Top 5 Treks for Chinese New Year 2026: Nepal's Winter Wonders

Welcome to Nepal's serene winter trails

It is very quiet and peaceful in Nepal in the winter. January and February are not just cold, as many people think. They are actually the best months for peaceful hiking.

We are sure of this after leading hundreds of trekkers through the winter: winter trekking is about experience, not fitness. When you think of the Himalayas, you might remember cozy lodges, snow-covered paths, and hot tea by the fire.

This guide will show you the five best winter treks in Nepal for 2026. These hikes were picked because they are beautiful, comfortable, and give people a chance to celebrate in the New Year high above the clouds.

Nepal's Top 5 Winter Treks For The Year 2026

Winter treks in Nepal mean more than reaching an apex. Each adventure involves hiking through a region that seems unspoiled, watching peaks light up with the radiance of a clear sky, or immersing yourself in the culture of the Himalayas in an attractive lodge. Read on below for the five treks we recommend from Jan Feb 2026.

Mardi Himal Trek: Perfect For The Chinese New Year

• Duration: 5–6 days
• Maximum Height of Ascent: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
• Difficulty: Medium
• Features: Forest trails, Snow-Covered Ridges, Machhapuchhre

Mardi Himal is a hidden gem that's perfect for adventure-seekers looking for a quiet experience of the Himalayas during the Chinese New Year holiday. The path passes through beautiful rhododendron forests, which gradually give way to spectacular vistas of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The winter path passes through forests littered with snow, which provides a breathtaking contrast of color with the evergreen pine forests.

February, a Beijing family observed a sunrise at High Camp. The −5°C freeze did not matter – the stillness, the golden light reflecting on Annapurna South, made it all worthwhile. It is possible to stay on this route in winter, since there are lodges on route that operate throughout the winter months.

Winter Advice - For icy trails, bring microspikes. For temp changes, dress in layers.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Iconic Snow Adventure

• Duration: 7–9 days
• Max Altitude: 4,130m
• Difficulty level of exercise: Challenging
• Attractions: Annapurna Sanctuary, Hot springs of Jhinu, Scenic views of the Annapurna Range

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, is a classic winter trekking trail found in Nepal. The region is not crowded, as it is an open region. Moreover, the snow provides an ideal background sight of Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. There will be less human traffic on the route during winter.

The trek route from Deurali to Machhapuchhare Base Camp becomes a pristine white corridor after the snowfall. The hot springs at Jhinu Dada provide relief after the trek. The winter season can make it feel extremely cold.

Winter Advice:

• Layered Clothing.
• Water-proof boots would be ideal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - Short & Scenic

• Duration: 4–5 days
• Max Altitude: 3,210m
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Sunrise on Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, Rhododendron Forests

Poon Hill is ideal for beginners, families, or time limited tourists. From Pokhara, it has gentle uphill climbs, breathtaking vistas, and comfortable winter treks. The winter months of February can be very chilly in the mornings. The sunrise on the golden peaks is a memory to cherish, as it welcomes a new year in the Himalayas.

For those celebrating Chinese New Year, Poon Hill can be teamed up with a mini Mardi Himal extension, which will provide the adventure-seeker with both a short trekking experience as well as a ridge excursion.

Winter Hints: Begin early in time for sunrise. Layer clothes to stay warm during the early morning hours.

Langtang Valley Trek - Culture & Calm

• Duration: 7-8 Days
• Highest Point of the Trail: 4,773 m (Kyanjin Ri)
• Highlights: Yak pastures, Buddhist monasteries, Tamang villages

The Langtang Valley combines the best of the Himalayas with immersion into local culture. Cultural immersion opportunities occur in the winter when trails stay open. Also, there will be no tourists, making it a quiet time. The experience continues by staying in cozy accommodations in February in Kyanjin Gompa in almost 4,000-meter-altitude villages where you can mingle with the local Tamangs.

The region can also be accessed from Kathmandu. Therefore, this region makes an excellent winter adventure getaway, as it can be reached from Nepal's capital city. Snow adds to the serenity of the region, with icy rivers and glacial sightscapes that attract photographers.

Tips for winter: Get ready for cold nights and hire a local guide to learn about the culture.

