If you feel that wandering around to explore and study places can get very tiresome and feels like a lot of hard work during summer, and the scorching heat can make it less enjoyable then you should definitely opt for winter travel in Nepal.
Travelling in winter would feel more rewarding since we can enjoy the warmth of the sun on a cold, winter day in Nepal. Again, there are additional benefits if you visit Nepal in winter; there are fewer people, lower price rates and an opportunity to witness the lifestyle and culture of people in all its essence undisturbed by the movement of travellers during winter in Nepal.
If you think you are one of those people who love to savour their travel destination differently, make a plan to come to visit Nepal in your winter holidays because there are so many tourist destinations suitable for a visit for the winter season.
We Have Listed Down The Best Places To Visit In Nepal During Winter:
1. Explore Kathmandu Sightseeing
There are a lot of fascinating places inside the territory of Kathmandu to keep you busy, and it is even more convenient to see these spots in winter than it would be in summer. Such places include the historically significant sites like Basantapur, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
Boudhanath: Serenity in Spirals
If you are planning to visit Nepal in winter, you will get to observe culturally and historically significant architectures in all of these places. All these tourist sites are popular among locals as well as tourists. All these sites offer places to explore, local eateries to taste the Nepalese cuisines and souvenir shops to buy gifts for your family and friends back in your home country.
Religious sites like the Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath can be visited to explore the religious and spiritual side of Nepal and Nepalese people. Pashupatinath temple is of great significance to Hindu followers.
Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are important places; suitable for Buddhist pilgrimage tour and is suitable for people willing to observe Buddhist cultural traditions and architectures.
Again, there are Godawari Botanical Garden and Garden of Dreams for you to visit to relax as you sunbathe in winter. You can go to Godawari for a hike or by cycling and go for a dry picnic to Garden of Dreams. This is one of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter, so do not miss out on this.
2. Visit Nagarkot
Nagarkot is well-received by tourists for providing the environment for having a relaxed weekend while relishing the Himalayan views from the luxury of one’s hotel balcony. This spot is just thirty-two kilometres away from Kathmandu.
Nagarkot's Serene Mountain Views
You can see eight mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Everest, Numbur, and Jugal. The best month to view these mountains is from October to December for the winter season.
You can enjoy a lovely sunrise and sunset in Nagarkot if the weather is favourable with a clear sky. Nagarkot is in proximity to Kathmandu and is a wonderful location to relax away from the chaos of the city. Nagarkot is one of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter, which is close to the Kathmandu valley.
3. Visit Kakani
One of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter within a short time includes the place named Kakani situated in the Nuwakot district of Central Nepal, approximately twenty-three kilometres northwest of the capital, Kathmandu. This place provides serenity away from the disarray of the city life.
This peaceful site provides wonderful views of scenic mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and the Annapurnas. In Kakani, you can observe the natural beauty and cultural splendour of the local people.
In this lovely hill village, you can go for a short hike, visit the strawberry farms, taste local cuisines, fresh cheese, and other delicacies. We recommend new visitors to go to Kakani on their visit to Nepal in winter.
4. Visit Kalinchowk
Kalinchowk is situated in the Dolakha district in the Eastern hilly region of Nepal and is ideal for a short hike. This place is at an altitude of 3842m above sea level and is just one hundred fifty kilometres away from the capital. Both internal and external tourists are known to love Kalinchowk, and it has been visited often in Nepal during winter.
Scenic Beauty of Kalinchowk
For people who love snowfall, hiking, and sightseeing without much effort, this is the perfect location to hike on rocky terrains and enjoy a bonfire on a chilly winter evening.
Also, it is revered as a pilgrimage site by Hindus with the presence of the picturesque temple named Kalinchowk Bhagwati. It is a great place to witness the local culture, lifestyle and natural setting. This is one of the best places to visit in Nepal in winter.
5. Visit Phulchowki
If you are running short of time and places to travel to on your visit to Nepal in winter, we have something figured out for you; look forward to a one day hike to Phulchowki where you can go and return in a single day enjoyable. Phulchowki is located at the elevation of 2782 meters in the southern hill of Kathmandu.
Phulchowki is an ideal destination for travel and is just 14 km from the Godavari; all you have to do is drive from Kathmandu to the Godavari early and then head towards Phulchowki.
It takes around forty-five minutes to reach there. You will be thrilled to see the majestic view of the Himalayan ranges along the rugged uphill route. And you can return the same way. Phulchowki is a must-go place given the beautiful experience it can offer you within such a short distance and in lesser time. Do not forget to visit Phulchowki on your next visit to Nepal in winter.
