The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the skies are a clear blue and the views spectacular. The weather remains dry until about April, with temperatures varying between regions.
The Best Places to Visit in Nepal in December
Kalingchowk: People looking to get away from the hustle of city life will find a home in Kalingchowk. It’s a famous trekking site among the tourists and is also known as the winter paradise. There are beautiful mountains and mesmerizing sights where you enjoy a lot of winter activities. What make this place more unique are the famous temples and pilgrim activities that tourists enjoy. It is among those places to visit in Nepal in December that are slowly growing popularity, mainly because it has a lot of attractions from start to finish.
Activity Highlights
• Go for trekking
• Enjoy the sunset from the top of the Kalichowk temple
• Take part in the rituals in the temple
• Go for hiking
• Set up camping
• Try Skiing
• Try simmering dishes on streets
Pokhara: Pokhara is a city on Phewa Lake, in central Nepal. It’s known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. Tal Barahi Temple, a 2-story pagoda, sits on an island in the lake. On the eastern shore, the Lakeside district has yoga centers and restaurants. In the city’s south, the International Mountain Museum has exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of the Himalayas.
Daily high temperatures decrease by 4°F, from 71°F to 67°F, rarely falling below 62°F or exceeding 75°F.
Daily low temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 53°F to 48°F, rarely falling below 43°F or exceeding 56°F.
For reference, on May 30, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Pokhara typically range from 69°F to 90°F, while on January 20, the coldest day of the year, they range from 46°F to 67°F.
Bandipur: Bandipur is a hilltop settlement and a rural municipality in Tanahun District, Gandaki province of Nepal. Because of its preserved, old time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism.
Nagarkot: Nagarkot is a village in central Nepal, at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest to the northeast, which are especially striking at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding scrubland is laced with trails and home to many butterflies. To the west is the ancient, pagoda-style Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and a Hindu pilgrimage site.
Poonhill: Poon Hill is a hill station overlooking the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri mountain range, located on border of Myagdi District and Kaski District in Gandaki Province of Nepal. This lookout is the key viewpoint in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The views from Poon Hill are some of the best we’ve ever experienced – uninterrupted, panoramic views of some of the largest and most photogenic Himalayan mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung.
Chitwan: Chitwan District is one of 77 districts of Nepal, and takes up the southwestern corner of Bagmati Province. Bharatpur, largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu, is its administrative centre. It covers 2,238.39 km², and in 2011 had a population of 579,984 people. Chitwan National Park is home to many endangered animals such as the one-horned rhino, royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile and fresh water gangetic dolphin. Wildlife enthusiasts will also find a thriving population of four types of deer, two types of monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, elephant and leopard.
Kakani: People looking for less crowded destinations and quiet environment will find a home in Kakani. This place is less crowded and comparatively quieter than the other tourist attractions. People often love traveling to the edge of the valley for getting a clear and close view of the Himalayas.
Activity Highlights
• Hiking
• Mountain climbing
• Camping
• Trekking
• Visiting strawberry farm
• Mountain biking
Mustang: Mustang is one of the top places to visit in Nepal in December. It’s a very beautiful and isolated place in the Himalayan region. This place celebrates the culture and traditions warmly and that’s what makes this place famous among the tourists. This location is often mentioned as a cultural spot, and you will need permission to explore the upper side of the Mustang. To summarize this place in short, it’s completely worth a winter visit.
Activity Highlights
• Trekking
• Camping
• Hiking
• Fossil hunting
• Visit the local orchards
• Jeep ride through mountains
• Visit religious sites
Illam: Ilam is one of the very famous tourist destinations due to its rich wildlife background, diversity, hills, and cultural elements. Tourists are highly attracted to this place to click pictures and explore the region. Some of the top places to visit in Ilam are Sadakpur, Kanyam, Siddhi Thumka, AntuDanda, Mai Pokhari, and others.
Activity Highlights
• Forest trekking
• Mountain route drive
• Go for picnic
• Winter annual fair
• Witness the sunset and sunrise
• Take a pilgrimage to GajurMukhi, Mai Beni, Pathibhara, and others.
Mardi Himal: This landscape is famous for a lot of adventure activities. It also has a brilliant trekking destination with some of the best camping surroundings. To explore the beauty of this location, you will have to visit between March and November, i.e. during winter. Along with enjoying the snow, you will also get the opportunity to trek through the cultural villages and other amazing sites.
