Trekking in Nepal in December: Best Treks, Weather and Tips
Yes, you can trek in Nepal in December, and it’s one of the clearest months of the year. Skies are usually dry and sharp, and trails are much quieter than in October or November. The trade-off is the cold, especially at night and higher up.
The key is choosing the right trek. Lower treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Pikey Peak and the Everest Foothills Trek work well all month. Everest Base Camp is possible, best in early December, if you’re ready for nights well below freezing. High pass treks like Manaslu and the Annapurna Circuit get riskier as the month goes on.
- Weather: mostly dry and clear, cold nights, snow more likely on high passes later in the month
- Crowds: much quieter than autumn, especially after mid December
- Best treks: Ghorepani Poon Hill, Everest Foothills, Pikey Peak, Mardi Himal (lower and middle sections)
- Possible with care: Everest Base Camp (early December), Annapurna Base Camp
- Better to avoid: Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, high passes late in the month
- Kathmandu: around 20°C in the afternoon, around 4°C at night on average
- Daylight: short days, it’s usually dark by around 5pm
- Flights: Lukla flights often move back to Kathmandu after the autumn peak, but confirm your departure airport. Winter fog can also cause morning delays.
- Festivals: Christmas in Thamel, Tamu Lhosar (Gurung New Year) around the end of the month
Last updated: October 2026
Most people think of Nepal in December as too cold to trek. It’s a fair worry, but it’s only half true. December is cold, yes. It’s also dry, clear and quiet, and some of our favourite treks are at their best right now.
This guide covers what December weather is really like, which treks we’d choose, and how to plan around the cold and the short days.
December Treks at a Glance
| Trek | Max altitude | Best for | Main December concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 3,210m | Beginners, short trips | Cold sunrise walk |
| Everest Foothills | 3,860m | Everest views without the high cold | Cold nights, flight delays |
| Pikey Peak | 4,065m | Quiet trail, wide Everest panorama, no flight | Cold summit morning |
| Mardi Himal | 4,500m | Close views of Fishtail, quiet trail | Snow, ice and wind up high |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130m | A high mountain sanctuary | Snow and avalanche risk near Deurali |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,545m (Kala Patthar) | Fit, well-equipped trekkers | Severe cold, fewer open lodges |
What Is the Weather Like in December?
December is the start of winter in Nepal. The monsoon is long gone, so the air is dry and the skies are usually clear. Mountain views are often sharper than in spring, when haze builds up.
The cold depends on how high you go.
| Place | Altitude | Daytime | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | about 1,400m | sunny, around 20°C | cold, around 4°C on average |
| Ghorepani (Poon Hill) | about 2,860m | cool, pleasant in sun | around freezing |
| Namche Bazaar | about 3,440m | cool in sun, cold in shade | well below freezing |
| Mardi Himal High Camp | 3,580m | cold, windy on the ridge | around -10°C |
| Gorak Shep (EBC) | about 5,160m | cold even in sun | can fall below -15°C |
These are rough guides, not a forecast. Conditions change from day to day.
Two things matter more than the numbers. First, the sun. On a clear December day, walking in the sun can feel warm, and the moment it drops behind a ridge the temperature falls fast. Second, the wind, which makes high ground feel much colder than the thermometer says.
Snow is possible at any time higher up, and becomes more likely in the second half of the month. Lower trails usually stay clear, though you can get icy patches in the shade.
Early December vs Late December
December isn’t one month on the trail. It’s two.
Early December (roughly the first two weeks) still feels a lot like late November. Most teahouses are open, trails are quiet but not empty, and higher treks like Everest Base Camp are still a good option for prepared trekkers.
Late December is proper winter. Nights get colder, snow on high passes is more likely, and some higher lodges close for the season. This is the time for lower treks.
These are patterns, not promises. One snowfall can close a pass in early December, and a clear spell can open things up later in the month. If you want to go high, aim for early December. If your dates are later, choose a lower route.
