Best Places to Visit in Nepal in Winter: Where to Go for Christmas and New Year

When people think about a holiday in Nepal, they often imagine trekking through the Himalayas, walking through mountain villages and waking up to snowy peaks.

But then winter arrives.

December and January bring colder mornings, shorter days and snow at higher elevations, and many travellers assume that Nepal is no longer a good destination for a Christmas or New Year holiday.

That is only part of the story.

Nepal in winter is not just about cold mountains.

From cultural cities and sunrise hikes to warm southern plains, jungle safaris, peaceful Buddhist sites and mountain views, Nepal offers plenty to experience during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

In fact, winter can be an excellent time to explore the parts of Nepal that are often overlooked by people who visit only for trekking.

So if you are looking for somewhere different to spend your Christmas or New Year, here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter.

Is Nepal too cold to visit in winter?

No.

Nepal has a huge range of elevations, so winter feels very different depending on where you go.

Kathmandu is cold in the mornings and evenings, but winter days can be sunny and pleasant. The Nepal Tourism Board gives Kathmandu an average winter maximum of around 19°C and an average minimum of around 3°C.

Pokhara is slightly warmer, with an average winter maximum of around 20°C and minimum of around 8°C.

And once you travel south towards Chitwan, the weather becomes considerably warmer, with average winter temperatures around 25°C.

This variation is one of the biggest advantages of visiting Nepal in winter.

You don’t have to spend your entire holiday in the cold.

You can start with temples and hiking in Kathmandu, enjoy the mountains and lakes of Pokhara, travel south for a jungle safari in Chitwan and finish your trip in the peaceful surroundings of Lumbini.

1. Kathmandu: Culture, Temples and Winter Sun

Kathmandu is an excellent place to begin a winter holiday in Nepal.

The mornings can be chilly, but during the daytime the weather is often comfortable for sightseeing.

Winter is particularly good for exploring Kathmandu’s cultural heritage because you can spend hours walking between temples, courtyards and historic squares without dealing with the heavy monsoon rain or summer heat.

Some of the places worth including are:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Swayambhunath Stupa
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Patan Durbar Square
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Kirtipur
• Nagarkot Changunarayan Day Hike with 180 degree mountain view
• Chapakharka Godavari Day Hike with the best city and mountain view

The Kathmandu Valley contains several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including its historic Durbar Squares and major Buddhist and Hindu monuments.

What to do in Kathmandu during Christmas and New Year

Don’t just use Kathmandu as a transit point.

Spend a day exploring the old city, try traditional Nepali food, visit the local markets and enjoy an evening around Thamel.

For New Year, Thamel and other tourist areas become lively with restaurants, live music and special events.

If you prefer something quieter, a rooftop dinner with views across Kathmandu can be a much more relaxed way to spend the evening.

2. Winter Hiking Around Kathmandu

You don’t have to commit to a multi day trek to experience the landscapes and mountain views Nepal is famous for.

Winter is actually a great time for short hikes around the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal in winter offers great ideal temperature for hikes around the valley. The weather is generally drier than during the monsoon, the skies can be clear, and on good days you can get impressive views of the Himalayan range. You can spend a morning or a full day on the trail and still return to Kathmandu for the evening.

These hikes are also a good option if you are visiting Nepal for Christmas or New Year and want to add some outdoor adventure without spending several days at high altitude.

Here are some of the best options to consider.

Nagarkot

Located on a hilltop east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is one of the easiest places to combine a short hike with Himalayan views.

The area is particularly popular for sunrise. On a clear winter morning, the changing light over the mountains can make the early start worthwhile, with views stretching towards the Himalayan range.

You can stay overnight in Nagarkot and wake up early for sunrise, or make it a day trip from Kathmandu. There are also several walking routes through the surrounding villages and forested hills.

One popular option is combining Nagarkot with a hike towards Dhulikhel or nearby villages, depending on how much time and walking you want to do.

Best for: Sunrise, mountain views, couples, families and travellers who want an easy escape from Kathmandu.

Time needed: Half day to full day, or an overnight stay.

Shivapuri

If you want something that feels more like a proper hike, Shivapuri is a better choice.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park sits on the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley and has forest trails leading through oak, rhododendron and other vegetation. It is the closest national park to Kathmandu and if you have less time in Nepal in winter but want to get the feel of National Park you should visit here.

The trails can be physically demanding in sections, particularly when climbing towards higher viewpoints, but you don’t need to complete a long trek to enjoy the area.

One of the advantages of hiking in Shivapuri is that you quickly leave the busy urban environment behind. The forest, quieter trails and changing elevation make it feel much farther from Kathmandu than it actually is.

Winter can be particularly rewarding because clear days can provide views across the valley and towards the surrounding mountains.

Best for: Travellers looking for a more active day hike, forest walks and a break from the city.

Time needed: Half day to full day depending on the route.

Champadevi

For travellers staying in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley, Champadevi is another excellent day hiking option.

