Although Nepal has a wide recognition as a landlocked country, it has a lot of beautiful places for vacation purposes. Here, you’ll find detailed information on 10 places to visit Nepal in winter.
Kalinchowk
Kalinchowk is the best destination to observe snow, local culture, lifestyle, and snow-capped mountains up close. Located in the Dolakha District of Bagmati Province, Kalinchowk is a beautiful place in a rural municipality. It is one of the best sites that you must visit in winter in Nepal.
Kalinchowk is the best short trek and skiing destination in Nepal. It’s done within four days. Or you can reserve a vehicle and take the 5 hours to ride from Kathmandu to Charikot and a rough 2 hours jeep ride to reach the Kuri village.
Kuri is a unique and beautiful place for both local and tourist attractions. Here, trekkers can observe colorful houses and lodges with mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains. You will find both Hindu and Buddist cultures here. However, they treat you with warm hospitality and provide you with the best accommodation available.
The next day, you’ll visit the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple in Kalinchowk Village at an elevation of 3,842 m. It is an important pilgrimage site, and Hindus primarily worship the temple. It’s busy with pilgrims, especially in August- September.
You either trek for about an hour or two or take a cable car ride to reach the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple from Kuri village. After you get the temple, you can enjoy the above clouds views and witness some of the beautiful mountain range such as Langtang Himal (7,234 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Shisha Pangma (8,013 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Gauri Shankar (7,134 m) and many more.
Due to its serenity and picturesque views that the trek offers, it is listed on 10 places to visit Nepal in winter.
After you visit the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple and spend some time at the top hill, you’ll return to the Kuri village and back to Kathmandu.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Kuri (3,400 m)
Day 4: Kuri to Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple (3,842 m) and ride to Charikot (1,554 m)
Day 5: Drive from Charikot to Kathmandu
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a small village at the rim of Kathmandu valley. It is one of the 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter. Located in Nepal’s central region, Nagarkot is a beautiful place well known for the clear views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest (8,848 m).
Situated at an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot is the second highest hill around the Kathmandu valley. 8 out of 13 Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu ( 8,156 m), Ganesh Himal (7,442 m), Langtang Himal (7,234 m), Gauri Shankar (7,134 m), and Everest (8,848 m) itself can be clearly viewed from Nagarkot. These are especially striking when sunrise and sunset.
Nagarkot is the best spot to witness Dhaulagiri’s vicinity from the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. One can enjoy the scenic sunrise and sunset from the viewpoint of Nagarkot. The right time to view the mountains are from March to April and from October to December.
Nagarkot is the best short destination place to relax and enjoy the relishing Himalayan views. Usually, it can take about 2 hours to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu. Just thirty-two kilometers away from Kathmandu and you’ll reach this beautiful place.
Many tourists and locals come to visit Nagarkot. There is a wide variety of hotels and resorts to choose from. They welcome you with warm hospitality and provide you with clean accommodations facilities. You can find a wide variety of food facilities, from simple Nepali cuisines to International cuisines and bakery items.
For the people who love nature and are outdoor enthusiasts, there are many opportunities in and around Nagarkot. Nagarkot eco-trail and Nagarkot paranormal hiking trail are the popular ones for hiking. You can also go Paragliding with the Everest view in Nagarkot.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur for sightseeing and Nagarkot (2,195 m)
Day 4: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Poon Hill
Poon Hill is an epic viewpoint located in the Kaski and Myagdi District of Nepal. It is a popular hill station in Nepal from where you can see the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, making it one of the best 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter.
At an elevation of 3,210 meters, Poon hill is a popular short trekking destination. This destination is perfect for those who are on a short Nepal trip. Cold is the challenge in the winter season. However, the land becomes beautiful with the clear blue sky to accompany you without any distractions.
Poon Hill is the key viewpoint of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Located 270 km west of Kathmandu, this easy trek takes 4-6 days to complete successfully. The most common way to reach Poon Hill is to drive from Kathmandu to Nayapul or take a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and start the trek until you reach your destination.
Here, one can witness the most mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna South (7,219 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), Himchuli (6,441 m), and many others up close. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset from here. Also, enjoy the rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna as you trek.
Gurung and Magar dominate the area so that you can expect their friendly environment with warm hospitality. You can explore the antique monasteries and have an insight into their daily lifestyle and culture.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Kathmandu to Nayapul (1,070 m) and trek to Hile (1,948 m)
Day 4: Trek from Hile to Ghorepani (2,874 m)
Day 5: Trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and to Ghandruk (2,012 m)
6th Day: Trek towards Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (1,400 m)
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal (5,587 m)is a mountain located beneath the renowned Machapuchare ( 6,993 m) within the Annapurna region. It is an unspoiled tourist destination and one of Nepal’s best short trekking destinations, doable within a week.
