Most people think winter shuts down trekking in Nepal. It doesn’t. December is actually one of the quietest and clearest months to hit the trails, if you know what you’re doing.
The cold is real, especially up high. But pick the right route and pack smart, and you’ll trade crowded trails for empty ones, packed teahouses for peaceful stays, and hazy autumn skies for some of the sharpest mountain views all year.
This guide walks you through what December trekking actually looks like: how the weather shifts as you climb higher, the 10 best treks to pick from, exactly what to pack, and simple tips to stay safe and warm along the way. Whether you’re after an easy day hike near Pokhara or dreaming of standing at Everest Base Camp in winter, you’ll find the right trek for you here.
Weather in Nepal in December
December brings winter to Nepal. It is a cold and dry month in Nepal, with mostly clear skies and little rainfall. Days are often sunny, but temperatures drop quickly in the morning and after sunset. The weather also changes significantly with altitude, so conditions in Kathmandu are very different from those at Everest Base Camp or a high mountain pass.
At lower elevations, daytime weather remains comfortable for sightseeing and trekking. As you climb above 2,500 meters, nights become colder, and frost is common. Above 4,000 meters, freezing temperatures, snow, and icy trails become more likely.
| Altitude Level | Altitude Range | Daytime Temp | Nighttime Temp | Conditions |
| Low Altitude | Below 2,500m | 15–22°C | 3–10°C | Mild and mostly clear |
| Mid Altitude | 2,500–4,000m | 5–15°C | -2 to -10°C | Cold, dry, possible frost |
| High Altitude | 4,000–5,000m | 0–8°C | -10 to -18°C | Freezing, icy trails, possible snow |
| Extreme Altitude | Above 5,000m | -5 to 5°C | -15 to -20°C | Very cold, snow and ice likely |
For trekking, early December is generally more manageable than the later part of the month. By mid to late December, high-altitude areas can become significantly colder, and snowfall may affect trails and mountain passes.
If you are planning a December trek, choose your route based on your cold tolerance, altitude, and experience. Lower routes such as Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are more suitable for travelers who want winter scenery without the most extreme conditions, while high-altitude treks require proper winter gear and greater preparation.
10 Best Treks in Nepal in December
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 3,210m (Poon Hill viewpoint)
- Trek Duration: 4 – 6 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Budget to Medium, USD ($400–$700)
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 12°C
- Minimum Temperature: -5°C
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal, famous for its sunrise view over the Annapurna range. It’s located in the Annapurna region, a short drive from Pokhara through Nayapul. From there, the trail climbs gently to Ghorepani, a small village above 2,800m, with Poon Hill rising just behind it.
From Ghorepani, it’s roughly a 45-minute to one-hour pre-dawn climb to the top of Poon Hill, where the sunrise lights up Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre, Nepal’s famous “fish tail” mountain.
Trekking to Poon Hill in December works well because trails stay dry, skies stay clear, and autumn crowds have thinned out. Early December brings milder weather, while late December means colder mornings, light snow near the top, and quieter trails. Since the route stays below 3,500m, there’s no altitude sickness risk , just rhododendron forests, terraced farms, and Gurung villages like Ghandruk along the way.
Highlights: Enjoy subtropical vegetation, a picturesque sunrise view, an easy trek suited for beginners, and comfortable teahouse stays along the way.
2. Mardi Himal Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
- Trek Duration: 5 – 7 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Budget to Medium, USD ($300–$700)
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 10°C
- Minimum Temperature: -10°C
The Mardi Himal trek is one of Nepal’s newer hidden gems, opened to trekkers only in 2012. It starts from Kande, about an hour’s drive from Pokhara, and climbs through rhododendron and oak forest before opening into alpine ridgelines with close-up views of Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Annapurna I.
Unlike Poon Hill, this trail stays quiet even in peak season, and December makes it even more peaceful. Since the highest point stays under 4,600m, it’s manageable for trekkers with decent fitness and no prior high-altitude experience.
Best time: Trek Mardi Himal in early December. The trail is still relatively clear, temperatures are more manageable, and the route to High Camp and Base Camp isn’t yet blocked by heavy snow. By late December and into January, snow accumulation near High Camp can make the final stretch difficult or unsafe without proper winter gear.
What you’ll see: Dense forest trails give way to open ridgelines with sweeping mountain views, yak pastures, and, if you’re lucky, fresh snow dusting the trail without blocking it.
Highlights: Uncrowded trails, close-up Fishtail and Annapurna views, alpine ridge walking, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path feel.
