Nepal in January
Planning for trekking in Nepal in January? Among the 12 months in Nepal, January is the coldest month of year. January falls on the middle of the winter months and trekking can be doable to low altitudes.
Trekking to higher altitudes can be risky where snowfall and cold weather is expected. You can expect Crystal clear blue skies, warm weather at lower altitudes, spectacular mountain views and spotting of wildlife in National parks during January. Here is everything you need to know about Trekking in Nepal in January: Weather, Cost, Best Routes, Highlights, advantages, disadvantages, festivals and tips.
Weather during January in Nepal
Season/Time of the Year: Mid-Winter/Off Season
Average Temperature: 1-18 Degree Celsius
Average Rainfall: Not expected
January is the coldest month of the year. You can experience a variation in climate from low altitude to high altitude in Nepal. So, the temperature at Kathmandu can be higher than during trekking in Himalayas. The weather is warmer in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini in between 3 degree Celsius (at night) to 16 degree Celsius (at daytime).
The fog in Terai region makes your journey difficult and visibility is very less. Whereas, the higher altitudes receives heavy snowfall and the trail is difficult for trekking during January in Nepal. But, you feel great to trek in lower altitudes from 2000m – 3500m. The Weather at these places is excellent for mountain views with clear blue skies and sunny days.
| Travel Places | Max Temp | Min Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 19.1℃ | 2.4℃ |
| Pokhara | 19.7℃ | 7.1℃ |
| Chitwan | 21℃ | 7℃ |
| Namche | 7℃ | -8℃ |
| Jomsom | 3℃ | -14℃ |
Discounts on January
As January is the off-season month of the year, you might get discounts on trips, hotel room booking, and transportation hiring and flight tickets. Many trekking agencies offer discounts during winter season from 8 – 10%. The cost of trekking during January is less as compared to the peak trekking months. Some tea-houses and hotels offer you complementary services besides discounts. Claim your discounts on online booking for the trekking and tour packages via our official website.
Festivals on January 2024 (January – Push – Magh)
| Festivals/Events | Date (Nepali) | Date (English) |
| Happy New year | Poush 15th 2081 | 1st January 2024 |
| Prithivi Jayanti | Poush 27th 2081 | 11th January 2024 |
| Maghe Sankranti | Magh 1st 2081 | 15th January 2024 |
| Sonam Losar | Magh 10th 2081 | 25th January 2024 |
| Martyrs Day | Magh 16th 2081 | 30th January 2024 |
Advantages/Pros of Trekking in Nepal in January
- Fewer tourists on the trail
- Warm weather at lower altitudes
- Best for snow activities like snowboarding, skiing, playing snow
- Best time for photography, mountain views
- Availability of hotel rooms and good attention at tea houses.
- Nepali street cultural festival, New Year
January Trekking Tips
- Bring warm cloths, warm sleeping bags, winter trekking gears
- Be updated about the weather condition to avoid risk from bad weather
- Be hydrated, carry a bottle of water during trekking
- Hire a trekking guide for safety trekking
- Prepare for some extra days on your schedule
Treks to Consider during January in Nepal
- Poon Hill Trek
- Kathmandu Valley Trek
- Pikey Peak Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Australian Camp Trek
- Ghandruk Trek
- Everest View Trek
- Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
- Nagarkot Dhulikhel Namobuddha Hiking
Other Winter Trekking Months
Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)
January is the mid month of the winter season and coldest month of all twelve months. There is mere chances of rainfall throughout the year. The skies are clear with warm sunlight during the day. The average temperature at daytime is around 8 degree Celsius while in the night, it drops to 1 or less. The temperatures goes down on increasing altitudes.
Yes, you can trek in Nepal in January. Low altitude treks are the best for winter trekking.
Yes, trekking in Nepal in January is safe. But, trekking to high altitudes is risk of snowfall and cold weather whereas trekking to lowlands have not risk.
Low altitude treks upto 3500m is best for hiking in Nepal in January. The treks around Kathmandu valley, Langtang valley trek, Poon Hill hike, Mardi Himal trek, Kalichowk trek, Dhampus Australian camp trek, Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, Dhulikhel Hiking, Chitwan Chepang Hill Trek, Royal Trek are best during January in Nepal.
Excellent mountain views, sunny day, discounts and availability of accommodation are the pros of January trekking. Whereas snowfall, cold weather, cancellation of flights are the cons of trekking.
Yes, the accommodations are available on the short and easy trekking trails. There are tea-houses on the routes with basic amenities. Some guest houses in higher altitudes remain closed due to heavy snowfall and cold weather.
The hotels in the cities are always open to provide accommodation services for you. Some hotels offer you a discount too during January in Nepal.
Yes, trekking permits are available all year round including January. You can issue your trekking permits from Kathmandu and Pokhara or take a help of a trekking agency for this.
We recommend you to take a travel insurance while trekking in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal in winter is can be challenging sometime due to weather and other reasons. So, an Insurance will cover all the risks that happens accidentally. This will cover the medical and emergency evacuation cost in need.
Final Say,
You need to prepare well, get information about the weather where you are going and consult with us for updated weather updates. Plan for extra days of trekking in case of flight delays or for other reasons.
If you are snow lover, you can enjoy the snowfall even at an altitude of 3000m in Nepal. The hilly areas of Nepal Ghandruk, Kalinchowk, Chandragiri, Phulchowki, Daman, Nagarkot are covered with snow. The visibility in the morning in terai region is poor due to fog. You may get bored waiting for flights as delaying of flights are common during January. Besides these, you will find great walking on sunny day Viewing Mountain at a close and clear skies.
Note: Always trek with a guide during January for your safety and happy journey. Follow the tips we have suggested you above.
We wish your happy journey and wonderful trekking experience in Nepal.