Activity Highlights
• Trekking
• Sightseeing
• Teahouse visit
• Witness cultural performances
• Witness Sunrise and sunset
The beauty of December in Nepal can’t be captured in words. These places have infinite splendor for tourists. It not only proves to be an excellent travel destination but also a great place to regain your peace of mind. These 10 places to visit in Nepal in December will surely be your on-spot undoing for your stress and anxiety.
Explore the winter ahead!
Climate and Weather Condition In Nepal in December: Many people wonder what the weather conditions are in December in Nepal. Is this month a good time to go to Nepal? To answer that question we created this page with all the information you need.
What is the weather like in Nepal in December?
The weather in Nepal in December ranges from poor to perfect depending on the destination. December is a winter month in Nepal.
December has maximum daytime temperatures ranging from cold in Lukla with 3°C (38°F) to moderate temperatures in Pokhara with 21°C (69°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 8°C (46°F) in Pokhara and -16°C (3°F) in Lukla.
Precipitation ranges from low in Lukla with 13mm (0.5inch) snow/rainfall to low in Pokhara with 20mm (0.8inch) rainfall. In general it is also a sunny month with an average of 251 hours of sunshine in Kathmandu during the whole month.
Pokhara: December Weather in Pokhara Nepal. Daily high temperatures decrease by 4°F, from 71°F to 67°F, rarely falling below 62°F or exceeding 75°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 53°F to 48°F, rarely falling below 43°F or exceeding 56°F.
Lukla: The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Lukla in December is -16.0°C (3.2°F). December is a dry month with an average of 13mm (0.5in) rain. It rains on average a total of 1 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 3.3°C (37.94°F).
Everest Base Camp: Temperatures range throughout the year from around 22 degrees in the height of summer to as low as -5 degrees in winter during the day, with temperatures at night ranging from -15 in the winter to around 4 degrees in the summer months.
Kathmandu: It never gets really cold at lower elevations and it never snows in Kathmandu. The cooler weather is ideal for visiting the national parks and exploring the ancient capitals of the Kathmandu valley such as Bhaktapur and Patan.
December is the beginning of the winter season.
The average high temperatures are around 15°C (about 59°F) reaching highs on average of 21°C (70°F) and dropping to an average minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F).
During the winter, nights can get quite chilly, generally dipping to the freezing temperature, so make sure you have warm clothes with you, including thermals and potentially a blacket or thick sleeping bag.
It is advisable to make sure that your hotel provides you with a heater in the room.
Moreover, December in Kathmandu also receives 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily on average throughout the month.
Nagarkot: The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Nagarkot in December is 3.5°C (38.3°F). December is a dry month with an average of 15mm (0.6in) rain. It rains on average a total of 1 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 20.1°C (68.18°F). If you enjoy looking at a blue sky and love the sun than this is a great time to go to Nagarkot with 251 hours of sun.
Min Temperature 3 °C
Max Temperature 20 °C
Chance of Rain 3%
Precipitation 15mm
Rainy Days 1
Sunshine Hours 251
Nuwakot: The average temperature in Nuwakot in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold comfortable.
For comparison, the hottest month in Nuwakot, June, has days with highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Nuwakot in December based on historical data.
Bandipur: The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Bandipur in December is 8.0°C (46.4°F). December is a dry month with an average of 20mm (0.8in) rain. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 20.5°C (68.9°F). December is known as one of the best months to visit Bandipur.
So what to wear in December? For visitors traveling to Bandipur we recommend wearing layers. So maybe a skirt, t-shirt, shorts for during the day and jeans and a warm jacket for some days and evenings. No idea where to travel to this year? We now have a tool which suggests which destination suits your ideal climate conditions.
Min Temperature 46 °F
Max Temperature 68 °F
Humla:
The Best Things to do in Nepal in December: With off-peak trek time and quietness to enjoy, December in Nepal offers you both wintry and warm places to visit. For cost-efficient travel avoiding crowds, December in Nepal is your right choice.
As the night grows older, every bar and lounge in the city can turn into a club. From stylish rooftops to bustling street scenes, Nepal has it all. And there isn’t a better way to experience the dynamic beauty than sipping a cocktail with spicy foods in chilly December with mountains surrounding you.
