If you are making your vacation plans to go Trekking in Nepal in December. Then many people will warn you that it is not a great choice to trek during this month. Well, it just means they have not trekked during December missing out on the thrilling adventure and scenic view.
The month of December is the start of the winter season. When the weather slowly becomes cold each passing day. And the temperature tends to drop gradually reaching below freezing point in higher altitude.
But there are low chances of snowfall during this month at an altitude below 3500 m. However, above this altitude, slight snowfall can be faced in the paths.
Trekking in Nepal in December is quite an amazing experience with clear skies and settled weather. The mesmerizing views of the mountain covered in snow are sharp with low humidity.
The weather is quite cold compared to the before months but the routes are less crowded giving you all the privacy you want. Also due to a few numbers of travelers you get heavy discounts on accommodation in tea houses and lodges.
You can go trekking in the high region during early December as the weather and route are still pleasant. The temperature will not have risen too much as the days will be sunny and warm.
But during late December you might not be able to trek at high altitude. As the walks are challenging and due to heavy snowfall your routes might be blocked. Thus a short and easy trek in the lower region is a great choice during this time.
While going trekking in Nepal in December the difficult challenge will be facing the cold. So, you have to carry warm clothes and think more about the layer rather than heavy jackets.
If you can handle cold then trekking in Nepal in December will take you on a journey through frozen lakes, snow-covered mountain peaks, less traffic, and many more.
Why Go Trekking in Nepal in December?
Each month gives you a different trekking experience while visiting the routes of Nepal. Trekking in Nepal in December has its own benefits and some of them are as follow:
Low Chances of rainfall
As you know December is the first month of winter and it is the beginning of cold weather. There are fewer to no chances of rainfall during this time but you can get caught up in the snow during late December.
Scenic Views
The only problem will be the cold weather but other than that you will be astounded by the unobstructed view of mountains and landscape under the crystal clear sky. During this month the weather will be warm during the day making the walk less challenging.
Privacy in routes
This is the least preferred month of the year when many trekkers don’t trek in the routes of Nepal. So, if you are someone that loves to walk in peace without any disturbance. Then trekking in Nepal in December is the right choice you made.
The routes will be less crowded giving you the perfect opportunity to take snaps without having to wait for your turn. Also due to less traffic, you get to enjoy your surroundings enhancing your trekking journey.
Accommodation
As we mentioned above the routes will be less crowded which gives you various options while choosing accommodation. You won’t be needing to share your room with a fellow companion and wait in a long queue to use the bathroom. Finding proper accommodation will be much easier compared to trekking in peak season.
Top Trekking Destination
As December is the season of winter many trekking routes can be blocked with snow or bad weather conditions. However, if you travel at the start of December winter you can complete trekking in high regions. Trekking Destinations have been divided in early and late December.
Trekking Destination During Early December
As this is the earlier week of December and Winter is just beginning the weather is not much cold. And there are few to no signs of snow so trekking in exotic and higher regions can be done during Early December.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Highest Altitude (Annapurna Base Camp): 4130 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 12 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Annapurna Base camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes of Nepal. This trek leads you through many uneven, uphill, and downhill paths viewing mesmerizing mountains, valleys, and landscape.
On this trek, you will be heading to the base of the world’s tenth highest Mountain Annapurna. It has one peak of over 8000 m, thirteen peaks over 7000 m and sixteen peaks over 6000 m.
Annapurna region is a part of Annapurna Sanctuary and is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. To enter this region you will be needing permits such as ACAP and TIMS card.
Annapurna Base Camp is the highest point of this trek that lies on altitude above 4000 m above sea level. The weather is dry during early December having 25 mm less rainfall.
You will be walking through the beautiful forests of Rhododendron, Oaks, Pines, and many more. Also, the alpine peaks that can be seen under the clear blue sky throughout the trek is an unforgettable memory.
Another plus point will be the silent routes with fewer trekkers during this time. Usually, pack and noisy trails filled with trekkers will have less traffic giving you more privacy.
The weather is stable during the earlier week of December. But you should still be well prepared because the climate in high altitude can never be predicted.
Why Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December?
- Less Traffic
- Unobstructed views of mountain peaks
- Visit holt spring
- Finding accommodation is easy
Everest Base Camp Trek
Highest Altitude( Kala Patthar): 5600 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 14 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Everest Base Camp Trek has been on the bucket list of many trekkers. This trek is an alternative choice for people who dream of climbing Mount Everest but couldn’t.
Those who didn’t make the climb due to personal reasons do the Everest Base Camp trek. It takes you to the lap of Mount Everest known as the world’s highest mountain.
This trek passes you through many popular and ancient villages of the Khumbu region. Such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and many more.
