Can you Trek in Nepal in January?

Some of the world’s tallest mountains are located in Nepal. Lots of high altitude passes are surrounded by snow, so it appears to be impossible for trekking in most of the trekking routes. So far, trekking in Nepal in the month of January is totally possible through appropriate arrangements. The trekkers will not require any significant technical capabilities or additional instruments to accomplish the hike. In the month of January, the climate will be extremely cold in the high mountains. But, in the lower altitudes, the days are sunny and warm.

However, nights will be colder once you pass the 3000m mark. So the visitors can go for shorter and simple hikes during this month. Apart from, lower altitude hikes are likely to be done through standard tools and appropriate garments or clothes. Hike in Nepal during the month of January presents trekkers with stunning high hills landscapes, significantly from an uphill.

Trekking in Nepal during the month of January: Climatic Conditions

January is the coldest month of the year in Kathmandu. During this month, the standard temperature is 150 C. The weather is fresh and it doesn’t rain very much. Usually, in the mountainous region, the nights are much colder compared to the daytime. At times, the day temperature can increase to 250 C and as low as -200 C in less than 24 hours. There is no precise option to regulate the weather and temperature range. During the month of January, the highest temperature is 20 C and lowest temperature is -60 C through the average temperature of -20 C in the Lukla area. The weather is rather cool. It is dry as it almost never rains during this month. Generally, the climate is transparent, through blue skies and very little cloud.

Best Trekking Routes in Nepal during the month of January

Nepal is blessed through the stunning mountains which present the trekkers enough to do external activities. Yes, it is difficult to walk on snow through cold temperatures. Nevertheless, the magnificent experience comes up for the attempt. Not all the hiking routes on the mountains are tough. If the trekkers are planning to hike in Nepal during the month of January, trekkers can decide any hikes from the ones mentioned below:

Everest Panorama Trekking

Everest Panorama Trekking is a simple and short hike. This hike will direct the visitors to the highest Buddhist Monastery known as Tengboche Monastery (3850m). It presents a stunning view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Ama Dablam and many more. This hike is significantly suggested for hikers who want to visit the mountain regions in a short time. This hike will also provide the trekkers a chance to visit the old traditions and cultures of Sherpas in the mountains.

This short trek starts through a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a different Sherpa town of the Khumbu region. In this place the trekkers will get a near perception of the Sherpa’s way of living and tradition. After the trekkers reach Lukla, they will walk through the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding. Then, the trekkers will move to Namche Bazaar. This is one of the popular commercial places of the Khumbu region. After that the route will direct to Tengboche Monastery. In this trek the trekkers need to obtain an entry permit and TIMs card all over the trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short trek that can be done in a week. This is a hike that surrounds the highlands of the Annapurna to Ghorepani Poon Hill. At the time of trek, the trekkers will get a stunning sunrise landscape from Poon Hill. This short hike starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then Nayapul. The route carries on through the settlements and follows the bank of Modi River. After a constant walk the trekker will reach Hile village. Next day, the trekkers will trek along the Modi Khola and climb to Ghorepani, a popular Gurung village. In this place the trekkers can explore the way of living of the Gurung inhabitants.

The trekkers can communicate with them and obtain a perception on their culture and traditions. Apart from this, the trekkers will get a stunning view of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. In the early morning, the trekkers will do a short hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is the last place to visit in this trek. This place is situated above the village of Ghorepani. From this point the trekkers will get the opportunity to view sunrise over the mountains covered with snow on the top. The visitors will also view various Himalayas and glaciers. Hence, Poon Hill is the excellent trekking place in Nepal during the month of January.

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is another best choice for hiking in Nepal during the month of January. This trek is one more of short and stunning hikes in the Annapurna region. It is a pleasant route through some trekkers but still an entertaining hiking trail. The significant attraction of this trek is the stunning mountains with snow on the top. The trekkers can get a stunning view which includes Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mt. Hiunchuli from the Mardi Himal. The trekkers will also get an opportunity to view incredible valleys, mixed native culture, and divergent vegetation and animals. The trekking begins from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After the short drive from Pokhara, the trekkers will reach Phedi.

The route carries on by the jungles and arrives at an elevated camp. This will present a beautiful landscape of the whole Annapurna range. The route passes over rivers, valleys, rhododendron jungles, and small villages to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The tea-house on Mardi Himal Trek is very basic. They present significant items for winter like an additional blanket and room heaters to the hikers. In this trek the trekkers will experience lots of enjoyable settlements which are home to Brahmans and Ghales. This new hiking trail is a good choice for those who are searching for an alternative to the busy routes of Annapurna region.