December is the start of winter in Nepal. The skies are usually dry and clear, the trails are quiet after the autumn rush, and the nights are cold, much colder the higher you sleep.
Trek by trek
| Trek | December verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | Good | Low enough that the cold is manageable; clear sunrise views |
| Annapurna Base Camp | Possible | Clear and quiet, but cold at the top and snow can raise avalanche risk above Deurali |
| Langtang Valley | Possible | Quiet and clear; cold at Kyanjin Gompa |
| Everest Base Camp | Possible, for the well equipped | Clear skies and few people, but very cold nights at Gorak Shep |
| Annapurna Circuit | Hard | Snow can close Thorong La, and lodges near the pass may close |
Our when to go page shows the modelled night-time temperatures for every trek, month by month.
What to bring
- A sleeping bag rated well below the coldest night you expect, and a warm down jacket
- Insulated gloves, a warm hat and thermal layers for evenings
- Microspikes if you’re heading high after snowfall
Tips
- Start early: days are short, and the cold sets in fast after sunset.
- Expect a few higher lodges to be closed. Your guide plans the stops around what’s open.
- Keep a spare day in case snow slows you down or delays flights.
