FAQ Categories: Choosing a trek

The global climate is ever changing, so we’re reluctant to predict the weather and temperature at any given time of year!

Yet for the purpose of trekking Nepal, we still work in two main seasons – Spring and Autumn/Fall. The best time of year to trek Nepal depends on your own preference, as well as your availability. The only really bad time of year is during the Monsoon from June through to early September. It’s still possible to trek at this time of year, but it’s not nearly as much fun when it rains every day! In Winter, some high passes are often closed due to snow, so it’s only possible to trek at lower altitudes.

When is the Best Time of Year to Trek Nepal?

The following information is intended as a guide only, based on our experience over the last few years.

Autumn/Fall

The very best time of year to trek Nepal is Autumn (early October to mid December) after the monsoon has well and truly cleared the air! Visibility is at its best and the mountain views are spectacular! It’s also the busiest trekking season, but for good reason. This doesn’t mean you’ll bump into other trekkers every few minutes, but you’ll definitely meet them in the teahouses in the evening. It can still be very cold at high altitudes, so make sure you’re well prepared.

Spring

The second best time of year to trek Nepal is Spring (early March to mid May). It can be hazy, but you’ll enjoy warmer weather. If you trek in late March or early April, you’re in for a real treat! See forests of bright rhododendrons native to Nepal in full bloom. It’s amazing! Spring tends to be a bit quieter than Autumn, although April is always a very busy month on the popular trails.

Winter

We’re new fans of trekking in Winter! In December, we’ve experienced  the most incredible sunrises at Annapurna Base Camp, and sunsets at Poon Hill and Kala Patthar on the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s much colder, but we think it’s worth it for the vivid colours and of course less people on the trails!

When Team Nepalorama trekked in Langtang late in January, we experienced the perfect climate for trekking!

Year-Round Trekking

It’s possible to trek some trails including Ghorepani Poon Hill all year round. However, it can be very cloudy and often wet, which makes trekking more challenging.

It goes without saying that the weather, especially these days, is unpredictable. So it’s always best to be prepared for extreme cold, regardless of when you’re trekking.

As trekking in Nepal grows in popularity, prices are increasing. However, you can still trek in Nepal for a reasonable price compared with many other overseas adventure holiday destinations.

So, how much does it cost to trek in Nepal?

Different trekking regions vary in price. However you can trek from as little as USD $60 per person per day, all inclusive (guide, porter, transport, accommodation and meals during your trek). We calculate the cost of your trip package based on your customised itinerary and the number of people trekking. Naturally, the more people trekking with you, the cheaper it will be.

You’ll find our prices are very competitive and we guarantee that you won’t find better service anywhere else!

How can I Reduce the Cost to Trek in Nepal?

• Trek with friends! The more people that trek, often the cheaper the price. For example, if six people are trekking, six people share the cost of the guide and transport. It’s therefore significantly cheaper than trekking with just two people.
• Take a bus instead of a flight. To trek in the Everest region, you must fly in and out of Lukla. (Unless you walk into the national park, which takes a few extra days depending on where you start). So, treks in Everest are more expensive than those in the Annapurna region. If you’re trekking in the Annapurna or another region, taking a bus will add time to your itinerary, but it will also reduce the cost noticeably.

Can I Upgrade?

Accommodation

• It’s possible to pay extra to stay in mid-range or luxury accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara.
• Some companies advertise ‘luxury treks’, but there are very few ‘luxury’ options on the trails. That’s why we’re clear about offering teahouse trekking – we want to set realistic expectations. We’ll always arrange the best standard of accommodation possible. However be prepared that sometimes it will be of a very basic standard.

Food

• Our travel plans include one standard option from the teahouse menu at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each with a cup of tea or coffee. You can order extra food and drinks from the menu and pay directly at the teahouse before you checkout. Your guide will organise your bill.

Transport

• It’s much faster to fly, so when flying is an option, we’ll build it into your travel plan.
• If travel by road is your only option, it is possible to request a private jeep. It’s significantly more expensive than travelling by bus. But it’s also safer, faster, and more comfortable.

I’m Anna, Co-Founder of Nepalorama. I’ve trekked in Nepal myself with and without a guide. Having experienced both options, I’ll never trek Nepal without a guide again – here’s why…

The Benefits of Trekking With a Guide and Why we Recommend it!

• When you walk out of Kathmandu airport, you’ll discover a sea of people waiting to offer you their services. It can be quite daunting and I find it’s much easier to simply look for my guide (who is holding a sign). Once I’ve found my guide I know I’m in safe hands and everything will be taken care of including transport to Thamel and my hotel accommodation. I can just relax and enjoy the crazy sights of Kathmandu!
• I don’t have to worry about, or spend lots of time organising trekking permits, because my guide has already organised them for me.
• My accommodation on the trek is guaranteed. This is really important in high season, as the demand is higher than the availability. When you trek with a guide/company, they make the reservations in advance to make sure you have a bed. It’s not possible to book ahead without a guide, you just have to turn up and hope for the best.
• Your guide takes your food orders and settles the bill (a standard option from the menu at breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included in your travel plan; then you can order extra if you want). It’s much easier than trying to do these things yourself. Instead, you can sit back and relax after a tough walk!
• Your guide will organise trustworthy porters to carry your bags. Again, it’s more difficult to make arrangements yourself, but not impossible! When I’ve trekked without a guide, I’ve carried my own backpack.
• Most importantly for me, when I trek in Nepal, I’m on holiday! It’s a challenging adventure, as opposed to lying on the beach! But I still want to feel looked after. I don’t want to think about where I’m going to eat and sleep each day. Instead, I want to focus on the trekking itself and the stunning nature in the Himalaya, which for me, invokes a sense of deep self-reflection.

If You Choose to Trek Nepal Without a Guide

• Make sure you’re fit to trek. Trekking is challenging and trekking guides are skilled to look after all members of a group, providing encouragement when needed. Without a guide looking out for you, you want to make sure you’re in peak condition to trek.
• You must carry a very good map with you and pay attention to it. You also need to keep a close eye on the weather and know when to stop for the day.
• Make sure you have all the equipment you need including a good first aid kit.
• You must build sufficient time to safely acclimatise into your itinerary.
• Have some knowledge of altitude sickness symptoms and what to look out for. In the event that one of your group is sick, you must take immediate action.
• Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance and a way to contact your insurance company in the event of an emergency.
• In peak season, it’s sensible to carry a tent with you in case you’re unable to find accommodation.

Trekking Nepal with Nepalorama

When you trek with us, you trek on your terms, with your own guide. Whilst we agree your itinerary before you go to Nepal, you still have a lot of flexibility once you’re there. For example, if you want an extra rest break, just ask your guide! If you want to start a bit later one morning, just ask your guide! If you want to walk further one day, just ask your guide! You get the idea!

We may not be able to fulfill every request, but we’ll explain why and of course our guides will do everything possible to make sure your trek feels just right for you!