Best Way to Celebrate your Christmas and New Year Holidays is Trek in Nepal
While Christmas and New Year are knocking at the door, most people are thinking of celebrating them in the best way possible. How about celebrating this festival season in Nepal with trekking in the Himalayas this year?Trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience that demands some time. When you have enough holidays during this festival season, why not consider trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal and celebrate the festival season in a different way like you have never done before?
Christmas and New Year are celebrated in Nepal too. Especially, Kathmanduand Pokhara from where journey of most of the treks begin or end are decorated in a beautiful way with Christmas trees and Santa’s pictures during Christmas Season. Thamel is the center of tourist industry in Kathmandu. In Thamel, you feel like you are celebrating the festival in your own hometown. You can enjoy special meals and have a great time in hotels and bars in Thamel with music. Pokhara is a beautiful city famous as city of lakes and one of the major destinations of tourists visiting Nepal. In Pokhara, you can enjoy your festival season by exploring various sites in Pokhara like Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Bat Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Pagoda, Tal Barahi Temple, Bindhyabasini Temple, etc. You can enjoy your time with your friends and family in hotels and cafes of Lakeside of Pokhara that serve you special meals with amazing view around. Thamel and Lakeside of Pokhara are two of the most festive places to be for Christmas and New Year with Gala Dinner and street festivals. Trekking in the Himalayas offers you so much and undoubtedly makes you feel that you have done the best thing during this festival season. During this festival season, the weather of Nepal is also favorable with moderate temperatures and clear skies. Trek in the Himalayas through stunning landscapes, picturesque villages of local people, and lush forests adorned with rhododendron and enjoy awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, green hills, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and much more. Spend your time with the local villagers and enjoy your festival season with them by sharing moments with them and immersing yourselves in their unique culture.
We, the Trekking Planner Nepal family, wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance. Trek with us as we offer festival discounts and enjoy your festival season by exploring natural and cultural beauty of Nepal and make your friends who spend their festival by just sitting in front of Christmas tree envy you. Feel free to contact usfor more information.
What Makes Trekking in Nepal So Special During Christmas and New Year?
Let’s be real, most people spend their Christmas holidays indoors, snuggled up in cozy sweaters, sipping hot cocoa, or maybe partying into the New Year. But what if this year could be different?
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning surrounded by the snow-capped giants of the Himalayas, sipping hot tea in a peaceful mountain village. Or watching the first sunrise of the New Year from a viewpoint like Poon Hill or Kalapatthar, above the clouds, above the noise, and truly above the ordinary.
Nepal during December and January is a hidden gem. It is the off-peak season, which means fewer crowds, clearer skies, and a more authentic, intimate experience with nature and culture. While the West celebrates Christmas with lights and gifts, Nepal celebrates simplicity, warmth, and nature’s grandeur. And somehow, the combination is just magical.
What’s Different About Our Christmas and New Year Trekking Packages?
We get it. A trek is a trek, but the festive season calls for something more. That’s why we add some extra cheer to your journey.
Here’s what makes your festive trek extra special with us:
- Christmas Eve Campfire Gatherings under starry Himalayan skies.
- Traditional Nepali Thakali meals blended with a festive twist (think apple pie or even a surprise Christmas cake).
- Decorated tea houses in select villages. Some even have mini Christmas trees.
- Share the trail with like-minded adventurers from around the world.
- Warm winter gear support & hot drinks at every rest stop.
- New Year Sunrise Watch from epic viewpoints like Poon Hill or Gokyo Ri.
- Festive photo opportunities (bring your Santa hat, it is a tradition).
The Best Christmas and New Year Treks in Nepal
Whether you are having a long holiday break or just a week off, there is a trek that fits your calendar and your energy levels. Here are some quick guide to help you choose the trek for your break:
Short Treks (4-6 Days): Perfect if you're on a tight holiday schedule
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
- Duration: 6 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Max. Altitude: 3,210 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
Ghorepani Poon Hill is a short and rewarding trek. It is perfect for beginners and families looking to spend the holidays in the Himalayas. You will hike through charming villages, rhododendron forests, and warm tea houses. These all leads to the iconic sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill. You will watch the first sunrise of the Year light up the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in a truly unforgettable way to start fresh.
2. Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Max. Altitude: 2,420 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-November
If you want a quick getaway from the city buzz during the holidays, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is best for you. In just a couple of days, you will wander through quiet pine forests and cozy villages, soaking in fresh mountain air and that special calm only the Himalayas can offer. The best part is waking up early to catch the sunrise from Nagarkot. It is a beautiful sea of snowy peaks lighting up the sky, that perfect moment for you to feel truly connected to nature as you celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year.
3. Mardi Himal Trek
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Max. Altitude: 3,700 m
- Best Season: Sept to May
If you want to experience the off-the-beaten-path holiday adventure then the Mardi Himal trek is best for you. You will experience snowy trails, peaceful forests, and dramatic ridgelines. You will see the close views of the Machapuchare and the Annapurna range without the crowds. It is the type of winter hike that is personal, magical and a bit wild.
Longer Treks
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 14 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 5,545 m
- Best Season: March-June and September- December
If you want to celebrate Christmas or the New Year with a true sense of adventure. Then trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter is nothing short of epic. Over 12 to 14 days, you’ll journey through Sherpa villages, icy valleys, and jaw-dropping Himalayan vistas, with festive stops in places like Namche Bazaar that light up with holiday cheer. Reaching Base Camp at 5,364 meters, surrounded by snowy giants and the silence of the season, feels like a spiritual reset to start the New Year on top, literally and emotionally.
2. Manaslu Circuit Trekking
- Duration: 14 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 5,215m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-November
If you want to escape the crowds and dive deep into nature during the holidays, the Manaslu Circuit is best for you. Here you will experience a raw, peaceful, and incredibly rewarding experience. You will trek through the untouched landscapes, remote villages, and across the stunning Larkya La Pass. Here you will experience the cultural richness, and a sense of achievement that feels even more meaningful during the quiet of winter.
3. Langtang Valley Trek
- Duration: 11 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Max. Altitude: 4,984 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
Langtang is a beautiful blend of mountain scenery and rich culture. Especially tranquil during the winter holidays. You will pass through remote villages, ancient monasteris, and valleys wrapped in snow, all with warm hospitality along the way. It is perfect if you want a meaningful trek with fewer tourists and a deep connection to the landscape and people.
For more trekking packages of Nepal, explore our Nepal Trekking Page.
What’s Trekking in Nepal Like During Winter?
Let’s talk logistics for a second, because trekking in December and January does come with some unique challenges (and advantages!).
Weather & Temperature
- Daytime: 10°C to 15°C (lower altitudes).
- Nighttime: Can drop below freezing above 3,000m.
- Skies: Mostly clear and sunny, perfect for photography.
- Snow: Possible at higher elevations, adds to the charm.
What to Pack for a Christmas and New Year Trek in Nepal?
Trekking in Nepal during December and January, you have to face crisp air, snowy trails, and chilly mornings. But with the right gear, it is incredibly rewarding. Here is a simple breakdown of what you will need to stay warm, safe, and comfortable.
Clothing: Stay Warm and Dry
You have to add layers a lot, so think in layers that you can peel off or pile on depending on the time of day.
Base Layers (Next to Skin):
- 2 moisture-wicking thermal tops (synthetic or merino wool)
- 2 thermal leggings or long johns
Mid Layers (Insulation):
- 1–2 fleece jackets or pullovers
- Lightweight insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
Outer Layer (Wind/Water Protection):
- Waterproof & windproof shell jacket
- Waterproof trousers
Extras:
- 2–3 pairs of trekking pants
- 3–5 trekking T-shirts (quick-dry)
- 1 warm down jacket (essential for cold evenings)
Accessories: Keep Your Extremities Toasty
This is where people often underestimate the cold. So, don’t forget these!