6. Visit Chitwan
Another important place of interest for Nepal tour in winter is Chitwan. Chitwan national park, the local Tharu museums, and the beautiful rivers are the places of interest in Chitwan.
Chitwan: Where Wildlife Roams Free
This world heritage site comes on many travellers’ bucket list so do not miss this place on your Nepal tour in winter as it is one of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter given that the temperature gets moderate which is suitable for roaming around the area.
You get the opportunities to go for jungle safari, witness varied flora and fauna and did an elephant ride in Chitwan. Also, you can visit the Tharu Cultural Museum here. Apart from this, you can witness the pristine Bishazari Tal and Seti Gandaki River and savour the beautiful sunset.
7. Visit Bandipur
Bandipur is a great destination for a short trip; it is popular as the most beautiful and well-managed town. You can explore the Newari culture of Bandipur and the beautiful surrounding, which is sure to make you feel at home with the lovey streets adorned by colours and greenery. Bandipur is considered one of the best places to visit in Nepal in winter.
Scenic Beauty of Bandipur Village
You will definitely treasure seeing the traditionally built houses. You can feel a European vibe in the surrounding of Bandipur with the picturesque architecture, lanes and outdoor dining facility, which is amazing.
8. Visit Gorkha
Gorkha is a wonderful location to do sightseeing and study the history of Nepal. This place is famous because it is the original kingdom of Shah dynasty being the birthplace of Late King Prithvi Narayan Shah. It is approximately 125 kilometres away from the capital, Kathmandu and is convenient for travel.
Gorkha: Rich Heritage and Culture
Gorkha is important from the cultural, architectural and historical viewpoint. Moreover, the snow-clad mountain peaks like Annapurna and Ganesh Himal are clearly visible from Gorkha. Do not forget to add Gorkha to your winter travel destination list for Nepal.
9. Visit Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the most loved places by travellers, and it is pretty much one of the best places to visit in Nepal for exploration in winter. You can go for boating and relax in the pristine lakes of Pokhara like Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas with the majestic vista of snow-clad mountains like Annapurna to keep you company.
Pokhara: Nature's Paradise in Nepal
You can observe the Davis fall or go to the world peace pagoda to enjoy the pacifying setting it has to offer. Again there are temples like the Barahi Mandir and Bindawasini for you to explore Hindu religion and culture. Do visit Pokhara during your travel to Nepal in winter.
10. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a spectacular trek site which is suitable for both novice and veteran trekkers. It is situated at the base of Mardi Himal and amidst the majestic Machapuchhre.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Adventure
You can relish the remarkable views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Hiuchuli and Annapurna during this trek among the small meandering paths through lush green forests and the Rocky Mountains which is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. This is an ideal travel spot for you to go to Nepal in winter given the favourable weather and moderate route difficulty.
11. Visit Illam
Illam is a lovely hill station in the Eastern region of Nepal, known for its famous chiya bagaan (Tea estates), green jungles, landscapes, forests, and rivers. If you are looking for a serene place to relax enjoying the local culture and lifestyle, you should definitely experience a homestay in Illam and visit the beautiful places like Antu Danda, Kanyam, Fikkal.
Illam's Verdant Tea Gardens
You can visit beautiful places like Maipokhari, Sadakpur, Pathivara and Mai Beni in Illam. The local restaurants even offer Tongba, a local alcoholic beverage here. The most favourable time to visit Illam is between October and December for winter travel in Nepal.
12. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Winter season is suitable for shorter treks since there is hardly any rainfall at this time even if the temperature is chilly. If you are equipped well and well prepared, you can enjoy peace and convenience with fewer people at lower rates on winter as it is considered an off-season for trekking. One such trekking destination is Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
Sunrise at Poon Hill
The Poonhill trek passing through Ghorepani and Ghandruk offers you an experience to witness the local village and culture, lush green forests with a variety of flora and fauna and an outstanding view of the sunrise from the Poon Hill. This trek is suitable for both novice and expert trekkers.
Also, it offers the close-up views of the panoramic Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I and Annapurna II. This is possibly one of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter; there has been an increased attraction of people to this trekking spot over the years.
13. Visit Mustang
Mustang, situated in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, is one of the best places to visit in Nepal in winter as lower Mustang is popular for winter visitors. Mustang offers you an amazing cultural environment to learn about the traditional practices of the locals and to experience the unique, culturally rich lifestyle.
Donkey are best means of communication in rural Areas
Tourists are known to visit the Mustang region from August to the early winter where you can enjoy so many local festivals; among the different festivals, Tiji is very popular. The activities you can carry out on your visit to Mustang in winter include trekking, camping, hiking, religious sites’ visit, jeep ride among the mountains, and so on.
