Best Treks in January in Nepal

Nepal has long been a well-liked location for trekking, mountaineering, and other adventure activities because of the majestic Himalayas, which offer plenty of outdoor activity opportunities. Even though it was difficult to navigate the snowy, icy conditions, the incredible experience was worth it. The best treks in Nepal in January are discussed in this article.

The month of January is in the middle of Nepal’s winter season, which is not very chilly. Of sure, the high Himalayas are remarkable, but Nepal can withstand the cold. One of Nepal’s most lovely months, January offers stunning vistas of the Himalayas as well as the country’s natural scenery.
The trekkers can celebrate the New Year in January as well. You can choose to travel to a number of locations while you are in Nepal, including the Himalayan region, to witness the Nepali method of celebrating the New Year and to capture wonderful moments.

Treks in Nepal in January

In spite of the chilly climate, January has a lot to offer. The Himalayas will enchant you with their stunning snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and varied flora and animals. Even though it’s the coldest month of the year, individuals still decide to trek to various locations throughout Nepal despite the difficulties.

Although it’s not impossible, very few people opt to hike or go on an adventure in Nepal in January.
Trekking in January is therefore less busy and suited for those looking for less remote treks. Most individuals prefer to trek in spring and autumn since the intense cold at high altitudes during January bothers them. Trekking does, however, offer excitement and adventure in January.

Trekkers will have a difficult time getting to base camps because many paths are buried with snow. The walk also gets harder as the cold drops to -30 degrees. Extreme trekking, however, does not present a problem because it is still possible to go trekking in January with the right kit. The trekkers also find this season to be the most difficult and exciting of all.

Highlights of Treks in January in Nepal

• The breathtaking vista of the snow-covered peaks
• Routes with fewer people on them where one can hike calmly
• Less rainfall causes the trails to dry out and make walking easier.
• Even at night, the pure sky offers a stunning vista.

There are more options for amenities like food and lodging because there are less trekkers.
In fact, Nepal is a beautiful country with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, giving you plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. Similar to this, some trekking locations, like Nepal in January, are more comfortable to visit in the winter.

8 Best Treks in January in Nepal

Gokyo Valley Trek

One of the best hiking routes through the Sagarmatha National Park is the Gokyo valley trek, which explores the varied flora and fauna as well as the breathtaking Himalayan views. Gokyo valley is one of the most amazing treks in Nepal since it offers a close-up view of the famous peak as well as stunning views of the surrounding natural surroundings.
The Valley of Gokyo is comforting with its brilliant lakes and breathtaking, nearly unmatched panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the other Himalayas. Thus, it is among the top treks in Nepal in January.

Trip Highlights

• From Gokyo Ri, you may enjoy stunning panoramic views of Everest, Makali, Cho Oyu, and other peaks.
• The Sherpa people’s way of life, friendliness, and tranquil village and society.
• The Sagarmatha National Park’s a wide variety of plants and animals.
• A breathtaking view of the Ngozumpa Glacier Old monasteries and gompas, such as the Khumjung monastery
• Exploration of the ancient Tengboche Monastery and Namche Bazaar

The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla via Namche Bazaar, which follows the same path as the Everest base camp. The routes then continue upstream along the Dudh Koshi river until they reach Ngozumpa Glacier. The journey leads you to the wonder of Gokyo after passing by the lovely Gokyo Valley and its tranquil network of lakes and villages.

Warm and hospitable, the locals mostly Sherpas live a traditional life that has largely escaped modernization. They are fervent Buddhists and have multiple yak herds to support their way of life. People can take in the breathtaking environment, as well as the customs, culture, and way of life, in this area.

By continuing on to Everest Base Camp via the Cho La (5240m) pass, the trek to Gokyo Valley can be prolonged even further. A different route back to Namche and Lukla can be taken by crossing Renjo La (5360m) in the opposite direction. The trip through the Gokyo valley, which offers the chance to see one of Nepal’s most secluded and beautiful local valleys, has recently grown in popularity with tourists.

Langtang- Gosaikunda- Helambu

One of the walks enriches culture with stunning views of the Langtang Himal, holy lake Gosaikunda, and Helambu villages.