3. Langtang Valley Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 3,870m (Kyanjin Gompa), with an optional climb to Tserko Ri at 4,984m
- Trek Duration: 7 – 10 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Medium, USD ($600–$900)
- Permit: Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 10°C
- Minimum Temperature: -10°C
Just 51 km north of Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley trek is one of the closest Himalayan treks to the capital, yet it feels remote. The trail follows the Langtang River through bamboo and rhododendron forest, passing traditional Tamang villages before opening into the wide alpine valley near Kyanjin Gompa.
December brings cold, clear days to Langtang. Snowfall is common at higher points, and the trail can turn icy past Kyanjin Gompa, but the valley below stays walkable with the right gear. Fewer trekkers this month also mean a quieter, more personal experience of Tamang Buddhist culture along the route.
What you’ll see: Ancient monasteries, an organic Himalayan cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa, mountain views of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal, and, at higher points, a chance to spot wildlife like Himalayan Thar or even red panda.
Highlights: Rich Tamang culture, close access from Kathmandu, panoramic views from Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri, and a quieter winter trail experience.
4. Everest Panorama (Everest View) Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 3,880m (Hotel Everest View, Syangboche)
- Trek Duration: 7 – 9 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
- Trek Price: Medium to High, USD ($1,000–$1,400), includes Lukla flights
- Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 10°C
- Minimum Temperature: -8°C
For trekkers who want to see Everest up close without committing to the full Base Camp trek, the Everest Panorama trek is the answer. It follows the same trail as Everest Base Camp but turns back around Tengboche or Namche Bazaar, at roughly half the distance and altitude.
The trek starts with a scenic flight into Lukla, then follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Sherpa villages and Sagarmatha National Park. From the viewpoint near Syangboche, you get a direct, unobstructed look at Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
December is a solid choice here since the route stays below 4,000m, keeping cold and altitude risk more manageable than a full Base Camp trip. Days are clear and crisp, and Namche Bazaar stays lively with open teahouses and shops.
Highlights: Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam views, a shorter and gentler trek than EBC, vibrant Namche Bazaar, and authentic Sherpa culture.
5. Khopra Ridge Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 3,660m (Khopra Ridge), with an optional side trip to Khayer Lake at 4,600m
- Trek Duration: 8 – 12 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Community Lodge
- Trek Price: Medium, USD ($600–$900)
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 9°C
- Minimum Temperature: -8°C
If Poon Hill feels too crowded, Khopra Ridge is the quieter alternative in the same Annapurna region. The trail branches off from the popular route near Ghandruk and Tadapani, then climbs through rhododendron and pine forest to a ridge with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.
Since it’s a community-run trek with lodges instead of commercial teahouses, you also get a more personal, local experience along the way. December keeps the trail dry and the views clear, though the side trip to Khayer Lake at 4,600m demands proper winter gear due to snow and cold.
Highlights: Uncrowded Annapurna views, community lodge stays, close-up look at Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, and an optional visit to the sacred Khayer Lake.
6. Pikey Peak Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 4,065m (Pikey Peak summit)
- Trek Duration: 6 – 9 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Medium, USD ($600–$900)
- Permit: Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 8°C
- Minimum Temperature: -8°C
Often called Sir Edmund Hillary’s favorite Everest viewpoint, Pikey Peak sits in the lower Everest (Solukhumbu) region, far from the crowds of the main Everest Base Camp trail. No Lukla flight is needed here, the trek starts with a road drive from Kathmandu, making it more affordable and far less weather-dependent.
From the summit, clear days reveal an incredible sweep of peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, all in one frame. November to December is actually the recommended window for this trek, thanks to stable weather and some of the clearest mountain visibility of the year.
Highlights: Panoramic views of five 8,000m peaks, no flight required, quiet Sherpa villages, and a budget-friendly way to see Everest.
7. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Trek Elevation: 2,200m (Australian Camp)
- Trek Duration: 3 – 5 Days
- Accommodation: Lodge/Guesthouse
- Trek Price: Budget, USD ($250–$450)
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 18°C
- Minimum Temperature: 5°C
For trekkers with limited time or beginners easing into the Himalayas, the Dhampus Sarangkot trek is one of Nepal’s gentlest options. Starting near Pokhara at Phedi, the trail winds through Gurung villages like Dhampus and Australian Camp before ending at Sarangkot, famous for its sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Since the route rarely climbs above 2,200m, December’s cold barely touches it. Days stay mild, nights are cool but manageable, and the trail remains open and comfortable all year round, making it an easy add-on to a longer Nepal trip.
Highlights: Sunrise over Annapurna and Fishtail from Sarangkot, Gurung village culture, Phewa Lake views, and one of the easiest treks near Pokhara.
