Winter Trekking in Nepal: Cold-Weather Gear and Routes

Winter trekking (December-February) in Nepal offers empty trails, crystal-clear views, and a completely different experience. But it requires serious cold-weather gear and route selection.

Best Winter Treks

Poon Hill (4 days): Max elevation 3210m. Cold but manageable. Great for first-timers.

Mardi Himal (5 days): Max elevation 4500m. Beautiful in winter, with snow on the peaks.

Annapurna Sanctuary lower reaches: Up to Chhomrong or Bamboo. Higher up (ABC itself) gets very cold and snow-prone.

Langtang Valley: Kyanjin Gompa at 3870m is doable in winter. Kyanjin Ri (4773m) requires crampons.

Everest View Trek: Up to Namche and Tengboche. Beyond Tengboche, the cold gets serious.

Treks to Avoid in Winter

• Annapurna Circuit (Thorong La often closed)
• Manaslu Circuit (Larkya La closed)
• Three Passes (all three passes closed)
• Kanchenjunga (impassable)
• Upper Dolpo (impassable)

Winter Gear

Winter treks require colder-rated gear than shoulder seasons:

• Sleeping bag: -20°C minimum (we rent the -25°C expedition bag)
• Down jacket: -25°C rated with hood
• Insulated pants: For high-elevation evenings
• Double boots or 4-season boots with warm insoles
• Balaclava + insulated gloves + spare gloves
• Crampons for any pass or high-elevation day hike
• Thermos to keep water from freezing
• 4-season tent if camping

What to Expect

Temperatures: Daytime 5-10°C at 3000m, -10°C at 4500m. Nighttime -5°C at 3000m, -20°C at 4500m.

Snow: Possible at any elevation. Passes may close for days. Be flexible.

Tea houses: Many tea houses close for winter. Those that stay open often have only the dining room heated.

Daylight: Only 10-11 hours of daylight. Start early, finish early.

Crowds: You may have entire villages to yourself.

Safety

Winter trekking requires more planning. Carry a satellite messenger, leave your itinerary with someone in Kathmandu, and be prepared to wait out storms. Never attempt a closed pass — the snow can hide crevasses and ice.