Everest Panorama Trek: Views of Everest Without the Extreme

• Time: 6 to 7 days
• Maximum height: 3,870m (Tengboche Monastery)
• Difficulty: Moderate level
• Highlights: Views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam; the Tengboche Monastery

The Everest Panorama Trek gives you amazing views of the Himalayas without the risk of climbing. During the winter, the skies are crystal clear, making it easy to see Everest, Ama Dablam, and the mountains around them.

While it can be rather chilly in the mornings, there is always the welcome of teahouse accommodations in Namche, Tengboche, or Pangboche.

This trekking route is perfect for those adventure-seekers looking for the Everest experience on a mid-winter route that is not too crowded. The Tengboche Monastery introduces an element of faith, while the reflections of sunlight on the snow-covered mountains make all photography opportunities perfect.

Winter Hints: Wear layered clothes. Bring a water bottle that won't freeze. Day hikes will give you best views.

Why Trek Nepal in Winter 2026?

Winter in Nepal can be counter-intuitive. Many trekkers believe that it must be very cold, making it difficult or inaccessible. The opposite is true, as the best trekking conditions in terms of lighting, quiet trails, and overall experience of the Himalayas can be found in Nepal during the winter months of January and February.

As experienced guides leading winter treks every year at Shikhar Adventure, we understand exactly how we can help you enjoy the mountains safely and comfortably.

Winter Reality Check

Low–mid-altitude treks remain fully accessible, with well-maintained trails and open lodges.

Snow enhances the landscape but rarely blocks the main trekking routes we recommend for winter 2026.

High-altitude treks (Everest Base Camp treks) can be accomplished with proper equipment, but our Everest Panorama Trek will provide you the same spectacular views with less risk.

Insider Tip: The Himalayas will be less crowded during winter than during spring or autumn. This translates to quiet morning hikes, less crowded vantage points for the sunrise, and ample space in teahouses.

Weather Snapshot (Jan–Feb 2026)

"We know the days when the mountain winds calm down and the stars shine brightest—winter is when the Himalayas really show us their heart," said Voice Insight.

Crowd Advantage

• The trails offer a peaceful environment with less trekking activity than October or April.
• The lodges are less full. They provide warm food, cozy rooms, and personalized care.
• Photographers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the clear views, clean snow, and reflective sunrise moments.

Festival & Cultural Connection

The winter of 2026 happens to be the time of the Chinese New Year, thus making Nepal a perfect holiday destination for adventure-seekers.

Local winter festivals, including Maghe Sankranti, give a true experience of the region, including its traditional dances, clothes, and food like sesame or molasses sweets.

Many of the Chinese groups we've led celebrate Chinese New Year with dedicated dinners in teahouses, Himalayan fire ceremonies, or photo ops on mountaintops.

Agency Voice Insight: "There is nothing like celebrating Chinese New Year from a teahouse at 3,800 meters, with peaks glowing gold in the morning sun."

Why Trek in the Winter of 2026?

• The air is clear in winter. This provides the best opportunities for panorama photographs of the mountains.
• Real Experience: Less crowded trails give you opportunities to interact with locals and their culture.
• Lower Prices. Air tickets, accommodations, as well as some hiking trails, become cheaper during winter as opposed to other seasons.
• Experience Guidance: The guides from our agency understand the trails, the weather, and the accommodations, meaning that your winter experience will be stress-free.

The planning and logistics for the 2026 Winter Trek

It might be scary to plan a trip to Nepal in the winter, but Shikhar Adventure makes it easy, safe, and stress-free. No matter if you're going to China for New Year's, this is everything you need to know to feel good about hiking in January and February 2026. This means getting permits, packing, getting to the event, and making a budget.

Costs and permits for treks

You need special permission to go on any trek in Nepal. Here's a breakdown for the winter of 2026:

Agency Advantage: We take care of all the permits for our guests. You just show there and start hiking. You can get a Nepal visa when you arrive (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days) with a passport photo and payment.

Transportation & Trail Access

Winter transport is straightforward if planned properly:

Mardi Himal & Poon Hill Winter Treks

• Kathmandu → Pokhara: 25-minute flight or 6–7 hour bus.
• Pokhara → Trailhead (Mardi Forest Camp / Nayapul): 1–2 hour jeep or taxi ride.

Tip from the agency: Private transfers for Chinese groups make sure everyone is comfortable, has a bilingual guide, and gets there on time.