A short trek to Mardi Himal is ideal for both beginners and avid trekkers. It is a moderate trekking journey and is doable at any time of the year. It is an exciting trekking journey that takes you into the mountains through dense forests.
Both international and domestic tourists visit this place. Upon your arrival at Pokhara from Kathmandu and take a short ride towards Kande, a small beautiful village located in the Baitadi District. After reaching Kande, you’ll start the trek toward Pothan from Kande until you reach your destination.
Mardi Himal Trek provides you with some of the breathtaking views of Annapurna Himalayan ranges and snow-covered peaks such as Mt. Machapuchare (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiuchuli (6,441 m), and Mardi Himal (5,587 m) itself.
Mardi Himal trek is also famous for its unique landscapes and adventure activities. This trek takes you through the lush green vegetation of terraced fields and beautiful rhododendron forest towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m).
Moreover, you can explore the rich biodiversity and see different species of wildlife found in this place. It is one of the 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter for obvious reasons.
Here, Gurung people dominate the area. You can expect their friendly environment with warm hospitality. Their antique culture, tradition, and lifestyle are something you should look upon.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive to Kande (1,770 m) from Kathmandu and trek to Pothana / Deurali (2,125m)
Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (3,150 m) from Pothana / Deurali (2,125m)
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,700 m) from Low Camp (3,150 m)
6th Day: Trek to Mardi Base Camp (4,500 m) from High Camp and trek down to Siding (1,800 m)
Day 7: Trek to Lumre from Sidding (1,800 m) and drive back to Pokhara (1,400 m)
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is a beautiful destination located in the Manang district of Nepal. At an elevation of 4,949 meters, it’s considered the highest lake globally. Widely considered as one of the best trekking destinations in the Annapurna region, the Tilicho Lake trek is an exciting and adventurous journey.
Tilicho Lake trek is doable at any time of the year. Both beginner and professional trekkers can complete this trek successfully. It takes about 8-11 days to complete this wonderful journey.
Many domestic and international tourists visit this place. After you arrive at Kathmandu, the next day or the day after, you’ll take an 8-10 hours drive towards Chame ( 2,170 m) from Kathmandu. You’ll then start the trek from Chame until you reach the beautiful Tilicho Lake.
Tilicho Lake trek can be a little challenging due to its altitude. However, this trek provides you with some phenomenal views. You can see the beautiful Annapurna Himalayan range and snow-peaked mountains such as Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) itself.
Not only the mountains, but you’ll also witness the amazing landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, many beautiful streams of flowing water, and unique flora and fauna. You’ll even cross over the Mesokanto La Pass (5,469 m) while you are heading towards Jomsom (2,743 m).
During your trek towards Tilicho Lake, you’ll come across many different ethnic groups of people living in complete harmony. The locals create a warm and friendly environment for you, so the hospitality you receive is on point. Also, explore the rich culture and tradition of these people. You’ll get insight into the locals’ lifestyle and a chance to visit the historical monasteries and stupas. All of these adds up and lists it as one of the 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter.
You’ll find lots of teahouses so that you can find a wide variety of clean accommodation and food facilities. However, during the peak season, the rooms get filled with trekkers, and there can be a hazard finding a good space. So, pre-booking the rooms and reaching your destination fast can be quite beneficial.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,170m) via Besisahar
Day 4: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,190m)
Day 5: Trek to Manang /Braga (3,540m) from Pisang
6th Day: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) from Manang
Day 7: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp towards Tilicho Lake (4,920m)
Day 8: Trek to Kaisang (3,510m) from Tilicho Lake via Mesokanto-La (5,469m)
9th Day: Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) from Kaisang
Day 10: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (950m) – 20 to 25 minutes & Kathmandu by bus – 6 to 7 hours
Pokhara
Pokhara, the city of lakes, is a beautiful city located in the Gandaki Zone of Nepal. At an elevation of 1,400 meters, Pokhara is a place loved by travelers and considered the tourism capital of Nepal.
You can visit Pokhara at any time of the year. It is famous for boating, rafting, trekking, paragliding, bungee jumping, and many cultural heritage spots for you to visit. You can complete this tour within 3-5 days, but most travelers love the place so much that they spend a week or two enjoying Pokhara.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll head towards Pokhara in a jeep ( 5-6 hours) or flight ( 25-30 minutes). Pokhara is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As soon as you reach Pokhara, the views of the Annapurna mountain range, lakes, and the city itself will amaze you.
You can enjoy the relaxing boating experience at the Phewa Lake while the majestic Annapurna Himal (8,091 m) accompanies you. As you’re boating, you’ll get a chance to visit the religious Tal Barahi Temple located in the middle of Phewa Lake.
