Nepal in January

January has fine weather and moderate temperature for a Nepal tour and short treks in the foothills of the Himalayas. January is the middle of winter and is not a good time for high altitude trekking.

Nepal is the only winter destinations among the Himalayan countries as it has tropical lowland and scenic treks in the Himalayan foothills.

Nepal is the only Himalayan country where it is possible to do short and scenic treks and tours during the winter. The altitude variation of tropical jungle and rolling foothills make a perfect Nepal trip throughout winter. Winter days are warm and sunny with clear sky and the temperature is comfortable for touring and trekking. This is also the best time to go on a wildlife tour, bird watching and spiritual tour.

Quick travel tips for January

• Nepal has resumed on-arrival visa and no PCR is required. January is the best month for cultural tours and short trekking.
• Prepare to walk in snow in the higher elevation of short treks. Trails of high altitude treks may be closed because of heavy snow.
• Christmas and New Year time sees a brief tourist season rush.

January weather in Nepal

Average weather around the major tourist area of Nepal

Place	Max Temp	Min Temp	Rainfall	Rain day
Kathmandu	19.1℃	2.4℃	14.4 mm	2.4
Pokhara	19.7℃	7.1℃	23 mm	2
Chitwan	21℃	7℃	21 mm	2
Namche	7℃	-8℃	26 mm	3
Jomsom	3℃	-14℃	22 mm	4

Snow play in Nepal

Kalinchowk, Sailung and Pathivara are the popular local tour destinations to play with snow in Nepal. Snowfall in Nepal starts from mid December and stays till mid March in these places.

Nepal Tour for January 2024

Nepal is the only winter destination in the Himalayas. The other Himalayan countries, like Tibet and Bhutan, become barely accessible because of winter snowfall. The vertical landscape of Nepal starts from tropical jungle and elevates over the layers of hills to the top of the world. Himalayan views from the hill stations and ridge tops of the short treks are brilliant. The tropical plains of Nepal are only about 180 km as the crow flies from the Himalayas.
Two of the UNESCO Heritage sites Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) and Chitwan national park are in the tropical plains of Nepal. Beside that Bardia national park, Koshi Tappu and Suklaphanta national park are also pristine destinations for wildlife sighting and bird watching. Kathmandu at 1,350 m and Pokhara at 800 m never gets snow.
Short trek from Kathmandu and Pokhara reaches 2 - 3,000 m which may have little snow making the experience and the view even more brilliant. Moreover, days in January are sunny and warm with crisp sky for Himalayan views. Only drawback of travelling to Nepal in January is cold nights. 

Nepal Trek in January 2024

January is winter month and the high altitude trekking trails remain closed with snow and continuous bad weather. However the Himalayan foothills have great weather and the best view with more snow deposition in the Himalayas and higher reaches. It will snow at the altitude of 3,000 m but is still walk-able. The days are warm and sunny with crisp sky promising the magnificent view every day. It may snow at higher reaches and the minimum temperature may drop down to – 6℃. With proper equipment and warm clothes it is fun to do short treks in the Himalayan foothills.

Here are some of the treks for January.

Nepal Travel tips for January

• Domestic flights may be effected because of fog and low clouds in the valleys of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Wet cold wave may effect the visibility and tour in southern planes like Chitwan, Bardia and Lumbini.
• Altitude above 2,200 may have snow less than one feet. It is fun to walk and the scenery is more beautiful but the trail becomes more slippery.
• First week of January feels like peak season with domestic and foreign tourists in popular tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan and Ghorepani.
• More tourists come for Lumbini and Buddhist circuit tour.