The Best Time to Visit Nepal: A Traveler's Guide

Did you know, according to Hindu mythology, the name of this country has been derived from an ancient Hindu sage called Ne? Also referred to as Ne Muni or Nemi. The other half of the name that is ‘Pala’ means to protect in the Pali language. Many people visit this country as it is home to many famous temples and Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world. It is also the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Nepal is a place where you can expect to have an amazing sightseeing experience at the Annapurna ranges.

Since each season in Nepal unfolds a new side to be explored, the best time to go to Nepal depends on the purpose that you are going there for. You could be visiting the country for its rich heritage and ancient temples, for its amazing flavourful food, for trekking or other activities. Here you can visit sacred religious sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, and be mesmerized by the wildlife-rich forests of Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park among others. If you wish to capture the country’s sublime beauty on camera, the best time to visit Nepal from India is during the months of June and July. At that time the temperature lies between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius and you can enjoy the scenic mornings and greenery here.

Looking for the best time to visit Nepal for mountaineering? The months from September to November are ideal for trekkers and hikers as there is no humidity and heat in this season.

Nepal in Different Seasons

Every season unwraps a different side of Nepal. Here is a brief description:

Visiting Nepal from April - May

Because of its moderate temperatures in higher altitude regions, the time between April to May is considered to be ideal for travelling in Nepal. However, at this time of the year, you may find it tough to find accommodation, since it is the peak season. But to avert any hassle you can simply make your bookings for flights and hotels ahead of time and also get discounts for the same.

Visiting Nepal from September - November

To get spectacular views of the sky, the best time to visit Nepal is during the months of September, October, and November when the monsoon dissipates. At this time of the year, you can go to one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. It is the best time to go to Nepal for a wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park. Here you can see rare wild animals like the one-horned Rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger. Here you can do several jungle activities such as elephant safari, bird watching tour, canoeing, white water Rafting, etc.

Visiting Nepal from January to February

The time between January to February is ideally the best time to travel to Nepal if you want to be rewarded with quieter trekking trails such as Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, etc. If you are going to visit Nepal during winter be prepared for freezing weather. Make sure you pack all of your essentials such as warm clothes, a scarf, warm socks and shoes, a scarf, gloves, a hot water bag, etc.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Nepal

1. Swayambhu Temple

Swayambhu Temple or the Monkey Temple is a prominent shrine nestled on a conical hill. To reach this temple you have to climb up to 365 steps. To experience pleasant weather during your visit the best season to visit Nepal’s Swayambhu Temple is spring season. It is located on the top of Semgu Hill in the west of Kathmandu Valley. It is known as one of the holiest sites for  Buddhists and Tibetans. It is also called Swayambhunath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, or the Swayambhu Maha Chaitya. According to the Swayambhu Purana, Buddha Vipassana, a saint visited the lake surrounding the temple and threw a lotus seed into the lake. From this grew a large lotus which had a stupa risen by itself. Hence, it acquired the name, Swayambhunath, meaning the 'self-existent one'. When you visit here do not miss see huge Tibetan prayer wheel, golden shire, and painted Buddha statues. The best time to visit this temple in Nepal is between December to February. This is because these months witness fewer visitors and give you an opportunity to bag the best deals on hotels and discounts on travel charges.

2. Kala Bhairav Temple

The Kala Bhairav Temple in Kathmandu is one of Nepal’s most visited sacred places with historical importance. You should definitely add this place to your list of places you are going on your Nepal tour. It is a grand temple located in Kathmandu Durbar Square in the complex of Hanuman Dhoka. The Kala Bhairav temple is dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Kala Bhairav is depicted carrying the decapitated head of Shani Dev, wearing a snake around his neck, his body is covered with tiger skin, and a string around his neck made of human bones. This temple has a huge 12-foot tall idol of the lord carved in the 6th century. Kala Bhairav is the avatar of Lord Shiva who decapitated one of Lord Brahma's five heads according to a legend. Later Kala Bhairav was made to carry that head till the time he was forgiven. He is considered to be fierce and unforgiving, the word 'Bhairava' in Sanskrit means someone who is not afraid of anything.

