Nepal is a land of mystic mountains, spirituality and amazing diversity in culture. Are you visiting Nepal to trek Himalayan mountains, visit historical temples, or just enjoy the natural beauty? No matter what your topic is, the time of your visit is the highly significant factor that can completely alter your experience. The climate, time of festivals, condition of the path and the influx of a tourist constantly changes throughout the year.
This article will deconstruct the best and most undesirable times to trek Nepal, months that can be trekked as per the lovers of this outdoor activity, and the situation to expect once you intend to trek in the off-season. With a bit of luck your trip will be memorable in all the right ways.
Best Time To Visit Nepal: Time Of The Year With The Best Travel Experience
The preferred travelling time in Nepal is the Autumn which falls between the end of September to early December, when the weather conditions are cool and clear.
The other great time is spring in March to early May. This is the warm time of the year, with the flowers in blossom in the mountains, and marvellous trekking weather. The trails are covered with rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal in red, pink and white.
During these two seasons, you can have pleasant temperatures, good sceneries, and a jovial, cordial atmosphere within the country:
1. Autumn ( Late September to Early December )
a) Clause and Dry Weather
Monsoons are followed immediately by autumn which is characterized by the clean air and dry days. There are no clouds in the skies, visibility is topmost and rainfall is minimal thus making this the best time to travel outdoors
b) Trekking Conditions
Examples of such trails are the everest base camp along with the annapurna circuit and the langtang trails are all at their best. The trails are arid, the landscape is awesome and Middle altitude sickness is easier to handle due to the conducive climate.
c) Delightful Weather
It is not very hot climate nor cold. During the day, temperatures in the hills are at the 15 Made to 20 C (59 Made to 68 C) and higher locations remain cold yet comfortable.
d) Spiritual and Cultural Mood
Two of the largest Hindu festivals are Dashain and Tihar that are celebrated in the autumn. There is an opportunity to observe local customs, participate in festivals, and observe temples in their full color.
2. Spring (March to the beginning of May)
a) Rhododendron Florin
Nepal becomes a painting that comes alive in spring in its hills. Rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal) are also found here in Nepal as they bloom in pink, red and white mainly along the trails at Annapurna and Langtang regions.
b) Hot weather
Temperatures already start to soar, and it is a perfect moment to take a trek at higher elevations such as Ghorepani-Poon Hill or Manaslu. Days are not as cool as in winter, and still cool at nights.
c) Wildlife Safaris
It is also a wonderful season to the lovers of wildlife. Dryer parks such as Chitwan Park or Bardiya Park have a good probability of seeing rhinos, tigers and elephants as they also tend to hide around water bodies.
d) Early Hour Snaps
Evening haze is fairly typical; however, in the mornings it stays light and ideal to take photographs. It is a cool and colorful period of the year, and it suits nature as well as culture oriented travelers.
Worst Time To Visit Nepal
Most of the year Nepal is a beautiful country but the monsoon brings serious problems to the country (particularly the trekkers and the mountain lovers).
1.Monsoon Season (Mid June – Late Aug)
a) Scattered And Heavy Rainfall In Nepal
It is the most rainy period of the year and rainfall may take hours every day. Roads end up flooded, paths end up rivers and umbrellas are your best friends.
b) Bad Mountain Visibility
In case you want to view the Himalayas, then this season will disappoint you. The skyline is dominated by the clouds and fog and the view of the mountains is uncommon.
c) Harmful Hiking Conditions
Monsoon also sets in leeches, mud slides, slippery rocks and bridge wash outs. Even experienced trekkers do not prefer long trails during this time on account of safety reasons.
d) High Rate of Flight Disturbances
A flight to such destination as Lukla or Pokhara is very often canceled or delayed way because of unsight, it influences your plans and your budget.
e) Low Air Conditional Quality And High Temperature
At southern plains and in Kathmandu Valley, the level of humidity is at times too much to bear. During this period we are always perspiring and are sticky.