8. Helambu Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 3,690m (Tharepati)
- Trek Duration: 6 – 9 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Budget, USD ($300–$550)
- Permit: Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 12°C
- Minimum Temperature: -5°C
Just north of Kathmandu, the Helambu trek offers a quieter alternative to the more famous Langtang and Everest routes. The trail passes through Shivapuri National Park, Tamang and Sherpa villages, and forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, with views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even Annapurna and Manaslu on clear days.
Because the highest point stays under 3,700m, this trek works well in December, when snow dusts the villages and rooftops without blocking the trail. It’s also one of the most accessible treks from Kathmandu, needing no flight or long drive to start.
Highlights: Close-to-Kathmandu access, Tamang and Sherpa culture, snow-dusted village scenery, and wide mountain views without extreme altitude.
9. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Elevation: 4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
- Trek Duration: 9 – 12 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: Medium, USD ($700–$1,000)
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 9°C
- Minimum Temperature: -10°C
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is Nepal’s second most popular trek after Everest Base Camp, and early December is one of the best windows to do it. The trail passes through Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forest, and the hot springs of Jhinu Danda before entering the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machapuchhre.
Why early December specifically: The skies are still clear from the tail end of autumn, temperatures are cold but manageable, and heavy snow hasn’t yet blocked the higher stretches of trail. Crowds have also thinned out compared to October and November, so you get quieter teahouses without the trail conditions of deep winter.
Highlights: Close-up views of the Annapurna Sanctuary, Jhinu hot springs, quieter winter trails, and one of Nepal’s most dramatic high-altitude amphitheaters.
10. Everest Base Camp Trek in December
- Trek Difficulty: Challenging
- Trek Elevation: 5,364m (Everest Base Camp), 5,545m if adding Kala Patthar
- Trek Duration: 10 – 14 Days
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Trek Price: High, USD ($1,200–$1,700)
- Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, TIMS Card
- Maximum Temperature: 5°C
- Minimum Temperature: -20°C
The Everest Base Camp trek is achievable in December, and early December is the recommended window for anyone considering a winter attempt. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche before reaching Base Camp beneath the world’s highest peak.
Why early December works best: Trails are still relatively free of heavy snow, most teahouses remain fully open, and Lukla flights run more predictably than in peak season. By late December and into January, some high-altitude lodges start closing, and snow accumulation near Base Camp can make the final stretch harder and colder.
What to expect: Extremely cold nights, especially near Gorak Shep and Base Camp, where temperatures can fall to -20°C or lower. In exchange, you get some of the clearest mountain visibility of the year and far fewer trekkers on the trail than in autumn.
Highlights: Unobstructed Everest views, Sherpa culture in Namche and Tengboche, near-empty trails, and the achievement of reaching Base Camp in winter conditions.
Packing List for Nepal in December
Before you plan your trek, the first question that comes up is simple: what should you actually wear in Nepal in December? The good news is that the packing list isn’t all that different from other trekking months. The main change is just a few extra layers of warm clothing and socks for the colder mornings and evenings.
Here’s the full list of gear you’ll need for a December trek.
Clothing (Layer by Layer)
- Base layer: Thermal tops and leggings (merino wool keeps you warmer than synthetic)
- Mid layer: A fleece jacket or light down vest
- Warm layer: A down jacket rated to at least -15°C for cold nights at high altitude
- Outer layer: A waterproof, windproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants: Bring 2 pairs, one light, one warmer for higher camps
- T-shirts and inner wear: For lower, warmer days
- Sun hat: For daytime sun
- Warm beanie: Covers your ears fully
- Neck gaiter or balaclava: Blocks cold wind at high camps
- Gloves: A thin inner pair plus a warm, thicker outer pair
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots: Break them in before the trek, and make sure they support your ankles well
- Wool hiking socks: 3–4 pairs, plus thin liner socks
- Camp shoes or sandals: For resting in teahouses at night
- Gaiters: Useful above 3,000m if there’s snow on the trail
Sleep Gear
- Sleeping bag: Rated to -15°C or -20°C. Teahouse blankets alone are not warm enough in December
- Sleeping bag liner: Adds extra warmth and keeps your bag clean
- Sleeping mattress: Needed only if you’re trekking in remote areas without teahouses
Useful Extras
- Trekking poles: Poles with snow baskets help on icy or snowy trails
- Microspikes: Worth carrying if you’re trekking above 3,000-3,500m, where ice is common
- Headlamp with spare batteries: December days are short, so you’ll often walk before sunrise or after sunset
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Snow reflects strong sunlight, so your eyes need protection
- Insulated water bottle or thermos: Keeps your water from freezing at high camps
- Daypack and duffel bag: One for daily items, one for the rest, usually carried by a porter
Health and Hygiene
- First-aid kit: Bring altitude sickness medicine if trekking above 3,000m
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm: Snow can burn your skin faster than you’d expect
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a quick-dry towel: Showers can be hard to find at higher elevations
- Basic toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and any personal hygiene items you need
- Power bank: Cold weather drains phone and camera batteries much faster
One thing to remember: it’s the layers working together, not one perfect jacket, that keeps you warm. Pack pieces you can add or take off as the day gets colder or warmer, and you’ll be ready for whatever December brings on the trail.
