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The best time for trekking in Nepal is season-wise, but moderate treks can be enjoyed nearly all seasons. However, Himalayan Friendly would like to recommend the best time to venture around the Nepal Himalayas. The treks to enjoy delightful moments depend upon one’s physical fitness level and stamina to cope with steep uphill. As well as health conditions, trekkers from beginners to veteran adventurers are required to be medically fit.

Nepal has four main seasons spring, summer with monsoon, autumn/fall, and winter. Trekkers can book during these seasons, depending on the regions, grades, and duration of the treks.  Nepal has the world’s highest peaks, namely Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu. Includes Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna with hundreds of 7,000 m and above
6,000 meters peaks. Making Nepal, a premier country for all activities from moderate to adventurous adventures.

The influx of visitors to Nepal is especially for trekking around its various Himalayan regions. The country offers boundless destinations around the Himalayas from moderate, adventurous, challenging to demanding. From leisure hiking for a few days to moderate walks of a week or more to adventurous treks.

Trekking In Nepal

Nepal and its Himalayas offer a wider range of trekking destinations, from the Far East of Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Extends towards the Mid-East around Everest, Rolwaling Valley to Langtang and Ganesh Himal with Ruby Valley. The Himalayan range continues towards Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal towards the west with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal. Includes the Far Wild West of Mustang, Dolpo, and Limi Valley to Nepal’s largest Rara Lake.  The most popular and favorite trekking destinations are around the Mid-West and Nepal’s Mid-East regions. Likewise, Annapurna ranges with dozens of trekking destinations, following different routes around the southern hills and north of the

Annapurna. Next is the Everest region the popular treks are to Everest Base Camp and the climb of high Kalapathar Viewpoint. The Everest areas of Solu-Khumbu have more to offer for eager adventurers and trekkers from the scenic Gokyo Valley of Lakes. It includes traverses over various high passes towards the east to west of Khumbu, and Everest regions.

The other favorite and popular trekking destinations are around the Langtang Himal regions. The main flow of trekkers enjoys a week Langtang Valley Trek, and visiting the holy Gosainkunda ponds. Trekkers can extend the journey to Helambu before reaching Kathmandu, after concluding Langtang and Gosainkunda trekking. The other exciting and popular is the Annapurna Circuit involves a high Thorang-La Pass above 5,416 m high.   The treks around Nepal’s Mid-West include the Manaslu Circuit, Ganesh Himal, the Ruby Valley, and Tsum Valley. Adventure continues towards Nepal Far West to Upper Mustang, following the old Trans Himalayan Trade and Caravan route to Tibet.

The other adventures around Western Nepal are Around Dhaulagiri including treks to Dhaulagiri base camp and French Pass. Then visit the Hidden Valley before completing the treks at Jomsom with a flight to scenic Pokhara city. Trekkers can also enjoy off-the-beaten routes around the Himalayan region.  Venture to the Far Wild West Nepal, and adventure to Lower and Upper Dolpo, as well as trek to Jumla and Rara around Nepal’s largest lake. The far west adventure extends to Humla and Limi Valley, located closer to the Tibet border.

Variation Of Trekking Grades And Best Seasons To Choose:

The best season for trekking in Nepal also depends on the trekking regions from moderate to adventurous and challenging. Moderate treks will be ideal and perfect country walks around the Himalayas, especially for beginners. The moderate treks are a few days to a week for all types of people and age groups can join. The moderate-grade treks, do not involve high altitude and will be safe from catching HAS (High Altitude Sickness). Which can occur in other high- altitude treks that involve passes above 4,500 to 5,000 meters. A moderate trek takes you to an average height above 2,500 m to 3,000 meters and can be enjoyed nearly all seasons. The next is adventurous treks of more than a week walks or more to 2-3 weeks. Most adventurous treks lead to moderate and pleasant walks, it is adventurous to reach higher altitude destinations.

Most adventurous walks are to base camps and include a few high passes to cross. For adventurous treks, choose the right seasons, spring and autumn/fall. Late March to May and September to November are the best for longer trekking adventures. Adventurers and expert trekkers, in search of challenging adventures can enjoy around the hidden corners of the Himalayas. The challenging treks involve traversing high passes above 5000 m to near 5, 5000 meters.

The deep snow conditions crossing over the high passes make it challenging and demanding. For the challenging grade treks, it is best to venture during the season of late spring to May and early summer of June. Include autumn/fall seasons from September to mid-November, before the winter times of heavy snowfall.  The best times for trekking in Nepal, are spring from March to May and autumn/fall of September to November.

