The fascinating thing about December is that it is considered to be Nepal’s off-season for tourists. In Nepal, the winter season brings with it bearable cold, bright sky, and breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains.
The pleasant heat at high altitudes is nevertheless alluring to tourists, despite the stark differences in temperature across the locations. Here is a list of the top ten locations in Nepal to assist you in creating a journey to remember.
Read also:
Weather in Nepal in December:
December in Nepal welcomes a brisk winter charm, casting a crisp clarity over its sprawling landscapes. As the country wraps itself in cooler temperatures, the highland whispers of frost begin to touch the soaring Himalayan peaks. Down in the valley, Kathmandu basks in the mild sun, with days pleasantly unfolding between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius—a stark contrast to the nippy evenings that can dip to a mere 2 to 5 degrees.
The mountain air, pure and biting, carries the promise of snow-dusted trails above, beckoning the adventurous at heart. Trekkers are rewarded with unhindered panoramas, as the winter sky remains impeccably blue and unblemished by monsoon clouds. Nonetheless, the high altitude brings a beautiful but biting cold, necessitating layers of warmth—down jackets, thermal gloves, and woolen hats become essential as one ascends into the breathtaking but frosty embrace of the Himalayas.
The skies in December are often clear, offering excellent visibility which is ideal for mountain viewing and photography. The air is dry as it’s the tail end of the dry season, resulting in minimal rainfall. Tourists should pack layers including warm jackets, hats, and gloves, especially if they plan to venture into the mountains or go trekking.
List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Nepal in December:
1. Pokhara
Pokhara is the place for you if you’re looking for adventure and a place with amazing natural beauty. This serene location offers adventure sports, lakes, mountains as a backdrop, and much more. Additionally, it serves as the Annapurna mountain ranges’ entry.
If you are unfamiliar, the Annapurna ranges are the goal of every serious trekker. Three of the world’s 10 tallest mountains are located there. Annapurna Circuit is considered the apex of trekking. In addition, Pokhara has a lot of temples, stupas, and townships to explore.
- Adventure sports hub (paragliding, trekking)
- Phewa Lake, boating, and the Tal Barahi Temple
- Annapurna Circuit and Machhapuchhre Base Camp access
- Peace Pagoda for panoramic views
- Sarangkot for sunrise and Himalayan range view
Pokhara Packages:
- 4 Days Pokhara Kathmandu Trip
- 6 Days Pokhara With Kathmandu Tour
- 7 Days Nepal Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Daman & Dhulikhel)
2. Bandipur
One of Nepal’s most endearing town areas is this one. Here is the ideal location to take in the Newari culture, traditional architecture, and more. The locals have made special efforts to preserve the native culture. Ancient temples and buildings may be found in abundance.
The land is situated at a moderate altitude. As a result, the winter won’t be too harsh, and you can still take in a variety of incredible mountain vistas. People from many different sections of the region now reside on the property. As a result, Bandipur celebrates a variety of holidays with enthusiasm.
- Preserved Newari culture and architecture
- Scenic hilltop settlement
- Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in Nepal
- Excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu
- Hiking and cultural experience
3. Kalingchowk
Kalingchowk is an excellent place for those who want to escape the bustle of the city. Tourists frequent this well-known hiking location often called the “winter wonderland”. Many winter sports may be enjoyed among stunning mountains and captivating scenery.
The well-known temples and pilgrimage activities that visitors take part in give this location even more uniqueness. It is one of the destinations in Nepal that is progressively gaining popularity in December, mainly because it offers a wealth of attractions from beginning to end.
- Kalingchowk Bhagwati Shrine, a significant Hindu temple
- Cable car services for pilgrimage and views
- Winter snowfall and highland terrain
- Trekking and local culture
- Panoramic views of the Himalayas
4. Poon Hill
Comparatively speaking to other hiking routes in Nepal, the journey to Poon Hill is not challenging. One of the medium-distance walking routes, it brings you near mountains that reach the sky. You may also take in natural flora, animals, and the magnificent dawn.
Numerous local and foreign travelers have chosen this four to five-day excursion. Poon Hill may be one of your greatest options if you enjoy the fresh mountain air and witnessing the dawn sun-gild mountains.
- Famous vantage points for Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Part of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
- Sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas
- Rhododendron forests and terraced farms
- Accessible for most fitness levels
Poon Hill Package: 8 Nights 9 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
5. Nagarkot
Tourists appreciate Nagarkot because it has a relaxed attitude and allows them to spend the weekend relaxing on their hotel balcony and taking in the Himalayan views. About 32 kilometers separate this place from Kathmandu.
You might be able to view a stunning sunrise and sunset in Nagarkot if the weather is good and the sky is clear. Nagarkot is a nice getaway from the bustle of the city and is close to Kathmandu. Near the Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot is one of the most significant locations in Nepal to visit in the winter.
- Close to Kathmandu, ideal for short trips
- Sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas
- Numerous hiking trails
- Observation tower at the highest point
- Can see Mt. Everest on a clear day
6. Mustang
One of the most well-liked winter tourist destinations is Mustang, which is situated in the Himalayan country of Nepal. You may experience the inhabitants’ distinctive, culturally rich lifestyles in Mustang and learn about their traditional practices in an extraordinary cultural setting.