Pros and Cons of Trekking in Nepal in December
Pros
- Clear skies with little to no rain, giving sharper mountain views than hazier autumn months
- Fewer crowds on popular trails like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
- Lower prices at teahouses and with trekking agencies during the off-season
- Dry, stable trails at lower and mid altitudes
- Snow-dusted villages and peaks give the Himalayas a unique winter look
Cons
- Extreme cold above 4,000m, with nights dropping to -15°C or lower
- Some high-altitude teahouses close in late December due to heavy snow
- Shorter daylight hours (9-10 hours), limiting trekking time each day
- Heavy snowfall from mid-December onward can block or complicate higher trails
- Cold weather can mask early symptoms of altitude sickness
December works well for lower and mid-altitude treks like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or Helambu. For high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, early December is the safer window before the coldest part of winter sets in.
5 Tips for Trekking in Nepal in December
Winter trekking in Nepal rewards good planning. Here are five tips that make the biggest difference.
- Start walking early. Days are short in December, with only 9-10 hours of daylight. Begin by 7 or 8 AM to avoid finishing on icy trails in the dark.
- Book through a reliable local agency. Winter brings closed teahouses, sudden weather shifts, and flight delays. A good agency and licensed guide help you adjust fast when plans change.
- Add buffer days. Lukla flights get cancelled more often in winter. Build in 1-2 extra days so bad weather doesn’t wreck your trip or your flight home.
- Match the trek to your fitness level. If you’re new to trekking, choose a lower route like Poon Hill instead of Everest Base Camp. Cold adds extra strain even on easier trails.
- Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Cold weather hides your thirst, but your body still needs the water. Carry an insulated bottle so it doesn’t freeze, and sip throughout the day.
Follow these, and December trekking becomes less about surviving the cold and more about enjoying quiet trails and clear mountain views.
Conclusion
December proves that winter doesn’t mean the end of trekking season in Nepal. It means clear skies, quiet trails, and mountain views without the crowds. Whether you choose a gentle walk to Poon Hill or push toward Everest Base Camp, the key is matching the trek to your fitness level and packing the right winter gear.
Start early each day, build in extra time for weather delays, and trek with a trusted local team who knows the trails well. At Himalaya Hub, we help trekkers plan exactly this kind of trip, matching the right route, season, and gear to your experience level. Pick your trail, pack smart, and let Himalaya Hub help you get ready for a Himalayan trek most travelers never think to try in winter.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Nepal in December?
December is cold and dry with mostly clear skies. Daytime temperatures range from 15–22°C at low elevations, dropping to 0–8°C above 4,000m. Nights can reach -10 to -20°C at high altitudes, with frost and snow common above 4,000m.
Is trekking in Nepal possible in December?
Yes. Popular routes like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang, and Everest Base Camp remain open. Early December is best for high-altitude treks before heavy snow sets in.
Which treks are best for beginners in December?
Best beginner-friendly treks:
- Ghorepani Poon Hill (3,210m, 4–6 days)
- Dhampus Sarangkot (2,200m, 3–5 days)
- Helambu (3,690m, 6–9 days)
- Everest Panorama (3,880m, 7–9 days)
Do teahouses stay open in December?
Most teahouses stay open in early December. By late December, some high-altitude lodges (above 4,500m) on EBC and ABC routes may close due to snow and fewer trekkers.
How cold does it get on Everest Base Camp trek in December?
At Everest Base Camp (5,364m), daytime temps are 0–5°C, nights drop to -15 to -20°C or lower. At Namche Bazaar (3,440m), days are 8–10°C, nights -5 to -8°C.
Is December a good time for clear mountain views?
Yes. December offers some of the clearest mountain views of the year due to dry air and minimal clouds. Early December provides the best visibility before heavy snowfall.
Are there fewer crowds in December?
Yes. December sees far fewer trekkers than October–November. Trails and teahouses are quieter, especially on popular routes like EBC and ABC.
Can I trek to Annapurna Base Camp in December?
Yes, especially in early December. ABC (4,130m) remains accessible, with clear skies and manageable temperatures. Night temps drop to -10°C or lower; snow increases by late December.
Is altitude sickness a risk in December?
Yes. Altitude sickness risk remains above 3,000m. Cold weather can hide early symptoms. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms appear.
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