The Best And Right Seasons For All Types Of Trekking:

Nepal has four main seasons, the spring (March to May), summer/monsoon (June to August), and autumn/fall (September to November). Winter (December to February).
Spring begins in March and ends in May, a lively time when vegetation gets slowly greener after the winter. The springtime days are much longer with sunlight hours from early morning 6 a.m. till late dusk 6 p.m. Most days are fine and clear for scenic views of surroundings landscapes and snow-capped peaks. It can get overcast with a cold afternoon breeze, and light rains with snowfall above 2,500 meters high. Mornings and nights are cold including the late afternoon, but it is the peak time for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.  The spring season is best for pleasant walks with wildflowers in seasonal bloom. Especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors from tall trees to bush. In spring temperatures rise according to altitude, an average of a minimum of 05° to a maximum of 20° Celsius, above 1,500 m high. Around 3,000 m above will be a minimum of – 5° to a maximum of 20° Celsius, excluding the extra wind chills.

Autumn / Fall Season For Trekking In Nepal Himalayas:

Autumn/ fall is the next best season for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. Days are fine with clear weather for views and pleasant walks. Autumn/fall, from mid-September to November is one of the right seasons to venture around the Himalayas.  The autumn season is a perfect time to choose for all types of adventures around the Himalayas. Most days are full of sunshine for excellent views of the snowy peaks.

But cold mornings, late afternoons, and nighttime gets dark soon due to shorter daylight hours. Sun rises late morning at 6 a.m. and sunset by 5 p.m. From 6:30 a.m. onwards till mid-afternoon, the sun gets bright making the day walks more enjoyable. Expect snowfall above 2,500 meters high sometimes during the autumn/fall season.

Winter Season For Trekking In Nepal Himalayas:

Winter times December to February, are considered the low times for tourism and trekkers in Nepal. Few travelers visit Nepal for various short trekking and other leisure adventures during the winter season. It is also an enjoyable time around the Himalayas, where trekkers encounter fewer trekkers, than in high seasons. Winter is the best time for moderate trekking around the high scenic foothills of the Himalayas. Although, cold mornings and night time, days are full of sunshine and crystal clear for views of towering peaks. Wintertime makes a great Christmas and New Year Holiday in the Himalayas when most days are bright and clear. A few trekkers also enjoy treks to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang Valley, during the winter time. Trekkers can enjoy the pleasant walk, and being away from the large crowd of trekkers on high seasons. During winter times expect snowfall above 2,000 meters high, a perfect time for short and moderate treks.

Nepal with more than 23 million populations has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages. Hindu religion dominates the southern part and the hills, the upper high hills and valleys around the Himalayan mountain regions.

Popular Trekking routes During the Tihar Festival:- Langtang Valley Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek.

Where villagers are interwoven to Tibetan Buddhism, makes Nepal a fascinating country around South-East Asia. Nepal with two major religions Hinduism and Buddhism, various colorful festivals around the year are celebrated. Nepal is enriched with many different heritage cultures and traditions, making Nepal, the country of festivals.

In Nepal religious and ancient heritage celebration takes place with colorful festival nearly all year round. The major and most important festival events are Dashain or Dashera, including Tihar also known as Diwali. The festival of lights and Marigold flowers that adorns every houses around cities, towns to remote villages.

In Nepal, people celebrate more than 50 festivals, most religious and traditional festivals are held according to Hindu calendar. Based on a chosen auspicious day, especially, set by the astrologers following the lunar calendar.

Tihar / Diwali (festival of lights):

Tihar, the festival of lights, also known as Diwali, falls at the end of October or first weeks of November. As per the Hindu lunar calendar set for the occasion on an auspicious time and dates. Tihar or Diwali, is the second biggest festival for all Hindu religion followers in Nepal. It is also celebrated in India across the southern borders of Nepal, with the majority of Hindu’s.

Tihar or Diwali is the festival of lights, where all houses around the cities, towns celebrate. Lighting the houses, courtyard and terraces, with oil lamps and candles. Including fluorescent little bulbs with electricity power, the houses and main door and entrance gates are adorned with Marigold garlands.

Tihar or Diwali Festival is held soon after the big major festival of Dashain or Dashera. Within a two week gap, before the event of Tihar, people are busy shopping for the needful items. The main things purchased are smaller oil lamps, called diyo, as well as candles, tinsel decorations and festive colored sweets.