14. Visit Chisapani
Chisapani trek is recommended as a travel destination for winter travel in Nepal given the short trekking distance from Kathmandu. It is one of the short trekking routes in Nepal and is very famous for the panoramic views it has to offer of the snow-clad mountains and the beautiful villages with lush green terrace.
Serene Beauty of Chisapani
The Chisapani trek is a wonderful opportunity to feel the taste of trekking in Nepal in a short time with spectacular views of snow-covered mountains and an amazing journey that takes you through the forests of rhododendron and oak trees.
You can view the whole Kathmandu valley if the weather is clear when you are walking through the Shivapuri National Park and Mulkharka, the Tamang village.
15. Visit Jhapa
Jhapa district is in the Far Eastern region of Nepal and mostly constitutes of plain Terai Land. Jhapa is recommendable for winter travel in Nepal because the hot climate prevalent in summer gets very tolerable in winter. The natural, cultural and religious heritages of Jhapa are not to be missed on your travel to Nepal in winter. Several places can be visited in Jhapa.
Some of the important cultural and religious domains in Jhapa district include the Arjundhara, Kichabadh, Kankai Mai, Satasidham and so on. One of the popular places in Jhapa is Kechanakalan known to be the place at the lowest altitude in Nepal; it is at the height of just 60m.
Another wonderful place to visit is Jamunkhadi wetland. Seize the chance to visit the beautiful land of Jhapa on your next Nepal tour in winter.
Famous Cities For Winter Travel In Nepal
Winter is the best time to roam around cities and explore the intricate beauty they have and study it in detail. Believe it or not but cities have a different shine on winter in Nepal.
Check Out The Famous Cities of Nepal For Travelling During Winter:
1. Visit Lumbini
Lumbini is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage situated in Nepal. It is located in the district, Rupandehi of the Lumbini Zone. This is the birthplace of Lord Buddha who is considered the “Light of Asia”. We recommend travellers to consider Lumbini as a winter travel destination in Nepal because of the important history and cultural tradition it holds.
Birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini
The Lumbini tour can offer you a great opportunity to observe and study historically and culturally significant scriptures, architectures and temples.
These significant elements comprise the Ashoka Pillar which was built by the famous Indian Emperor, Ashoka, Mayadevi Temple, the beautiful Lumbini garden and so on. You can explore beautiful Vihars established by different nations around the world, including India, Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Japan, France, South Korea, Germany and much more. Lumbini is not to be missed in your next winter travel to Nepal.
2. Visit Janakpur
Janakpur is a culturally significant place in Nepal and is a major attraction for cultural and religious tourism. Some of the holiest and most revered temples like the Ram Janaki temple and Sri Ram temple are present in Janakpur. Apart from this, Janakpur offers a chance to observe the beauty of Terai suburbs, rich culture along with the unique Mithila art and crafts.
There are so many interesting things in Janakpur; more than two hundred sacred ponds, some of which are the Dhanush Sagar and the Ganga Sagar where people come for ritual baths. There are spectacular pieces of Mithila art and crafts to be amazed at.
Then there are the beautiful shores of Kamala and Dudhmati rivers to walk by, and Nepal’s only railway station namely the Janakpur Dham Station too is there which is a cool thing to experience; all these aspects make Janakpur one of the best places to visit in Nepal during winter.
3. Visit Birgunj
Birgunj is another metropolitan cities of Nepal which attracts many visitors every year. This city is situated to the south of Kathmandu. It is known as the gateway to Nepal from India and is very close to India; one of the focal places for business in Nepal.
You will be amused when you see carts driven by horses in Birgunj; the local people call it “Tanga” and it serves as a means of transport between Raxaul and Birgunj.
On your next visit to Nepal in winter, be prepared for a different kind of experience in terms of culture, delicacies, and lifestyle when you come to Birgunj.
Some famous places here are the Parsa Wildlife reserve, Gadhimai temple, Narayani Stadium, Shankar Acharya Gate, Gahawa Mai temple, Vishwa Hindu Parish war Park and many more.
4. Visit Dharan
Dharan is a beautiful city located in the Northern Terai region of Nepal which has to offer several important tourist destinations making it one of the best places to visit in Nepal in winter.
Some of the tourist attractions of Dharan include the Vijayapur hill, the Budhasubba temple, Pindeshwor temple, Panhakanya temple, Panchamukhi Balaji Dharan Dham and so on.
Some other places that you can visit here are the Ghum Monastery, Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary, Singshore Bridge and the beautiful Hill station of Bhedetar and Namche.
Dharan is the gateway to the beautiful attractions of the Eastern hills that comprise the Arun Valley, Makalu Varun national park, Dhankuta, and the Kanchenjunga. Moreover the second-longest river of Nepal, the Sapta Koshi runs the city of Dharan closely.
