Best Winter Treks in Nepal
Embracing the chills in the hills of Nepal feels surreal. People across the world come to see the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. Beyond that, the sunrise in the hills and Himalayas during the winter days is way too beautiful. For an avid trekker, there are certainly these top 10 best winter treks in Nepal that are worth exploring. Join us to explore in detail these not-so-famous and unique trekking routes in Nepal that one cannot miss out on and are worth the chill.
1. Mohare Danda Trek
Mohare Danda Trek is one of the popular trekking routes in Nepal. Short Mohare Danda Trekking can be completed within 4 to 7 Days. You can also extend your trek by adding a trail of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions if you find it interesting. The maximum altitude in Mohare Danda is 3330 m.
In this expedition, Lespar Village, Nagi Village, Ghandrung, and Ghorepani are some of the places you will conquer on this trekking adventure. From the opposite of Mohare Danda, you can also see the picturesque hilltop village known as Falame Danda in the South-West direction. You can have alternative routes via Lespar village and Falame Danda to your most awaited destination Mohare Danda.
Through the rugged trails, you get to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of remote villages, traditional lifestyles, and green forests. You will be able to get modern services at the community lodges, tea houses, and accommodations during your stay in the Mohare Danda trek.
2. Kokhe Danda Trek
Kokhe Danda Trek is one of the short-distance treks from Pokhara. This trek is elevated at an altitude of 3303 meters from the sea level. From 4 to 6 days of hike, you can complete a circuit trek around these regions. You can start your day off from Baglung, Beni, Ghandruk, Kusma, or Nayapul based on your preference.
You get to witness better views of Dhaulagiri regions from Kokhe Danda, in comparison to Mohare Danda. You can hike to Haljure, drive to Jhilibranag, and accordingly uphill to Kokhe Danda via Hampal and Mohare Danda. It is one of the highest viewpoints of Parbat district that is worth discovering during the winter chills. The sun rises in the hills, and the warmth and magic of the moment, all truly can be spectacular in this region.
3. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the popular winter trekking destinations, with a maximum altitude of 3210 m. You will be able to truly catch the mystic beauty, uncover stunning mountain peaks, and sightsee, Annapurna regions, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre from Poon Hill.
Throughout the epic winter journey, you can explore more on must-try trekking routes like Poon Hill Trek, which keeps the memory for life. From itinerary, costs, benefits, and services, everything is accessible, as it is one of the most commercialized trekking routes in Nepal. Every step towards Poon Hill leads to an unforgettable experience and memories.
4. Khopra Danda Trek
Undoubtedly a must-try expedition is the Khopra Danda Trek, which is not only a newer trail but also a favorable trek in the Annapurna region. The elevation of Khopra Danda is 3640 meters above sea level, where you can also get a sleeping point in the Phedi of this region.
From Khopra Ridge, it is a moderate-difficult trek, and you can also side trek to the highest point in Khayer Lake. With its own set of challenges, your ascents, descents, and major experience with remote villages and hilltops are worth it. With the glacial lake, unique highlights, and rewarding trekking experience, you will all enjoy and embrace the chill this winter of 2024.
5. Khumai Danda Trek
Khumai Danda Trek is located in the North direction from Pokhara, with a 3-day itinerary plan. This trekking destination elevates up to an altitude of 3245 m above sea level. Driving off to Hemja from Pokhara, you can begin your hiking to Hile Kharka.
From ascending towards Sariparkha and Mirsha Village, you can reach Khumai Danda. With hours of walking amidst nature, you can make the most of your time. Also, this trekking route has potential of being one of the best winter treks in Nepal, which has the promise of a majestic experience for avid trekking trails.
6. Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the must-try winter treks in Nepal, where you can progress through green lush forests and uneven landscapes. Newly discovered, less crowded trekking, Mardi Himal Base Camp, with a high altitude of 4500 m can be conquered within 7 days.
Accommodations are available prominently in tea houses and lodges. While you can also get beautiful views of the mountains. With proper gear, appropriate clothing, and intake of nutrients and fluids during the trek, you can manage hassle through the trekking routes, and gaze at the scenic beauty from Mardi Himal Base Camp.
7. Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Within 11 days you can have a religious expedition of Jomsom Muktinath Trek, at an altitude of 3760 meters. As you tend to conquer this trekking route to Muktinath, you can uncover this in around 5 to 11 days. You can walk across the beautiful Kali Gandaki river and pass by mountain ridges to reach the 250 steps of Muktinath temple. Exotic flora and fauna diversity are also found in this region.
You can explore the Tibetan lifestyle, The 108 taps of Muktinath temple, sin-washing ponds, and barren landscape in the Mustang district are passed at the finest level. The brown landscapes in Annapurna regions, look more or less like an arid desert. But you can see snow-capped mountain beauties from its viewpoint.
8. Ruby Valley Trek
Ruby Valley lies between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area which makes it one of the best winter treks in Nepal. The Ruby Valley trek of 7 Days is up to a high altitude of 3,845m which is Pang Sang Pass, worth exploring. Bamboo forests, rhododendrons, oak, and pine trees alongside the trekking routes toward suspension bridges, are something to observe.
From the viewpoint of the Valley, you can get stunning views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Manaslu regions, which are beyond ordinary in the winter times. Not only the views but your opportunities to interact with tribal communities will shape your experience and help you achieve your trekking expectations.
9. Langtang Gosainkunda Trek
From ascending 3 to 6 hours a day and reaching your destination of Gosaikunda, everything is magical. Alpine lowlands gradually increase to terrain slopes, one can enjoy the journey as a whole and is an easier trekking route in comparison to others.
Within 13-15 days, round the Langtang and Gosaikunda, you can pass Gosaikunda La Pass (4610 m). Besides that you can reach Kyanjin Gompa, have famous cheese, and even pray at the holy lake of Gosainkunda.
You can explore the inner sanctum of the pastureland and even those dominating the beautiful Himalayas. To explore the region, you need a Langtang National Park Entry Permit, costing Rs 3000 per person. You will be needing a TIMS card worth Rs 2000 along with your other trekking costs.
You can explore Tsergo Ri at a maximum altitude of 4984 meters, which is worth climbing for panoramic views. As you steep upward, you need to walk 5 to 7 hours a day, and even gear up for passing through this pilgrimage of pristine lakes, like Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, and Gosainkunda.
10. Helambu Valley Trek
Helambu Valley Trek is a popular trekking destination for winter. The North route from Kathmandu Valley offers stunning views of lush forests, traditional villages, terraced fields, and also the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
About 4 to 6 days of trek in Helambu Valley greet you with the rich culture and traditions of the Hyolmo people. You can stay in a local guest house, learn about the history and heritage of the place, plus gaze at the Buddhist monasteries while eating traditional cuisines from the heart of the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Nepal is the land for winter wanderlust, with a number and varieties of trekking opportunities throughout the year. Winter can be a good time when a few of the trekking routes can be more adventurous and worth exploring. Winter trekking adventure in unique religious and cultural landscapes, restricted areas, and even desert-like terrain, all of which are possible under moderate challenge. By hiring a knowledgeable guide, and adjusting to colder temperatures on the trekking trails you can conquer your awaited ascents. So, get started this winter for the best winter treks in Nepal with trekking shoes, warm clothes, and a suitable backpack.