Nepal is a beautiful country and considered all year round destination. January is still consider best time to visit. Adventure tour like Trekking and Mountain expedition will not be possible but other soft tours like Cultural Tour, Festival tour and adventure like bungy jumping will be possible in the month of January. While January is the middle of winter in Nepal, travelers shouldn’t hesitate to visit. Manageable temperatures, crystal-clear skies, and excellent low-altitude hiking make this a surprisingly perfect winter destination. Plus, this is the best month for spotting wildlife in Chitwan National Park. Read on to discover why you can (and should!) start your year with a trip to Nepal.
January is the coldest month of the year in Nepal. However, away from the mountains, day time weather is typically dry and sunny with pleasant temperatures in the mid-20s that are ideal for wandering around Kathmandu’s ancient temples or exploring bustling markets.
Weather and Climate in January in Nepal:
January Weather in Kathmandu Nepal. Daily high temperatures are around 65°F, rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 72°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 64°F on January 10. Daily low temperatures increase by 2°F, from 37°F to 39°F, rarely falling below 33°F or exceeding 44°F.
The Best Things to do in Nepal in January:
Trekking in Nepal
5 Best Winter trek you can do in Nepal in January. High altitude trekking willnot be possible in Nepal in January. Most of the expedition and trekking trail that involves high altitude will be closed due to extreme weather and closure of mountain passes. Having said this there are still some trekking routes you can do in January which donot involve high altitude. Below are the best trekking routes we have crafted for people who love to trek in January.
Kathmandu Valley Trekking: Kathmandu Valley Rim Trekking is a short trek around the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot boasts as a great viewpoint for the sunset and sunrise view over the mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m), Gaurishankar (7134m), Langtang (7227m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and many more
Ghorpani Poonhil Trekking: It’s a 4 to 7 days trekking trail. Poonhill trek starts from Nayapul after one and half hour drive from Pokhara. This trek passes beautiful villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. You will enjoy the trek in the spectacular mountain scenery through delightful villages inhabited by Gurungs and Magars. Around every corner is an exciting glance of the high mountains, whole horizons of which will be open to you as you reach the high points of your trek. The viewpoint on Poonhill (3210m.) offers the best view of mountains and sunrise. Dense rhododendron forests full of birds and imaging valleys make your trip more enjoyable. Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna south, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu ranges will view from this trek. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits, the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) along with a maze of other peaks, slowly begin to appear, like magic, before our eyes. Anyone who loves nature and beautiful landscape will never forget this astounding experience. The trek can be lengthened and shortened according to the time you have.
Everest Cultural Trek: If your are looking for more cultural experience in trekking adventure, this is specially designed for you to witness Sherpas Culture closely while enjoying the best views of Amadablam, Everest,Lhotse,Tawoche,Flora,Fauna. This trek is best suited in the month of January if you are looking to trek in Nepal.
Hike in Himalayan aroma, relaxing days for reading, Photography, Tranquil Natural Environment, Scenic Flight To/from Lukla, Visit Sherpa Villages, Mountain Museum in Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Valley and Views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawoche, Amadablm, Kantega and many othere snow-capped Mountains
Everest Cultural Trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 4345m. The trek takes us through the lush vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park, with pine forests, rhododendron flowers and an abundance of wildlife, you maynot see them during January month but in Spring month the rotes are decoarated with wild beauty. You visit Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize to higher altitudes. The following days trekking bring us to the village of Tengboche (3860m), home to the highest Buddhist monastery in Nepal (3860m) and, according to photographers, one of the best places to capture the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8848m) and its neighboring peaks. The concluding days of this trek will be spent in the delightful and scenic villages of Khunde (3800m) and Khumjung, where you have the opportunity to interact with the legendary Sherpa people and participate in their astonishing traditional lifestyle. Back down to Lukla to take a short flight back to Kathmandu.
