Best Time to Trek Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

When is the best time to trek Nepal is a tricky question; the summer monsoon (June – Sept), though brings growth and freshness, but is sadly best avoided by trekkers. Nepal might be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it is also the land of the extremes. The country’s terrain ranges from the fertile Terai region at 700 meters to the highest point on earth, the Everest at 8848 meters. This diversity also applies to the weather pattern or the seasons of the country.  The Terai region of the country is humid for most of the year where the temperature can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius during summer. The middle hilly region has a moderate climate with pleasant weather all year around. The northern Himalayan region has an alpine climate with very cold winters and huge drops in temperature over 3300 meters.

There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal: the spring, late March and April, which is beautiful because the rhododendrons and other flowers are in full bloom and the days are longer, and autumn, which starts in late September through to early November. The autumn is colder and the days are shorter, but you get much better clarity with really clear skies. November and December are perfectly good skies for trekking, but it will be colder; the upside is that the normally very busy trails, like Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, will be much less busy then.

Technically you can go trekking in Nepal at any time of the year. There are no restrictions. However, each season in Nepal will deliver a different looking landscape, environment and experience. Trekkers in spring enjoying Upper Mustang Trekking. You’ll also need to prepare a little bit differently depending on what month or season you planning to go trekking (don’t worry we cover that here along with climate change issues). The most popular times with optimal trekking experiences are divided into four “peak seasons”.

Autumn (September-November)
Autumn season is considered as the best trekking season for the trekking in Nepal.  September, October and November are fall in this trekking season in Nepal. During in this season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Temperature is moderate, making it a good time for any trekking. The sky is generally clear with outstanding views. Occasionally short storms may dump considerable snow at high altitudes.

Winter (December-February)
Generally, the days are clear in winter season in Nepal. December, January and February months are cold days in mountain. In winter season in Nepal is usually snow fall in the higher elevations with risk winds and colder temperatures. Hence is ideal for trekking in the lower elevation. If you are looking for suitable and incredible scenery, this is a great time to Trek in lower elevations.

Spring (March-May)
Spring season in Nepal is also considered as the best season to do the trekking and mountain climbing. In this season offers different varieties of wild flora blossoming of the giant rhododendrons above 3000m and hunting paradise during this season, which makes higher altitude trekking more comfortable and interesting. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and quite moderate temperature at higher elevation over 4000m, which provides spectacular and excellent Mountains view. March, April and May months are fall in this trekking season in Nepal

Summer (June-August)
June, July and August months are main rainy season in Nepal and involves monsoon with heavy rainfall which makes trekking conditions unfavorable.This season is ideal time for trekking and tour to Tibet however, in some Trekking regions of Nepal connecting to Tibet and desert parts of Nepal like Mustang, Nar-Phu valley and Dolpo region are best season to do trekking which is summer trekking a great alternative behind the Himalayas rain shadow area.

Nepal Tours advice:
There are two major factors to weigh as you decide when to go to Nepal: crowds and weather. As a general rule, the better the weather, the more people come to Nepal to go trekking. During the high tourist season in October and November, flights and hotels are fully booked and hotels and trails in the hills can be horrendously busy.  During autumn the nights are cold in the mountains, but the bright sun makes for pleasant day temperatures – in the high 20s° C, falling to 5° C at night, between 2500 meters and 3500 meters. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20° C down to -10° C. Mornings are usually clear with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night to reveal spectacular starry skies.

Whilst it’s possible to trek all year-round in Nepal, the best time to trek Nepal is in the peak seasons as they are warmer and provide the best opportunity for clear vistas.  If you don’t like the thought of the crowds then we would suggest taking other less-trodden routes such as the Gokyo Lakes Trek to Everest Base Camp. Most tour companies will not trek during the off-peak seasons and you will need to find alternative guidance. At Nepal Tours, we can arrange private treks during the off-peak seasons but would advise only experienced trekkers to trek Nepal in the winter period as the temperatures get very low and many routes will be snow covered.

Click here for a detailed weather forecast for Nepal.

What is Special in Pokhara

Ghorepani Winter Trek

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Many tourists visit Pokhara Valley to see the Himalayan range and lakes. Pokhara is also famous for boating, trekking, rafting, ultralight flight, paragliding and extreme sports like whitewate rafting, canoying and bungee jumping.

Pokhara is one of those charming cities that always attracts travelers where you can easily stay longer than you planned. Located on the banks of Lake Phewa, the city is surrounded by impressive mountains and peaks, with some of the best trekking routes in the world. In addition to stunning hikes and lakes, this popular destination has a wide range of culture and leisure activities, such as markets, pagodas, cafés and restaurants offering delicious Nepalese food.