Usually, people wonder whether Everest Base Camp Trek is possible or not during December. Well, your answer is yes, you can complete this trek during early December.
The weather will be cold during the early morning and night time this month. The temperature even drops up to zero degrees in high altitudes. But if you have carried the required equipment then the trek will be smooth.
Also, due to the cold many don’t prefer trekking in this month making the routes silent. So if you are a peace walker this will be another reason to visit the Everest region.
You don’t want to miss the thrilling and adventurous journey this trek leads you through as you reach Kala Patthar 5643m the highest point of this trek. You won’t be disappointed if you choose this month.
Why to do Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
- Outstanding view of Mount Everest
- Scenic view
- Traditional and cultural villages
- Rich Tibetan influenced culture
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Highest Altitude(Thorung La Pass): 5416 m above sea level
Trek Duration: more than two weeks
Trek Grade: Moderate
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the best long days trek that encircles you around the magnificent Mount Annapurna. This trek lasts more than 2 weeks which takes you through beautiful paths exploring the rich Gurung Culture.
This trek is also a part of Annapurna sanctuary so the temperature will be cold and dry during this month. It might be cold but the skies will be clear giving out the most scenic views of the environment surrounding you.
Throughout the way, you will be accompanied by the striking view of various snow-covered mountains. Such as Annapurna massif, Himchuli, and many more.
Thorong La Pass is the highest point of this trek situated at an altitude above 5000 m. So, altitude sickness can also be a problem on this trek. To know more about altitude sickness you can read below from Tips for Trekking in Nepal in December.
The routes will be less crowded making finding proper accommodation easy. Also, interacting with the local people and knowing more about their culture and tradition will be quite interesting.
As you climb up in the elevation it can get colder so carrying warm clothes is a must. Also, you will get extra blankets in lodges you will be staying in as there will be fewer trekkers during this month.
Overall, trekking in Nepal in December on the routes of Annapurna Circuit will be a great experience as it showcases the beauty of this region during the winter.
Why Annapurna Circuit Trek in December?
- Encircle Mount Annapurna
- View snow-covered peaks
- Cultural and traditional exhibition
- Experience trekking Annapurna region in winter
Mardi Himal Trek
Highest Altitude(Mardi Himal Base Camp): 4500 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 5 days
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Mardi Himal trek is one of the best short treks available in the Annapurna Region. But the weather can be harsh in late December. So it is better to do this trek during the earlier week of December.
This trek is also a side trek that can be combined with other treks of this region. The highest point of this trek lies above the altitude of 4000 m. So, the routes are usually blocked due to heavy snowfall by the end of December.
During late December, the trails will be filled with piles of snow which can make your trek quite challenging. Also, as the temperature increases, the paths can turn into ice making it slippery.
Thus, early December is the best time to do the Mardi Himal trek if you are planning to visit it during the winter season. The trails are silent giving the picturesque view of beautiful landscapes and mountains on your journey.
Why Mardi Himal Trek in December?
- Astounding view of mountain peaks
- Less crowded routes
- Traditional villages
- Reach the base of Mardi Himal
Trekking Destination During Late December
By the end of December, snowfall will have occurred in the high region blocking the routes. Due to which you can trek in the lower region during late December. Some of them are explained below:
Langtang Valley Trek
Highest Altitude(Tserko Ri): 5150 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect choice if you are visiting Nepal during late December. This trek is very close to Kathmandu and leads you through exotic and unspoiled paths of the Langtang region.
Langtang region is famous for hosting various popular trekking destinations that lie inside the Langtang National Park. This Park contains various endangered species of flora and fauna.
Inhabitants are also found living inside this park where the majority of them belong to the Tamang community.
By late December, the temperature will have already dropped to freezing point. However, the weather will be warm during the day but as night falls it gets cold as time passes.
Other than cold there might be slight snowfalls in some areas but it won’t affect your trek. Instead, if you love cold weather with light snowfall then this will be quite an amazing experience.
On this trek, you will be walking viewing the beautiful valley and mountain peaks covered in snow. Also, the forests and houses covered in white will look remarkable throughout the trip.
Why Langtang Valley Trek in December?
- Valleys covered in snow
- Snowy mountain peaks
- Cultural villages
- Ancient monasteries
Poon Hill Trek
Highest Altitude(Poon Hill): 3210 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 5 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Poon Hill trek is very close to the city of Pokhara which is famous for its beautiful view of sunrise and sunset. Many trekkers visiting the Annapurna Region visit this place.
This hill lies below the altitude of 3500 m so snowfalls are rare occurrences. It is also known as Photographers Paradise that gives the best scenic view of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
However, the temperature still ranges between 5 degrees to -7 degrees which is pretty cold. So don’t forget to pack warm clothes that keeps you warm.