Best Treks in Nepal in December
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Our first choice for December. The trek stays fairly low, with the high point at Poon Hill (3,210m), and the sunrise view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is often at its clearest now. The viewpoint, usually packed in October, is much quieter.
The dawn walk up Poon Hill is the coldest part of the trip, so bring your warmest layers for it. Shaded steps can be icy early in the morning.
Everest Foothills Trek
If you want to see Everest without the cold of the high Khumbu, this is the one. The trek goes from Lukla to Namche Bazaar and up to Tengboche Monastery at 3,860m, with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. It stays below 4,000m, so the nights are cold but manageable.
We run group departures on this trek in December.
Pikey Peak
A quiet trek in the lower Solukhumbu, with one of the widest Himalayan panoramas in Nepal from the 4,065m summit, including Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. It’s a drive from Kathmandu, not a flight, so winter flight delays don’t affect it.
The summit morning is cold, with an early start for sunrise, so bring proper warm layers. See our Pikey Peak trek guide.
Mardi Himal
A ridge walk with close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). In December the views are often clear from start to finish, and the lower and middle sections up to High Camp (3,580m) work well.
Above High Camp it’s a different trek in winter. Nights at High Camp can drop to around -10°C, and the trail to the Upper Viewpoint and Base Camp (4,500m) can have snow, ice and strong wind. It’s best for trekkers who already have some altitude experience. Your guide will decide on the day how far it’s safe to go.
Treks That Are Possible With Care
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp in December is possible, and some trekkers love it for the empty trail and clear skies. But it’s a real winter trek higher up. Nights at Lobuche and Gorak Shep can drop below -15°C, fewer lodges are open, and water pipes can freeze.
It suits fit trekkers with good cold weather gear, and it’s best in early December. You’ll need a warm down jacket and a sleeping bag rated for well below freezing. Our EBC packing list covers what to bring.
If you mainly want to see Everest, the Everest Foothills Trek gets you the view without the extreme cold.
Annapurna Base Camp
ABC can be done in December, and the sanctuary under snow is beautiful. The main concern is the section between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where heavy snow can raise the avalanche risk. Don’t judge it by the weather in Pokhara, because it can be sunny there and snowing in the sanctuary. Your guide checks conditions each day and will turn back if it isn’t safe.
Treks to Avoid in December
- Manaslu Circuit. Larkya La can be closed or dangerous after snowfall, and many higher lodges shut. We don’t recommend it in winter.
- Upper Mustang. Many lodges close for the winter as families move to lower areas.
- Annapurna Circuit, late in the month. Thorong La (5,416m) can be blocked by snow. Early December can still work, but you need flexible dates. See our Annapurna Circuit best time guide.
Langtang in December: Check First
The Langtang trail itself is fine for December. It’s a lower, quieter trek and it suits winter well. The question is getting there.
The August 2026 floods damaged the road to Syabrubesi, the usual starting point. Repairs are underway, but access has been changing week to week. Don’t book Langtang on the assumption that the normal road is open. Ask us for the latest before you choose this route, or see our flood update.
Flights in December
In busy seasons, Lukla flights leave from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. In recent years the autumn arrangement has usually run until around the end of November, and flights have often moved back to Kathmandu after that. The dates are set each season, so we confirm your departure airport closer to your trek.
Winter brings its own delays. Morning fog and smog in Kathmandu and other airports can hold up domestic flights, especially from mid December into January. Flights to Lukla can also be held for cloud or wind at Lukla itself.
Build at least one or two spare days into your plan, especially on Everest treks. See our guides to Lukla flight delays and Lukla flights via Ramechhap.
Festivals and Holidays in December
- Christmas and New Year. Nepal doesn’t celebrate Christmas widely, but Thamel and Pokhara get festive, with decorated restaurants and New Year’s Eve parties.
- Tamu Lhosar. The Gurung New Year usually falls around 30 December. Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills celebrate with dancing, traditional dress and family feasts. If you’re trekking near Ghandruk or the Poon Hill area at the end of the month, you might see it.
