When to go
Use the seasonal notes below as broad planning guidance. They are not a forecast or a measured climate dataset. Check the local meteorological service, transport operator and site opening calendar for your dates.
Use the seasonal notes below as broad planning guidance. They are not a forecast or a measured climate dataset. Check the local meteorological service, transport operator and site opening calendar for your dates.
Best months for what you actually want to do
- Trekking: Everest, Annapurna, Langtang — October-November is the classic window: post-monsoon air, stable days of 18–25°C at trailhead altitudes, and the year's clearest mountain views. March-April trades some haze for rhododendron blooms and warmer passes.
- Kathmandu valley and Pokhara sightseeing — The same two windows; winter (December-February) is cold but quiet and dry — good for valley days, less so for high passes. Summer monsoon is for rain-shadow treks (Upper Mustang) only.
- Budget travel — The monsoon months halve guide and lodge demand; Kathmandu hotels discount. This is the season for planning, permits and the Terai plains (Chitwan) rather than the high trails.
Shoulder season strategy
Early October (before the peak) and late November (after it) share the clear-air magic with thinner teahouses. December treks are viable to about 3,500 m with real cold-weather gear.
Book Everest-region flights (Kathmandu-Lukla) and popular Annapurna teahouses weeks ahead for October — the season compresses the year's traffic into eight weeks. Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) follow the lunar calendar and add festival colour plus domestic travel surges.
Put the window together with the ready-made itinerary, the daily budget breakdown and the full the Nepal Himalaya guide. For general trip-timing advice, see our itinerary planning guide.
FAQ
When is the trekking high season?
October to mid-November, then March to April. The autumn window has the clearest air after the monsoon; spring adds blooms and slightly warmer passes but more afternoon haze. Peak-week flights and lodges need booking.
Is the monsoon a total write-off?
For classic routes, mostly yes — June to September brings leeches, landslides and cloud-covered peaks. The exception is the rain-shadow north (Upper Mustang and Dolpo), which treks best during the monsoon.
How cold are the passes?
At 4,000–5,400 m, nights drop below freezing even in peak season, and Thorong La or Cho La crossings start below -10°C at dawn. Season-rated sleeping bags and down layers are listed requirements, not luxuries.
Altitude planning
Plan gradual ascent and do not continue upwards with symptoms. For prevention and treatment decisions, use CDC altitude guidance with advice specific to your route and health.