Annapurna Base Camp Winter Trek

Same Kathmandu–Pokhara transport, then jeep or taxi to Sinuwa or Deurali trailhead.

Lodges are open year-round, even in February.

Langtang Winter Trek

Kathmandu → Syabrubesi: 6–7 hour jeep ride.

Trails remain accessible, and our guides monitor snowfall conditions daily.

Everest Panorama Winter Trek

Kathmandu → Lukla: 35-minute flight.

Our agency will reserve the lodge for you, so you can be sure you'll have a warm room and food.

Winter-Trekking List of Essentials

Winter treks require layered clothing and gear, especially for snow and cold nights.

Essential equipment list for all treks:

• Down jacket (less than -10°C)
• Thermo Upper & Bottom Layer
• Fleece or mid-layer jacket
• Wool hat, Gloves, Buff or Scarf, Socks
• Waterproof trekking boots + microspikes or crampons
• Sleeping bag liner (for temperatures -10°C or below)
• Power bank, Hand Warmers, Water Purification Tablets

Agency Tip: Rentals can be arranged in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, which is ideal for those planning to travel light.

Budget Overview Per Trek

*Includes guide, porter, permits, accommodation

Payment Tips for Chinese Travelers:

• We accept Cards, Wire Transfer, Wise, and cash.
• Carry some USD or NPR for remote mountain lodges.

Staying Safe & Ready

Winter treks are safe if prepared:

• Altitude: Low–mid treks (Mardi, Poon Hill, Langtang) are safe year-round.
• Cold & Weather: Daytime: 5–15°C | Night: -5 to -10°C. Dress in layers.
• Emergency: Helicopter rescue is available with insurance. Guides carry emergency kits.

Before trekking, you should walk 5 to 8 kilometers a day and practice stairs and inclines for 4 to 6 weeks.

A family from Guangzhou finished the Mardi Himal winter trek in February 2025. They got to the Himalayas safely on their first trip because they went slowly, drank hot tea, and had a great guide.

"Winter 2026 is arguably the best time to go trekking in Nepal. Shikhar Adventure will take care of you. There will be guides, permits arranged, comfortable lodges, and convenient transportation. Contact us to book your winter trek during the celebration of the Chinese New Year!"

Nepal 2026 Winter Trekking: Staying Safe and Ready

If you plan ahead, hiking in Nepal in the winter is safe and fun. Every January and February, we take Chinese and international groups on treks at Shikhar Adventure. We make sure that every trek is safe, comfortable, and memorable.

Altitude Safety

• Low-Mid Altitude Treks: Mardi Himal, Poon Hill, and Langtang treks remain below 4,500m. They can be considered safe treks regardless of seasons.
• Moderate Treks: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) & Everest Panorama (3,870m) also need acclimatization.

Agency Tip: Our guides keep an eye on your heart rate, hydration, and fatigue and change your daily schedule to keep you from getting Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Cold & Winter Conditions

Temperature Range: Daytime 5–15°C, nighttime -5 to -10°C.

Trek-Specific Notes

• Mardi Himal winter trek: Crisp winter mornings, though protected by the forests.
• Annapurna base camp winter trek: Snowy paths and clear sky. Visiting hot springs will help.
• Poon Hill trek in winter: The early morning sunrise can be as low as -8°C.
• Langtang winter trek: Wind in exposed yak meadows; butter tea in Kyanjin.
• Everest Panorama winter trek: Dry cold. Mornings best for Everest views. Dress in multiple layers.

Agency Advice: A combination of layering, the use of sleeping bags, and hot liquids is a must.

Getting Fit and Ready

• 4 to 6 weeks of daily walks of 5 to 8 kilometers or climbing stairs to get ready for walking.
• Strength training: Include leg, body, or endurance exercises that have to do with hiking up or down hills.

Trek-Specific Help

Short treks like Poon Hill and Mardi Himal need you to be in pretty good shape. Getting used to it

Longer treks (ABC, Everest Panorama, Langtang): You need to be in good shape to do these. Pacing Agency Tip: We give first-time trekkers tips before they leave and a plan for how fast to go every day.

Health and Water

• Drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day, either with purification tablets or boiled water.
• Avoid overexertion; take frequent breaks on uphill climbs.
• Eat high-calorie meals to maintain energy in cold temperatures.
• Carry basic medications: altitude tablets (if prescribed), paracetamol, or blister pads.