You would not want to miss this place, so make it your winter travel destination in Nepal.
5. Visit Biratnagar
Biratnagar is popular as the industrial capital of Nepal, and it is more popular as a great tourist destination spot. Over some decades, Biratnagar has attracted a large number of tourists with its green environment constituted out of its clean and green tea garden.
Biratnagar is an ideal destination for your travel to Nepal in winter because it also has exciting weekly markets that are organized in different parts of the city where you could buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home and go around exploring the local delicacies.
This metropolitan city offers several temples, gardens as well as religious places to the visitors. You will never get bored in Biratnagar because there is so much to see here. You will also be delighted by the graffiti walls, beautiful alleys and street food so do not forget to keep Biratnagar in your list of winter travel destinations in Nepal.
Visit These National Parks On Your Travel To Nepal In Winter
Contrary to what most people do and believe, the experience of visiting national parks during winter should not be overlooked during the cold months. This is one of the best times to visit National parks since you get mild temperature, smaller crowds, better lodging options with variety and the biting insects that trouble people in summer are gone due to cold.
Considering This, We Have Prepared You a List Of Majestic National Parks For You To Visit in Nepal in Winter:
1. Visit Bardia National Park
Visiting Bardia National Park is a good option for winter travel in Nepal as the weather is tolerable and you can explore the wildlife of the region with absolute comfort and mindfulness. This national park lies in Nepal’s western part and is popular as the Wild West given the numerous floras and faunas present there.
Bardia National Park's Wild Beauty
You can go on a walk-in Bardiya in the winter season with the highest chance of encountering a wild creature which could be a rhino, deer, elephant or even a tiger. This national park has over 230 bird species, 30 mammal species and many other species of reptiles comprising of the gharial and the famous mugger crocodile.
Also, Bardiya has to offer a closer look into the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous groups of Terai known as the Tharu. You should definitely keep Bardia on your list of winter travel destinations in Nepal.
2. Visit Khaptad National Park
The Khaptad National park is situated in the Far West of Nepal and is popular for its scenic natural beauty and religious significance. Hence, we recommend you to visit this place on your Nepal tour in winter.
This national park is remote and unadulterated by the presence of too many visitors. It is perfect for observing beautiful grasslands, the lake, Khaptad and different species of animals and plants.
Khaptad National Park is claimed to have 135 flower species inside it and 226 bird species along with 224 types of medical herbs. You will see several kinds of bulbuls, cuckoos, partridges, and eagle around its grasslands and several exquisite mammals like the goral, leopard, wild dog, and the barking deer.
Khaptad is one of the best choices for spending your time on your travel to Nepal in winter. There're lots of things to do in Khaptad National Park, explore places, flora and fauna and animals that found here in Khaptad.
3. Visit Chitwan National Park
Chitwan national park is one of the natural sites of Nepal enlisted in the UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Travelling to this national park in summer can get you restless with the scorching heat, so we recommend you to visit this place in winter for maximum enjoyment. Home to a sizeable number of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals, Chitwan National park is a great spot to explore the wildlife in Nepal and Asia.
Chitwan's Rich Wildlife and Scenery
If you get lucky, you will probably spot endangered animals like one-horned rhino, and you will also see beautiful deers, monkeys and a variety of birds. Also, you may spot a wild elephant; a leopard; wild boar or a sloth bear. Many people claim to have seen the Royal Bengal Tiger in Chitwan National Park.
Some of the fun activities you can do include the jeep safari, elephant safari, elephant bath and so on. Moreover, you can study the Tharu culture as there is a Tharu Cultural Museum nearby. Do not forget to pin this as your winter travel destination in Nepal as this is one of the best places to travel in Nepal in winter.
4. Visit Rara National Park
Rara National park is located in the districts of Mugu and Jumla; this national park is often visited by travellers on their Nepal tour in winter and is considered one of the popular sites to visit in Nepal. One of the major attractions of this place is the serene Rara lake.
Rara: Nepal's Hidden Natural Gem
Rara is known to harness the different vegetation present in the Himalaya of the central region of Nepal. You will be mesmerized by the feelings evoked by just being surrounded by majestic blue pines, rhododendron forests, Himalayan cypresses, oak, and the black juniper.
The beautiful Rara Lake protects the snow trout species and is central to the region’s ecosystem balance; you can see adorable migratory birds coming there time and again. If you are thinking of a peaceful place to spend your time on your Nepal tour, Rara National park is the best place to visit in winter in Nepal.
Final Words,
There are some of the best places you can visit in Nepal in winter. If you have been wondering where to visit for your winter holidays, worry no more and start your travel by following this winter travel list for your next visit to Nepal in winter.
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