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Winter Time in Nepal and Places to Visit

Nepal has a wide variety of natural beauty ranging from its mighty mountains on the north side to its greenery and plains on the south. These locations are equally enchanting, whether it’s winter or summer. And in addition to the pristine natural beauty, the country also offers an array of adventure excursions and a stunning religious icon.

Nepal is attracting many tourists for different reasons within its borders. Some are drawn by the mountains and want to climb or trek in the Himalayas, while others are fascinated by the country’s culture and famous city life, yet others are searching for some kind of spiritual experience.

It is very hard to predict the winter weather in Nepal. During the winter months, temperatures can vary and even drop to -°C. However, the beautiful sunshine and scenic views more than compensate for these chilly conditions. Even so, it can be quite chilly during the night in Nepal. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let this stop you from visiting the country. You should have no issues as long as you have access to plenty of thermal baths.

Winter Temperature in Nepal

The average temperature in the capital city hovers around 11 °C, with minimum temperatures averaging -1 °C and highest temperatures sometimes reaching over 23 °C. If you visit higher altitudes during the winter, you can expect significant temperature drops at the same rate. For instance, temperatures in Jumla can fall below freezing between November and February.

During the winter season in Nepal, there is likely to be a significant temperature difference depending on your location. Be sure you research thoroughly before your winter trip to Nepal to determine what temperatures to expect from each location.

Nepal winter travel guide: places to see

Nepal is a unique place that should be visited once in a lifetime. No matter your reason for coming to Nepal, we recommend that if you come in the winter season, the following places will make you realize that you are in for an unforgettable adventure.

During the winter months in Nepal, there are a number of breathtaking places to visit, and narrowing it down to just one or two will be difficult.

Kalinchowk Dolakha

In addition to its impressive views of Nepal’s mountain ranges, Kalinchowk offers the chance to frolic in the snow and dine on traditional Nepalese cuisine in one of the town’s many restaurants. Kalinchowk has located roughly 132 km from Kathmandu.

Kuri Village is the closest point to Kalinchowk. Tourists must cycle for one hour to get to the end of the village. Buses to Charikot from Kathmandu are easily accessible. You need private vehicles, including jeeps, to reach Kuri Village from Charikot. 

During the trip, trails in the forest and traces of snow add to the fun. On top of that, you get to visit the holy Temple of Kalinchowk Bhagawati at the top of Kalinchowk hill. After visiting the Temple, it is believed what you wish for will come true.

In addition to trekking, hiking, camping, and skiing there, Kalinchowk is the ideal place to observe the sunset from the summit of the hill.

Kalinchowk is generally a snowy place. During the winter months, the temperature in the region can drop down to 1℃. You can enjoy the snow during the day but need a warm bed at night. However, the same temperature can rise upto 29℃ in the warmer summer months.

Mustang and Muktinath

As one of the oldest Hindu temples near the doorsteps of Tibet, Muktinath Temple offers worshippers a serene place to practice their faith, even though it is a remote village. The Temple is a beautiful winter destination featuring breathtaking mountain range views. In the past, Mustang belonged to Tibet.

Today, it is a part of Nepal. The Upper Mustang is a bustling place where you can experience many events and unique lifestyles. A special permit is required to enter the Upper Mustang, but you might want to stick to Lower Mustang during winter because of the extreme weather conditions.

If you want to travel from Kathmandu to Mustang, via Pokhara would be the best way. However, you can fly or drive to Pokhara and then fly to Mustang. Flights, buses, and cars are all available from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can reach Jomsom via Pokhara by flight or jeep.

In addition, many trekkers also hike from Pokhara to Jomsom without difficulty. You won’t need more than 20 minutes by air to get to Jomsom. A Mustang adventure during the winter includes hiking, fossil hunting, Jeep rides through the mountains, and visiting orchards.

Tilicho Lake

A holy expedition, Tilicho Lake is located at a height of 4 949 meters. Located at 11,200 in terms of feet above sea level, Tilicho Lake is Nepal’s highest lake. As we ascend to a higher altitude, you cannot miss the breathtaking view of Lake Tilicho. Tilicho Lake can be reached via multiple trekking routes; however, it remains one of the best trekking options in the Annapurna region.