Here are the few things What is Special in Pokhara:

Things To Do in Pokhara

Pokhara to Muktinath Jeep Tour
$ 390.00

Pokhara to Muktinath Jeep Tour

Pokhara to Muktinath Jeep Tour is one of the paradises on the earth with tantalizing view of towering Himalaya which
Pokhara to Annapurna Helicopter Tour
$ 510.00

Pokhara to Annapurna Helicopter Tour

Pokhara to Annapurna Helicopter Tour cost start from $2200 for private charter (Maximum 4 person) for 1 and half hours
Khopra Danda Trek
$ 980.00

Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Danda Trek is an Alternative trek of Ghorepani & Poonhill to avoid crowd and close view of Annapurna South
Begnas Thulokote Hiking
$ 110.00

Begnas Thulokote Hiking - 1 Day

Begnas Thulokote Hiking is also a part of famous Royal Trek in Nepal. This day trek is a less explored
Pokhara Day Tour
$ 215.00

Pokhara Day Tour

Pokhara Day Tour lets you experience all the major highlights of Pokhara in just a single day. Visit David's fall,
Ghandruk Trek
$ 690.00

Ghandruk Trek

The Ghandruk trek is most popular for wonderful Gurung culture, the beautiful village, geographical differences and the fantastic views of
Poon Hill Trek 4 Days
$ 372.00

Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days

Poon Hill Trek is the shortest trek for the people with the limited time. The 4 days Poon Hill Trek offers an outstanding
Trek to Tikhedhunga
$ 250.00

3 Days Trek Pokhara

This 3 Days Trek Pokhara is short but quite a rewarding trekking around Pokhara. Dhampus Sarangkot Hiking is an incredible
Trek to Tikhedhunga
$ 210.00

2 Days Trek Pokhara

2 Days Trek Pokhara for busy people who want to have a Himalayan hiking experience during their short holiday or
Heli Sightseeing Pokhara
$ 530.00

Heli Sightseeing Pokhara

With Nepal Tours quality and assurance, you can choose your special 30 minute Pokhara helicopter tour! The best prices, 3

Tourist Information Nepal

Nepal Tourist Information

Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are 28°00′N 84°00′E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer.Nepal’s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and is vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m).

The Constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, establishes Nepal as a federal secular parliamentary republic divided into seven provinces. Nepal was admitted to the United Nations in 1955, and friendship treaties were signed with India in 1950 and the People’s Republic of China in 1960. Nepal hosts the permanent secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), of which it is a founding member. Nepal is also a member of the Non Aligned Movement and the Bay of Bengal Initiative. The military of Nepal is the fifth largest in South Asia; it is notable for its Gurkha history, particularly during the world wars, and has been a significant contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Nepal Tourism Board:
Nepal Tourism Board is a national tourism organization of Nepal established in 1998 by an Act of Parliament in the form of partnership between the Government of Nepal and private sector tourism industry to develop and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. The Board provides platform for vision-drawn leadership for Nepal’s tourism sector by integrating Government commitment with the dynamism of private sector.NTB is promoting Nepal in the domestic and international market and is working toward positioning the image of the country.It also aims to regulate product development activities.

Fund for NTB is collected in the form of Tourist Service Fee from departing foreign passengers at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, thus keeping it financially independent. The Board chaired by the Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation consists of 11 Board Members with five Government representatives, five private sector representatives and the Chief Executive Officer.“Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough” is the tourism brand of Nepal.”Naturally Nepal” is a simple expression that repackages the Nepal brand in a positive light. “Once is not Enough” not only accurately captures the tourists’ emotions at the airport’s departure gate but also serves as a decision tool that enables the Nepali tourism industry individually and collectively to focus both on consumer retention and acquisition.

Nepal Tourist Information Centers
Nepal Tourism Board, the tourist service center at Brikutimandap
(Phone: +97714256909, Fax: +977 1 4256910.
E-mail: [email protected]
provides brochures and free posters on Nepal from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. On Fridays, it closes at 3 pm. The department stays open until 4 pm in winter.

