Trekking in Nepal in January

• Chances to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the Himalayas.
• Beautiful mountain sceneries, quiet hiking routes and lodges, mysterious forests, and distinct flora and fauna.
• Clear skies and fewer chances of precipitation that is perfect for outdoor activities.
• Greatest time for qualified mountain photography.
• Choices of accommodation during the trek.
• Affordable prices; lower prices for hotels, flights, etc.

• Cold climate, low temperatures especially in the high Himalayas
• Teahouses, trekking routes might be closed in the higher elevations above 4500m.
• Bad weather circumstances especially in the high elevations.
• Snowfall in the mountains; difficulty in hiking and mountain passes.
• Delay in flights due to bad weather especially in mountain airports.
• Extra preparation is required.

January is the driest as well as the coldest month of the year in Nepal that witness chilly weather, and freezing cold climate and the temperature decreases below negative easily. The breeze and heavy snowfall make the surroundings even colder.

Trekking in the Himalayas in January, of course,  the nights are colder than the days.  In the daytime, it reaches up to 20-25 degrees Celsius whereas in midnight decreases up to -20°C just in less than 24 hours.

Notwithstanding this, the days are brighter and sunny making the trek comfortable and scenic. Crisp views of landscapes, mountain peaks, and vegetation covered with snow look astonishing.

All in all, it is possible to trekking in Nepal in January. A list of minimum and maximum temperatures of some of the representative places of Nepal in January is listed below.

Although trekking trails of high mountain passes, base camps, and circuits might be closed, the lower elevated journeys, day hikes, and short treks near the major cities are doable in January.

If you are an adventure lover and want to experience the freezing temperatures witnessing the outstanding experiences, can organized long treks as well.

However, not all trekking trails in the Nepalese Himalayas are impossible for trekking in January. The list of trekking trails is listed below you can choose any of them according to your interest, budget, and fitness level.

Everest View Trek is a short and easy trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal and can be completed in January. Being a short and easy trek leads you to the highest Buddhist Monastery- Tengboche Monastery (3850m).

As its name suggests, you can have an aerial view of mighty Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Ama Dablam, and others.

This trek is also recommended for those who want to explore Himalayan vegetation, lifestyle, and cultures in a short period of time. Spare extra days to explore the Sherpa lifestyles and culture especially in Namche Bazaar- the Gateway of Everest.

This short trek officially starts with a scenic 35 minutes’ flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Due to the cloud and fog in the surroundings, the flights may get late in the early mornings of January.

Afterward, the trek starts following well maintained and marked trekking trail via Dudh Koshi River reaching Phakding.

Now, you enter Sagarmatha National Park and walk to Namche Bazaar before reaching the final destination. From Namche onward, the trekking trail might be covered with snow. The surroundings look lunar painted and the route might get slippery due to snow. Be careful while hiking.

Another best Trekking in Nepal in January is the Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek that is characterized as a short, easy, and family trek of the Annapurna Region.

Covering the foothills of mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, the journey passes through lower elevated Gurung settlements.

In the morning, standing at Poonhill, you will be welcomed by the first yellowish rays of the sun over the mighty Himalayas.

In January, the trekking route is a quitter and there will be fewer people in teahouses as well. The price is cheaper and you will have plenty of choices even in Kathmandu and Pokhara. So, Trekking in Nepal in January will be the best choice for peace lover adventurers.

The journey to Poonhill commences after a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Now the hiking continues following the bank of Modi Khola. Observing varieties of winter birds (some of the migratory), Thikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani in the next 2 days.

Ghorepani is the last stop situated at 2860m/9380ft before ascending the viewpoint of Poonhill.

The next day, in the early morning, you will do a short hike to Poon Hill- the peak point of the trek elevated at 3210m/10531ft elevates above the village of Ghorepani.

Along with the mountain sceneries from Annapurna to Manaslu, you will be blessed with colorful hills of rhododendron and other trees. The valleys, lakes, gorges, people, and settlements from the top look magnificent.