The trail climbs through forested hills south of the valley and eventually opens up to views across Kathmandu and the surrounding hills.

The hike involves a steady uphill section, so it is a good option if you want to get some exercise rather than simply visit a viewpoint by car.

On a clear winter day, the views from higher sections of the trail can be particularly enjoyable. You can also combine the hike with a visit to Kirtipur or other nearby cultural sites if you want to make the day more varied.

Best for: Day hikers, travellers who want a moderate workout and people staying in Kathmandu who don’t want to travel far.

Time needed: Around half a day to a full day depending on your starting point and route.

Chandragiri

Chandragiri offers a slightly different experience because you don’t have to hike all the way up.

The Chandragiri Cable Car takes you from the lower station to the hilltop, where you can enjoy mountain views and explore the surrounding area on foot. One of the most popular destinations in Nepal in winter is Chandragiri due to its landscape, infrastructure and facilities.

For travellers who aren’t experienced hikers, this is an easy way to get above the Kathmandu Valley without committing to a demanding climb.

If you prefer walking, there are also hiking routes to Chandragiri, giving you the option of turning the visit into a proper day hike.

The hilltop is also known for its views towards the Himalayan range, and clear winter days can offer excellent visibility.

Best for: Families, first time visitors, travellers with limited time and anyone who wants mountain views without a long uphill hike.

Time needed: Half day to full day.

Why Winter Is Good for Kathmandu Valley Hikes

One of the biggest advantages of hiking around Kathmandu in winter is that you can combine comfortable daytime walking with clear mountain views.

You should still expect cold mornings and evenings, particularly at higher elevations, so a warm layer is important. But once the sun is out, walking during the middle of the day can be pleasant.

Winter also gives you a chance to experience the hills around Kathmandu without needing to dedicate a large part of your holiday to trekking.

If you’re visiting Nepal for Christmas or New Year and have only a week or so, you could spend a few days exploring Kathmandu, take one day for a hike, and then continue towards Pokhara or Chitwan.

That way, you get a taste of Nepal’s mountains and landscapes without turning your entire holiday into a trekking trip.

3. Pokhara: Mountains, Lakes and a Relaxed Winter Holiday

If Kathmandu is Nepal’s cultural heart, Pokhara is where you go to slow down.

Pokhara sits beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range forming the backdrop.

And you don’t necessarily need to go trekking to enjoy the mountains.

You can spend a few days enjoying:

• Phewa Lake
• World Peace Pagoda
• Sarangkot sunrise
• Davis Falls
• Gupteshwor Cave
• International Mountain Museum
• Lakeside
• Short hikes around the valley
• Boating
• Paragliding

Pokhara is also warmer than Kathmandu during winter, and the Nepal Tourism Board describes its winters as mild and pleasant.

Watch the sunrise from Sarangkot

One of the simplest experiences in Nepal is also one of the most memorable.

Wake up early, drive or hike to Sarangkot and watch the first light hit the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre.

On a clear winter morning, the views can be spectacular.

4. Chitwan National Park: The Winter Highlight

If there is one place I would particularly recommend adding to a Nepal in winter itinerary, it is Chitwan National Park.

And there is a simple reason.

While the high mountains are getting colder, Chitwan is enjoying a much more comfortable winter climate.

Nepal Tourism Board lists October to March as the best season for Chitwan, with an average temperature of around 25°C.

That makes it an excellent place to escape the cold for a few days.

But the weather isn’t the only reason to visit.

Chitwan gives you a completely different side of Nepal.

Instead of Himalayan peaks, you get subtropical forests, grasslands, rivers and wildlife.

Things to do in Chitwan

A typical visit can include:

• Jeep safari
• Canoe ride
• Jungle walk
• Birdwatching
• Tharu cultural experiences
• Sunset by the Rapti River
• Village visits
• Wildlife spotting

Chitwan is home to animals including the greater one horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Winter also brings migratory birds into the park.

And this is why Chitwan works so well for a Christmas or New Year holiday in Nepal.

You can spend the morning looking for rhinos in the jungle and the evening enjoying a warm sunset by the river.

5. Lumbini: A Peaceful Winter Escape

Lumbini is another destination that makes sense during winter.

Known as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini is one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage and cultural destinations.

Winter temperatures in Nepal’s southern plains are cooler than summer, making sightseeing considerably more comfortable.

Visit the Maya Devi Temple, explore the monasteries and spend some quiet time walking around the Sacred Garden.

Lumbini is particularly suitable if you want your Nepal holiday to have a slower and more peaceful side.

6. Bandipur: A Beautiful Mountain Town

If you want somewhere quieter than Kathmandu and Pokhara, consider adding Bandipur.

This historic hilltop town combines traditional Newari architecture, mountain views and a slower pace of life.

Walk through the old bazaar, explore the surrounding hills and enjoy views of the Himalayas on clear mornings.

Bandipur can also work well as a stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

It is the kind of place where you don’t need a long list of attractions. Its an ancient old town with a very suitable temperature and one of the best places to see in Nepal in winter.

