Trekking in the Himalaya: why you should go to Nepal in Spring

Whilst many trekkers head to Nepal in Autumn, we think there isn't just one time of year to experience trekking in the incredible Nepal Himalaya. ... Read more
Trekking in the Himalaya: why you should go to Nepal in Spring

Whilst many trekkers head to Nepal in Autumn, we think there isn't just one time of year to experience trekking in the incredible Nepal Himalaya. Here's why you should experience a different side to these mountains and go there in spring. 

Spring and autumn are the main seasons for trekking in Nepal and these two periods, extending approximately from March to May and from October to December, are usually not dissimilar in terms of their weather. In other respects, however, there are differences between the seasons and on account of several of these the spring season scores highly.

1. The trails are quieter in spring

It’s a fact that far fewer people choose to go trekking in Nepal in spring than they do in the autumn. So, if you would prefer quieter trekking trails, even on our most popular holidays in the Annapurna and Everest regions, spring is a great time to go.

 

2. Flight prices are lower in spring

Less demand for seats means flight prices can be two or three hundred pounds lower in the spring than in the autumn. Trekking in Nepal during spring and save yourself some money. Call our friendly flights team for a quote on +44 (0)17687 73966.
 

3. Spring means rhododendrons in bloom

With the coming of spring, Nepal’s trail-side vegetation bursts into life and the rhododendrons that bloom through March and April present a riot of colour from red and pink to purple and white. You can experience this amazing spectacle at elevations between 1500 and 3000 metres on many of our treks.

 

4. Spring is a time for celebration and festivity

There are lots of Hindu festivals in Nepal in spring. Holi, the festival of colour, will be celebrated in March. If you sign up for the Everest Base Camp Trek you can normally join in the Holi celebrations on route.

Alternatively, you could see in the Nepalese New Year (which falls in April) on a number of KE spring holidays;  Everest Base Camp Trek, The Ultimate Everest Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary Trek, Gosainkund and Langtang Trek and our Ganesh Himal Panorama Trek.

 

5. THE EVEREST MARATHON

Each year, climbing teams on Everest lookout for a week towards the end of May when the jet stream swings away from the mountain’s summit. There is a buzz about the Khumbu at this time which also coincides with KE’s annual involvement in the amazing Everest Marathon
 

You can experience the best of the Nepal spring season on these holidays

 

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY AND POON HILL TREK

North of Pokhara, this journey into the natural amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary ranks amongst the best treks in the Nepal Himalaya. Within 10 days of trekking you’ll experience the full range of Nepalese landscape; pretty villages with their neatly terraced rice fields, sub-tropical forest teeming with wildlife, ridge-top trails, steep-sided valleys and spectacular Himalayan viewpoints including the world- famous Poon Hill. On this classic lodge-based trek, there will be plenty of opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded travellers from around the world.

 

EVEREST BASECAMP TREK

Following the legendary 'Everest Trail' from the airstrip at Lukla, this is your chance to visit Everest Basecamp, hike to the viewpoint of Kala Patar at sunset and experience the wonderful mountain scenery of the Khumbu. Spend time in the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, visit several other traditional villages and go to Thyangboche with its famous monastery and impressive backdrop of both Everest and Ama Dablam. Providing outrageous mountain views and a wonderful insight into the way of life of the hardy Sherpas, this is a justifiably popular Himalayan holiday.

 

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

An itinerary unique to KE, on this 22 day ultimate trekking adventure in Nepal you'll hike along one of the world's most outstanding walks; the Annapurna Circuit. During the trek you'll cross the challenging Thorong La (5416m) and see views of Himalayan giants Manaslu, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri. Rather than walking on a new dusty jeep road, we now board our transport for the spectacular journey through the world's deepest gorge between the epic mountains Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The following day you'll start your trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary, with the optional ascent of Poon Hill at sunrise and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.

 

ANNAPURNA AND BANDIPUR LUXURY LODGE TREK

This great introduction to Nepal begins with a free day and a city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. You’ll then fly to Nepal's second city of Pokhara and from there trek through some of the prettiest villages in the valley of the Modi Khola on the south side of the Annapurnas. Two further days at the historic Newari village of Bandipur provide yet another highlight. Walking through rhododendron forest, with tree orchids, magnificent magnolias and several species of monkey, you’ll overnight at several different Ker and Downey lodge, each with its own particular charm, great food and outstanding mountain views.

 

GANESH HIMAL PANORAMA TREK

Close to Kathmandu and yet rarely visited by Western trekkers, the Ganesh Himal is a region of timeless valleys, quiet trails, sleepy traditional villages, luxuriant forest (which you'll experience at its most vibrant in Spring) and carefully tended terraced farmland. Named after the elephant god of Hindu mythology, the Ganesh is crowned on its northern edge by four 7000 metre summits, including Ganesh I (7406m). This adventure takes you on secret trails which traverse this stunning region from west to east.

 

Gosainkund and Langtang Trek

On a clear day, the Langtang Himal is visable from Kathmandu. There is no need for an internal flight to access this trekking paradise as we drive straight from your first class hotel (with pool) in Kathmandu. We'll spend 5 days trekking along the airy ridge of the Thare Danda and across the Laurebina La (4610m) to reach the sacred lakes at Gosainkund with fantastic views westwards to the Annapurnas, Manaslu and the Ganesh peaks. We'll aslo hike to the monastery village of Kyanjin and enjoy a free day here, followed by the last two days of trekking back down the valley. This is a fantastic area to explore on foot, much less busy than the Everest and Annapurna regions, even in Spring.

 

HIDDEN ANNAPURNAS - KHOPRA RIDGE TREK

Close to Pokhara and to sections of the well-known Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit trekking routes, this new itinerary takes advantage of a number of newly built community lodges to gain access to exciting ridge and lush valley landscapes on the south-western edge of the mighty Annapurna Massif. Generally at quite moderate elevations and not involving long days of trekking, this is a perfect trek either for a first visit to Nepal or for a different perspective on the country for repeat visitors.

 

MERA PEAK

One of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal, Mera (6476m) boasts a summit panorama that takes in 5 of the world's 8000 metre peaks - Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Cho Oyu. Led by IFMGA qualified Nepali guides, this trip has been popular with KE clients for 3 decades and is one of the very best Himalayan trek and climb combinations. Our optimal itinerary begins in Phaplu and leads through the pretty farmland and forest of the Sherpa homeland of the Solu Khumbu. During the spring departure, this part of Nepal is a riot of flowering rhododendron and magnolia trees.

 

NEPAL MIDDLE HILLS TREK – ARUN TO DUDH KOSI

Heading west from Tumlingtar through an unspoiled ‘Middle Hills’ region, this is a linear trek across the grain of the country with a fair amount of ascent and descent. You’ll experience picturesque terraced farmland, ethnic villages, forests of rhododendrons in bloom and far-reaching views to the snow-capped peaks of the Nepal Himalaya, including Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Mount Everest itself. Ridge-top trekking and pristine camping places make this the perfect trekking holiday for those looking to experience the ‘real Nepal’ whether you’re a first time or regular visitor to this most charming of Himalayan countries.


Do you want to know more about any of our spring Nepal trips? Just give our expert team a call on +44 (0) 17687 73966 or USA/Canada toll-free 1888 630 4415.

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