Nepal Trips & Tours

Expect staggering visibility from Annapurna to Everest – it’s some of the best you’ll find all year. This makes scenic mountain flights from Kathmandu to the Everest region reliable and rather spectacular.

Winter trekking is still possible on Poon Hill, which sits at just 3,210 metres-above-sea-level. The trail remains dry and firm below 2,500m and views of the snow-capped peaks are stunning.

Towards the end of January, the annual grass cut takes place in Chitwan, dramatically improving wildlife viewing including one-horned rhinos while endangered gharial crocodiles can be seen in great numbers on canoeing safaris as they enjoy the winter sun.

This is the month for safaris in Nepal with dwindling water sources, which leads to congregating rhinos and more likely tiger sightings in Bardia, against the crimson background of blooming Flame of the Forest trees.

Losar (Tibetan New Year) occurs in early February, marked by traditional masked dances and monastery rituals, while the deeply spiritual Maha Shivaratri takes place around mid-February.

Exceedingly clear skies make this a fantastic time to enjoy a helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp, including a hearty breakfast at the Everest View Hotel (3880 m) or Kongde Lodge (4250 m).

Paragliding sessions in Pokhara may be shorter than peak thermal months, but the payoff of crystal-clear mountain views and fewer fellow flyers is well worth it.

The pilgrimage to base camps begins in earnest – the sun is shining, rhododendrons are blooming and the atmosphere is electric.

March is a top-tier time for wildlife viewing, from tracking Bengal tigers on the prowl for a mate in Bardia National Park to spotting sunbathing red pandas in eastern Nepal.

White water rafting season begins on the Trisuli and Sun Koshi. Water levels are low but steadily rising, making conditions ideal for first-timers and families.

In early March, the Festival of Colours (Holi) explodes across Nepal, where locals toss coloured powder and water at each other – and visitors are very welcome to join in.

April is a hard-to-beat month for trekking with every major high pass open and enjoying the finest spring weather – rhododendrons are at their height, painting the hillsides crimson, pink and white. It’s important to know that you certainly won’t have the

Taking place in mid-April, Bisket Jatra celebrates Nepali New Year in Bhaktapur with extraordinary energy and passion.

April brings the most stable winds, strongest thermals and clearest skies of the year, making it a perfect time for paragliding in Pokhara. Flights can last up to 30 minutes!

If you cope well with rising temperatures, this is one of the most fruitful months for a safari in Chitwan or Bardia National Park.

In early May, Lumbini becomes a site of great pilgrimage during the time of Buddha Jayanti, and you’ll have the chance to witness grand ceremonies and butter lamp offerings.

In mid-May, the Tiji Festival takes place in Upper Mustang – undoubtedly one of the most authentic cultural events in Nepal. Sitting in the Tibetan rain shadow, the weather here is idyllic with stunning mountain views.

As the monsoon approaches, the crowds begin to thin while trekking conditions remain good for those willing to handle occasional afternoon showers.

Around mid-June, the monsoon arrives in Nepal, cutting tourist numbers in half and transforming the landscapes into a sea of green. The change in Kathmandu’s air quality is staggering, but road conditions can make travel tricky.

Thanks to its location in the Annapuran rain shadow, Upper Mustang receives a fraction of the rainfall. Days are pleasant, skies are clear and trails are lush and beautiful.

The rains also bring about Ropain (Rice Planting Festival) across Nepal, where women plant rice seedlings amidst a joyful community atmosphere. And visitors are very welcome to kick off their shoes and join in!

Nepal’s monsoon reaches its peak: wildlife parks are closed, major trails are impassable and paragliding in Pokhara is essentially cancelled.

July happens to be a fantastic month for trekking in Upper Mustang, its location in a rain shadow providing dry but scenic trails.

Tourist numbers are at an all-time low, leaving historic sights and streets fairly empty. However, you need to prepare for possible schedule changes due to road closures or flight delays.

Nepali locals celebrate the August full moon in the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, when riders in traditional dress race dazzlingly decorated horses through the streets.

Hardcore birders may choose to brave the elements in search of monsoon ‘specials’ like cuckoos, minivets and more.

As the monsoon rains really start to decrease towards the end of the month, visitors can witness one of Nepal’s most unique festivals: Gai Jatra in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square host the most impressive celebrations.

Planning a visit in late September will likely reward you with clear skies and trails (all major trekking routes re-open) at a fraction of the peak season prices.

If you’re up for an adventure, Nepal’s rivers run at impressive post-monsoon levels, making for epic white-water rafting, while paragliding, canyoning and bungee jumping in Pokhara becomes possible once again.

September marks the beginning of the autumn raptor migration, where incredible numbers wing their way across Kali Gandaki Valley – and up to 20 species can be spotted.

Indra Jatra takes place towards the end of September – a week-long festival at the forefront of Kathmandu’s cultural calendar. Expect masked Lakhe dances, traditional music and a glimpse of the Living Goddess Kumari’s procession through the city.

Trekking is phenomenal with dry, scenic trails and cloud-free mountain vistas. If you’re heading for Everest Base Camp, time it right to include the Mani Rimdu Festival in your itinerary but be aware that advanced booking is required.

Reliable thermals and unbelievably clear skies make this a fantastic time for paragliding in Pokhara, as well as ultralight or helicopter flights.

Sublime weather makes all safaris possible – jeep, canoe, walking, rafting – where tigers emerge, one-horned rhinos frequent diminishing waterholes and Gangetic dolphins concentrate in Bardia’s rivers.

Dashain celebrations take place in mid-October, a time when the entire country reunites, but many shops and restaurants close on the main day (10th day of festival) – so plan accordingly.

Birding reaches an absolute zenith with a full complement of migratory species and dazzling native birds. In fact, this is considered by many to be the finest time for birdwatching on the Indian Subcontinent.

With fewer tourists than October, while the air clarity and trail conditions remain fabulous, this is an ideal time for trekking in Nepal.

For the adventurous, white water rafting is outstanding (although pretty chilly towards the end of November) and stable thermals promise superb paragliding.

On the wildlife side of things, tiger sightings are reliably good and the autumn window for tracking red panda is in its final stretch.

December is cold, especially the higher you go. However, the visibility is astounding so why not head to the Nagarkot View Tower for a 180-degree panorama of all 8 Himalayan ranges?

Morning fog in Chitwan and Bardia can be a challenge, but once it clears, you’ll be in for a memorable all-day safari with a high chance of rhino sightings.

If you long for those high-altitude views (but not spending too long in the winter temperatures), make the most of lower tourist numbers with a helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp.