Nepal- the land of the Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring countries. The country has numerous tourist attractions and more than one hundred hiking trails to explore. Visiting Nepal in December gives you a chance to the travelers to witness the iconic Mount Everest and also enjoy the beauty of snow-covered mountains for an exciting and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Nepal in December looks more beautiful and you can explore new and thrilling tops during this time.
December is a good time to explore the vast valleys and national parks of Nepal, without experiencing high-season crowds.
Why Visit Nepal in December
Low rates: Accommodation and activities can be availed at cheaper rates in Nepal due to less footfall of visitors.
Clear sky view: The Himalayas look breathtaking and pleasant in December. Clear skies and sunny days make sightseeing tours around the country easy.
Explore wildlife: The month of December is neither too hot nor too humid to visit national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. December is an ideal good time to discover wildlife in these nature reserves.
Trekking: Heading for the base camps of Mount Everest or Mount Annapurna might not be a good idea in December. But there are plenty of trails located at less than a height of 4,000m in Nepal like Langtang Valley trek, Poon Hill hike, etc. for hiking in December.
Weather In Nepal In December
Based on the area of the country you plan to visit in December, the temperature varies. However, Nepal in December is much calmer and more serene as compared to other months in the year. Kathmandu- the capital city of Nepal experiences a temperature varying from 20°C to 4°C on average. During the day, you can enjoy bright sun rays but as the sun sets, the temperature starts dropping down fast.
The clear skies and pleasant temperature provide a good amount of warmth to the entire Nepalese lands. You can also experience snowfall in the higher Himalayan regions, so make sure you pack enough woolen. The temperature towards the altitude reduces to as low as 1°. For trekking and hiking purposes, keep special gear and be prepared to tackle bone chilling temperatures.
The trekking in Nepal in December can best be enjoyed in altitudes less than 4,000m, where days are warm enough for a pleasant hike.
How to Reach Nepal
By Air
Numerous flights run from India to Nepal on a daily basis from different cities. The nonstop flights are operated mostly by various airlines including Air India, Jet Airways, Indigo, and Nepal Airlines. The duration of a flight from India to Nepal is almost 1 hour 45 minutes, though many times it takes longer to reach due to layovers
By Train
Travelers can reach Nepal in December by train. There are numerous India-Nepal railway lines, including ones connected with New Jalpaiguri, Jogbani, and Nepalganj Road. There is no direct India to Nepal train; however, Gorakhpur and Raxaul are the closest stations on the Nepal route from where one can take trains.
By Road
India to Nepal distance from the capital city of Delhi is almost 21-22 hours. The most-common India-Nepal border is Sunauli, Uttar Pradesh route, which can be reached via Gorakhpur by train from Delhi. Other borders from where one can enter Nepal are Raxaul, which can be reached from Kolkata or Patna.
Best Places To Visit In Nepal In December
Have a look at the beneath mentioned places that are absolutely worthy to be visited in Nepal in December.
1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and is home to numerous historic buildings that excited for centuries. Apart from the old temples and royal statues, you can also shop in the city’s markets and enjoy some local cuisine.
Main attractions: Durbar Square- UNESCO World Heritage Site; temples, monuments, Boudhanath Stupa; Pashupatinath Temple; Basantapur Dabali; etc.
2. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a small village, situated in the central region of Nepal. From here, one can have a clear view of the Himalayas, almost 8 out of the 13 ranges of the Himalayas can be viewed from here. The best time to enjoy the view of the mountains is from October to December during the winter season.
Top winter activities to do: Nature walking, Hiking, Trekking, Paragliding, Sunset/ sunrise viewing
How to Nagarkot: Nagarkot is just 32 km away from Kathmandu and it takes almost 60-70 minutes to reach Nagarkot via the Araniko Highway. The travelers can take a local bus to reach here. Many adventure lovers opt for trekking or cycling to Nagarkot from Kathmandu.
3. Mustang
Mustang is an isolated kingdom located in the Himalayan region of Nepal. This is a cultural spot where one can enjoy various traditional activities and witness unique lifestyles. Lower Mustang can be visited during the winter visitors, the trekkers can visit the region from August to early winter. One of the most popular cultural festivals- the Tiji Festival is also celebrated in the winter season.
How to reach Mustang: The best way to reach Mustang is to start from Pokhara. One can take buses or cabs from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, reach Jomsom.
Top winter activities to do: Trekking, hiking, camping, fossil hunting, jeep ride, visit orchards, visiting religious sites, etc.
4. Bandipur
This is one of the most charming town regions of Nepal. This is the right place to enjoy Newari culture, traditional houses, and much more. The locals have taken additional efforts to safeguard the culture of the land. You can find many attractive temples and structures of yesteryear. The land is located at a medium elevation. Thus, winter will not be very harsh and at the same time, you can enjoy many interesting views of the mountains around it. The land has become home to many people from different parts of the region. Thus, numerous festivals are celebrated with zeal in Bandipur.
How to reach Bandipur: Bandipur is 148 km away from Kathmandu. It would take 4.5 hours to reach via the Prithvi highway, one can take either bus or cab from Kathmandu to reach Bandipur.
Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, Pagodas, visiting the famous museum of Pokhara, Skydiving, Bungee jumping, base jumping, rock climbing, etc.