There are many temples and stupas such as Bindabasini temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Matepani Gumba, and many more in Pokhara. Among them, you’ll also visit the World Peace Pagoda situated at the Anadu Hill of Pokhara.
You’ll also visit well-known caves such as Gupteshwor Cave, Bat Cave, and Mahendra Cave. They have their fascinating history and recommend you visit these caves while you’re in Pokhara.
Another place you must visit in Pokhara is Davi’s fall or Patale Chhaango in Nepali, which means underworld waterfall. It is a beautiful waterfall with its captivating history of a swiss couple. You’ll enjoy sightseeing and visit the hill station “Sarang Kot” famous for paragliding. You can also do activities such as cycling towards a small yet beautiful place called Pame.
Pokhara is the starting point of many famous trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. Many local trekkers and trekkers from around the visit Pokhara during their journey. Also, you can also go to some famous places in Pokhara such as Begnas, Rupa and many more.
People who live in Pokhara are known as “Pokhareli.” Gurung and Magar people dominate the area, but you can find many ethnic groups of people too. They welcome you with warm hospitality and create a friendly environment. You can explore their lifestyle, culture, and tradition. It is one of the 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter.
You will find a wide variety of hotels and food facilities in Pokhara. The accommodation is clean with proper facilities. The room price varies from place to place, the same goes with the food. Most of the well-known hotels and basic hotels are on Lakeside to be a little expensive, but you can find affordable rooms.
The food is also great in Pokhara. Here, you can find mouth-watering local food and international cuisines dishes. One can find lots of beautiful and well-known restaurants and lodges here. There are lots of clubs and nightlife in Pokhara is quite amazing. Or you can just enjoy the beautiful evening walk around the lakeside with beautiful lights and calm activities while the Phewa lake accompanies you.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Kathmandu to Pokhara (1,400 m) by vehicle or flight via Manakamana
Day 4: Sightseeing in Pokhara
Day 5: Continue the tour and back to Kathmandu
Chitwan
In sum, Chitwan is a fantastic place located in the southwest part of Bagmati Province of Nepal. Chitwan is at an elevation of 415 m famous for beautiful places, shopping areas, lakes, religious sites, agriculture activities, adventure activities, and many more.
Normally, Chitwan will remind everyone of Chitwan National Park. Established in 1973 A.D, Chitwan National Park is the first and the oldest national park of Nepal. It is also one of the World Heritage Sites of Nepal listed in 1984 A.D and one of the 10 Places To Visit Nepal In Winter.
The Chitwan tour takes about 8-10 days to complete successfully. After your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll take a drive (7- 8 hours) or flight ( 20 minutes) towards Bharatpur.
As you arrive at Chitwan, you’ll notice the landscapes and culture are totally different from Kathmandu. As the tour continues, you can enjoy the jeep safaris, boating safaris, elephant safaris and witness different species of animals and a unique variety of flora and fauna.
You’ll also visit different temples such as Valmiki Ashram and Bikram Baba Temple. You’ll explore some of the religious rivers in Nepal, such as Devghat and Shivaghat. These places, including the Chitwan National Park, are the major attractions for tourists at Chitwan.
You’ll find many ethnic groups living in Chitwan. Back then, Tharu people dominated the area, but you can find Hindus, Buddist, and Christian people. Moreover, they welcome you with warm hospitality and provide you with unforgettable memories and a friendly environment.
The accommodation and food facilities are spots on. The rooms are clean with all the required facilities and the prices for normal rooms are quite affordable. The same goes for food facilities. Here, you can find various cuisines and local foods. If you are up for shopping, then we recommend you buy the world-recognized mustard oil from here. Chitwan is famous for mustard cultivation too.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Kathmandu to Bharatpur (208 m) flight/drive
Day 4: Foot and jeep safari
Day 5: Boat safari
6th Day: A day with Elephants
Day 7: Last day in Chitwan and back to Kathmandu
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Ilam
Ilam is a beautiful hill station located in the eastern region of Nepal. The Ilam district elevation ranges from 140 m to 3,636 m. Ilam is also known as ‘the Queen of the Hills.’
Ilam is a destination filled with rich biodiversity, lush green vegetation, rivers, wildlife wealth, and cultural elements. Apart from the natural beauty, Ilam is famous for agricultural cultivation such as Akabare Khursani (chilly), Tea, potato, Adhuwa (Ginger).
Ilam is also known for having many hills in the region, which includes many well-known tourist destinations. You should visit these places such as Antu Danda, Sadakpur, Mai Pokhari, Siddhi Thumka, Kanyam, and the famous Chiya Bagan (Tea estates).
