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Winter can be a cold experience for travellers to visit Nepal. Winter is in between December and February, and it can be a heart-shivering moment for hikers and trekkers. Winter can be a different experience for travellers as it comes with snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, cultural festivals, and peaceful travelling experiences.

Why Visit Nepal in Winter?

If you want to travel to the best place in winter, Nepal can be it. The winter season is characterized by clear skies and a pleasant temperature, which makes it better for sightseeing, trekking, and other adventures. Travelling in winter would be more rewarding as the warmth of the sun comes in the cold of the Himalayas. There are lots of places to visit in winter in Nepal.

Another best reason to visit Nepal in winter is great offers and discounts, cultural experience, seasonal activities, and many more.

5 Best Places to Visit in Nepal During Winter

1. Kalinchowk

Kalinchowk is one of the finest places and is located within the Dolakha district of the Bagmati province of Nepal. Kalinchowk altitude is 3842 meters. Travelling to Kalinchowk from Kathmandu can take around 5 hours on a private vehicle. If you want to experience the mesmerising snowfall in a short trip from Kathmandu Valley, Kalinchowk is recommended.

Top 8 Activities to Do in Kalinchowk While Visiting Nepal in the Winter Season:

• Riding Cable Car
• Visiting Kuri Village
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area
• Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple Visit
• Dolakha Bhimsen Temple
• Rolwaling Camping Trek
• Kalinchowk Jeep Tour
• Enjoy Snowing Activities
• Wildlife
• Skiing

2. Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the famous places for tourists to travel in Nepal. Pokhara is located in Gandaki province in Kaski District. Pokhara is a metropolitan city. Pokhara is also called the heart of Nepal. The best thing about Pokhara is its beauty of nature, mesmerising scenarios of the Himalayas (Annapurna, Machhapuchhre Mountain Peaks), Phewa Lake, and so on.

Top 11 Activities to Do in Pokhara While in the Winter Season:

• Zipline
• Paragliding
• Morning hike to Sarangkot for Golden himalayas view
• Visiting World Peace Pagoda
• Explore Davis Falls
• Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev
• Phewa Lake Boating
• ATV Riding
• Visit Bindhyabasini Temple
• Begnas Lake Relaxation
• Balloon Nepal

3. Ilam

Ilam is a district located in the Koshi Province of eastern Nepal. Ilam is famous for its best tea production in Nepal. The large area of Ilam is covered with tea bushes, with a hill town right beside a plantation enjoying views of pristine landscapes. Ilam is about 95.8 km far away from Jhapa. You can find the best tea of the Himalayas in Ilam district. It is also famous for culture, spectacular sunrises, beautiful gardens, and many more.

Best things to do in Ilam district while visiting in winter:

• Take a tour of Tea Garden
• Choyatar and Hangetham Forest Hiking
• Visit Pathivara Devi Temple
• Visit Maipokhari
• Visit Sati Devi Mandir
• Explore Fikkal Bazar
• You can go Picnic in Chintapu
• Hike to Antu Danda

4. Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and it is a metropolitan city. Kathmandu is also known as Kasthamandap (a place made of wood). Kathmandu is mostly cold in the winter season. The lowest temperature in Kathmandu can go up to 0°C in winter at night. The best thing about Kathmandu is its religious cultural diversity, monuments, and world heritage sites (Pashupati, Bhoudha, Swayambhu, etc.).

The best things to do while visiting Kathmandu are as follows:

• Enjoy at Funpark
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like:
  • Pashupati Nath,
  • Bhoudha,
  • Swayambhu,
  •  Narayan,
  • Dakshin Kali,
  • Patan
  • Bhaktapur
• Hike to places like:
  • Phulchoki
  • Nagarkot Sanga
  • Nagarjuna
  • Sundarijal
  • Shivapuri
  • Champadevi
• Attending Cultural Festival
• Day trip enjoyment in Nagarkot
• Visit famous markets like Asan and New Road.
• Go to Mountain Flights

5. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is the first and most famous national park in Nepal. It was first established as the Royal Chitwan National Park in 1973 and was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. Tickets are available to visit the national park. It is famous for wildlife and conservation of defunct animals like Bengal tiger and one-horn rhinoceros. It can be a perfect family tour.

Things to do while visiting Chitwan National Park:

• Jungle Safari
• Tharu dance and culture
• Bicycle tour
• Photography of the wildlife
• Sunset Viewing at Rapti river
• Explore Wildlife nearly
• Elephant Breeding Center
• Multiple sweets and hotels to stay.
• Bird watching

Things to Know Before Visiting Nepal

There are some things to be done before visiting Nepal in the winter season.

• Visa: Good news for travelers: you can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. This makes your entry into Nepal hassle-free and straightforward.
• Currency: It is very important to know the currency exchange rate. The local currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). It is a wise decision to carry some cash along with you while travelling to rural places in Nepal.
• Connectivity: Connection may be essential for travellers in Nepal. There are 3 different types of SIM companies in Nepal (NTC, Ncell, and Smart Cell). You can choose among NTC and Ncell, as they are the most used SIM companies in Nepal.
• Altitude: When travelling to high-altitude areas, you should properly train your body for altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be dangerous, especially for the people travelling to the hilly areas.
• Transportation: Travel can be an adventure in itself! Roads to destinations like Ilam can be challenging, so it's advisable to hire local guides or experienced drivers. They know the terrain and can ensure a safer journey.
• Weather: Nepal's weather can be quite variable. Even in warmer regions, mornings and evenings can be chilly. Pack layers to stay comfortable throughout the day and night.

Conclusion

Well, Nepal in winter is a paradise for travel enthusiasts, offering serene snow-capped mountains, vibrant cultural festivities, and stunning valleys providing mesmerizing experiences. From peaceful family holidays to adventurous treks, Nepal caters to all, making it a top winter destination.

Winter travel comes with fewer crowds, seasonal discounts, and affordable tour options, allowing tourists to explore Nepal more comfortably. Highlights of Nepal to visit during the winter include mountain views from Pokhara, Kathmandu’s historic temples, Ilam’s tea gardens, Chitwan’s wildlife, and Kalinchowk’s snowfall. All the prime locations of Nepal have something to offer for all.

So pack your bags and embrace frosty mornings as you uncover Nepal’s charm through adventure, culture, and nature and explore the beauty of Nepal this winter.