In December, Nepal can have nose-numbing, cheek-freezing cold in the north, whereas it’s bone-chilling air and chilly dew across the central part of the country. The southern part of Nepal, however, will be milder.
December is one of the best months to visit Chitwan National Park in southern plains. All to yourself, especially if you’re waiting to have the incredible natural treasures.
However, Pokhara’s paragliding will be in full swing, and Nepal’s some ski resorts will be pre-booked for December.
Spiritual Meditation infront of Boudha: Just think about Hindu gods and ancient sages who traveled all over and finally ended up in Nepal to find or feel inner peace and positive energy. Nepal has been a site for thousands of years for anyone interested in meditation. The peaceful temples and monasteries offer a tranquil spot to engage in deep meditation. The monasteries are often painted with ‘Wisdom Eyes,’ which symbolizes the eyes of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Vipassana, a popular form of meditation in Nepal, is the ‘art of living’ that relieves an individual from negativities of mind, including anger, greed, and unawareness. It is a practice, which helps develop positive and creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society. So if self-purification by meditation is in your bucket list, prepare to mark it ‘done’.
Hangout in Thamel: Thamel is like a small Saigon. It’s the heart of commodity and diversity in Kathmandu. There are hundreds (almost )of restaurants, cafe, plus souvenir stores that can be found in Thamel. Also majority of budget hotels can be found around the area.
Take a boat ride in Pokhara: Turn down the speed and enjoy a simple rowboat out into the calm lake – motorized boats are banned on Phewa. Take a book, a few beers, and spend half a day relaxing in this tranquil setting. The boats themselves are traditional looking and vibrantly colourful. It’s a great photo opportunity (see above).
Hiring a boat is very cheap if you row yourself, however, there are also plenty of tour guides for a higher price. Sunrise tours are a favourite of travellers and are arguably the best way to see an infamous Pokhara sunrise. Boat rentals can be found up and down the lakeside walking trail.
Enjoy the Sunrise at sarankot with a beer: Even if you aren’t a morning person, watching the sun rise behind some of the world’s tallest mountains is an experience worth getting up early for.
Sarangkot Hill is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare).
And for a good reason.
It’s glorious!
Climb the stairs to get a panoramic look of the Himalayan peaks all the way from Dhaulagiri (world’s 7th highest mountain) in the west to the peak of Annapurna II in the east.
Enjoy Birdwatching: Rara National Park in the winter is a paradise for birdwatchers who wish to see rare migratory species arriving from as far away as Russia and Mongolia. Rara National Park is unforgettable. Sitting around a campfire and enjoying the local cuisine after a day of birdwatching in minus-degree weather only adds to Rara’s charms. The park is a sight to behold, wrapped in a shimmering layer of snow. In freezing weather and stormy days, you may not be able to go birding as much as you’d want, but when you see these lovely winter birds, you may realize that winter is the finest birding season. Winter birdwatching is inexpensive, convenient, adaptable, healthy, and enjoyable. The beautiful feeling of being out among the birds is only enhanced by the snow covering the ground and the trees.
How to reach Nepal in December?
Nepal is easy to enter. The best way to reach Nepal is by flights. There are daily flights from Bangkok, India and many other places around the world.
By raod Neapl can be reached by Tibet but not so popular road trip. The most popular one is from India via Kakarivitta through West Bengal.
Why visit Nepal in December?
Trekking: Heading for the base camps of Mount Everest or Mount Annapurna might not be a good idea in December. However, there are plenty of trails below 4,000m in Nepal that can be enjoyed during this month. A Langtang Valley trek, with the maximum elevation of 3,800m, is a good alternative, so is a Poon Hill hike. The plus point of hiking through these trails in December is that you will encounter fewer tourists along the way.
Which Hotel to stay in Kathmandi in December?
The Dwarika Hotel: Historic. Unique. Popular among women. Winner of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Heritage Award, Dwarika’s Hotel is inspired by Kathmandu Valley’s rich cultural heritage. It features an outdoor pool and 4 food and beverage options. Featuring an extensive collection of artefacts from the 13th century, Dwarika’s Hotel is modelled after the palaces of Newar Kings. Pashupatinath Temple is 500 metres away while Kathmandu International Airport and the Buddhist site of Boudhanath are both 2 km from the hotel. Durbar Marg Street is 5 km away. The air-conditioned rooms, which are equipped with a satellite TV and seating area. Private bathroom comes with a bathtub, shower and free toiletries. Recreation facilities available include massage services and a spa. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests. Free private parking is provided. Guests can choose to dine at Krishnarpan, which specialises in local cuisine. The hotel also serves Japanese dishes at Mako’s and Continental dishes at Toran. Local and international drinks can be ordered from Fusion Bar.
