and Discounts: Since there are less tourism flow, many hotels and resorts are willing to give a good offers and discounts.
- Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Pokhara is one of the best place in Nepal to celebrate Christmas and New Year, especially Lakeside Street. People celebrate these festivals with folk music, dancing, and providing special offers at restaurants and shops.
- Taste Winter Delicacies: Winter goes best with the dishes like jhol momo, thukpa, thomba, aloo tama, and many more.
10 Best Places to Visit in Nepal in Winter Season
The best places to visit in winter in Nepal are:
1. Kathmandu Valley – Best Place to Visit in Nepal in February
Kathmandu Valley, home to cities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur is Nepal’s economic hub. It offers many places to visit, known for its architecture, rich culture, and vibrant festivals.
Kathmandu Valley is one of the best places to visit in Nepal in February, when the weather is moderate—neither too cold nor too hot. It offers the perfect climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for winter travel.
If you want to experience snowfall, you can also visit near by hill stations like Chandragiri and Phulchoki.
Things to do during winter in Kathmandu
- Visit religious sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
- Visit historical sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.
- Explore restaurants to enjoy winter delicacies like jhol momo, thukpa, and aloo tama (bamboo shoots)
- Hike to Tarebhir, Champadevi, Shivapuri, or Sundarijal to enjoy the warm sunshine and breathtaking views.
Altitude: 1355 meters
Temperature of Kathmandu Valley in Winter: 3°C to 20°C
2. Chitwan: Best Place to Visit in Nepal in January
Chitwan is a must-visit place in Nepal during winter. It is located in the Terai region and has a mild and warm climate during the winter. It offers a peaceful and warm vibe, ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Chitwan is rich in flora and fauna and includes Nepal’s first national park, Chitwan National Park, and Parsa National Park. These parks are home to rare animals like tigers, rhinos, and crocodiles.
Bishazari Tal, near Bharatpur, is a great spot for bird-watching.
Things to do in Chitwan in winter season
- Go for the jungle walk or jungle safari.
- Explore the Tharu culture, their lifestyle, and try their local dishes
- Bird watching and canoeing in Rapti River
- Relax on the Narayani River beach, enjoy food, and soak up the sun during the day
- Enjoy Chitwan’s famous taas, which is a spicy fried goat meat dish served with bhuja
Altitude: 415 meters
Temperature of Chitwan in Winter:: 7°C to 25°C.
How to reach Chitwan from Kathmandu?
Chitwan is around 181 kilometers far from Kathmandu. You can either take a direct flight to Chitwan from Kathmandu or book a tourist AC bus. You can easily get a bus from Thamel.
3. Kalinchowk – Best Place to Visit in Nepal in December
Kalinchowk is the perfect place to visit in winter if you love the snow. Located in the Dolakha district of Nepal, this hill station is a popular destination for tourists.
Kuri Village, near Kalinchowk, is a winter paradise. Covered in snow during the winter months, it offers peaceful views and traditional houses. You can experience snowfall in Kalinchowk during December, January, and February.
You can take a cable car ride to a temple or also hike through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area if you love hiking.
What to do in Kalinchowk in winter
- Do skiing
- Hike to the hilltop and enjoy the mountain views
- Try soft cheese “churpi”
- Walk through the Kuri village
Altitude: 3842 meters
Temperature of Kalinchowk in Winter: -5°C to -15°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
Kalinchowk is around 150 km away from Kathmandu. To reach Kalinchowk, you can take a bus to Charikot, and then hire a private vehicle to Kuri village. From there, you can either hike for about 1.5 hours or take a 5-minute cable car ride to your destination.
Also Read: A Complete Travel Guide to Lakuri Bhanjyang
4. Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the most popular cities among tourists. From beautiful lakes and caves to adventurous activities, trekking, stunning mountain views, and religious places, Pokhara has it all.
Pokhara is the perfect destination to visit in winter because the weather is mild and comfortable. You can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, sightseeing, and trekking.
The clear skies offer beautiful views of the snow-covered Annapurna range, making the city even more charming. The nightlife in Pokhara Lakeside is amazing. It is one of the best Nepal’s places to visit in december as you will get to experience a grand New Year celebration.
