Either it is a breathtaking high mountain or the stunning low land plain field, Nepal is always been a perfect destination for travelers across the World. In our previous post, we have listed the best places to visit in the summer season.
No matter whether you are Nepali or foreigner, you love these places. We have listed the best places in Nepal which are worth visiting in the winter season [Note: You can also visit in other seasons too]
Here is the list of 10 best places to visit in Winter in Nepal.
1. Poon Hill
Trekking to Poon Hill is not difficult as compared to other trekking routes in Nepal. It is one of the medium trekking trails which takes you close to the sky-touching mountains. At the same time, you enjoy natural flora and fauna, and stunning sunrise early in the morning.
Poon Hill stands at an elevation of 3210M from where your huge mountain in front of you. You walk through a dark rhododendron forest.
You can get on a bus in Kathmandu, get off at Nayapul, walk to Birethanti, and begin your trek. Villages at regular intervals along the trail mean you can take your time. This 4/5 days trekking has been the choice of many international and domestic tourists.
If you love crisp mountain air and watching the morning light gild mountains, Poon Hill might be one of the best choices you have.
2. Mardi Himal
Although Mardi Himal trek is not in that light, it is one of the best trekking destinations in the east of ABC trek. The trail goes along small winding paths, through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest which appx. 3,300 M.
The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The best season to visit September, October, and November.
As many domestic and international tourists are visiting this place, Mardi Himal is one of the best winter destinations in Nepal.
Read More – 5 Reasons to Visit Kalinchowk
3. Nagarkot Chisapani
Nagarkot is situated on the top of the north-eastern ridge of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of around 2300 M. Nagarkot is the best spot to view the vicinity stretching from Dhaulagiri from the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. You can enjoy the best sunrise and sunset in the morning if the weather favors you.
You start your trek from Sundarijal all the way up through the Mulkharka. You walk through a dappled forest and arrive toward evening to watch a spectacular show of light on a Himalayan façade.
The next day you will be heading to Nagarkot. Nagarkot falls in one of the beautiful places in Nepal near Kathmandu, it is also the best location for refreshment for those who are looking for a quieter place. Nagarkot is one of the best places in Nepal to visit in both winter and summer season.
4. Kalinchowk
Kalinchowk is probably the best destination to observe snow and mountains closely. It is just 5 hrs riding from Kathmandu to Charikot and 2-hour rough jeep riding to Kuri Bazar Basecamp. You can observe breath-taking scenes of the mountains and above the cloud scene from the top of the hill.
The next day early morning, you climb up the Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple situated at 3800M. It takes about 1 hour to walk up to the top. The new cable car is also going to be started soon. Kalinchowk is being able to get many visitors each year.
Read all info – About Kalinchowk Here
5. Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park is one of the largest wildlife protected areas in Nepal. It is situated in the Terai region of Nepal. If you want to closely observe the wild lives then Bardiya National Park will fulfill your dreams.
Going for a jungle safari in the foggy jungle is very adventurous and exciting, You can encounter a tiger, an elephant, or a rhino anytime.
Bardiya National Park has more than 30 species of mammals, 230 species of birds, and several reptilian species including mugger crocodile and the Gharial.
6. Gorkha / Bandipur
Bandipur in the Tanahun district is another best place to visit in Nepal in the winter season. Bandipur is famous because of its preserved, old-time cultural atmosphere. Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourists.
There is the cave Sidda Gufa (Sidda Cave) is said to be the largest cave in Nepal. From Bandipur, follow the signs starting from the north end of the village. These take you along a dirt path running north over the edge of the ridge, turning right at the obvious junction. The stone path is slippery, so mind your step. Torches (flashlights) are also available for hire.
The next day, you will be heading to Gorkha Bazar. Gorkha is very famous for its historical timeline. There is a museum, a temple on the top (which used to be a palace).
7. Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake is said to be the highest lake in the world. It is one of the best destinations to visit in Nepal. Tilicho Lake Trekking starts from Lamjung, Besisahar as Annapurna Circuit Trekking, which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east.
In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan – a holy book of the Hindus. Tilicho Trek offers you a spectacular and majestic view of the white Himalayas.
Talking about best places to visit in Nepal in winter, Tilicho is the best option. However, because of its duration, cost and difficulty, you need to have a good plan beforehand.
8. Rara Lake Trek
Rara lake is another best winter destination in Nepal. It is Nepal’s biggest freshwater lake located in Mugu district. It is very far compared to other places we have mentioned here but it is, of course, worth visiting. You need to catch flights and buses to get to the destination.
There is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Rara lake. As a result, you need to fly to Nepalgunj first. Nepalgunj is a gateway to this area is the beginning point of your adventure. You can also choose a long bus journey but it is time taking and maybe not comfortable enough.
Again from Nepalgunj, you have to take either flight or bus and several hours of hiking to get to Rara Lake.
[ Note: September and October or April and May is the best time because in peak winter it is too cold and a lake is covered with ice ]
– Find more about how to get Rara Lake here
9. Ilam
Ilam is the best place to visit not only in the winter season but also in the summer season. Ilam definitely offers great scenery and experience to get rid of hectic city life. The main attractions of Ilam include a greenery garden, sunset, and sunrise, holy sites, thick natural forests, and cultural blends.
If you are going in the summer season, then it will be a cool place to be there but you might miss the great scenery as the weather changes every 5 minutes.
Place of Attractions
- Kanyam Tea Garden
- Fikkal Bazar
- Ilam View Tower
- Shree Antu Danda
10. Dolpo
Dolpo situated in Phoksundo National Park [Mid Western Nepal] is one of the most remote areas of Nepal. It is a remarkable place with pristine mountain views, rich and diverse flora and fauna, and home to some of the most exquisite wildlife inhabitants.
Since the place does not see many visitors, you get a chance to experience nature in its purest form.
Place of Attractions
- Phoksundo Lake (Deepest/clean lake of Nepal)
- Shey Phoksundo National Park (Largest National Park in Nepal)
- Rara lake
- Tinje Valley
These are just a list of some of the best places to visit in Winter. As you know there are hundreds of options for you to visit. You can make your holiday memorable by picking up any of the listed destinations.
Related Posts
- 20 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nepal Once in a Life
- 10 Places to visit in Winter Season in Nepal
- 10 Reasons to Visit Kalinchowk This Winter
- 5 Reasons to do Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek
- Why Trekking In Nepal Deserves To Be On Your Bucket List