Similarly, one of the most beautiful places in Nepal is the journey via Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu. One of the closest trekking options to the valley is the moderate-level Langtang to Gosaikunda and Helambu trek. By way of the Langtang Valley, the holy Gosaikunda Lake, and the Hyolmo settlements of Helambu, this journey leads to the banks of the Bhote Koshi River. Your route will be surrounded by grand mountain vistas, breathtaking freshwater lakes, and charming villages.

It is a stunning tour through Nepal’s verdant forests, picture-perfect towns, abundant animals, and breathtaking views of the towering Himalayas. Additionally, this is one of the best treks in Nepal in January.

Trip Highlights

• A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, including its holy places.
• Stunning up-close view of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks in Kyanjin Ri
• Trek to Gosaikunda’s high alpine lake
• exploration of the indigenous and ethnic communities in the Helambu village’s area.
• Investigating various flora, fauna, and wildlife
• Go to the yak farms and the cheese factory.
• There were a number of old monasteries and gompas nearby.

The two-week journey begins in Kathmandu with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The trip then starts from here after traveling to Syabrubesi, a Tamang settlement on the banks of the Bhote Koshi River.
The journey to Kyanjin Gompa and the ascent of Tserko Ri will take place the next day. You are in for a climb with a breathtaking view of Langtang Lirung.

The trails also extend forward to Gosaikunda and the Langtang Valley. It is a sacred location where both Buddhists and Hindus go on pilgrimage. From here, after passing by a number of further lakes, we will traverse the Laurebina Pass, from where the journey to Helambu starts.

The trek’s next high point, Ama Yangri, at 3800 meters, offers a breathtaking view of Mount Shishapangma and the Langtang mountains. We can feel the peaks right next to us since they look so close. After spending a few more days touring Helambu villages, the trip will come to an end, and we’ll head back to the nation’s capital, Kathmandu.

Everest Panorama Trek

One of the enjoyable trekking adventures to the Everest region with a breathtaking view of the world’s tallest mountain Everest Panorama Trek. A quick journey in Nepal’s Everest region is called the Everest Panorama Trek. For people who wish to hike to Everest but are concerned about getting altitude sickness, this route may be an alternative.

As a result, this magnificent package is also among Nepal’s top treks for January. This walk has it everything, from the breathtaking vista of the towering peaks to the incredibly well-known Sherpa settlement. The journey offers the opportunity to experience the kind hospitality of the inhabitants, traditional Nepalese cuisine, historic monasteries, and gompas, as well as the exploration of a diverse array of flora and fauna.

The main draw of this walk is the breathtaking vista of Everest and other high peaks in the world. Similar to this, the Sagarmatha National Park offers amazing opportunities to discover a vast variety of flora and fauna.

Trip Highlights

• A beautiful flight over the snow-capped peaks to Lukla
• Trekking in the Everest region is pleasant and lovely.
• Exploring Sagarmatha National Park’s rich flora and fauna (UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Sherpa’s top tourist destination is Namche Bazaar.
• Along the journey, there are gompas and rare and endangered species including musk deer and Himalayan monal.
• Stunning views of the Himalayan peaks at sunrise and dusk.
• Views of peaks like Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters) and Cho Oyu are magnificent (8,201m).

The walk starts with a 45-minute flight to Lukla, where you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking Annapurna Himalayan Range. Similarly, this is one of the Best Treks in January in Nepal. When you arrive, the journey leads you across the Dudh Koshi river’s banks to Namche Bazaar, the entrance to Everest. There are many things to do in Namche, including a side trip to Khumjung, a tour of the cheese factory, and visits to the hospital and school that Edmund Hillary supported.

In addition, one of the most well-liked activities in this area is trekking to the highest Everest view hotel, which offers a stunning view of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. Then, you can reach Tengboche via the paths that connect Namche. Tengboche is most known for its historic monasteries and gompas, which are popular attractions in addition to the Everest vista.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal in January. It is one of the more straightforward treks to a stunning ethnic community in the Annapurna area. The walk gives you access to one of Ghandruk’s culturally significant communities and it’s breathtaking Himalayan and natural settings.
Similarly, the breathtaking panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, and the other Himalayas is one of the trek’s standout features.