Because December is quiet, a trek over Christmas or New Year is often easier to book than people expect.
What to Pack for December
You don’t need to buy a whole new kit for a December trek, but warmth matters more than usual.
- A proper down jacket, not just a fleece
- A sleeping bag rated well below freezing for higher treks
- Thermal base layers for evenings and nights
- Warm gloves, a warm hat and a buff
- A windproof outer layer, especially for Mardi Himal and Everest treks
- Good sunglasses and sunscreen, because the winter sun is strong at altitude
- A headlamp, since days are short and dawn walks start in the dark
Down jackets and sleeping bags can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu. See our gear rental guide and Nepal trekking packing list.
Tips for Trekking in December
- Start a little later on cold mornings. On lower treks, there’s no rush. Let the sun warm the trail first.
- Finish early. Aim to reach your teahouse by mid afternoon, before the temperature drops.
- Keep batteries warm. Phones and camera batteries drain fast in the cold. Keep them in an inside pocket and in your sleeping bag at night.
- Drink warm drinks. It’s easy to drink less water in the cold. Hot lemon or ginger tea helps.
- Stay flexible. Snow, wind and flight delays can all change a plan. A spare day makes a big difference.
- Get insurance that covers your altitude. This matters in every season. See our travel insurance guide.
Not a Trekker? Add Chitwan
If you want a break from the cold, Chitwan in the lowlands is mild in December. Mornings are often misty, and it’s a good time for jungle walks and wildlife spotting. Many people add a few days there after a trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to trek in Nepal?
Yes, if you choose the right trek. December is dry, clear and quiet. Lower treks like Poon Hill and Pikey Peak are excellent. Higher treks are colder and riskier, especially late in the month.
Can beginners trek in Nepal in December?
Yes, on the right trek. Ghorepani Poon Hill is a good first trek in December. It stays low, the trail is well used and the views are usually clear. Just bring warm layers for cold mornings and nights.
How cold is Nepal in December?
It depends on the altitude. Kathmandu averages around 20°C in the afternoon and around 4°C at night. Around 3,000m, nights are usually near or below freezing. At Everest Base Camp, nights can fall below -15°C.
Can you trek to Everest Base Camp in December?
Yes, especially in early December. Expect very cold nights, fewer open lodges and quieter trails. You’ll need good cold weather gear. If you’d rather avoid the cold, the Everest Foothills Trek gives you Everest views at a lower altitude.
Is Annapurna Base Camp safe in December?
It can be, in the right conditions. The main risk is heavy snow on the section between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which can raise the avalanche risk. Your guide checks conditions each day and will turn back if it isn’t safe.
Does it snow in Nepal in December?
Sometimes, higher up. Snow is more likely on high passes and above about 4,000m, especially in late December. Lower trails usually stay clear, though shaded sections can be icy.
Is Thorong La open in December?
Often in early December, but not guaranteed. Snowfall can close the pass, and it gets riskier as the month goes on. If you plan the Annapurna Circuit in December, keep a spare day or two.
Are teahouses open in December?
On popular lower treks, yes. Higher up, some lodges close for winter, especially late in the month. Your guide will plan stops around what’s open.
Is December cheaper for trekking?
Not usually in package price, but it’s easier to book. It’s low season, so rooms and dates are easier to get, even over Christmas. The package price for a trek generally stays the same.
Which is better, November or December?
November is warmer and more reliable for high treks. December is quieter and just as clear. If you want Everest Base Camp or a high pass, choose November. If you want empty trails on a lower trek, December is hard to beat. See our guide to trekking EBC in November.
Further Reading
- Best Time to Trek in Nepal: A Month by Month Guide
- Short Treks in Nepal
- Mardi Himal Trek Guide
- Everest Base Camp Trek in November
- EBC Packing List
- Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks
- Lukla Flight Delays
- Trekking Gear Rental in Kathmandu
Last reviewed October 2026. Trail, road and flight conditions can change, so check with us before you travel.
