short trek in Nepal in January

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

  • January is the best month for cultural and spiritual 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.

Annapurna South from Poon Hill
Sailung Trek
Rs 7000
2 days | February - March
Difficulty : Moderate
Pikey peak trek is the best trek for March.
Kalinchowk Tour
Rs 5,500 / person
2 days | February - March
Difficulty : Moderate
Short Everest trek in March
Pathivara Tour
Rs 22,000 / person
5 Days | February - March
Difficulty : Moderate

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

Nepal trekking in January

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.

Famous Hollywood Actor Jet Li visited Nepal during Christmas holiday last year.

Deals and offer for January 2024

Annapurna South from Poon Hill
Poon Hill Trek
10% off
4 days | Until February
Difficulty : Moderate
The popular short trek to Ghorepani / Poon Hill is the best Nepal trek for December and all winter. Enjoy the trail with less trekkers and great view of the Himalayas as winter days are sunny with clear sky.
Pikey peak trek is the best trek for March.
Glimpse of Nepal
8% off
8 days | January - February
Difficulty : Easy
The most popular, 8 days tour of Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. Since the tour destinations are in tropical and subtropical regions, this is best for winter. Get 8% discount for January & February.
Short Everest trek in March
Short Everest Trek
Join trek
22 January | 6 days
Difficulty : Moderate
Short & scenic trek in Everest national park (UNESCO Heritage). Walk through Himalayan Buddhist Sherpa villages w/ stay in deluxe or comfortable Sherpa style hotels..
Nepal Holiday with us:
  • Support local company.
  • Expertise over 20 years.
  • Cost effective Treks.
  • Cultural immersion experience.
  • High quality services.
  • Eco friendly & sustainable practices.

January Tour Review

Well looked after and a great holiday!

I, along with my wife arranged a 10 day ­holiday in Nepal with Rabi in January 2018. Our tour included Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and Bandipur with all surrounding attractions.
Rabi was very prompt in replying and sending itineraries to suit our needs. He was so good in looking after our comforts in our hotels. He made sure to visit us everyday while we were in Kathmandu and even accompanied us as guide in Kathmandu and in Bandipur. He was very polite and got an in depth knowledge of everything about the history. We did not have enough time and energy to go around to all the places he intended to take us around.
- SelvaSan - Australia

- Tripadvisor

Short Everest Trek 8 days

Best for August & January
If you are limited with time and still want to get the feel of Sherpa land, this trek is for you. Since the trek starts with flight to Lukla at 2,800 m, the trek avoids humid and hot climate of Summer. A short trek of 5 days could be planned based in comfortable Hotels (luxury trek).
Everest sightseeing flight.

Everest sightseeing Flight

The 1 hr. fixed wing Himalayan sightseeing flight is the best way to see Mt Everest and other peaks east of Kathmandu.
USD 250 230 till March
  • Window Seat
  • Everest View
  • Airport
Adventure in Pokhara
Pokhara provides ground for adventure sports. Try the World's most extreme Zip Flyer. Accelerate down 2,000 ft with speed of 140 KMH. Make your free flying dream comes true by paragliding or get close to mysterious Himalayan peaks with Ultra light flights. All in perfect natural setting of Himalayas and turquoise lake. More >

Only USD 280 !
Helicopter tour of
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Heli Tour

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