Another beautiful option for trekking in Nepal in January is hiking to the foothills of the Langtang ranges. A pleasant, lower elevated journey passes through the Langtang National Park reaching the valley of glaciers- the Langtang valley.

Throughout the trek, you will be welcomed by the spectacular views of Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, Langtang Lirung, and Ganesh Himal.

The river valleys, large meadows, yak pastures, pocket-sized settlements, antique monasteries and Chortens, Mane stones, prayer wheels and flags, high suspension bridges make the journey to Langtang in January more pleasant.

If weather favors, you can hike Kyanjin Ri (4779m) or Tserko Ri (4984m) as a side trip from Kyanjin Gompa, (3798m). The trek begins from Syabrubensi-117 km away from Kathmandu.

Entering the Langtang National Park, you pass through bamboo forests, thundering waterfalls, under the foothills of stunning mountains.

In January mostly the days are warm, sunny with clear visibility.  A soft breeze blows in the mornings and evenings making the atmosphere cooler. At the night, the temperature goes below negative.

An off-the-beaten-path of the Mardi Himal trek is another perfect option for trekking in Nepal in January. A short and amazing trek of the Annapurna region of Nepal has peaceful trails with fewer hikers with beautiful sceneries.

Due to the smaller number of visitors, the entire trekking routes are less crowded and pollution-free that offers true adventure experiences. Hence, Mardi Himal Trek is gaining popularity as a popular short trek in Nepal. 

Officially opened in 2012, Mardi Himal Trek is pure and vibrant offers an authentic hiking experience. Trekkers are welcomed by fantastic views including Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Mt. Hiunchuli from the Mardi Himal.

The Journey to Mardi Himal begins after a short drive from Pokhara. Passing the beautiful valleys, mixed indigenous culture, and diverse flora and fauna, you reach low, camp, high camp, and finally Mardi Himal Base Camp situated at the foot of Mardi Himal and Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail)

A short and easy trek very near Pokhara city, Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is another perfect choice for trekking in January. With the magnificent Annapurna Panorama, hikers will get an opportunity to explore the rural lifestyles of different ethnic people including Gurung, Magars, and Chhetries.

Along with the culture, tradition, and way of living, trekkers shall amaze by the views of a couple of lakes, forested lands, terraced fields, and picturesque landscapes.

The vantage points of Dhampus and Sarangkot will offer mesmerizing views of the first and last rays of the sun over the mighty peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

The actual trek of Dhampus- Sarangkot begins after a short drive from Pokhara to Phedi. Beginning the journey, you will walk 2-3 hours for Dhampus village.

The next day, walking about 4-5 hours to reach Sarangkot. As the days are shorter in January you would better start the journey as early as possible.

Reaching your destination on time, you can explore the surroundings well. On a subsequent day, you will hike back to Pokhara following an easy downward hike amid small settlements. Thus, Trekking Dhampus- Sarangkot is quite possible during January.

Popular as a lesser-known trekking destination of the Annapurna region of Nepal, Khopra Danda Trek is also an option for trekking in January. Being an off-the-beaten trek, it will be the best option for those trekkers who wish solitude and to hike in the isolated areas.

Standing at the viewpoint of Khopra Danda hikers will be shocked by the panoramic sceneries of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III and South, Hiun Chuli, Machhapuchre, Lamjung, and Nilgiri.

The journey to Khopra Danda begins from Kimche, a short drive from Pokhara, and ascends to Tadapani. Then leaving the main trail of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, you will head towards the village of Dobato.

The next day’s hike will take you to Khopra Danda. An extra day is spent in Khopra Danda for hiking to Khayer Lake, an alpine lake and magnificent viewpoint for Annapurna ranges, valleys, lakes, rhododendron-filled hills, and tiny settlements. You then will descend to Poonhill-another viewpoint and back to Pokhara following the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek route.

A moderate level difficult – Kalinchowk Temple Trek is another excellent choice for Trekking in Nepal in January. It is a short and easily accessible trek from Kathmandu with excellent views of mountain ranges, ethnic settlements of Kuri and Charikot, and a Hindu temple situated at the top of the hill.