Best Season For Trek Lovers
Nepal is ranked among the best destinations of trekking in the world. About whether you want to stand under Everest or visit serene hill villages, the season in which you opt to travel will be of essence in every aspect of your expedition.
1. Autumn (September–November)
a) Gorgeous Mountain sceneries
The air during this post-monsoon season is clean and dry and the air provides the best views of the Himalayan ranges that include Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri among others.
b) Safe Dry Trails
Trekking routes are solid and well-covered in autumn. The risks of landslides are low, and leeches are predominantly absent.
c) Using Social Trekking Culture
Same trails will have fellow travelers across the world which give feeling of community and inspiration to your tour. The season of autumn will bless you with plenty fellow travelers to socialize and have a great time.
d) Nepal’s Biggest Festival Period
The largest festivals, that is Dashain and Tihar, occur during this time. This is a special chance to do both trekking and cultural exploration.
2. Spring (March–May)
a) Colorful Fauna At The Trails
You will walk along flowering forests and green valleys especially in the mid-hill areas such as Ghorepani or Ghandruk.
b) More Exploration Days
You will walk more freely, more slowly and with a lot more breaks and you will be able to watch the sunsets without fearing of missing your next destination.
c) Weather Is Generally Stable
The weather of spring is stable, though some storms might occasionally appear, but it is perfect to participate in high-altitude trips and picturesque hikes.
d) Rich In Wildlife And Wild Bird Calls
The routes located in low-levels of altitude are busy and the birdwatchers are particularly fascinated during this season by the variety of life in the field.
Off-Season Travel- Is It Worthwhile?
Not all people desire the drive without any clouds and people. When you want peace, bargain prices or green valleys, off-season may tickle you (when you know what to expect).
1. Benefits of Off-Season Travels
a) Low Cost
Nepal is absolutely cost-effective as hotel rooms, flights, and guides tend to have off-season prices. The already existing cheap travel in Nepal paired with low cost of living, prices are destined to drop and low cost throughout your travel will benefit you!
b) Balanced Number Of Tourists
Experience museums, trails and temples free of crowds. Even busy locations such as Pokhara are calm and non-rushed. Sometimes having a tolerable number of crowd is better than a swarm of congested experience.
c) Lush Green Landscapes
Nepal in bloom season is beautiful and the rain animates its valleys very well. Fields are illuminated, waterfalls run and the countryside takes the aspect of a postcard.
d) Greater Local Connections
Locals can afford to chatter to you more via asking you to follow them around their towns to introduce to places which are not obvious.
2. Cons Of Travelling During The Off-Season
a) Permanent Rain
Monsoon and rain may come at any time and take hours: ruining an agenda, equipment, and the travel route. The overall experience of traveling is destroyed and swept away with rain.
b) No Views Of Mountains
You may also be disappointed during this season in case you are wishing to view Everest or Machhapuchhre. Not just these mountains but dusky sky blocks views of some of the prettiest peaks in the world.
c) Bugs And Leeches
Leeches may be abounding in lower trails and jungles particularly the areas around forests and rivers. These insects, bugs and leeches may become a problem during your travel as they are present in large amount during these rainy off season.
d) Transportation Problems
Traffic is usually blocked and flights are grounded particularly because of landslides in hilly places.
Conclusion
Nepal is one of the countries that can give you the journey of a lifetime but it all depends on the time of visit. Autumn (Sept Nov) and spring (March May) are unsurpassable in treks and beautiful sceneries. To experience the culture immerse yourself, go in months of festivities such as October, March and April
Although the monsoon season can be tough, it is still quite enjoyable provided you are ready to accept the unpredictability about it. Hiking up the Himalayas or relaxing with a cup of tea in a quiet village, the seasonal rhythm of Nepal will enable you to have the best out of your trip.
Therefore plan intelligently, pack intelligently and be surprised by Nepal. We are now hopeful that you are well aware and educated about the best and worst time to visit Nepal.
