Nepal in January 2026: Weather, Best Places & Winter Trekking Guide

Nepal in January 2026: Best Time for Clear Views, Short Winter Treks & Unbeatable Prices

Traveling to Nepal in January is an excellent choice if you seek solitude, crisp winter air, stunning Himalayan visibility, and the lowest prices of the year. January is the heart of the winter off-season, meaning dramatically fewer tourists, deeply discounted rates on hotels, guides, and flights, and a peaceful, almost private experience at major heritage sites and trekking trails. While it’s the coldest month, the weather remains dry and stable, with brilliant blue skies that offer some of the clearest mountain views of the entire year.

Many travelers wonder: Is January a good time to visit Nepal? The answer is a resounding yes—if you don’t mind cold nights and are prepared with proper winter clothing. It’s perfect for cultural immersion, short winter treks, wildlife safaris, and photography.

Why Visit Nepal in January

January is the quietest month on the tourist calendar. All major destinations stay open, domestic flights operate normally (weather permitting), and you’ll often have temples, viewpoints, and trails virtually to yourself. Accommodation and tour prices can drop 30–50% compared to October–November.

Weather Overview

• Completely dry season — almost zero chance of rain
• Crystal-clear skies and exceptional Himalayan visibility
• Coldest month of the year, especially at night and in the mountains
• Sunny days with comfortable temperatures in lower elevations (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan)

Average daytime temperatures:

• Kathmandu & Pokhara: 18–20°C (64–68°F)
• Chitwan & lowland Terai: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
• Trekking regions above 3,000 m: 5–15°C daytime, dropping to -10°C or lower at night

Pros of Traveling to Nepal in January

• Unbeatable mountain views The dry, cold air creates some of the sharpest, most photogenic panoramas of Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang all year.
• Rock-bottom prices Hotels, teahouses, domestic flights, guides, and full tour packages are at their annual lowest.
• No crowds anywhere Walk through Bhaktapur or Boudhanath with almost no other tourists; trek Poon Hill or Mardi Himal in complete serenity.
• Excellent wildlife spotting Dry grasslands in Chitwan and Bardia mean rhinos, tigers, and elephants are easier to spot.
• Unique winter festivals Experience Yomari Punhi, Maghe Sankranti, and Sonam Lhosar (Tamang New Year) celebrations.

Cons of Traveling in January

• Very cold nights in the mountains Teahouses have no central heating; sleeping bags rated to -15°C are recommended above 2,500 m.
• Possible morning fog in the Terai Flights to Chitwan, Lumbini, or Bhairahawa may face occasional delays (overland travel unaffected).
• High passes usually closed Thorong La, Larkya La, and other 5,000 m+ passes are generally snow-bound and not recommended.

Best Places to Visit in January

Kathmandu Valley

• Heritage sightseeing in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur
• Sunrise from Nagarkot or Dhulikhel (often the clearest of the year)
• Chandragiri Hills by Cable car (wounderful Himalaya view ), some time snow fall too

Pokhara

• Relax by Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake etc
• Sarangkot or World Peace Pagoda sunrise, Pumdikot Shiva temple 
• Short hikes to Shanti Stupa, Australian Camp, or Dhampus

Chitwan & Bardia National Parks

• Prime season for jungle safaris — dry weather forces animals to waterholes

Lumbini

• Always open to visit Birth Place of Lord Buddha

Janakpur

• Sita Mata Birth Place, Janaki temple is always we can travel there. 

Short & moderate winter treks (highly recommended)

• Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek (4–5 days)
• Mardi Himal Trek (5–7 days)
• Poon Hill + Khopra Danda (7–8 days)
• Langtang Valley or Helambu (6–9 days)
• Pikey Peak Trek (best cultural Sherpa winter trek)
• Australian Camp–Dhampus–Sarangkot loop
• Chisapani–Nagarkot winter hiking
• Dhulikhel-nagarkot-changunarayan Trek
• Sundarijal Chisapani Hiking
• Ama yangri trek

Suggested January sample Itineraries

• Classic Winter Highlights (8–10 days) Kathmandu → Nagarkot → Pokhara → Poon Hill → Pokhara → Kathmandu
• Culture + Wildlife Winter Escape (7–9 days) Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Chitwan National Park → Pokhara → Kathmandu
• Mardi Himal Winter Trek (8–10 days) Pokhara → Mardi Himal high camp (3,550 m) → stunning Machhapuchhre & Annapurna views → Pokhara
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Cultural Winter Trip (10–12 days) Kathmandu → Bandipur → Pokhara → Poon Hill → Lumbini → Chitwan

Practical Travel Tips for January

What to pack

• High-quality down jacket (-15°C rated)
• 4-season sleeping bag (for trekking)
• Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, wool hat, gloves
• Good sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (UV is intense)
• Moisturizer and lip balm (air is very dry)

Transport

• Mountain flights (Everest, Annapurna) have extremely high success rates in January due to stable weather. Terai flights may have morning fog delays.

Accommodation

• Book heated deluxe rooms in cities; mountain teahouses rely on dining-room wood stoves and thick blankets.

Plan Your January Trip with Destination Nepal Tours and Travels

January is the perfect month for travelers who value peace, photography, and savings over warm weather. Our winter-special packages include heated vehicles, extra blankets, and expert guides who know the best clear-view spots.

We customize everything:

• Private winter tour packages
• Short guided winter treks with porters and warm gear
• Chitwan/Bardia heated lodge safaris
• Luxury or budget options

Get a Free January Itinerary & Quote

Simply tell us:

• Number of people
• Exact travel dates
• Trekking or non-trekking focus
• Preferred comfort level (budget, standard, luxury)
• Total days available

We reply within 24 hours with a detailed day-by-day plan including hotels, guides, permits, and transparent pricing.

FAQ – Nepal in January

Is January too cold for Nepal?

Days are sunny and pleasant in cities and lowlands. Nights are cold in the mountains—proper gear makes it very manageable and rewarding.

Can you trek in Nepal in January?

Yes—short and mid-altitude treks (Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang, Helambu) are excellent. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are possible but extremely cold and require full winter expedition gear.

Are tourist places closed in January?

No—everything stays open. You’ll just enjoy them with far fewer people.

Is wildlife safari good in January?

One of the top two months (along with February). Dry grass = maximum visibility of tigers and rhinos.

Best tour for first-time visitors in January?

Kathmandu → Pokhara → short Poon Hill or Mardi Himal trek → Chitwan remains the most popular and comfortable winter combination.

Contact us today and let us craft your perfect winter Nepal adventure—at the best price you’ll find all year!