What to do in Pokhara in the winter season
- Adventurous activities like paragliding, zipline, and bungee jumping.
- Outdoor activities like boating and sightseeing.
- Explore Phewa Lake, Begnas Taal, and Rupa Taal.
- Hike to World Pagoda
- Visit caves, waterfalls, and Pumdikot.
- Visit Sarangkot to see the sunrise and the golden peak of Machhapuchhre.
Altitude: 827 meters (2,713 feet)
Temperature of Pokhara in Winter: 5°C to 20°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
Pokhara is around 204.8 km away from Kathmandu by road. You can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25-30 minutes). You can also travel by road by hiring local or private buses, Hiace or taxis. It will take around 7-8 hours. Among these, night tourist buses are the best option during the peak tourism season.
5. Bandipur
If you want a short trip from Kathmandu, Bandipur is one of the best destinations to consider. It is an amazing old town with a preserved Newar culture. You can see traditionally built houses that offer a warm and cozy atmosphere which is perfect for winter.
Bandipur also gives some European vibes with its beautiful architecture, narrow lanes, and outdoor dining spots. You can also enjoy stunning views of the nearby mountains from Bandipur.
What to do in Bandipur during winter
- Explore Bandipur bazar
- Visit Bandipur Monastery
- Hike up to Thani Mai
- Explore the beautiful temples
- Walk through the countryside
Altitude: 1,030 meters
Temperature of Bandipur in Winter: 7°C to 20°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
Bandipur is 147 kilometers away from Kathmandu. To reach Bandipur, you can travel by your private vehicle for 4 to 5 hours. You can also take a local bus from Thamel, Kathmandu. If you’re traveling by local bus, you have to get off at Dumre on the highway and take another bus to Bandipur for 30 minutes.
6. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is located in Bhaktapur District of Nepal. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and other peaks. It is a popular destination due to its stunning sunrise views.
Nagarkot offers many hiking trails for nature lovers. The most popular trails are the Nagarkot eco trail (nature walk) and the Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail.
It also experiences snowfall in winter.
What to do in Nagarkot in the winter season
- Visit the Nagarkot tower
- Go Hiking in Panoramic Hiking Trail, Nagarkot Suspension Bridge
- Watch sunrise
- Explore luxurious hotels
Altitude: 2,195 meters
Temperature of Nagarkot in winter: 2°C to 18°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
Nagarkot is around 30 km away from Kathmandu. The easiest way to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu is by hiring a taxi or private car. You can also take a local bus from Bagbazaar Bhaktapur bus park to Bhaktapur, and then take another bus from Kamalbinayak to Nagarkot.
7. Lumbini: Best Place to Visit in Nepal in November
Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is one of the best places you should travel during the winter season. It is located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. It is home to the Ashoka Pillar, built by the renowned Indian Emperor Ashoka, along with the Mayadevi Temple and many more.
Various nations including China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Myanmar, and many others have built beautiful monasteries in Lumbini. Winter is the perfect season to visit these sites, as the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to walk barefoot.
What to do in Lumbini in the winter season
- Explore different monasteries.
- Visit Mayadevi temple and Ashoka Pillar
- Try street foods
Altitude: 2,195 meters
Temperature of Lumbini in winter: 11°C to 24°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
Lumbini is approximately 290 kilometers from Kathmandu. You can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lumbini (around 30 minutes). You can also get a local bus or Hiace or AC tourist bus (around 9 hours).
8. Illam
Ilam is a municipality in eastern Nepal. It is known for being the largest tea-producing area in Nepal, with tea farms being a big tourist attraction. Ilam is also famous for its beautiful landscapes and diverse farming. The winter season is a best time to visit Kanyam (Illam) for its beautiful tea gardens and peaceful hills.
Some of the beautiful places you can visit in Illam are Antu Dada, Maipokhari, Kanyam, Fikkal, Sadakpur, Pathibhara Devi, Gajur Mukhi, and Mai Beni.
Things to do in Illam during the winter season
- Visit Illam tea garden
- Explore Kanyam and Fikkal bazar
- Visit Antu dada to watch sunrise
- Visit Mai Pokhari for stunning views of Nepal’s highest peaks and a star-shaped lake.