The Tihar Festival is celebrated for 3-4 days, during the end of autumn season, which will be quite cold. The Tihar or Diwali festival begins with prayer and worship at homes and temples. On different days, there are offerings and small celebrations for domestic animals, and birds namely crows, dogs, cows and oxen. The first day of Tihar is known as Crow or Raven day. The household offers special food served on a fig or banana leaf to the crows and ravens.

The second day of Tihar is followed by dog’s day, all pet dogs are worshiped offering the best foods. As well as offering the dogs marigold garlands and blessing the dogs from evil spirits. The third day during Aausi, a pitched dark night, is the worship of Goddess Laxmi.

This day or night is known as Laxmi Puja, houses are decorated with Marigold garlands and lamps. The bright decoration and cleaning the house and courtyard to welcome the goddess Laxmi. It is known as the goddess of wealth and fortune, Goddess Laxmi is worshiped and prays for the fortune.
On the same night of Tihar the carol singing, girls and women visit door to door of each house. Around their community singing of praise for the wellbeing and wishes the landlord with great fortune and wealth.

The household and landlord presents them by offering gift of money, with special Nepali traditional bread called Sel Roti. The local Newar festival is called Maha Puja, the New Year’s Day according to the Nepal Era. Also falls on the same day of Tihar, especially among the Newari community who celebrate the Maha Puja.

The next day of the festival Tihar is called Gobardhan Puja, worship of oxen, followed by Bhai Tikka. The Nepali boys and men celebrate singing Nepali carol songs in each house and get blessed with money. On the day of Bhai Tikka is a brother’s blessing day, the sister’s offer and bless their brothers.
The ritual of breaking wall nuts, putting garlands and circling around brothers.

Prays and bless the brother’s big or small in order to protect them from Evils and Bad things. Then the sisters prepare and offer the special food to their brothers. After the last day of Bhai Tikka concludes the Tihar or Diwali Festival, and the ceremony till next year.

Traveling from Kathmandu to Lukla 

Starting your Everest experience in Kathmandu is the ideal place to begin your exciting expedition. Kathmandu, Nepal’s dynamic city, serves as the starting point for numerous hikers attempting to reach the spectacular Everest region.

Kathmandu, with its rich cultural legacy and busy environment, sets the tone for an amazing encounter. This city provides a unique blend of heritage and modernity, from old temples to bustling markets.

As you prepare to scale the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, you’ll be drawn into the enchantment of Kathmandu. As you embark on your once-in-a-lifetime experience, the city’s dynamic energy and welcoming warmth will make you feel at home.

From Kathmandu, you’ll travel to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. This little hamlet in the Himalayas is important to hikers since it is the beginning point for the legendary Everest Base Camp climb and other treks in the region.

About Lukla

Lukla serves as a gateway to a world of stunning natural beauty, towering mountains, and a distinct Sherpa culture. As you prepare to view the awe-inspiring wonders of the Everest region, the travel from Kathmandu to Lukla is full with expectation and enthusiasm.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time explorer, beginning your Everest journey in Kathmandu provides an unforgettable experience. The mix of Kathmandu’s cultural allure and Lukla’s natural beauty makes an outstanding backdrop for your tour of the Himalayas.

So tie up your boots, gather your belongings, and prepare to start on an unforgettable adventure from Kathmandu. Your Everest expedition awaits, bringing stunning scenery, personal accomplishments, and experiences that will last a lifetime. Allow the charm of Kathmandu and the gateway of Lukla to lead you to an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

There’s a new way to see the Himalayas!!

Ramechhap Manthali Airport serves as the new gateway to the Everest area from Kathmandu. This airport, located around 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, provides a quick and accessible route. 

The significant flight traffic in Kathmandu caused the change from Lukla to Ramechhap as the departure point for flights to Lukla. The decision was made to reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency.

Travellers may rely on the safety and dependability of the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla. Ramechhap Airport, located on the banks of the scenic Tamakoshi River and at an elevation of 474 meters, provides a safe starting place for flights to Lukla. The decision to change planes in Lukla due to weather, delays, or schedule changes is completely made at Lukla Airport. However, choosing Ramechhap Airport offers a more comfortable flight because it has less air traffic and gives for better flexibility in getting to Lukla at any time.

How to travel inside the Himalayan Terrains?

Bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap: If you’re looking for a low-cost solution, the bus is an excellent option. The trip takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, with a departure time of around 1:30 a.m. Micro Hiace Buses or Coaster Deluxe Buses are available, with the former having 14-15 seats and the latter accommodating 20 passengers. While the bus alternative is less expensive, the early morning departure time is a potential disadvantage.