Other tourism information center locations are listed below with phone numbers.
Birgunj – 051-22083
Pokhara – 061-20028
Bhairawa – 071-20304
Janakpur – 041-20755
Kakarbhitta – 023-2020

Tourist Police Nepal:
Tourist Police Nepal was established in 1979 AD as a special unit of Nepal Police working under Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Division. Tourist Police today has the strength of 227 Officers working under the Supervision of Police Inspector and has 24 units spread throughout the country including 9 units inside the Kathmandu valley and 15 units outside the valley in 11 different districts. The Central Office is situated inside the Premises of Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap Kathmandu Nepal. Since its inception, the tourist police have been active in facilitating tourists and delivering security services.

For any assistance in Nepal:
Tourist Police Nepal
Bhrikutimandap Kathmandu. (Inside the premises of Nepal Tourism Board)
Phone: +977-14247041, 1144.
Email:- [email protected]
Website:- www.nepalpolice.gov.np

No matter when and where you are Dial 1144

Resources: Nepal – Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board

Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour: A Trip of a Lifetime

Begnas Lake

If your heart vibrates on the rhythm of Eastern mysticism, then the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan tour is the right choice for you. Through bucolic cities with populated streets, to pristine wildernesses with crystal clear lakes and vibrant wildlife, to awe-inspiring temples and an enviable history, these places have it all.

Kathmandu
Your first stop will be Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, a real metropolis that stands at its historic, cultural and religious centre. The first thing you can do here is taking a guided tour of the city, there are plenty of sites to explore, including old palaces and Buddhist and Hindu temples. These places of worship are spectacular, and you’ll get the chance to understand a new culture.

There’s also the chance to take part in a lesson on how to make your own scarf, this is a traditional activity here. A DIY hiking backpack guide would also be really helpful since you’re probably going to do quite a bit of walking here. This would be great for snack storing, as you can also go on a food tour. The Nepalese cuisine is extremely aromatic and rather different from Western cuisine, so you’ll see the best hidden locations with the most delicious treats.

There are also plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that weave their way out of a rich historical and cultural past. One of these is the Basantapur Durbar Square that’s famous for its traditional architecture. Besides, you can get a glimpse into the past of the Nepalese monarchy here and learn more about it.

The Boudhanath is another UNESCO Heritage Site since it has roots that stretch over into Antiquity. This is now a place for spiritual meditation, and it’s also one of the last remaining Stupas, but it was a Tibetan trade route for millennia.

And all these sites can easily be visited either by foot or with a more original bicycle rickshaw. Besides, Kathmandu is a very bike-friendly city, so you can rent one for yourself. You can also get out of the city and hike through Gurung and Magar, regions which offer steep snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and enticing traditional dances.

Pokhara
Moving on to another ancient trading route that connected Tibet to India, Pokhara offers a lot of interesting views and activities. One of them would be to enjoy watching the mule trains that continue the trading tradition, but that is just the beginning.

Short Hikes Pokhara

The mountain scenery is simply stupendous. Annapurna can be admired from here with its high summits that have snow-dropped peaks. And if you want, you can use Pokhara as a starting point to Annapurna and a rugged hike around the Himalaya.

But however magnificent that might sound, the mountains aren’t the tip of the iceberg here. The lakes are stunning too, with Phewa Lake being one of the largest in the area, looking like a huge crystal-blue water bowl. And the cherry on the cake is definitely visiting the temple on the lake.

But the Rupa and Begnas lake are amazing too, and they’re exactly on your way as you drive from Kathmandu. There’s a forest between them where you can o some hiking, and this natural retreat bursts with tranquillity, though you can enjoy some boating here too.

Don’t forget about the amazing waterfall of Devins, which the Nepalese call Hells Fall for a good reason: it’s tumbling down so forcefully, that it’s said to actually have carried a guy into the other world. If you’re in the area, the Mahendra Gupha, a huge limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites is also a must-see.

Besides, Pokhara bursts with spirituality too, so don’t forget to visit the Bindhabasini and Barahi temples, which are representative of their religions. And you might get the chance to see believers that carrying animals across the Phewa Lake to Barahi so they can sacrifice them to the goddess Ajima.

Chitwan
Chitwan is among the largest cities in Nepal and bears the name of the valley that shelters it. So understandably, there is lots of urban entertainment like the local restaurants which serve traditional cuisine.

The KC’s is a bungalow with a thatch roof, which makes it particularly interesting. There’s also a fire pit in the backyard, but the front garden is extremely well kept. You’ll also love the Sweet Memory restaurant with its homemade-like meals. And don’t forget the Jungle-View restaurant which offers a fascinating viewpoint to the, you guessed it, jungle.

Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour

Speaking of which, this region is mostly visited because it offers an immersion into the wildlife with its zoos, national parks, and safaris. The Elephant Breeding Center is near Sauraha and you can see first-hand how the elephants live in the wild. And if you’re more interested in birdwatching, there’s also the Bird Education Society closeby.