Many people from across the world visit this temple to show their devotion and worship the grand and fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. Since hoards of devotees visit this temple every year. If you wish to visit Kala Bhairav temple, the best time to travel to Nepal for this visit is during the months of December and January, since these months witness fewer visitors and you can avoid the rush.

3. Everest Base Camp Trek - The North Camp

The best campsite for travellers is Mount Everest. Here you can experience the majestic grandeur of the mountains, glaciers, valleys, and splendid views of the high peaks rising up in the sky. If you are planning to go trekking and want to avoid massive snowfall which can obstruct your plan, find out the best time to travel to this South Base Camp in Nepal. It is the tallest mountain in the world known for its beautiful snow-covered peaks. It has two base camps, South Base Camp is located in Nepal and North Base Camp is located in Tibet. A Base Camp is where trekkers start their expedition. These soaring peaks attract thousands of trekkers every year because of their unparalleled beauty.

This adventurous trek can be found on many adventure lovers’ bucket lists. The mountaineering expedition to the south base camp starts from Lukla to Kala Patthar. You also have an option to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla if you want to reduce the time of trekking. The difficulty level of this trek is high so a person taking on this trek must be physically fit and have mental readiness. Also, the duration of this trek ranges from 12 to 20 days depending on weather conditions. One of the most famous tourist attractions that you will encounter during the trek is the Sagarmatha National Park. Some rare wildlife species dwell here such as the snow leopard and red panda. The best time to go to the Nepal Everest base camp or the north camp is from March to May and September to December.

4. Pokhara Valley

Let me tell you an interesting fact about Pokhara. It used to be an important point on the trade route between India and China. Tourism in Nepal boomed when the Siddhartha Highway was constructed in 1971. Before the construction of the Siddhartha Highway connecting the city to Southern Nepal, people used to walk to this valley. But now since it is a famous tourist destination, you can easily find accommodation here whether it is a hotel or a resort in Nepal’s Pokhara Valley. Some of the major tourist attractions nearby include Phewa Lake, called the Lake Side, Valley of Orchids, Verdant forests, Jaljala Waterfall, Sarangkot Waterfall, Massif Glaciers, and underground caves.

If you wish to have some solitude, a respite from the noise, and an opportunity to connect with nature, the best time to visit Nepal for snow is from December to January in Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Manaslu. It is an incredible place to shop for handicrafts, find unique jewellery, buy traditional and modern outfits, get trekking equipment and pretty souvenirs. Some of the unique picks include Tibetan rugs, souvenirs from Silver Oaks, and Yak Wool handicrafts. From Tashiling Handicraft Centre, Pokhara Mini Night Market, and Nepal Mandala Shop you can find things like singing water bowls, kukri knives, trinkets, and books. Monsoon is the best season to visit Nepal if you love rain and wish to enjoy the monsoon showers.

5. Nagarkot

Nagarkot is considered as the international hill station which earlier used to be a place for summer retreat for the royal family. You must visit Nagarkot to enjoy the astonishing views of the sunrise and the sunset. The spring season is a good time to visit Nagarkot in Nepal to experience the pleasant climate. At this time of the year, the temperature here ranges from 16 to 22 Degrees Celsius, hence it is a lovely time to enjoy hiking here. Make sure you make an advance booking if you are planning to visit Nepal in the dry months starting from March to May since it is mostly jam-packed by tourists at that time. Here you can indulge in activities such as trekking and mountain biking while enjoying the astounding views of the Himalayas.

It is the best place to visit for nature lovers because they can spot many of the Himalayan ranges here from the comfort of their hotel. These Himalayan Ranges include Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal, and the Rolwaling ranges. The best time to visit Nagarkot in Nepal for paragliding is during the dry months to see the clear skies and enjoy the mesmerizing views. While paragliding you will see snow-tipped Himalayas, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Jugal ranges, etc.

Nepal is a place where you can travel for a religiously sacred experience or for adventurous hikes. It is a great vacation destination for all people who love wildlife and nature as its beauty beholds you in the lap of mother nature.