When to trek
Treks can last from two days to a month or more, and the first consideration will be to choose a trek that fits into your available time and physical condition. You’ll also need to strike a balance between trekking in the best weather for the area you wish to trek in and avoiding the crowds the good weather attracts.
The traditional trekking season is October to May, although some treks in high areas will be closed from mid December to the end of January.
During the trekking season the nights can be very cold in the mountains, but the bright sun makes for pleasant daytime temperatures up to about 30 Cº, falling to 5 Cº, at night, between 1000m and 3500m. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 Cº down to -10 Cº. Mornings are usually clear, then clouds canbuild up during the afternoon, disappearing at night to reveal spectacular starry skies. During winter it is about 10 Cº colder.
Because most of the precipitation in the Himalayas occurs during the summer monsoon there is less snow on the mountains and many high trails during winter. Everest itself is mostly a mass of black rock during the trekking season, becoming snow-covered only during summer. There are always exceptions to this weather pattern, so be prepared for extremes. Winter snowstorms in December and January may make an early-spring pass crossing difficult and can often present an avalanche danger, especially on the approach to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The Middle Hills, especially around Pokhara, are dusty and hazy in April and May, but the high country is usually clear. Trekking tapers off in the heat of May, except at high elevations. A monsoon (summer) trek can be a great experience if you don't mind the rain, leeches and slippery trails.
During spring, there can be sudden violent thunderstorms accompanied by high winds that blow down trees and tents and cause streams to swell, though spring has usually fair weather and beautiful flowers in bloom.
Customize your Trek
Highlights