5. Pokhara
Located at the foothills, 200 km towards the west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is set amidst the highest and most scenic mountains in the world – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara is the starting point to numerous treks and hiking trails. Also from here, one can have the majestic view of snow-covered mountains and the flourishing natural surroundings making you feel closer to nature.
What to do in Pokhara: Experience Adventure on Nepal Trip
How to reach Pokhara: Pokhara is almost 200 km away from Kathmandu and one can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Also, take a local or private bus, cab or train to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.
6. Annapurna Circuit
Your trip to Nepal in December would not be considered complete without hiking in the Annapurna circuit trek. The Annapurna region in the Northern section of Pokhara is the best to walk on the hilltops and surrounding mountainsides.
7. Chitwan National Park
One of the best places to visit in Nepal in December is the Chitwan National Park which is spread over huge acres of land. The park is home to numerous species of birds, animals, and aquatic creatures. Also, the park experiences a tropical rainfall climate throughout the year. Some of the diverse varieties of rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur deer, among other critters can be explored here. During the month of December, more than 500 species of birds make this park their home and perfect for bird spotting.
How to reach the park: The best way to reach Chitwan is to take a bus from Kathmandu, it takes almost seven-eight hours to reach Chitwan from Kathmandu. Travelers can easily take buses from the Thamel side of Kantipath.
Top winter activities to do: Wildlife spotting, jungle safari, Birdwatching, Boating, shopping, city sightseeing, trekking, bungee jumping, camping, etc.
8. Bodhanath Stupa
Kathmandu is one of the biggest stupas worldwide which was expected to be built in the 6th century or even before that. The stupa is located around the Old Trade Route towards Tibet and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the earthquake in 2015, the stupa sustained a few damages, which was revamped later. The stupa is the symbol of enlightenment and there are various shapes representing 5 legendary elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sphere.
Activities to do in Nepal in December
- Kathmandu – Explore the Places For Sightseeing
- Bhaktapur & Patan – Explore The Vibrant City
- Pokhara – Do n Adventure Activities
- Kathmandu Valley –Mountain Biking
- Chitwan National Park – Opt for a Wildlife Safari
- Annapurna Circuit – Ideal for Trekking
- Bhote Koshi & Seti River – Ideal for Rafting & Kayaking
- Mount Everest – Fly Over the Mountains In A Helicopter
- Pokhara – Do Ziplining
- Phewa Lake – Ideal for Boating
Places for Trekking in Nepal in December
Trekking at an altitude of more than 4000m in winter is difficult. So, choose to trek at a lower altitude in December. If you plan trekking, then places, where you can do trekking in Nepal, include:
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Langtang Valley
- Annapurna Panorama
- Poonhill
- Mohare Danda
- Upper Mustang
- Manaslu
- Helambu
- Tilicho Base Camp
- Namche Bazaar Trek
- Solu Khumbu, etc.
Useful Tips for Trekking in Nepal in December
- The hilly and mountain regions in Nepal have cold mornings and evenings, while the afternoons are warm and sunny.
- For trekking purposes, besides clothing, carry winter hiking boots and gear.
- Pack smartly and don’t pack unnecessary stuff.
What To Wear In Nepal In December
Based on the kind of activities you plan to take part in, you need to wear clothes accordingly. Since Nepal in December would be quite cold so carry full-length jackets, socks, hats, gloves, thermals, etc.
- Carry hiking boots/ankle-length shoes
- A waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Lightweight shoes/ sandals
- Nepal in December looks incredible as there are many grand and awe-inspiring sights. The country provides an unforgettable and unbelievable experience to all travelers.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the country of Nepal anytime you want with a customized Nepal package.
FAQs Nepal Trip In December
Is December an ideal time to visit Nepal?
Yes; December is the ideal time to visit Nepal. The weather is absolutely soothing in the month of December and one can explore different spots in the country without too many hassles of bad weather. Also, you can go on a hiking trail in December.
Does it snow in Nepal in December?
Not all the regions in Nepal receives snowfall in December. However, when you reach to the higher attitude regions in the Himalayan regions, you will surely get snowfall.
What is the weather in Nepal in December?
The weather in December a mix of cold and warmth. The sky is quite clear and you don’t have to experience the scorching heat.
Does Kathmandu receive snow in December?
Snow in Kathmandu is very less and there are meager chances of precipitation. However, in other parts of Nepal, you can find snow during the month of December, especially the places which are located at high altitudes locations.
What are the best places to visit in Nepal in December?
Some of the best places to visit in Nepal in December include Langtang National park, Phewa lake, Pashupatinath, Sagarmatha National Park, Kathesimbu Stupa, Devi’s fall, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Bindyabasini Temple, etc.
What are top activities to do in Nepal in December?
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Visit Kalinchowk temple to watch the sunset from the top of the temple. If you visit during the Janai Purnima festival, you can find numerous rituals in the temple.
- Try a local millet brew named Jhwaikhattey
- Skiing
What is the hardest trek in Nepal?
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most difficult treks in Nepal Himalayas. Dhaulagiri is a difficult trek as one needs to organize everything on this trek, there is no comfort or basic lodges on this trail.
