Trekking Nepal In January: Complete Guide

Are you looking to get out of your daily work and repetitive societal behavior? Do you need any refreshments for a new startup? Well, there can be various ways of taking you out of that zone, but trekking can be one of the adventurous ways to relieve you and give you a lifetime of memorable experiences. Whether a short hike or a long one, you will never miss showering the beauty of nature that brings peace inside you.

Trekking is the best outgoing platform for travel bloggers, streamers, and literature writers to experience new things and put them into their works. Similarly, hiking has several benefits in health, social and cultural understanding, adventure, wildlife sightseeing, stress relief, and many more. So why not take a step to hike when you feel like you need a new experience to start your life or career from scratch?

When you think of trekking, you have plenty of options. But you cannot just put Nepal aside as an option. Nepal is a massive platform for tourism, especially for trekking, since it has a mountainous land topography filled with the natural richness of flora and fauna. Nepal offers hundreds of destinations, including Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Kanchenjunga, Langtang Valley, Shey-Phoksundo Trekking, and many others, which can bring you back to your life with a new thought and perception.

There are several time options to trek in Nepal. Many travelers prefer the time between October and December since it is the best time to enjoy your trekking with the touch of natural beauty and wildlife. October to December is the winter season in Nepal - so what are the tips for traveling in Nepal during the winter season? We have prepared some features regarding your plan for trekking in Nepal during the cold season. Let's explore this in this feature article.

Recommended Trekking Routes in Nepal in January

Nepal offers a wide variety of options when it comes to trekking routes in Nepal. Since it's a mountainous country and rich in natural beauty, every trek can be a life-changing experience for you. Similarly, Nepal features every type of climate around the world except for desert and ocean. It offers several choices for you to take on the trekking plan.

There are several trekking routes - some of them are as follows:

Everest Base Camp: Situated at 5,364 above sea level, Everest Base Camp offers a majestic view of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. Your journey from Lukla to Everest will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Annapurna Base Camp: Annapurna Base Camp features the panoramic view of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Fishtail, and other famous peaks. The Gurung village in the course of your route is very hospitable, and the landscapes of the base camp can be one of the best sights of your life.

Shey-Phoksundo Trek: Shey-Phoksundo lake is the biggest attraction of this trek. During your winter hike, you can never be off from the scene of natural beauty. Places like Suligad, Chhepka, the Suligad, and Jugdual rivers are worth sightseeing. Similarly, you can extend your trek to Upper Dolpo from Shey-Phoksundo lake.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: This trek will give you the beauty of the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kanchunjunga (8,586m). Kanchunjunga Circuit sits at an altitude of 16,863 feet (5,140 m) above sea level. It can be one of the best options for your winter trekking plan as you will enjoy the heavenly views of the beautiful mountain range featuring Mount Kanchunjunga, Gaurishankar, and others that will be more than just a trek.

Langtang Valley Trek: If you are fond of moving glaciers, snow valleys, rivers, and mountains, Langtang Valley Trek can be your best option. Kyanjin Gompa and Kyanjin Ri are the best places to view the panoramic view of Mount Langtang, Sisapangma, Dorje Lakpa, and other famous peaks. Similarly, the sight of white rhododendron forest during the winter and monasteries are the plus points of this trek.

What to Pack for Your Nepal Trek In January?

When you are excited about the trek in Nepal in January, you might be excluding the fact that winter can be harsh. So always acknowledge the truth about the winter in Nepal, especially in the Himalayan region. Since most trekking routes are in the Himalayan region, being well-prepared will be the best choice rather than being in trouble due to the cold.

There are several things to prepare, from packing your gear/equipment, food, water, and hiring porters and guides, all come inside your plan before the winter trek in Nepal. The first thing to plan is your gear and equipment. Since the winter in the Himalayan region is so challenging, having a proper outfit alongside your skincare (Optional) is very important. Several trekkers suggest having sufficient food, water, thermal clothes, winter jackets, boots, and other physical equipment for a safe hike. You can buy the gear in Thamel, Kathmandu - from the qualitative and expensive goods to the equipment at a reasonable price; Thamel offers you a wide range of trekking items and itineraries.

Similarly, always have a first aid kit with you; you never know what will happen in the freezing climate. You will most likely suffer frostbite, altitude sickness, and other illnesses since the air depletes at high altitudes. Since altitude sickness leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or brain (cerebral edema), you never want to exclude the proper plan for it; carry an oxygen cylinder in case of need.

Health and Safety Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Your health and safety always come first; that's why you must be more sensitive during the winter treks in Nepal. As mentioned above about the extreme climate, your health is likely to downgrade anytime. We suggest you be prepared for the winter - train yourself in the cold, go and practice hiking in high-altitude locations, and do cardio to strengthen your stamina, energy, and endurance.

Besides that, always have insurance for your health and expensive gear when traveling during the winter. The winter treks are adventurous but also risky. That's why having insurance can be a wise choice. You can have travel, health, and medical insurance if needed.

Weather and Climate in Nepal During January

The weather and climate in January are tyrannical. Getting contact with the illness to challenging pathways and routes can be the barriers to your trip.

The temperature in Nepal is the temperature in general, which is around mid-20 degrees Celsius. It is ideal for sightseeing - if you are at destinations like Kathmandu and Chitwan, sightseeing at temples/monuments and wildlife can be thrilling.

But if you are on a trek, things happen otherwise. Temperatures can go down below -5 to -8 Degree Celsius in January. That's why we suggest you be well-prepared for the winter trek in Nepal. While it will be one of the riskiest and most adventurous hikes, you will be in as much danger of degrading your health.

Accommodation Options for January Trekking

Your accommodation option is on your own - when you land in Kathmandu, you can go to several hotels and lodges according to the price range. Your lodging and food will be all included in your stay.

And during the trek, you can find various lodges in the Base Camps. Whether you are hiking to Everest or Annapurna, the base camps feature well-managed accommodation facilities with a continuous supply of electricity and internet services.

You can find many tea shops and small lodges to rest and have snacks when you are on your route. You can choose your place to stay depending on your budget rate. Generally, accommodation facilities cost you above $5 per day/night in Nepal. Make sure you have sleeping bags and warm clothes on yourself since you will be unaware of what hotels or tea houses provide you, so be ready from the start.

Camping is another option. But it is not recommended during January treks since the winter can be your nightmare. But if you are an adventure lover and have the spirit to endure the extreme cold, carrying tents and heaters will be the best option. Warm clothes, sleeping bags, torchlights, and other items needed for the winter should be on your bucket list when you plan camping.

Conclusion

January Trek in Nepal is the best choice for travelers, for you should partake in the adventurous hike. You will experience the risky and extreme climate in the Himalayas, but your trek will be fruitful with a proper plan. Also, you can hire porters and guides to safely lead you to your destination. You don't have to be alone; they will help introduce you to some things on the route if you are unknown. So if you are planning on January treks, why not try Nepal and experience its beauty? We assure you that your stay will not go in vain. Buckle up and get along with us to help you plan your next trek this January!!