- Warm wool or synthetic hat (covers ears)
- Neck gaiter or buff (for wind and dust)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (snow glare is real)
- Lightweight gloves (for trekking)
- Insulated waterproof gloves (for high altitudes)
- 4–5 pairs of warm trekking socks (wool or synthetic)
- 1 pair of liner socks (optional, helps with blisters)
Footwear: Support & Warmth Matter
Your feet will carry you the whole way, so give them some love.
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with good grip
- Camp shoes (lightweight sandals or slippers for evenings)
- Gaiters (to keep snow or mud out at higher altitudes)
Sleeping & Trekking Gear
Most tea houses provide blankets, but nights can be freezing.
- Four-season sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
- Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth and hygiene)
- Trekking poles (help with icy or steep sections)
- Microspikes (essential for icy patches—rent or buy)
- Daypack (25–35L for daily essentials)
- Duffel bag (your porter will carry this)
Toiletries & Personal Items
Keep it simple, but don’t skip the essentials.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
- Quick-dry towel
- Lip balm with SPF (chapped lips are common)
- Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
- Moisturizer (cold weather dries skin fast)
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes (for “shower” days)
First Aid & Meds
Better to be over-prepared than stuck in the mountains with a headache or sore knee.
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Altitude sickness tablets (consult your doctor)
- Blister care (Band-Aids, moleskin)
- Diarrhea tablets (just in case)
- Water purification tablets or a filter for safe drinking water
Electronics & Extras
Just enough to stay connected and capture memories.
- Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Power bank (charging points are limited)
- A camera or a phone with good storage
- Travel adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets)
- Notebook & pen (for journaling, if that’s your thing!)
- Lightweight book or Kindle (for tea house evenings)
Festive Bonus Items
- Santa hat or small Christmas prop (great for photos)
- A small treat to share (chocolates, tea bags, etc.)
- Mini string lights for your room or common area
Cultural Winter Festivities in Nepal
Did you know Nepal celebrates more than just Christmas and New Year in December?
Tamu Lhosar (Gurung New Year): Usually celebrated in late December. If you’re in Pokhara or any Gurung village during this time, you’ll experience traditional dances, feasts, and warm hospitality.
Western Christmas in Kathmandu & Pokhara: Hotels, cafes, and even some tea houses put up lights, mini trees, and offer special menus. The streets of Thamel sparkle with a cheerful vibe.
Nepali New Year: It’s celebrated in mid-April, but most people still enjoy the Western New Year with parties and fireworks, especially in Pokhara.
FAQ’s
Is December/January a good time to trek in Nepal?
Appreciate the question. Yes, in fact it is quite a pretty time to go hit the trails, especially with a little bit of chill. The skies tend to be slightly crystal clear and it gives you some jaw-opening views of the mountains. Plus, the trails are peaceful, which makes the whole experience feel more personal and magical.
Can I celebrate Christmas while trekking?
Surely, you will not miss the spirit of the holiday even in the Himalayas! Various businesses place lights or candles in their tea house, and others provide the meals that should be special. Our guides can bring small gifts to make the trip seem like a celebratory one on the road.
Will it snow on the trail?
It can, especially on higher-altitude treks like Mardi Himal or Everest Base Camp. But that soft layer of snow actually makes the landscape look even more magical, like something straight out of a postcard. Don’t worry, we plan around weather updates to keep you safe and warm.
Do I need special gear for winter trekking?
You don’t need anything extreme, but warm clothes are a must. Think: thermals, a cozy down jacket, a good hat, and gloves to keep your fingers happy. We’ll send you a full packing list and help you rent anything you don’t already have.
Are tea houses open during Christmas and the New Year?
Yes, most tea houses on the popular trekking routes stay open year-round. They might not have big parties, but you’ll find warm food, friendly faces, and maybe even a few decorations. And honestly, that simple, peaceful vibe makes the holidays feel even more special.