The National Park Headquarters located on the Rapti River bank also provides various safari opportunities. Now you’ll get to admire the exotic Nepalese jungle and the animals that live here, like fierce crocodiles and placable hippos.

And don’t forget about the cultural side of Chitwan. The Tharu Cultural Museum is perfect for getting more acquainted with the Tharu culture. There are plenty of exhibits regarding the traditional wear, ornaments, as well as vibrant murals.

The Tharus are an indigenous people who see themselves as sons of the forest, so their spirituality is closely linked to nature and the forest as well. That’s because many of their deities actually live in the forest, and they have to give people permission to enter their dwelling place. So even if the museum is closed, you’ll still get the chance to hear a new, captivating perspective about spirituality from a deeply religious community.

With that in mind, we’re sure you’ll never regret taking this tour. Filled with the most diverse experiences, from admiring architectural gems to pampering your taste buds, from experiencing jungle life to understanding new belief systems, this tour is definitely one that will enrich your life.

 

Wedding Anniversary at Kalapathar

Wedding Anniversary

What do you think is the ideal way of celebrating a wedding anniversary? Throwing a party, go out on a dinner date or a movie date, hang out with friends, a romantic candle light dinner, travel, take pictures and capture the moment, cut cakes and blow up balloons and what not!! These are the list of very few things that strikes our mind when we think of it. But for David Richardson and Jessica Richardson, planning their big anniversary day was not an easy task.

California based Richardson’s are currently working in Mauritious. They wanted their big day to be unique and adventurous. Rather than having a typical boring anniversary, they wanted to come up with something totally challenging and worth remembering in years to come. Eventually, they decided to celebrate their anniversary in Kala Patthar at 5664m and feel the cold breeze of Mount Everest. They also decided to make it up to all UNESCO listed heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.

Though their anniversary was on September, Richardson’s decided to visit Nepal on November as it was the best season to visit Nepal. It was their fifth anniversary and Nepal trip was much anticipated. “Yes! What we dreamt has been materialized. Despite of the earthquake in April and the problems caused due to economic blockade, our dream came true and we didn’t find any difficulties celebrating our anniversary,” said Jessica after accomplishing their dream anniversary and having a photo shoot on their bridal wears at all the places. She added that the only dificulty she faced was fitting on the same bridal attire for five consecutive years. It was quite a challenge!

The couple said that they were highly overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of Nepalese people. They were inspired by the warmth of the people, the endurance and patience at gasoline lines, the way Nepalese people adapted to almost everything, their kind nature and then they were awestruck by the mountains. The couple further added that nothing can beat their 5th anniversary in Kathmandu. It was one hell of an experience and a lifetime achievement for them. It was the best anniversary celebration they have ever had. They had celebrated their first anniversary in Salsburg, second in Brussel, third in Rome,fourth in Mauritius and fifth in Nepal.

“We are even more happy after learning the fact that we have set a new  record of celebrating anniversary on Bridal attire at Kalapathar. It was indeed a proud moment”, says David and Jessica in a common voice. “We are returning back today with a message that Nepal is safe, secure, beautiful and welcoming as before despite of going through a hard time. Accurate global message needs to be spread to deliver correct message to people around the globe. Hey travellers ! Do visit this beautiful country now as there are less tourist in many mountains and you can enjoy a lot. If you want the madness to yourself, do pay a visit to Nepal.”, said David and Jessica.

Please check the Wedding Anniversary Tour.

Nepal Trekking Equipment

Nepal Trekking Equipment

Are you planning to Nepal Trekking?. The Nepal trekking packing list below is based on our personal trekking experience in Nepal and has taken a long time to compile. As the list is so long and detailed, we recommend bookmarking this page as a future reference point. This packing list can be used for all hiking and trekking routes in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp and the Langtang Trek.

On top of this, we regularly receive feedback from our readers and other experienced trekkers who provide brilliant and useful little insights into gear which we then add to the list.

Although the list can seem daunting and potentially heavy, many of the items listed below can be purchased or rented locally at Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche. Please note though that local equipment is sometimes not up to scratch for severely cold weather that you might encounter on the higher parts of your trek.

This Nepal trekking equipment list is comprised of gear that we have personally used or had recommended to us by experienced trekkers. We believe this gear provides the best value for money whilst also delivering the best performance.