The walk allows you to explore the Gurung and Magar communities in Ghandruk and Ulleri in addition to the surrounding natural environment. That will be a truly unique chance to learn about people, their cultures, traditions, and way of life.

One of Nepal’s most well-known views of the Annapurna range is reached via the Ghorepani Poonhill hike. Your walk will be made even more colorful and energizing by the trail’s passage through rhododendron forests. This moderately difficult hike is appropriate for everyone. The trails go past picturesque paddy fields, cozy communities, and terraced slopes. In Poonhill, you may capture every moment of the magnificent Himalayan ranges, which is a photographer’s paradise.

Trip Highlights

• Exploration of a Kathmandu cultural site that has been listed by UNESCO
• Beautiful views of the dawn and sunset through the peaks from Poon Hill, 3210 meters
• Observe the Gurung and Magar settlements at Ghandruk and Ulleri, and take in the majestic views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, and others.
• Discover Pokhara, a well-known tourist destination, and its lakes, caves, falls, and rovers.
• Investigate the customs and cultures of the Gurung and Magar communities in Ghandruk.
• See the traditional rural lifestyle in Nepal.

Find Out More: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Hidden Gem of Nepal

Starting the trek is a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You then go by car for one and a half hours from Pokhara to Nayapul, where you must hike for roughly four to five hours to reach Tikhedhunga.
In the same way, hike up to Ghorepani, which is at a height of 2874m, from Tirkhedhunga.

From here, take in the breathtaking natural scenery, the Himalayan vista, and local cultural exploration. Trek for an additional five hours to Poon Hill and Tadapani, and then continue to Ghandruk, a well-known Gurung village. Spend some time here and then drive or trek back to Nayapul and Pokhara.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

One of Nepal’s newest and most recently discovered paradises is the Mardi Himal base camp trek. This journey has quickly become well-known among trekkers from all around the world. An excellent opportunity to experience the Nepalese Himalayas and get a breathtaking perspective of the Annapurna region is the Marsh Himal walk. The trek’s ideal length of just over a week makes it acceptable for anyone with limited time. A hidden jewel of Nepal, the Mardi Himal climb is located just east of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

The breathtakingly gorgeous journey offers up-close encounters with Mardi Himal, Gangapurna, Himchuli, and Annapurna South. As hardly any hikers travel to Mardi Himal’s Base Camp. One may see up-close views of the entire Annapurna Range from the Mardi Himal base camp, which is located at 3580 meters.

Trip highlights

• Discover the capital city’s distinctive historical sites ( UNESCO heritage sites)
• With fewer people, enjoy a tranquil hike in the Annapurna region.
• Base camp for Mardi Himal at 5587 meters.
• Take in the breathtaking vistas of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other peaks.
• Enjoy a modest and very easy hike that many tourists miss.
• Experience native life in the highlands while getting a taste of Nepali culture.

The trek travels through a stunning forest of rhododendron blooms on narrow, rocky trails. Mardi trip is a year-round activity. The winter hike to this destination offers a breathtaking view of a clean mountain backdrop, little snowfall, and consistent weather.

The hike also starts in the stunning city of Pokhara. The trail then continues to Phedi, where the hike starts, after exploring the magnificent city of Pokhara. The journey continues through Pothana, Forest Camp, and Low Camp before ending. Similarly, one can hike to High Camp (3700m) and then climb to Base Camp in 3–4 hours from there.

Khopra Danda Trek

This walk is a terrific option if you’re looking for something a little off-the-beaten path with beautiful views. This hike offers a beautiful mountain vista, pastoral villages, and layered rice fields, combining the finest of Nepal. This easy hike is an experience off the usual path and is also known as the Khopra Ridge. It might be a tranquil substitute for the area’s busier excursions.

This climb offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Annapurnas while passing through various local communities, terraced fields, and extensive bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron woods. This also pertains to Nepal’s January hikes.

Trip Highlights

• Experience the breathtaking sunrise above Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
• Experience the wonderful hospitality of the locals and local homestays.
• To get to Tatopani, descend via ministerial villages.
• Trek to Holy Khayer Lake
• examination of human culture and manner of life.
• Beautiful sunset view from Muldai Hill’s summit

Starting the trek is a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Trek to Ghandruk, the most well-known village in the Annapurna region, while exploring the ancient city of Pokhara. Trek to Tadapani, a community with a vibrant culture, from Ghandruk.

