Christmas and New Year Trekking in Nepal: Best Winter Adventures for 2026/27
Posted on: Sunday, November 16th, 2025.
Spending Christmas and New Year trekking in Nepal combines festive spirit with Himalayan scenery. Winter landscapes, cultural experiences, and peaceful trails make this season a special time for adventure.
Christmas and New Year Trekking
Trekking in Nepal during December and January offers calm trails, clear skies, and impressive views of snowy peaks. The atmosphere is ideal for travelers who enjoy quiet surroundings, photography, and cultural encounters.
Popular Christmas and New Year Trekking Routes
Mardi Himal Trek
A scenic trail with beautiful views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. It passes through peaceful forests and high ridges.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
A classic route around the Annapurna massif. The landscapes change from subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary with dramatic mountain views and traditional villages.
Khopra Ridge Trek
A quieter option offering wide views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, along with friendly local communities.
Poon Hill Trek
Famous for sunrise views over the Himalayas. Short, beginner friendly, and rich in culture.
Panchase Trek
A gentle and peaceful trail with traditional villages and open Himalayan vistas.
Siklis Kapuche Lake Trek
Leads to Kapuche Glacier Lake, the lowest-altitude glacier lake in Nepal.
Pikey Peak Climbing
Known for sunrise and sunset views of Everest and surrounding peaks, with strong cultural experiences.
A scenic walk to the base of Ama Dablam with additional views of Everest and Lhotse.
Trekking Costs and Packages
Group Joining Treks
Suitable for solo travelers or anyone wanting to meet new people. Prices range from USD 700 to 1,200 for 8 to 12 days, including meals, permits, transport, and accommodation. Fixed departures are available for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Solo Treks
More flexible and customized, with higher costs due to private services.
Couple Treks
Ideal for partners who prefer privacy while still benefiting from guided support.
Permits and Transportation
Permits
Depending on the trail, you may need the following:
ACAP
TIMS
Permit costs vary by region and nationality.
Transportation
Access to trailheads may involve domestic flights or road travel, depending on the trek.
Guides and Porters
– French-speaking guides available on request
– Porters and porter-guides assist with luggage
– Female guides available for travelers who prefer them
Accommodation, Food and Drinking Water
– Tea houses provide simple, clean accommodation
– Meals include Nepali food and basic Western dishes
– Water purification tablets or filters are recommended
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can appear at higher elevations. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and take rest days when needed.
Permit Requirements by Trek
– ACAP and TIMS for Mardi Himal, Annapurna Circuit, ABC, Khopra Ridge, Poon Hill, Siklis Kapuche Lake
– No special permits for Panchase Trek
– TIMS and regional permits for Pikey Peak
Christmas and New Year Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara and hotel stay
Day 3: Drive to Dhampus Phedi and trek to Pothana
Day 4: Trek to Tolka
Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 6: Descend to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara, and hotel stay
Day 7: Drive to Kathmandu and hotel stay
Day 8: Departure
Trekking Cost Includes
Airport transfers
– Tourist bus Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
– All meals during trek with tea or coffee
– Two nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
– Two nights hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
– Experienced guide
– Government taxes
– ACAP and TIMS permits
– Guide and porter wages
– Porter service for two guests (up to 15 kg)
– Staff insurance
– Basic trekking equipment
– Additional services on request
Cost Excludes
– Travel insurance and emergency rescue
– Hot showers
– Flight delays in the Everest region
Tips
– Entrance fees for heritage sites
– Personal expenses such as laundry and drinks
Additional Information
Christmas trekking in Nepal offers quiet trails, cultural festivities, and beautiful winter scenery. Whether you prefer Annapurna, Langtang, or low-altitude Everest routes, this season is ideal for families, beginners, and groups.
Why Trek During Christmas and New Year?
– Clear mountain views
– Fewer crowds
– Cultural celebrations
– Lower off-season pricing
– Suitable for families
Where Celebrations Take Place
Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Namche Bazaar often decorate for the holidays and offer festive meals.
Best Winter Trekking Regions
– Annapurna region
– Lower Everest region
– Langtang Valley
Best Short Christmas Treks
– Ghorepani Poon Hill
– Mardi Himal
– Langtang Valley
– Annapurna Circuit up to Manang
Example Christmas Trek: Mardi Himal
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Travel to Pokhara
Days 3 to 7: Trek from Kande to Forest Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Viewpoint
Days 8 to 10: Return to Pokhara, celebrate New Year, return to Kathmandu
Costs for Groups and Families
Poon Hill, 5 days: USD to 790
Mardi Himal, 7 days: USD 900 to 1150
Langtang, 7 to 9 days: USD 900 to 1150
Family package for four: USD 1,900 to 2,3
Permit Costs
Annapurna and Langtang
TIMS: USD 20
ACAP or National Park permit: USD 30
Everest Region
– Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Fee: USD 30
– Sagarmatha National Park Permit: USD 30
Guide and Porter Costs
Guide: USD 30 to 35 per day
Porter: USD 20 to 25 per day
Food During Christmas Treks
– Dal Bhat
– Sherpa stew
– Tibetan bread
– Garlic soup
– Noodles, rice, and momos
In cities you may also find roast chicken, apple pie, local wine, and Christmas cakes.
Celebrating Holidays in the Mountains
– Simple gift exchanges
– Singing around the fire
– Tea house decorations
– Bonfires in lower villages
Winter Trek Conditions
December has clear skies with cold nights and occasional snow above 3,000 m
February is slightly warmer and suitable for ABC and mid-altitude treks
Safety Tips
– Dress in layers
– Use strong trekking boots
– Carry trekking poles
– Drink water regularly
– Start walking early
– Avoid high passes if conditions are risky
Book Your Christmas and New Year 2026–2027 Trek with Ama Adventure
Ama Adventure offers memorable holiday treks with reliable service and experienced local teams.
Why Trek With Ama Adventure?
– Skilled guides and Guide in Assiatance guides
– Custom itineraries for families and groups
– Responsible travel values
– Holiday themed trekking options
– Authentic cultural experiences
Early Booking Offer
Reserve any Christmas or New Year trek for 2026 or 2027 before September 2026 and receive up to 10 percent discount on group and family bookings.
Your Winter Himalayan Journey Awaits
Experience Christmas sunrises, New Year celebrations in the mountains, and timeless Himalayan scenery with Ama Adventure.