Suggested clothing and equipment list for Nepal Tours:

Footwear:
Walking boots. A pair of water repellent boots with ankle support.
Gaiters. A pair used to keep boots dry if walking through deep snow.
Walking socks.
Trainers or trail shoes. Can be used in and around lodge in the afternoons/ evenings.

Clothing:
Waterproof jacket and trousers (goretex or similar).
Trekking trousers.
Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece.
Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
Thermals or baselayer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece pants.
Medium weight down jacket (eg Nuptse jacket by The North Face).

Handwear:
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.

Headwear:
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Headtorch.  Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses.
Personal Equipment:
Sleeping bag (Note: it is possible to rent this in Kathmandu for about £1 per day).
Day pack large enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing.
Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organised.
Two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best).
Sunscreen and lipsalve with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Acqua or Acqa Mira).
Favourite snack food.
Books, ipod and cards etc.
Trekking poles (Black Diamond with “Flick Lock” are best).
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Insurance certificate.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Hand sanitizer (optional).

Travelling:
Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter).  Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.
Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.

Personal first aid kit:

Note: we provide a comprehensive group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as:

Any personal medications.
Malaria prophylactic tablets.
Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best).
Rehydration powder eg Dioralyte.
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatisation

Nepal tourism makes spectacular rebound

Nepal Tourism

Nepal tourism experienced a dramatic turnaround last year after being hit by the twin disasters of a devastating earthquake and crippling trade embargo in 2015. Foreign tourist arrivals to Nepal jumped 39.71 percent to 753,002 in 2016, boosted by robust visitor growth from India, China, the US, the UK and Sri Lanka, according to the statistics of the Department of Immigration.

However, 2016 arrivals are still 4.69 percent down from 2014 when the country welcomed 790,118 foreign visitors. The tourism boom is expected to continue in 2017 and remains a major growth driver for the economy even as the industry sees low overseas promotional activities. October, November and December have been the most productive months for the industry, accounting for nearly one-third of total arrivals.

“It’s a dramatic growth. The industry is returning rapidly to its pre-earthquake growth level,” said Kedar Neupane, director general of the Department of Immigration. “The tourism boom is expected to continue in 2017 given a level of promotion by Nepal in the major source markets.” He said that if the government, Nepal Tourism Board and private sector conducted aggressive promotional activities, this year could be an extraordinary year. “We can expect 1 million tourists in 2017 considering the current environment.”

Neupane said that Nepal could see a boom in Chinese arrivals this year following the move by the Chinese government to encourage travel to the country. China has announced Nepal Tourism Promotion Year 2017 in a bid to encourage its citizens to visit the Himalayan republic, according to the Nepal Embassy in Beijing.

“The industry carried out massive marketing activities in major source markets after the earthquakes, leading to a massive recovery,” said tourism entrepreneur Basant Raj Mishra. “The arrival of foreign volunteers as well as conferences held by I/NGOs in Nepal last year propelled growth.”

Suman Pandey, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, said that 2017 looked promising; but the crumbling Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s only international aerial gateway, could be a major setback.

“The hospitality industry in Nepal can accommodate more than 3 million tourists, but the airport is already choked with capacity constraints even though arrivals are way short of the one million mark,” he said.

TIA is currently served by 28 international carriers, and it has announced that it cannot accommodate more flights. “What does this statement mean? Of course, Nepal has become an attractive holiday destination for travellers, but TIA will remain the main obstacle to the growth of the industry.”

Nepal received a lot of media exposure following the earthquake which has aroused tremendous interest among potential travelers. The world’s leading travel guide Lonely Planet has named Nepal the world’s ‘best value destination’ for 2017. Likewise, Nepal’s Langtang region has been featured in The New York Times ‘52 places to go in 2017’ list.

Nepal has also appeared in the January travel issue of chinadaily.com.cn. “Nepal remains a fabulous choice for budget-conscious travelers, whether it’s the country’s world famous trekking routes or the wildlife in the southern region. Travel costs per day are as low as $50 on average,” it said.

A breakdown of arrivals by market shows Indian travellers at the top of the list. Arrivals from the southern neighbour reached 118,249 last year, up 57.40 percent. Chinese tourist arrivals jumped 55.26 percent to 104,005. Travel trade entrepreneurs said that Chinese arrivals did not increase as expected last year as the key entry point,

Tatopani Customs in Sindhupalchok, was closed after the earthquake. However, Rasuwagadhi has emerged as an important surface route with 23,452 Chinese visitors entering the country through this point last year.

Meanwhile, visitors from the US, Sri Lanka and the UK jumped 25.67 percent, 29.64 percent and 55.71 percent respectively.

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