After exploring the community, hike once more to a number of Dobato and Upper Chistibung settlements before arriving at Khorpe Danda at 3660m. Trek back to Swanta after taking in the sights from the top of Korpe Danda. Trek from Swanta via various Ulleri and Nayapul villages before arriving in Pokhara.

Dhulikhel- Nagarkot

Consider the Dhulikhel Nagarkot trek if you wish to quickly discover the typical natural landscapes of Nepal. The journey is accessible from the valley and takes only a short amount of time. Nagarkot, the closest hill station to Kathmandu, may be reached after a quick 32-kilometre drive.

Amazing views may be seen from the hill station. One can see the entire valley clearly from here, as well as the Himalayas, including Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, the Mahalangur range, etc.

However, Dhulikhel, 30 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, offers a breathtaking vista of the Langtang, Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and Melungtse mountains. Other notable sights in this area are monasteries and gompas.

Trip highlights

• View the sunrise and sunset stunning above the Himalayan ranges.
• Savor the beautiful drives between Kathmandu and Nagarkot and Dhulikhel and Kathmandu.
• Exclusive Himalayan vistas, including those of Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, and the Mahalangur range, among others
• Investigate the Newari people, their culture, and their lifestyle.

The drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot in the early morning before the hike. We go for an hour and a half to Nagarkot, where we will witness the magnificent dawn over the Himalayan peak. From here, we will climb to Dhulikhel through a number of tiny towns, pine forests, and agricultural areas.

Similar to that, a 5-hour hike will get you to the charming village of Dhulikhel. Visit the historic towns, Narayan Temple, a Hindu holy site, and Namo Buddha, a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Finally, you will go back to Kathmandu by car from Dhulikhel.

Sundarijal Chisapani trek

Sundarijal Chisapani Hike is another trailhead that is close to the valley. The climb from Chisapani to Sundarijal combines beautiful Himalayan views with scenes of everyday local life. It also includes breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. This hike is brief but exciting, making it the perfect getaway for one to three days.

Trip highlights

• Stunning Views of Dorje Lhakpa and the Gaurishankar range from Langtang Lirung
• passing through Crown Forest, home to Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron.
• Exploration of various small towns and the locals’ way of life during a brief yet exciting hike.
• Starting the tour is a brief, beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. A well-known hangout spot in Kathmandu’s north is called Sundarijal. It is located within Shivapuri National Park’s perimeter.

The National Park’s forest provides this area with big trees, nice shade, and lovely streams. It’s the ideal place to go hiking in tranquility, far from the city and unspoiled by modernity. The journey leads through the forest to Chisapani, leaving behind a number of little towns. In the same way, Chisapani is a stunning village with the largest vista in the entire Himalayan region. It is a location where individuals from all ethnic groups coexist peacefully.

Tips for Treks in January in Nepal

In Nepal, January is one of the cold months. Nepal’s winters are cold, though not particularly harsh. As a result, trekking is still viable across Nepal in the winter. There are a number of places to go hiking where it’s perfectly safe to go in January. Before hiking in January, though, there are a few suggestions and precautions to keep in mind.

Starting early

Nothing beats setting out early to hike anywhere in the nation. An early start is beneficial, particularly in January. You can arrive at your destination before the day’s light fades if you leave early in the morning.
Choose the destination

Although trekking in Nepal is available all year long, one must be careful about the location and time of year they choose. Nepal has a number of treks that are really difficult, therefore it is not a good idea to list any of those for January. On the other hand, low- and mid-altitude treks like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna Panorama can be completed in January.

Packing according to the need

January is the winter month and winter means the temperature at higher altitudes will remain below 0°C. Therefore, you need to pack accordingly. Pack an extra layer of clothing including warm fleece, socks, gloves, head wears, footwear, and a sleeping bag. Don’t pack unnecessary things as it will burden up and slow you down during the trek.

Get a sherpa guide in your area

If you require a guide, it is always a good idea to select one with plenty of expertise. So that you can easily access the roads and trails, you can do it by hiring a native Sherpa guide. Additionally, hiring a local guide offers the benefit of genuine engagement with the population and its culture.