Altitude: 3636 meters
Temperature of Illam in winter: 15°C to 27°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
You can travel by any private vehicle. You can also take a bus. It would take 12 to 15 hours to reach Illam from Kathmandu.
9. Mustang
Mustang District is located in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Lower Mustang is one of the top places to visit in Nepal during the winter, known for its beautiful landscapes and mild climate. However Upper Mustang is not worth during the winter. The district is home to the famous Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists.
You can do multiple activities like trekking, hiking, camping, exploring religious sites, and many more in Mustang. Besides these, you can also experience various festivals, with Tiji being the most popular. You must try Mustang apple and Marpha (brandy produced in the Marpha village of Mustang).
Things to do in Mustang during the winter
- Visit the famous Muktinath temple
- Visit monasteries of Kagbeni
- Do adventureous activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, and going on a jeep safari tour
- Trek along the Kali Gandaki river
- Visit Tatopani, a hot spring claimed to heal joint pain, skin issues, and provide relaxation.
Altitude: 2800 meters in the Lower Mustang to over 4000 meters in the Upper Mustang.
Temperature of Mustang in winter: 0°C to 15°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
The best route to Mustang from Kathmandu is through Pokhara. You can either fly or take a local bus or private car to Pokhara. From there, you can choose to fly or take a jeep to Jomsom.
10. Dharan
Dharan must be one of your winter travel destinations in Nepal because of its pleasant weather, which is neither too cold nor too warm, making outdoor exploration comfortable.
It is located in the Sunsari district of Eastern Nepal. It is surrounded by lush greenery, including rainforests, making it a scenic destination for visitors.
Some of the places you should visit in Dharan include the Bhedetar, Budhasubba temple, Pindeshwor temple, Dantakali temple, Vijayapur Hill, Panhakanya temple, Dharan Clock Temple, and Namaste Falls.
What to do in Dharan during winter
- Visit Buddhasubbha temple, Dantakali temple, and Pindeshwor Temple
- Visit Dharan clock tower
- Taste Dharan’s famous alu nimki and pork sekuwa
Altitude: 349 meters
Temperature of Dharan in Winter: 15°C to 25°C
How to reach from Kathmandu?
The easiest way to reach Dharan from Kathmandu is taking a local bus or hiring a private car.
Things to Consider While Visiting Nepal in Winter
- Pack Warm Clothes: Daytime might feel warm but you can experience cooler temperature in night time. So pack warm clothes including thermal layers, windproof jacket, gloves, and hats.
- Take Care of Your Health: Cold weather can affect your health, so stay warm and drink plenty of water. If you’re trekking at high altitudes, be aware of altitude sickness.
- Difficult Trekking Routes: Some trekking routes can be challenging due to snow and ice. Make sure you’re physically prepared and do not forget check trail conditions before you go.
- Stay Safe with Key Emergency Numbers: Save emergency numbers like police (100), ambulance (102), and rescue services. For more, read our Emergency Numbers in Nepal.
Conclusion
Nepal is home to a variety of winter destinations. The Kathmandu Valley is known for its rich culture and historic sites. Pokhara is famous for its stunning mountain views and serene lakes.
Ilam offers beautiful tea gardens and scenic views, while Dharan provides a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Mustang, Bandipur, Nagarkot, and Kalinchowk each provide unique experiences, from snow-capped peaks to cultural highlights, making Nepal the perfect destination for every traveler.
So, why wait? Explore the magic of Nepal this winter—plan your trip today!
FAQ
Is winter a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes, winter is a good time to visit Nepal. The weather is cool, the sky is clear, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains. It’s perfect for hiking, wildlife exploration, and experiencing Nepal’s cultural festivals.
What activities can we do in winter in Nepal?
The activities you can do in winter in Nepal are:
- Trekking in lower-altitude like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp.
- Spot rare wildlife in Chitwan or Bardia National Parks.
- Visit Kalinchowk, Daman, or Chandragiri for snow activities.
- Explore UNESCO sites and enjoy winter festivals like Maghe Sankranti.
- Witness Everest and the Himalayas up close through mountain flights.
- Try adventurous sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, or zip-lining.
- Enjoy and capture stunning snow-covered peaks and clear skies.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