Transfer by Private Car/Jeep: Traveling from Kathmandu to Ramechhap by private car or jeep provides ease and flexibility. You can enjoy the comfort of a tailored trip and make pauses along the way to capture breathtaking moments with a private vehicle. The departure time is adjustable, allowing you to select a time that is convenient for your schedule. The fee varies depending on the vehicle type, with possibilities including jeeps, vans, and coaster buses. This option offers additional comfort as well as the ability to go at your own speed.

By considering the benefits and drawbacks of bus travel versus private car/jeep transfer, you may choose the mode of transportation that best suits your budget, interests, and travel style. Whether you choose the price of the bus or the convenience of a private vehicle, all options ensure that you arrive in Ramechhap in comfort, ready to begin your Everest experience.

And why not stay at Manthali?

Spending the night at Manthali is highly recommended if travelling from Kathmandu to Lukla. Manthali is an excellent overnight break before heading on to Lukla and the Everest region. Here’s all you need to know about Manthali lodging:

Manthali has a limited number of hotels for visitors. It’s critical to plan ahead of time and make reservations, especially during high tourist season. Rooms can be difficult to get on short notice due to strong demand. To ensure a smooth stay in Manthali, contact the hotels ahead of time and make your reservations.

When it comes to availability and booking advice, it’s best to contact the hotels directly to inquire about room availability, pricing, and any special needs you may have. Some Manthali hotels may provide online booking platforms or email contact information, making it easier to communicate your preferences and secure your stay.

Last-minute appointments in Manthali can be nearly difficult during peak hiking season. As a result, it’s critical to organize your lodging ahead of time to avoid any hassles. You can have peace of mind knowing that you have a pleasant place to relax before continuing your journey to Lukla and beyond if you pre-book your stay in Manthali.

Remember that Manthali is a vital layover before reaching Lukla, allowing you to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. You can secure a pleasant and trouble-free Everest trekking journey by reserving your lodging in Manthali.

From Manthali’s Runway

Ramechhap Airport in Manthali provides an exciting flight experience to Lukla. As you soar above spectacular scenery on your route to Lukla, departing from this airport provides a unique perspective. 

Flying from Ramechhap Airport ensures a smoother and more reliable route to the Everest region due to its shorter flight duration and fewer weather-related disruptions. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking airborne views and travel to Lukla with ease and thrill.

Tips for your safe travels

There are various things to keep in mind to ensure a pleasant trip to Lukla:

Weather readiness: Because the weather in the Everest region can be unpredictable, flight schedule modifications or delays may occur. Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to make changes to your travel arrangements if necessary. When it comes to flying scheduling, it’s critical to be flexible and understanding.

Making preparations: Keep up to date with the most recent flight information. Check for any updates or notifications about your Lukla flight. Airlines may offer information on adjustments or cancellations, so it’s critical to stay up to current on any changes that may influence your travel plans.

Assistance from a travel agency: Using the services of a reputable travel agency can substantially simplify your journey and Himlayan Friendly is exactly that. Through our help we can aid you in navigating the complexities of flight bookings, monitoring flight schedules, and provide you the much needed assistance in the event of any unanticipated problems. 

You may improve your chances of a pleasant and trouble-free trip to Lukla by being prepared for weather fluctuations, being up to date on flight updates, and depending on the expertise of a travel agency. Enjoy the adventure and beauty that the Everest region has to offer while minimising any potential travel inconveniences.

And to summarize (TLDR)

Finally, this guide has supplied you with important information for your trip from Kathmandu to Lukla. You can have a simple and time-saving journey by taking the Ramechhap Manthali Airport route. Whether you take the bus or a private car/jeep transfer, each has advantages in terms of pricing and comfort.

Furthermore, staying in Manthali overnight before travelling to Lukla helps you to recuperate and prepare for your Everest experience. Remember to arrange ahead of time for your lodging to ensure a nice stay. Flying from Ramechhap Airport provides a pleasant and dependable experience, with shorter flight lengths and less weather-related disruptions.

Stay updated on airline schedules and weather updates, and consider using the services of a travel agent to guarantee a seamless travel experience. By following these recommendations, you will be able to manoeuvre your journey with ease and focus on the wonderful beauty that the Everest region has to offer.

Begin your Kathmandu-Lukla tour and make great memories while exploring the Everest region’s marvels. Take advantage of the route’s convenience, safety, and natural beauty. Have a fantastic journey to Lukla and an unforgettable Everest adventure.