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Nepal in March 2026: Spring Blooms, Clear Mountain Views and the Start of Trekking Season

December 29, 2025

Visiting Nepal in March is one of the best travel decisions you can make. March marks the beginning of spring, bringing warmer days, blooming rhododendron forests and excellent trekking conditions across the country. The skies remain mostly clear, temperatures are comfortable and nature slowly comes alive after winter.

Many travelers ask if March is a good time to visit Nepal. The answer is absolutely yes. March offers a perfect balance of weather, scenery and activity. It is warm enough for trekking and sightseeing, yet not as crowded as peak April and May. From Himalayan viewpoints to cultural cities and national parks, everything starts operating at full rhythm.

Why Visit Nepal in March

March is the start of Nepal’s main tourist season. The cold winter fades, trails become safer and lodges reopen fully in trekking regions. Days are longer, sunlight is stronger and travel conditions improve everywhere.

Hotel availability is still good in early March, prices remain reasonable compared to peak months and domestic flights operate smoothly. It’s an ideal month for both first-time visitors and returning trekkers.

Nepal in March 2026

Weather Overview

Spring season begins
Mostly dry with occasional light showers at the end of the month
Clear mornings and mild afternoons
Warmer nights compared to winter
Excellent visibility in most regions

Average temperatures:

Kathmandu & Pokhara: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Terai lowlands (Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini): 25–32°C (77–90°F)
Trekking regions above 3,000 m: 10–20°C daytime, cool nights

Pros of Traveling to Nepal in March

Ideal trekking weather

March offers stable conditions for both short and long treks. Snow starts melting, trails are safer and teahouses reopen.

Rhododendron bloom

Lower and mid-hill forests turn red and pink, especially on Annapurna, Langtang and Everest routes.

Clear mountain views

Morning skies are crisp with excellent views of Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.

Comfortable temperatures

Perfect for walking tours, hiking, wildlife safaris and cultural exploration.

Festivals and local life

March features colorful Hindu and Buddhist festivals that add cultural depth to your trip.

Cons of Traveling in March

Tourist numbers slowly increase toward late March
Dust can appear in cities and roads during dry days
Slight haze may develop in afternoons at lower altitudes
Popular trekking routes start getting busier

Best Places to Visit in March

Kathmandu Valley

UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Nagarkot or Dhulikhel sunrise
Shivapuri, Champadevi and Changu Narayan hikes
Chandragiri Hills by cable car

Pokhara

Sarangkot sunrise with Annapurna range
World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot and Kahun Hill
Lakeside walks around Phewa and Begnas
Base town for Annapurna region treks

Chitwan & Bardia

Warm weather and active wildlife
Excellent for jeep safari, canoeing and jungle walks
High chance of spotting rhinos, deer, crocodiles and birds

Lumbini

Pleasant spring weather for monastery visits
Peaceful atmosphere before summer heat arrives

Bandipur

Clear mountain views and traditional Newari village experience

Muktinath

Snow begins to melt, but mornings remain cold
Scenic drive or flight via Jomsom with dramatic landscapes

Kalinchowk

Snow may still remain in early March
Good chance to experience late winter snow near Kathmandu

Best Treks for March

Short and Moderate Treks

Ghorepani–Poon Hill (4–5 days)
Mardi Himal (5–7 days)
Australian Camp–Dhampus
Pikey Peak Trek
Langtang Valley
Helambu Trek
Ama Yangri Trek
Chisapani–Nagarkot hike

Longer Treks (Start of Season)

Everest Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp
Manaslu Circuit (lower sections)

Note:
High passes are generally safer than winter, but early March may still have snow at very high elevations.

Festivals in March

Holi (Festival of Colors) – nationwide celebration
Ghode Jatra – Kathmandu Valley
Ram Navami (sometimes late March or early April)
Buddhist prayer ceremonies in monasteries

Suggested March Sample Itineraries

Spring Highlights Tour (8–10 days)

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Poon Hill → Pokhara → Chitwan → Kathmandu

Culture and Nature Tour (7–9 days)

Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Bandipur → Pokhara → Kathmandu

Mardi Himal Trek (8–10 days)

Pokhara → Forest Camp → High Camp → Mardi Base Camp → Pokhara

Classic Nepal Circuit (10–12 days)

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Dhampus → Lumbini → Chitwan → Kathmandu

Practical Travel Tips for March

What to Pack

Light jacket or fleece
Comfortable trekking clothes
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Light gloves for higher elevations
Good walking or trekking shoes

Transport

Flights operate regularly
Roads are mostly dry and clear
Early booking recommended for popular routes

Accommodation

Teahouses fully operational on trekking routes
City hotels fill faster toward late March
Advance booking advised for popular destinations

Plan Your March Trip with Destination Nepal Tours and Travels

March is one of the best months to explore Nepal’s mountains, culture and wildlife. We specialize in private spring tours, guided treks and customized itineraries designed around your pace and comfort.