Best Time to Visit Nepal for Trekking

Nepal is a trekking paradise with something to offer in every season. From blooming rhododendron forests in spring to clear mountain views in autumn and unique cultural festivals throughout the year, choosing the right time to visit Nepal can make your trekking experience even more special.

At Hidden Trek Nepal , we organize treks year, round and help our guests choose the best routes based on season, weather, scenery, and local events. Below is a month-by-month guide to help you plan your perfect trekking adventure in Nepal.

 

March & April – Spring Season (Rhododendron Blooms)

Best for: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley, Annapurna Base Camp

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to trek in Nepal. The trails come alive with colorful rhododendron flowers, especially in the Annapurna region.

Why trek now?

Forests full of red, pink, and white rhododendrons ( a national flowers of Nepal) 

Pleasant daytime temperatures

Excellent mountain views

Ideal for beginner and short treks

 

Recommended treks:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Langtang Valley Trek

Khopra Dada Trek

Mohore Dada Trek 

 

May – Pre-Monsoon Adventure

Best for: Everest Base Camp, Upper Mustang (early), higher-altitude treks

May is warmer and quieter, with fewer trekkers on the trails. While it gets hotter at lower elevations, higher-altitude routes remain comfortable.

Highlights:

Fewer crowds

Long daylight hours

Clear views in the mornings

June to August – Monsoon Season (Monsoon / Off-Season)

Important note: Monsoon season can be very challenging in Nepal. Heavy rainfall often causes landslides, slippery trails, flight delays, and road disruptions. For this reason, long-distance treks and extensive travel are not recommended during this time.

Best choices during monsoon:

Short and lower-altitude hikes around the Annapurna region

Rain-shadow areas

Nature, wildlife, and cultural tours

Recommended treks & hikes:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Dhorpatan Trek (beautiful green valleys, flowers, and peaceful trails)

These routes offer lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and safer conditions compared to long high-altitude treks.

Rain-shadow & special experience:

Upper Mustang – dry and accessible even during monsoon

Tiji Festival (May/June) – a colorful Buddhist festival celebrating the victory of good over evil

 

September & October – Autumn Season (Best Overall Time)

 

Best for: Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang, Kanchajunga, Rara, Se Phoksundo. 

Autumn is the most popular trekking season in Nepal. The weather is stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best.

Cultural highlight:

Dashain Festival -  Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival

With Hidden Trek Nepal, you can experience Dashain celebration with your guide’s family, enjoying traditional food, blessings, and local culture.before you start the trek. 

Recommended treks:

Everest Base Camp Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek (best starting season)

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Langtang Valley Trek

Kanchenjunga Trek

Nar Phu valley Trek

Se phoksundo Trek

 

November – Clear Skies & Fewer Crowds

 

Best for: Manaslu, Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Langtang (early)

November offers crisp weather, excellent visibility, and fewer trekkers compared to October.

Why trek in November?

Cold but stable weather

Stunning mountain views

Ideal for longer and higher-altitude treks

Eastern & Western highlights:

Kanchenjunga Base Camp (early November)

Api Himal & Far-West Nepal treks

 

December to February – Winter Trekking

 

Best for: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, lower Annapurna/Manaslu treks, cultural & nature tours

Winter trekking is ideal for travelers who prefer quiet trails and clear skies. While temperatures are cold, especially at night, many lower-altitude treks remain very enjoyable.

Best winter destinations:

Ghorepani Poon Hill

Mardi Himal

Chitwan National Park – jungle safari, wildlife, and bird watching with Taru culture 

Bardia National Park – remote and rich wildlife experience (tigers, elephants, rhinos)

High passes may be closed due to snow, but shorter treks and national park visits are excellent choices.

 

East to West Nepal – Seasonal Highlights

Nepal offers incredible diversity from east to west, and each region has its best season.

Eastern Nepal

Ilam – tea gardens and rolling green hills (best: March–May, September–November)

Taplejung & Kanchenjunga Base Camp – remote and wild trekking (best: April–May, October–early November)

Central & Northern Nepal

Nar Phu Valley – hidden valleys and ancient culture (best: April–May, September–October)

Tsum Valley – sacred Himalayan valley with rich Tibetan culture (best: March–May, September–October)

Western & Far-West Nepal

Rara Lake – Nepal’s largest and most beautiful lake (best: April–May, September–October)

Shey Phoksundo Lake – turquoise alpine lake in Dolpo (best: May–September)

Api Himal – untouched Far-West trekking region (best: April–May, October)

 

Our Local Recommendation

If you are unsure when to visit, here are our top seasonal suggestions:

March–April: Poon Hill & Mardi Himal , Khopra Dada and Mohore Danda Trek for Rhododendron flowers

May–June: Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival with Nar Phu Vally and Tsum Valley

Monsoon (June–August): Short Annapurna hikes, Dhorpatan, wildlife safaris

September–October: Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Nar Phu, Tsum Valley Kanchajunga , Se Phoksundo

October–November: Kanchenjunga, Api Himal, Rara Lake, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Everest Base Camp. 

Winter (Dec–Feb): Short treks ( Pooh hill, Mardi himal, Langtang valley, Pikey peak , Pach pokhari, + Chitwan & Bardia National Parks

 

Plan Your Trek with Hidden Trek Nepal

With over 15 years of guiding experience, Hidden Trek Nepal specializes in small-group and personalized trekking experiences across the entire country, from the tea hills of Ilam to the remote valleys of Dolpo and Kanchenjunga.

Contact us anytime to choose the best trekking route and season for your adventure in Nepal.

Namaste and see you in the Himalayas!