Sometimes the attraction is simply walking through the old streets, sitting at a café and watching the mountains.

7. Tansen and Palpa

Another option that is often overlooked by international visitors is Tansen in Palpa.

Tansen sits on a hill above the Kali Gandaki region and has a mixture of traditional architecture, local culture and mountain scenery.

It can also be combined with Lumbini and Chitwan depending on your itinerary.

For travellers looking to experience a quieter side of Nepal away from the busiest tourist routes, this can be an interesting addition. Those were best 7 places to visit in Nepal in Winter.

Can You Trek in Nepal During Winter?

Yes, but this is where you need to manage your expectations.

Winter does not mean trekking in Nepal stops.

However, high altitude trekking becomes more challenging because of cold temperatures, snow and winter conditions.

The Nepal Tourism Board recommends September to November and February to May as the main periods for trekking when weather conditions are generally more favourable.

If your main goal is a high altitude trek, winter requires more preparation and flexibility.

But if you are interested in short hikes and lower elevation trails, winter can be a very enjoyable time to walk in Nepal.

For a Christmas or New Year holiday, you could combine a few days of sightseeing and hiking with Pokhara and Chitwan rather than making the entire trip a high altitude trekking adventure.

Best Things to Do in Nepal for Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year in Nepal will be different from celebrating in Europe or North America.

But that is part of the experience.

Here are some ideas.

Have Christmas dinner in Kathmandu

Thamel and Kathmandu’s tourist areas have restaurants offering international food, Nepali cuisine and Christmas themed meals. Thamel has one of the best street festivals in winter and this festival is one to look out for if you are here in Nepal in winter.

Spend New Year’s Eve in Pokhara

Lakeside Pokhara is one of the popular places for travellers to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Enjoy dinner, live music and the atmosphere around the lake.

Watch a Himalayan sunrise

Wake up early and watch sunrise over the mountains from Sarangkot, Nagarkot or another Himalayan viewpoint.

Go on a short winter hike

Instead of spending the entire holiday indoors, take a day hike through the hills surrounding Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Go on a jungle safari

Spend Christmas morning looking for rhinos in Chitwan instead of dealing with snow and freezing temperatures. This is the most popular tour to try while you are in Nepal in Winter.

Experience a Tharu village

Combine a Chitwan safari with a cultural experience and learn about the traditions of the local Tharu community.

Spend a quiet few days in Lumbini

If your idea of a holiday is more peaceful, Lumbini offers a completely different atmosphere from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

 A Sample 10 Day Nepal Winter Holiday: Places to visit in Nepal in winter

If you have around 10 days, you could build a trip like this:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 4: Pokhara and Phewa Lake
Day 5: Sarangkot sunrise and Pokhara sightseeing
Day 6: Pokhara to Chitwan
Day 7: Chitwan jungle activities
Day 8: Chitwan to Lumbini
Day 9: Explore Lumbini
Day 10: Return to Kathmandu and depart

For a shorter trip, Kathmandu + Pokhara + Chitwan makes a particularly good combination.

We have a specialized Kathmandu Pokhara and Chitwan tour combined : 8 days Kathmandu- Pokhara- Chitwan Tour

For a longer holiday, you can add Bandipur, Tansen, Lumbini or a short trek depending on the season and your interests.

What Should You Pack for Nepal in Winter?

You don’t need an expedition wardrobe for a normal winter holiday in Nepal.

But temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you travel.

Bring:

• Warm jacket
• Fleece or sweater
• Thermal layer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm socks
• Hat and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Power bank
• Small first aid kit

If you are planning a high altitude trek, your packing list needs to be much more comprehensive.

So, Is Nepal Worth Visiting for Christmas or New Year?

Absolutely — but don’t think of Nepal only as a trekking destination.

Winter gives you the opportunity to experience several completely different sides of the country in one trip.

You can explore ancient temples in Kathmandu, hike through the hills, watch the Annapurna range from Pokhara, go looking for rhinos in Chitwan, experience Buddhist culture in Lumbini and celebrate New Year with travellers from around the world.

And perhaps the biggest advantage is the variety.

You can be looking at snow covered mountains one day and watching wildlife in a warm subtropical jungle a few days later.

That is Nepal in winter.

If you’re planning a Christmas or New Year trip to Nepal and aren’t sure which places fit your time and interests, a local guide or travel company can help build the route around your preferred pace rather than simply putting you on a standard package.

Nepal doesn’t shut down when winter arrives.

It simply changes.

Plan Your Nepal Winter Holiday

At First Camp Trek, we help travellers plan private and personalised trips around Nepal, including sightseeing, hiking, cultural experiences, wildlife tours and trekking. Whether you are planning for Nepal in December or Nepal in January, we got you covered.

If you are visiting Nepal this Christmas or New Year and want to combine several experiences rather than follow a standard itinerary, get in touch and we can help you build a trip around your available days and interests.

We have also posted complete guide for first timers in Nepal. Feel free to check that out here: Guide for beginners.