It offers scenic views of much of the east side of the world-renowned Annapurna circuit, which is known for its world-class natural beauty, cultural traditions, spectacular waterfalls, healthy streams of water, and diverse flora and fauna.

When we think of the best place to visit during winter, Tilicho must be included as one of the best places. You can find people of different ethnicities living in harmony there. There are several winter activities to enjoy while in Tilicho, including Trekking, Hiking, and Patronymic views of beautiful lakes.

Chisapani

Most trekking destinations require at least one week’s preparation before you can head out. It’s not the weather or the time of year that keeps you from discovering new places.

A day trip to Chisapani, which is not far from Kathmandu valley, could be the perfect option for you if you are planning a day trip from Kathmandu. Similar to the Annapurna treks, the Chisapani trek can be considered a condensed version.

Chisapani is located at the height of 2165 meters above sea level. From Sundarijal, you can ascend to the small village of Mulkharka in the morning and begin your trek. You can view a spectacular light show on the Himalayan façade at night after you walk through a dappled forest. It is also possible to reach the spot via private transportation. Chisapani is a great place to go in the winter to hike, trek, camp, or enjoy a picnic or BBQ.

Langtang National Park

In the Langtang District, where Langtang National Park is located, you can hike over impressive passes, admire ancient monasteries, and see dramatic mountain scenery with blossoming rhododendron forests during winter and spring. The snow makes the place even more picturesque and eye-catching during winter.

As a result of its proximity to Kathmandu, this region is less developed and less crowded than other trekking areas in Nepal.

Established in 1976 AD, Langtang National Park consists of over 1,500 square kilometers. The entire route to Langtang National Park is lined with villages with guesthouses and lodging that you can stay at during your trek. It is convenient to travel to without having to take a flight from Kathmandu, as it is easily accessible by van or any public vehicle in about seven to eight hours.

Clear days will also allow you to see the peak of Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters). You can visit the Internet for more information regarding several days itinerary if you wish to visit or even find the Itinerary for Langtang National Park here on Pokhara Info.

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful cycling experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.

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Religious Hub in Nepal

Nepal is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a long history. When you visit Nepal, you are likely to see many of the country’s famous temples. As a foreigner, there are a lot of options to learn about Hinduism and temples in Nepal. Furthermore, you could also engage in thrilling trekking adventures or tours while visiting these temples. Nonetheless, you may need a more comprehensive description of the best temples in Nepal to assist you in your trek. The temples are renowned for their heritage and tradition. Pokhara Info provides you with a list of some of Nepal’s most famous and glorious temples.

There are a lot of statuesque temples in Nepal, full of insights and richness. Nepal’s unique temple characteristics include Newari pagodas and Shikhara temples. Buddhism is also reflected in Buddhist Gompas, with exclusive arts and crafts built by craftsmen who are part of the ancient Nepali culture and tradition. To make your navigation of the best temples of the Hindu and Buddhist religions in Nepal easier, we have provided detailed descriptions of the temples. In order to learn about temples within the nation’s capital, the Kathmandu valley, we have another article on Temples within the valley. 

Manakamana Temple

Location: Kurintar, Gorkha, Nepal

In the Hindu religion, there is a belief that the goddess Bhagwati fulfills all wishes of people who worship her at the Manakamana temple, which is 140 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The temple is believed to be the closest sacred place to the goddess Bhagwati. The cable car facility was founded in 1998, making the trip to Manakamana more convenient and convenient. We can find a long line of people waiting to ride the cable car as soon as we enter the entrance. A panoramic view of the river and the forest-covered hills is available on the way to the temple, which is breathtaking.

The best way to see this amazing cultural landmark atop a hill is to take a bus from Ratnapark of Kalanki in Kathmandu for Pokhara, which generally stops at Manakamana, or you can take a bus that goes directly to Kurintar. Once you get there, you will have to rent a cable car, which will cost you about USD $11 for a one-way ride and USD $20 for a two-way ride. Prices might vary depending on your nationality.