Langtang and Gosaikunda trek: The Langtang Gosaikunda trek is the perfect amalgamation of one of the easier and more beautiful treks in Nepal, with a final leg that takes trekkers on the scenic Gosaikunda trail. The Langtang region was long one of Nepal’s most popular destinations on the trekking map until the area was dealt a terrible blow by the 2015 earthquake, and it has taken until very recently to recover, though the numbers of visitors remain down on past years. So not only do its former scenic charms still exist, but choosing to trek through the valley helps to economically restore the lives of the friendly Tamang people who populate the region.
As a teahouse trek alternative to Annapurna and Everest the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a superb choice that rounds out the forested lowlands, alpine pastures, and yak herds of Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang Valley with the sacred jewel of Gosaikunda Lake and the Sherpa meadows of Helambu.
From Kathmandu the normal approach is by the Trisuli River to Syabrubesi, the trailhead for the trek.
The route winds through dense rhododendron forest on either side of the river until it breaks from of the tree line and heads into the alpine regions, across glacial moraine, and on to the rebuilt village of Langtang. Further and higher into the valley’s inner sanctum are the yak pasturelands and dramatic setting for Kyanjin Gompa, a remote monastery famous for the production of yak cheese. Optional climbs to either Kyanjin Ri or Cherko Ri render panoramic views of the nearby mountains, including Langtang Lirung, which dominates the valley at a height of 7234 meters.
Returning back towards the trailhead the Gosaikunda route heads off in a southeast direction and climbs steadily through terraced fields to scenic highlands offering a stunning view of distant peaks such as Manaslu (8163m) and the Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then leads on to Gosaikunda and the sacred lake of Gosaikunda, a serene mountain vale that adds even more to the magical outlook across to the distant Himalayan peaks. In August the area becomes a major pilgrimage sight to Hindus who flock to the region during Janai Purnima to pay homage to a site held to have been Shiva’s temporary home.
The Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda trek finally culminates with the climb to the pass of Laurabina La (4610m) and the outpost of Thadepati nearby with its dramatic views to the east, not least the sunrise that awaits those who stay the night there. The last stretch involves taking the trail to Chisapani and onwards to Sundarijal, which offers a satisfying conclusion to the journey.
The final choice is up to you, so why not contact us and let Nepal Trekking Experts help you make a trek through Langtang valley and Gosaikunda a reality you’ll always treasure?
Rara Lake trek: Rara Lake Trekking is hands down one of the most beautiful treks that take you to Rara Lake in Nepal. It is one of the largest lakes in Nepal. Every year, thousands of visitors visit the lake from all over the world. Rara Lake lies at an elevation of 2,990 meters with an area of 10.8 km square. It is beautifully surrounded by green hills and Rara National Park, makes it a good trekking destination. Also, the view of snow clad Himalayan peaks enhances the beauty of Rara Lake. This mesmerizing trek to Rara Lake is located in the remote northwest part of Nepal. The trek starts from a pulsating capital city and takes you to the remote area of Jumla. Enrooted you’ll pass through some interesting village of Gorusingha, Sija, Jaljala and finally trek ends at the tranquil heaven that is Rara Lake. Besides, Rara Lake Trek also lies in Rara National Park which is one of the most enthralling national parks to observe diverse wildlife. The national park consists of several blue pines, black juniper, oak, cypress, and rhododendron forests. These forests have been home to Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Leopards, Ghoral, Thar, and Red Panda. These forests are also home of more than 200 species of colorful birds and butterflies.
Cultural Tour: Cultural and heritage tours can be done all year round in Nepal. Tours that includes long drive should be avoided as road condition can be risky and climatic condition unfavorable.
3 Days Nepal Cultural Tour:
4 Days Nepal Tour:
5 Days Nepal Tour:
6 Days Nepal Tour:
7 Days Nepal Tour:
10 Best Places to Visit in Nepal in January:
Kalinchowk of Dolakha: Kalinchowk is famous among trekkers. Kalinchowk is known as the snowy paradise of Nepal and is located 3842m above sea level in Dolakha district. Kalinchowk is a rural municipality, home to amazing scenery, cozy resorts on snowy hills, and the famous Kalinchowk Bhagwati Shrine.