Baber Mahal Vilas – The Boutique Heritage Hotel: Hip. Romantic. Cosy rooms. Located in Kathmandu, 3.7 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Baber Mahal Vilas – The Boutique Heritage Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the various facilities of this property are a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel every room comes with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. Free WiFi is available to all guests, while some rooms here will provide you with a DVD player. All units will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. A continental breakfast is available daily at Baber Mahal Vilas – The Boutique Heritage Hotel. The accommodation provides a range of facilities such as a wellness area including a sauna. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at Baber Mahal Vilas – The Boutique Heritage Hotel. Kathmandu Durbar Square is 3.9 km from the hotel, while Patan Durbar Square is 4.2 km away.
Aloft Kathmandu Thamel: Luxury Hotel. Comfortable beds. Great location. Opened August 2019. Located in Kathmandu, 2.7 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Conveniently situated in the Thamel district, this hotel offers a shared lounge, as well as an indoor pool. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Aloft Kathmandu Thamel each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Continental and buffet breakfast options are available daily at the accommodation. You can play billiards at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, and car hire is available. Swayambhu is 2.8 km from the hotel, while Kathmandu Durbar Square is 3.2 km away.
Dom Himalaya Hote: Superb breakfast. Comfortable beds. Featuring free Wi-Fi, DOM Himalaya Hotel offers accommodation in Kathmandu. The hotel has a barbecue and sun terrace, guests can also enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. The property provides complimentary pick from the International Airport. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Enjoy a cup of coffee from your terrace or balcony. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel. Hanuman Dhoka is 900 metres from DOM Himalaya Hotel , while Kathmandu Durbar Square is 3 km away. The nearest airport is Kathmandu Airport, 7 km from DOM Himalaya Hotel.
Arushi Boutique Hotel: Trendy. Nice style. Cosy rooms. Opened November 2019. Situated in Kathmandu, 1.5 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Arushi Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with a bar, private parking and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation offers an ATM, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. The hotel features some rooms that have city views, and rooms have a private bathroom and a desk. The rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Arushi Boutique Hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at the accommodation. Kathmandu Durbar Square is 2 km from Arushi Boutique Hotel, while Swayambhu is 2.2 km from the property.
Nepali Ghar Hotel: Charming. Very stylish. Great breakfast. Located in Kathmandu, 2.6 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Nepali Ghar Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. The hotel features family rooms. At the hotel each room is equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. Guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Nepali Ghar Hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Swayambhu is 2.7 km from the accommodation, while Kathmandu Durbar Square is 3.1 km away.
Vivanta Kathmandu: Elegant. Rooftop restaurant. Opened January 2019. Featuring a temperature controlled infinity swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as two restaurant, Vivanta Kathmandu is situated in Kathmandu. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is set 3.1 km from Kathmandu Durbar Square and 3.6 km from Hanuman Dhoka. At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All guest rooms feature a wardrobe. Guests at Vivanta Kathmandu can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Patan Durbar Square is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Swayambhu is 5 km away.
Hotel rating: 8.7 (fabulous)
Rooms: 110
Stars: 4
Price: Set dates to show price
Pahan Chen Boutique Hotel: Lovely property. Historic. Great views. Opened December 2019. Situated in Kathmandu, 100 metres from Patan Durbar Square, Pahan Chhen – Boutique Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Certain rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a minibar. At Pahan Chhen – Boutique Hotel rooms come with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Kathmandu Durbar Square is 5 km from Pahan Chhen – Boutique Hotel, while Hanuman Dhoka is 5 km from the property.
Kathmandu Marriot Hotel: Luxury Hotel. Elegant. Opened May 2019. Situated in Kathmandu, 2.8 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Marriott Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the various facilities are a bar, a garden, as well as a casino. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will p rovide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Kathmandu Marriott Hotel the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel. The property has a hairdresser’s and business centre. Pashupatinath is 3.6 km from the hotel, while Swayambhu is 4.2 km from the property.
Hotel rating: 9.1 (superb)
Rooms: 214
Stars: 5
Price: Set dates to show price
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