In January, it usually snowfalls in Kalinchowk, and thousands of domestic and international travelers, trekkers, and snow lovers reach here each day. The trekking route may get busier during this month.

The journey to Kalinchowk begins from Charikot Bazaar- a half-day drive from Kathmandu. Walking northward passing the pine and rhododendron trees, you reach Kuri village just in a half day.

From Kuri village, hike northward to the main temple of Kalinchowk (3,842 m) in the early morning for the mesmerizing sunrise views over Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, and entire panorama.

Standing there, trekkers immerse with 360-degree views of the mountains, hills, and other forested lands. Hiking back to Charikot, you will hike back to Charikot for an overnight stay before driving back to Kathmandu (the next day).

Trekkers wishing the shortest and the easiest journey with scenic views, comfortable trails, and authentic Nepali cultures choose this trek. Another best route for trekking in Nepal in January, the Sundarijal-Nagarkot trek begins after an hour's drive from core Kathmandu to Sundarijal.

Entering the Shivapuri National Park, you will pass beautiful sceneries, deep forests, cool shades, several settlements of Brahmins, Chetries, Gurungs, Tamangs, and Sherpas with the beautiful sights of Langtang, Ganesh, Jugal mountain ranges along with diverse wildlife vegetation, and birds.

In January, walking inside the deep forests, you might feel a bit cool and chill but during the day due to sunshine, will feel warm and humid. Once you reach Chisapani and Nagarkot, will get the best views of the mountain ranges and landscapes.

• Trekking solo in January is extremely dangerous especially in the higher elevation; trek with a guide and porter accompanied by an authorized trekking company.
• Re-check your gear and equipment list to make sure that you have brought good winter gear.
• If you encounter any natural forces; don’t be panic instead, move to the safety area as soon as possible.
• Always be prepared for unexpected events.
• Stay hydrated; drink even in the trek as well. Dehydration causes problems.
• Make sure that you have enough energy for trekking in cold; have high caloric food or snacks.
• Start the journey as early as possible. It is better to reach the targeted destination before twilight.
• Choose lower elevated easy treks. Both teahouses and trekking routes might get closed in the high passes, base camps, and mountain circuits temporarily.
• Carry warm clothes, a sleeping bag rated 0 degrees, and other down coats to prevent cold at night.
• Maintain your own speed. Do not compete with others; it harms.
• Walking above 3000m the sea level, be aware of Altitude Sickness.

Sightseeing tour

The cultural, historical, natural, and religious heritages can be explored. World Heritage sites of Nepal can be explored within a couple of days. Pilgrimage tour from Kathmandu valley to Lumbini to Muktinath is also possible. Short day hikes like Nagarkot-Changunarayan, Dhulikhel-Namobuddha, Pokhara-World Peace Pagoda, etc. are also accessible in January.

The jungle safari in Chitwan and Bardiya sightseeing different types of animals (one-horned rhinos, varieties of deer, monkeys, tigers, etc.), birds, and reptiles is also fun.  Culture tours and homestay experience is also possible during January.

Sightsee some of the touristic zones as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Chitwan, Pokhara, Janakpur, Pokhara, Namo Buddha, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Chandragiri, Swargadwari, Baglung, Illam, and Bardiya via overland tour.

Adventurous activities

January is the best time for adventure sports in Nepal. Trekkers can experience paragliding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, zip-lining, and sky diving, mountain flights, ultra-light flights while their stay in Nepal. White water rafting and canoeing are also possible but you might catch a cold.  

For the winter hikers, trekking in Nepal in January is a good option. With the right preparation, gear and clothing can complete the journeys without many difficulties.

As autumn and spring are the peak seasons and be a bit crowd, January (a month of winter) is quite a peaceful month for peace lover enthusiasts.

The trekking trails are quieter and the teahouses are almost vacant. There will be quick services with varied choices of food and accommodation in the teahouses.

Happy Trekking!!!!!!