Pokhara: If you are up for an adventure vacation and a land with spectacular natural beauty, Pokhara is right for you. 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
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. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very popular hiking route for tourists.
Bandipur: It is a trading route between India and Tibet. It is famous for its Newari people and their culture. Today its population is about 10,000 native Newars. It is one of the best and famous tourist destinations of Nepal. Bandipur can also be called as a natural view tower since it lies on the top of the hill and offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna Range along with the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Lang tang. Mixed with the spectacular natural beauty, Bandipur also offers an experience of an old aged Newari culture to the visitors.
Poon Hills: Poon Hill is a Hill station overlooking the Annapurna massive 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 Ghorpani Poon Hill trek. Mountains such as an Annapurna 8,091m, Dhaulagiri 8,127, Annapurna South 7,219 Meter, Machapuchare 6,993 Meter, Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, Dhulagiri II, and many other tall peaks can be seen from here.
Poon Hill is located 270 km west from Kathmandu Nepal. The hike to Poon Hill from Pokhara takes 2–3 days. The Poon Hill viewpoint is on the way to Annapurna Sanctuary which lies in the centre of Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers need to obtain an ACCAP Permit from Kathmandu in order to complete this hike
Kakani: Kakani is a beautiful and one of the most popular place nearby Kathmandu for the best mountain view. Kakani is located over 2000m above the sea level. This hill station hosts a British Gorkhas welfare and number of standard hotels and Luxury Tent Camp. The village is also home to a memorial park to the victims of Thai Airways International flight 311, some of Buddhist temples and the best mountain view including Kathmandu Valley is found here.
Chitwan National Park: The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is a world heritage property, and it also contains a Ramsar Site – Beeshazari Tal in its buffer zone. The CNP has a history of over 3 decades in park management and a rich experience in resolving conflicts between the park and the people.
It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile.
Mustang: Mustang is Famous for beautiful valley and ancient village in northern Nepal. As the deepest Gorge is here Kaligandaki River Gorge is the deepest canyon in the world lies in the Upper Mustang Trek route in Nepal. As tectonic activity forced the mountains higher, the river cut down through the uplift. This incredible Gorge made from two of the highest peak in the world.
How to get to Nepal in January?
Getting into Nepal is easy. You can enter Nepal either by flight or by road. There are flights operating from Mainland China, Bhutan, India, Bangkok and many other states around the world. Daily flights from this Country have easy access to Kathmandu Nepal. You can also enter Nepal by road. The routes are from India and from China.
Getting into Nepal by flights in January
Taking flights to Nepal is the easiest way to enter Nepal. Daily flights from India, Bhutan, Singapore Bangkok, Dubai operates to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Getting Into Nepal by Road in January:
There are only two routes where you can enter Nepal by road. The most popular road to enter Nepal is from India via Kakarivitta in West Bengal. Other routes is from Tibet but remains closed in January due to extreme weather and heavy snowfall. Tourist can enter Nepal from Tibet and from India by road in January.
FAQ:
Is January a Good time to Visit Nepal?
January Weather in Kathmandu Nepal is cold. Daily high temperatures are around 65°F, rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 72°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 64°F on January 10.
Can you Hike Nepal in January?
Yet, trekking in Nepal in January is absolutely possible with proper preparations. You will not need any special technical skills or extra equipment to complete the trek. During January, it is very cold in the high altitudes.Whereas, in lower altitudes, the days are sunny and warm making perfect time for day Hiking.
Can you Visit Kathmandu in January?
Winter is the best time to visit Kathmandu, when the city witnesses clear sunny mornings, hence providing excellent visibility for trekkers and mountain lovers. Kathmandu in January is a somewhat dry season in terms of tourism.
Does it snow in Nepal in January?
It extends till February. Therefore, in September, October, November, December, January, and February, there is a high possibility of snowfall in Nepal.
What not to Do in Nepal in January?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+97517140505
info@excursiontohimalaya.com