You can complete the Ilam tour within a week. Ilam is around 520 kilometers (328 miles) east of Kathmandu. Also, you can either take a bus (12-14 hours) or a flight (40 minutes).
In Ilam, people live in harmony with an abundance of social, cultural, and traditional legacy. You can find many different ethnic groups of people such as Brahmin, Chettri, Gurungs, Magar, Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa living in Ilam.
The accommodation and food facilities are also great in Ilam. They provide you with fantastic hospitality, and you can find affordable hotels and lodges with clean rooms and proper facilities as per your needs. You can also find pubs and fancy restaurants where they provide you with a variety of food menus from locals to international cuisines. Likewise, the local restaurants even offer Tongba which is a local alcoholic beverage.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Kathmandu to Ilam Bazar drive/flight
Day 4: Drive from Ilam Bazar to Antu Danda (2,328 m) to Mai Pokhari (2,100 m)
Day 5: Drive to Pashupatinagar (2,000 m) from Mai Pokhari then towards Fikkal (1,548 m)
6th Day: Drive to Kanyam (5,500 m) from Fikkal then head towards Itahari (110 m)
Day 7: Drive to Kathmandu from Itahari
Lumbini
Lumbini is a Buddist pilgrim site located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal. It is a peaceful place and the birthplace of the famous personalities in history, Siddhartha Gautama or the legendary Lord Gautam Buddha.
Lumbini is a popular tourist destination among both domestic and international tourists. Besides, Lumbini is at an elevation of 150 meters. At Lumbini, you can get the opportunity to observe and study architecture, cultural and historical significant scriptures, temples and stupas.
In fact, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site bordered by a large monastic zone where only monasteries get built. There are no hotels, shops or restaurants inside this area. Most Buddist pilgrims from around the world, visit this place in quest of retracing the Buddha’s footsteps through the stations of his life.
Lumbini’s main attraction is the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Buddha’s mother. It is the place where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautama Buddha. You can also visit other famous temples, including the International Gautami Nuns Temple, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara, and Nepal Buddha Temple. You’ll also visit the famous Lumbini museum, Ashoka pillar from 249 B.C, World Peace Flame, and World Peace Stupa.
You can complete the Lumbini tour within a week. It’s located 261.9 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Moreover, you can either take a bus (7-8 hours) or a flight (30 minutes).
Different ethnic groups of people live in Lumbini but mostly Tharu, Magar and Khas people dominate the area. Similarly, Lumbini is the place where you can find peace and tranquility, and the people who live at the place follow them.
The food and accommodation facilities provided to you are excellent. The rooms are clean and accumulated with proper facilities. The same goes for the food; you can find a wide variety of food from local to international cuisines. The price of food and accommodation ranges from moderate to expensive. However, you can definitely find budget-friendly food and accommodation facilities.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive/Flight towards Lumbini (150 m) from Kathmandu
Day 4: Explore Lumbini
Day 5: Back to Kathmandu
Janakpur
Janakpur is a religious and cultural tourism hub located in the Dhanusha District of Nepal. In fact, Janakpur is at an elevation of 74 meters and offers an amazing chance to observe the beautiful suburbs of Terai, rich culture and tradition along with the unique Mithila art and crafts.
Besides, Janakpur is one of the holiest places in Nepal. It’s believed that Lord Sita was born here in Janakpur in the 2nd century. However, Janakpur was founded in the 18 century.
There are lots of religious sites in Janakpur that you’ll visit. There is the Janaki Mandir (temple) at the center of Janakpur considered to be one of the biggest temples in Nepal, built by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh in 1910 A.D.
Also, you will also visit the Ram Janaki Vivah Mandap. It is the temple where Lord Ram and Lord Sita got married. You’ll then visit the oldest temple in Janakpur Sri Ram Temple built by Amar Sing Thapa the Gorkhali General in the 1700s. You’ll also visit the two holy ponds Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, located at the city center.
One can complete the Janakpur tour within 3-5 days. It’s located 225 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Here, you can either take a bus (7-9 hours) or a flight (25 minutes).
As you reach Janakpur, you can find a diverse ethnic group of people such as Teli, Yadaves, Tharu, Kayastha, Rajput, Musahar, Brahmins Chhetris. The whole region is also considered the center of Mithila culture. The Mithila culture, art, and tradition prevail in this region.
Janakpur offers luxury hotels to budget accommodation. There are lots of restaurants that offer a wide variety of food and drinks. You can find delicious foods with the touch of Indian flavors and tastes suitable for Indian tourists. Dharamshalas (accommodation for pilgrims) are also available.
Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive/Flight towards Janakpur (74 m) from Kathmandu
Day 4: Explore Janakpur
Day 5: Back to Kathmandu
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