So, are you planning a trip to Nepal? It is a great choice as it has a beautiful culture, and the adventure here is unmatched. From visiting beautiful museums, villages, palaces, temples, and monasteries to going on a jungle safari to spot a Bengal tiger, there are many places to visit and things to do in Nepal.
However, before you plan a visit here, you should consider the best and worst times to visit Nepal. Knowing its climatic conditions is necessary to find the ideal visiting time, plan your itinerary, and pack.
In general, Nepal has four seasons: spring, summer, winter, and autumn. Depending on your goal, you must figure out the best and worst time of year to visit Nepal. For instance, if trekking in Nepal is like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, a beautiful and challenging route to trek the Annapurna mountain peak, then the autumn and spring seasons are good.
However, September in the autumn is now the worst time of year to visit Nepal, even for trekking, due to global warming, as it might rain, which is not good for trekking.
An incredible country, Nepal offers unique culture and breathtaking scenery. But as mentioned above, the weather can vary, and knowing the worst time to visit Nepal is necessary to plan a perfect trip. The guide below will undoubtedly help.
Table of Contents
Why is the summer season considered the worst time of year to visit Nepal?
If you ask the many people who visit Nepal, most of them will say that summer—June, July, and August—are the worst months for visiting Nepal. During this time, there will be wetness and rain. Thus, you experience many problems while traveling, like landslides, obstruction of views, floods, and roadblocks.
However, during summers, you can travel here under budget, and trekkers can complete the Annapurna circuit trek as it is in the trans-Himalayan region where it rarely rains. Also, you can witness many festivals here, like Rakha Bandhan, Tiji Festival, and more, which can give you a beautiful glimpse of Nepalese culture.
Why is winter the worst time of year to visit Nepal?
Winters are extremely cold in Nepal, especially as it is surrounded by nature. Since everything is freezing, traveling here becomes challenging due to excessive snowfall. Since snowfall is massive, the trail can disappear, which can be problematic for tourists.
However, winters are good for trekking, so if you love cold and snowfalls, you can plan a trip here. Trekking has to be guided due to the extreme weather. During this time, the view of the Himalayas you get is beautiful, and very few people come for trekking, so you can enjoy a relaxing trekking experience here.
8 things to do in Nepal
For all adventure lovers, the Annapurna base camp trek is something you should go for. It is the 10th highest peak of the Annapurna massif, appealing to all trekkers. The most famous route for this is the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which offers beautiful views of Machapuchare.
- Everest base camp trek
All trekking enthusiasts will agree that conquering Everest Base Camp is their dream. Trekking to the base of the highest mountain, Mount Everest, is challenging. Trekking via remote villages, rocky terrain, and Himalayan forests is something anyone who loves trekking should do.
- Pashupatinath Temple
If you are in Nepal, head to Kathmandu to visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple. The oldest and most sacred temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Wildlife Safari at Chitwan National Park
Are you an animal lover? Then, ensure you cover the Chitwan National Park Wildlife Safari. Here, you can witness many exotic animals, like one-horned rhinos, deer, and many bird species. Choose to stay in a nearby lodge to witness the beauty of the park.
- Marvel at a sunrise in Nagarkot
For all nature enthusiasts, visiting Nagarkot is essential, as you witness a beautiful sun rising from between the massive mountain ranges. You have to trek as early as 4 a.m., but the views here are spectacular.
- Offer prayers at Manakamana Temple.
Manakamana Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, Devi Parvati’s incarnation. Built in the 17th century in a pagoda style, it is a beautiful temple you can access only after a 10-minute cable car ride. It is situated on a hill offering stunning views of the Marshyand-di and Trisuli river valleys and Manaslu, Annapurna, and Himalchuli peaks.
- Ilam Tea Garden Visit
If you are a tea enthusiast, you should visit the famous tea gardens in the Ilam district. Not only do you get to enjoy the views from the garden, but you can also enjoy a delicious cup of tea in a serene environment while learning more intricate details about the tea-picking process.
- Go kayaking on the Seti River.
Kayaking on the River Seti is something you must do in Nepal. It is a safe river to learn kayaking on and ideal for first-timers. The kayaking route is short, allowing you to enjoy a family trip while watching colorful birds and enjoying the hill views.
- Visit Lumbini- Birthplace of Buddha
Prince Siddartha aka Buddha, founder of Buddhism was born in Lumbini. It is part of the world heritage list and anyone who follows Buddhism should visit this place once. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the best highlights of this place.
Conclusion
Nepal has all four types of weather, and travelers from around the world come here to trek the many peaks, including Everest Base Camp. The temples, museums, and culture here appeal to people, and they visit the country year-round.
Usually, people consider the summer and winter months to be the worst times to visit Nepal. But if you want a low-budget travel itinerary with the option to be part of many festivals, you can choose this month. So, in terms of trekking and experiencing pleasant weather, the autumn and spring months are the best.
However, one thing is clear: to have the best time in Nepal, what matters most is how you plan your itinerary and what activities or sightseeing you plan to do here. Are you ready to embark on a beautiful journey to Nepal? Well, as they say in Nepali, ‘Shubh Yatra.’
And you, have you ever been to Nepal?