Muktinath Temple

Location: Mustang, Nepal

Nepal’s Mustang district is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The Muktinath temple is located above the clouds at an elevation of 3,710 m. This Vishnu temple is one of the oldest and most sacred places in Nepal and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. People who travel to Mustang usually visit the temple to seek blessings from the ancient Hindu God, as there is a semicircular wall with 108 rock faucets that are 7 feet high. Many people take a bath under these faucets.

Located in Mustang, Muktinath temple is popular with hikers. You can hike to this temple or take a bus. To get to Muktinath, you should plan on trekking for around seven to eight days through Pokhara & the Kali Gandaki River Valley. From Pokhara to Jomsom, you can take a bus, a jeep, or a train via Beni, Ghasa, Tato Pani, Tukuche, and Marfa. The trip takes about 10- 11 hours. An even shorter flight from Pokhara can be taken to Muktinath, and you hike up from there.

Janaki Temple

Location: Janakpur, Nepal

The Ram Janaki temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the world, located 123 kilometers south of Kathmandu. It consists of three levels made up of marble and stone. Similarly, the temple has 60 rooms adorned with colorful glass, paintings, and beautiful windows.

The Janaki temple has the ancient history of Ram and Janaki, and therefore it has been able to attract large numbers of Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India. The Janaki temple is interesting culturally and architecturally, with an exceptionally beautiful and intricate design. Its design is a mix of Mughal and Hindu Kingdomship, and it has been entirely constructed in bright white. It covers an area of 1,480 square meters (4,860 square feet) in a style that combines Mughal and Hindu architecture.

In addition to road and air accessibility, the Janaki temple is also accessible by bus. One can fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and then take a bus to the temple, or one can fly directly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and take a bus.

Tal Barahi Temple

Location: Fewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal

The Tal Barahi Temple has played a significant role in attracting many tourists to the picturesque city of Pokhara. It’s a small pagoda temple made in a pagoda style of architecture, holding great value for Hindu devotees. The temple is situated on a small island in the middle of Fewa Lake. The Temple of the Hindu Mother Goddess Shakti, who symbolizes all creation and power, is located amidst the clear waters of the Fewa Lake and is accessible by boat around the lake in addition to tickets to the temple.

In addition to its spectacular location, this temple also boasts stunning views of the Annapurna Range peeking over Pokhara. This makes the temple highly attractive to both tourists and devotees from around the world. During your visit to Pokhara, you can rent a boat to arrive at Tal Barahi temple. The boat rental price depends on whether you wish to visit the temple or simply cruise around Fewa Lake. In addition, you will be charged for renting a life jacket, which is a requirement for every person.

Devghat Dham Temple

Location: Devghat, Chitwan, Nepal

In Nepal, Devghat Dham is generally considered to be one of the most sacred places. Furthermore, this holy site is located at the tri-junction of the Tanahu, Nawalparasi, and Chitwan districts. Similarly, Devghat Dham marks the confluence of two holy rivers, Gandaki flowing from Muktinath and Trisuli flowing from Gosaikunda.

Devghat Dham is one of the most famous locations among followers of the Hindu religion. It is believed that a dip in this place can wash away sins. There are several temples on its premises that are considered sacred by Hindus. It is said that the souls of those who die here rest peacefully in Ashrams for all eternity. In this region, there are many Ashrams where worshippers and the elderly spend their days. In order to get to the temple, Taxis and private cars can be rented in Narayangarh city from the Pokhara bus station.

Haleshi Mahadev Temple

Location: Haleshi, Khotang, Nepal

There are a number of temples in Nepal that are considered to be among the oldest and holiest. Halesi Mahadev Temple is one of them, and it is located in the Khotang district of the eastern region of Nepal. Additionally, this ancient temple is located inside a natural cave, also known as the Pashupatinath Temple of eastern Nepal. This location contains three mysterious caves, also called the three eyes of Lord Shiva. In addition, this temple is over 6000 years old.

There is a bus route from Kathmandu to Haleshi Temple. The temple can be reached via roadways passing from Dhulikhel, Nepalthok, and Khurkot towards Okhaldhunga, Ghurmi, and Jayaramand Halesi, which is about 222 Kms far from Kathmandu. As of 2022, we travel through a constricting road for eight to nine hours through the path mentioned above in order to reach Halesi Mahadev.

Cost includes:

  • Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
  • Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
  • TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
  • All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
  • Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.