Nepal is the home to eight of all the fourteen tallest peaks in the world. Nepal is beautiful and awe-inspiring. It is the land of the Himalayas. The people are friendly; there are a lot of places to visit, more than one hundred hiking trails and a rich cultural heritage. What more reasons do you need to travel to this gorgeous land of the Sherpas? Visiting Nepal allows you to witness the iconic Mount Everest and scale some of the surrounding snow-capped peaks for an exciting and adrenaline-pumped adventure. Nepal will provide an unforgettable experience to everyone who visits this country. December is quite an ideal time for tourists and mountaineers to visit Nepal. In today’s blog, we will detail the weather in Nepal in December and the top places you can visit during this time of the year.
Weather In Nepal In December
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The weather in Nepal is purely unpredictable. Depending on the area of the country you are planning to visit, the temperature can change within a few hours from good to worse. However, the month of December is much calmer and serene when compared to the other time of the year. The capital city, Kathmandu, experiences an average temperature scale between 20°C to 4°C. During the day, the sun shines for the most part, especially during the noon, which takes the temperature up to 20°C. But as soon as the sun sets, it returns to less than 10°C during the evening and midnight.
The skies are exceptionally clear in December, providing a good amount of warmth to Nepalese lands. You might experience temperatures in Nepal in December up to 31°C in some regions. Snowfall is common around the mid-hills and higher Himalayan regions. Even though these areas are covered with snow for the most part of the year. As you travel towards the altitude, the temperatures fall drastically and can come down to as low as 1°C in the high Himalayas. So, for trekking and hiking requires special gear and preparation to tackle the falling temperatures.
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5 Best Places To Visit In Nepal In December
Now that you are aware of how the weather of Nepal will be in December and kind of clothes you need, take a look at the best places to visit in Nepal in December in this segment –
1. Kathmandu
2. Pokhara
3. Annapurna Circuit
4. Chitwan National Park
5. Bodhanath Stupa
1. Kathmandu
Image Credit: Pravash_raj for Wikimedia Commons
The largest city in Nepal is its capital, Kathmandu. The city is home to various decaying historic buildings which have stood their ground for centuries. The atmosphere around this city is lively and you will have a fun time exploring the different nooks and corners. Against the backdrop of the old temples and royal statues, you can shop in the city’s markets and eat local cuisine in the small eateries. This city was one of the rival royal centres, along with Patan & Bhaktapur for hundreds of years. The main highlight of the city is the Durbar Square and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of various styles can be found at this square.
2. Pokhara
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Situated at the foothills, 200 km towards the west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is surrounded by some of the highest and most scenic mountains in the world – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara is the gateway to the majestic Himalayan range and is often the starting point of several treks and hiking trails. Pokhara offers you an amazing view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and the flourishing natural surroundings, which give you a dip in the fresh air. The climate is soothing for most of the year and don’t forget to visit Lake Phewa. Here you will find a wide variety of lakeside hotels, tourist lodges and restaurants.
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3. Annapurna Circuit
Image Credit: Anil Bhatta For Wikimedia Commons
If you depart from Nepal without hiking in the Annapurna circuit trek, you are missing a lot. The Annapurna region in the Northern section of Pokhara is an ideal area where you can walk your way up to the hilltops and surrounding mountainsides. The vegetation is generally subtropical in nature and this region falls in the dry rain shadow area against the Tibetan Plateau. In 1986, the Nepalese government declared the region protected and have been maintaining it really well since then for hiking trails. Hello, on the pathway to the hiking trails, you will find small cottages for food and overnight lodging.
4. Chitwan National Park
Image Credit: Nirmal Dullal for Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in Nepal in December is the Chitwan National Park. This park is spread across hundreds of acres and houses several species of birds, animals and aquatic creatures. The area experiences a tropical rainfall climate for most of the year but December. You will come across various rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur deer, and many other critters. There are also freshwater dolphins (Gangetic) and different varieties of crocodiles living in the rivers and streams. During this time of the year, more than 500 species of birds make this park their home and perfect for bird spotting.
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5. Bodhanath Stupa
Image Credit: Gita Dhoj Karki for Wikimedia Commons
Just outside the capital city, Kathmandu is one of the biggest stupas in the world and was built in the 6th century or even earlier than that. It lies around the Old Trade Route towards Tibet and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa sustained a few damages during the earthquake in 2015 but is still in fine form. It is the symbol of enlightenment and different shapes represent 5 legendary elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sphere. The construction of the Stupa reflects the structure of the universe.
What To Wear In Nepal In December
Based on what kind of activities you will participate in, the set of clothes can differ from person to person. But, a few things are essential because of the cold weather in Nepal in December. You must be carrying at least one warm full-length jacket. It will help you to keep clear of the chilling winds and cold weather in the night. Other than that, gloves, trousers, thermal inner wears and head caps are recommended for both men and women.
Carry hiking boots or ankle-length shoes that will provide you with good support and grip when you climb the mountain. You can also choose to carry a waterproof jacket to prevent snow from wetting it. You need to bring sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s direct rays during the day. Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight shoes like sandals to wear in the lodge or hotel.
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These are the best places to visit in Nepal in December. Tick them off your bucket list during your trip to Nepal. This country will surely provide you with an unforgettable and mesmerising vacation in 2024. The best part is that it is right next door. So, you can visit here anytime you want without any deliberate planning.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal In December
Is December a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes. The ideal time to visit Nepal is between the months of October to December. The weather is soothing during this time and you will be able to explore the country without too many hassles of bad weather. If you are planning to go for a hiking trail, then this is the perfect time for you to start your journey.
Does it snow in Nepal in December?
Not every region of the country receives snowfall in the month of December. However, when you climb higher in the attitude towards the Himalayan Highs, then you will surely get snowfall during different days of the month.
What is the weather like in Nepal in December?
The weather is a mix of cold and warmth. The sky is absolutely clear and the scorching heat of the sun is also gone. At the same time, the temperature has not dropped too low and that is why you can travel easily.
Does it snow in Kathmandu in December?
Snow in Kathmandu is a rare event because of the very low chances of precipitation. However, in other parts of Nepal, you will find snow during this time, especially the places which are situated at high altitude locations.
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