From the hill, you can also see the beautiful Pokhara valley and various mountains such as Manaslu, Gangapurna, and many more. The shots you take from here will be unobstructed giving you the best photographic experience.
Why Poon Hill Trek in December?
- Sunrise and sunset views
- Sight Pokhara Valley
- Best snaps of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- The mesmerizing view of mountain peaks
Nagarkot Hike
Highest Altitude(Nagarkot): 2175 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 1 day
Trek Grade: Easy
Accommodation Type: Resorts
Nagarkot is one of the popular hiking destinations among Nepalese as well. It is quite popular for the sunrise and sunset view from the Nagarkot Tower. This place is 32 km away on the east side of Kathmandu.
You can visit Nagarkot at any time of the year and is suitable for any age group. It is about a 6 to 7 hours hike that gives the striking view of mountains and valleys surrounding the area.
The weather is a bit windy and chilly during the day and can drop up to zero degrees during the night. Hiking in the trails of Nagarkot is a great experience.
Why Nagarkot Hike in December?
- Sunrise view
- Sunset view
- Short day hike
- Walk-through forests filled with Pine trees
Chisapani Trek
Highest Altitude(): 2140 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 3 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Accommodation Type: Teahouses
Chisapani trek is an awesome trek if you are planning to trek around the Kathmandu Valley. Your trek begins from Sundarijal as you make about one and a half-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Reaching there you trek to Chisapani which is home for many ethnic communities such as Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Sherpa, etc. The view of mountains looks astounding from here.
This place is a major stopping point for many popular Langtang region treks such as Gosaikunda trek, etc.
Why Chisapani Trek in December?
- Near Kathmandu valley
- Center point for Langtang region treks
- Striking view from Chisapani
Weather and Temperature of December in Nepal
The geography of Nepal is divided into three regions:- Himalayan region, the Hilly region, and the Terai Region. The weather and temperature of each region vary from place to place during winter. It can be very cold in one region and just chilly in another.
Among all these the high Himalayas are usually the coldest among the other two. Most of the trekking routes are located in the Himalayas due to which you need to carry warm clothes in the higher region.
During winter, even the lower regions are cold but less compared to high altitudes. Snowfalls usually occur at altitudes above 3000 m from late December. The earlier weeks of December are chilly but no snowfall.
The temperature ranges from 12 degrees to 2 degrees during the day. And drops up to zero degrees during the night in early December.
However, by the end of December cold will have gradually risen up so the temperature drops below freezing point in high altitude. But the temperature in the lower region ranges from 3 degrees to -5 degrees during late December.
As for the hilly and Terai region, the weather will be chilly but the temperature will not have dropped below freezing point during the month of December. The climatic conditions will be moderate in these regions.
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Tips for Trekking in Nepal in December
Even though the Trekking routes in Nepal in December are not much harsh compared to other months of the winter season. You can use some tips that might be helpful for your trek. Some of them are given below:
Hire a guide or porter
You might like to travel solo but you should think about your safety too. The weather conditions in higher regions are unpredictable so it is a better choice to hire a guide or porter.
As they have been walking in these trails for a long time they are well experienced and professional in their jobs. If you ever get lost or there is a blockage in those trails they will be very helpful in finding other routes as well.
Don’t Trek Alone
If you don’t want to hire guides or porters as you have to pay extra and they can be a bit expensive. Then you can bring along your friends or family while trekking in the routes of Nepal.
As the routes are less crowded during this month, you won’t see many people trekking in these areas. So if you get sick or stuck due to bad weather conditions it can be challenging and harsh.
So, It is better to have someone rather than traveling alone.
Carry warm clothes
As you know winter is the coldest season of all, so it is recommended to carry warm clothes for the trek. The higher you climb the colder the weather gets so pack extra warm clothes just in case. Also, it is necessary to carry light and essential things only. Extra stuff that is not useful might fill up your space in the bag.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is always a concern for trekkers when trekking in altitude above 3000 m. If you suffer from symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, etc inform someone immediately.
If it gets worse you have to return back as it can be life-threatening. So drink plenty of water throughout the trek and give your body proper rest during acclimatization. Also, walk slowly stopping in a few points while heading towards your destination.
Water Bottle and Purification Tablet
Staying hydrated is very necessary while going on a trek. As you will be continuously walking in rough paths to reach your destination. Thus there are high chances of dehydration.
So carrying a bottle is very important as you can refill them in the lodges before your trek begins. And you should know in some parts of the trekking routes you might not find shops or lodges for a very long time. Thus, always carry a bottle on your trip.
You should also carry a water purification tablet because it can come in handy when you find no proper water source.
Note: The price of water gets expensive as you climb higher up in the altitude so you can carry an extra bottle as a backup.