Due to significant snowfall and chilly weather, entry to Mustang’s highest regions requires special government authorization. These regions are therefore often inaccessible throughout most of the year. This area is a hub for cultural events emphasizing local customs and culture.
- The trans-Himalayan region with Tibetan culture
- Arid landscape with deep canyons and rock formations
- Lo Manthang, the walled city and former kingdom’s capital
- Muktinath temple, an important pilgrimage site
- Trekking on the Annapurna circuit and Upper Mustang
7. Chitwan National Park
Visiting Chitwan National Park in December is one of the greatest ways to see the country of Nepal. Numerous birds, animals, and aquatic species may be found in this park, which spans hundreds of acres. Except for December, the region experiences a tropical rainy climate year-round.
Here, a broad variety of creatures may be discovered. In the rivers and streams, you may find numerous kinds of crocodiles and freshwater dolphins (Gangetic). This park is excellent for bird watching because it is home to more than 500 birds at this time of year.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Jungle safaris on elephant-back, jeep, or canoe
- Home to Bengal tigers, rhinos, and crocodiles
- Bird watching with over 500 species recorded
- Cultural performances by the local Tharu community
8. Kakani
One of the best places to visit in Nepal in the winter is Kakani, a region in the Nuwakot district in Central Nepal, some 23 kilometers northwest of the city of Kathmandu. In this place, you may find peace and quiet far from the city’s activity.
You can see the locals’ rich culture and unmatched natural beauty at Kakani. Visit the strawberry farms, take a short trek, and sample local food and fresh cheese in this charming hillside town. We suggest first-time visitors to Nepal visit Kakani during the winter months.
- Known for strawberry farming
- Day-trips for hiking and picnics from Kathmandu
- Views of Ganesh Himal and central and western Himalayan ranges
- Less crowded than Nagarkot
9. Phulchowki
We have something in store for you if you only have a limited amount of time and places to see on your winter trip to Nepal; we’re anticipating the first one-day hike to Phulchowki, that you could go and come on the same day.
Along the challenging uphill climb, you will be amazed to observe the spectacular Himalayan mountains. The same route may be taken to return. Given the magnificent experience you may have there in such a short amount of time and travel distance, Phulchowki is a must-visit location.
- The highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley
- Famous for bird watching and a variety of flora
- Hiking and botany interest
- Buddhist shrine at the summit
- Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges
10. Mardi Himal
Even if it isn’t viewed that way, the Mardi Himal trip is one of the most incredible places to go hiking east of the ABC journey. The track winds through enchanting rhododendron trees for almost 3,300 meters before climbing out of the jungle.
A high mountainous terrain with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machapuchre, and Hiunchuli suddenly appears in the background. Mardi Himal is one of Nepal’s top winter vacation spots due to many local and foreign visitors.
- Relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region
- Close views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South
- Varied trek through forests, alpine landscapes, and high camps
- Fewer crowds compared to other Annapurna treks
- Base Camp offers stunning sunrise and sunset views
Things to Do in Nepal in December
December is an excellent time for trekking, cultural trips, jungle safaris, paragliding, and mountain biking. These are made much more worthwhile by the bright skies and mild weather. If you are not a very skilled and seasoned trekker, it is better to stay away from hiking on high-altitude paths.
Local experts concur that December is the ideal month for shorter hikes close to Pokhara and the lower Solu area. You may enjoy clear mountain views in the little town of Nagarkot, which is close to Kathmandu. Pokhara offers stunning views of the mountains and a crystal-clear lake even in the winter.
Read More: Things to Do in Nepal
Events in Nepal in December
Every year in December, Kathmandu hosts the International Mountain Film Festival. It is a beautiful chance to catch up on movies on mountain ecosystems and cultures from Nepal and other countries. In the days before December 31st, the Lakeside Pokhara Street Festival hosts a street festival.
The lively and colorful festival is a good time to socialize and shop. Kathmandu has a raucous New Year’s Eve celebration with lit-up nightclubs and casinos. It is a benefit for you if you visit Kathmandu around that time since you will experience the city’s vibrant, busy character.
Check More: 10 Famous Festivals of Nepal – Religious and Cultural Festivals
In Conclusion
Words cannot express the splendor of December in Nepal. Tourists can find endless splendor in these locations. It makes for a fantastic holiday destination and a fantastic location to find peace of mind. You may be sure that visiting these ten locations in Nepal in December will instantly relieve your stress and worry.
For more details on Nepal:
- Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Nepal
- 10 Popular Nepal Offbeat Places
- Nepal’s Most Famous Places to Visit
- Famous Honeymoon Places in Nepal
- Visit Nepal’s Beautiful Places in Monsoon
- Nepal’s Top 10 Reasons to Visit
- Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Nepal during Winter
- Food of Nepal – 10 Delicious Nepalese Cuisines to Try
- 8 Best Tourist Places to See in Janakpur
- Langtang National Park, Nepal: A Complete Travel Guide
- Nepal’s 10 Most Famous Lakes
- Travel Places in Nepal for First-Time Visit