Agency Insight: "Our Chinese New Year groups always start each day with warm breakfast and hydration checks, preventing cold-related fatigue."

Emergency Planning

• Helicopter rescue is available in all major trekking areas (with insurance).
• Local Contacts: Our guides have first-aid kits and satellite phones.
• Agency Support: The Kathmandu office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can quickly respond to any emergency.

Mardi Himal and Poon Hill are low-risk treks that stay below 4,500 meters.

Langtang: Sometimes snow can slow things down; guides have to change their plans.

ABC/Everest Panorama: Things to think about when you're at a high elevation; every day, look for signs of AMS.

"Winter hikes in Nepal are safe, beautiful, and unforgettable when you have a local guide." "Contact us today to book your Shikhar Adventure trek for Chinese New Year 2026."

Frequently Asked Question: Winter Trekking in Nepal 2026

We understand there are plenty of questions regarding winter trekking. The most frequently asked ones are answered by us at Shikhar Adventure.

1. Will it be safe to trek in Nepal in winter, 2026?

Absolutely! The treks in the lower or mid-altitude regions of Nepal, which include Mardi Himal Trek, Poon Hill Trek, or the Langtang Trek, can all be considered safe in the months of Jan or Feb.

Contact us for your safe Chinese New Year trek.

2. Which treks are opened in January–February?

• Mardi Himal winter trek
• Annapurna Base Camp winter trek
• Poon Hill winter trek
• Langtang winter trek
• Everest Panorama winter trek

The treks have always been supported by winter roads, trails, and accessible transportation.

Book your preferred trek with us before spots fill for Chinese New Year 2026.

3. What kind of low temperatures can be encountered on treks?

• Daytime: 5–15°C
• Nighttime Temperatures: -5°C to -10°C

Adequate layers of clothes, sleeping bags, and hot liquids will

Click here to view our winter clothes list.

4. Are teahouses open during winter?

Yes! The following treks all have open lodges during winter. They provide heated rooms, food, as well as firewood stoves.

5. Can i celebrate chinese New Year while trekking?

Totally! Special events with Nepali hospitality, including lighting and local food, go on. The trails are serene enough for you to enjoy the arrival of the new year amidst snow-covered mountains.

6. What equipment do I need on a snow trek?

Non-essentials would be

• Down jacket and thermals
• Wool hat, gloves, and buff
• Microspikes or Crampons
• Sleeping bag with liner (-10°C or lower)
• Power bank, Water purification tablets

7. What does a winter trekking cost in the year 2026?

• Short treks (Mardi Himal, Poon Hill): USD500–800
• Medium treks (Langtang, Everest Panorama): USD 700–1,000
• Longer treks (Annapurna Base Camp): USD 900–1,300

Covers guide, porters, accommodation, food, park fees, local transport. Payable by Cards, Wire Transfer or USD/NPR currency.

Begin Your New Year Above the Clouds - Winter Trekking in Nepal 2026

There's something unforgettable about beginning the year amidst the noise of urban life versus the sound of snow-covered peaks.

Winter treks in Nepal are an experience of peace, of wonder, of culture that stays with you well after you leave.

Five Treks. Endless Memories.

• Mardi Himal Winter Trek: Forested trails, calm sunrises, and ideal conditions for a Chinese New Year adventure.
• Annapurna Base Camp winter trek: Famous sanctuary, snow-covered peaks, and hot springs to revitalize.
• Poon Hill winter trek: Short, beautiful, beginner's treks, with golden Himalaya.
• Langtang winter trek: Culture, Tibetan villages, yak meadows, and a quiet Himalayan experience.
• Everest Panorama winter trek: You can see Everest and Ama Dablam from a very low altitude, which is very safe.

The local guides we assign have carefully planned each trek so that you can feel comfortable, safe, and surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. This is the perfect trip for you in January and February 2026.

Why Trek With Shikhar Adventure?

• Local Expertise: 15+ winters guiding trekkers on every route.
• Full Support: The lodges, permits, transportation, and equipment will all be provided.
• Chinese New Year Ready: We've helped hundreds of Chinese groups plan trips that combine cultural celebrations with Himalayan adventures.

Above all, trekkers must understand how to pace themselves while climbing, pre-plan what will happen in case of a problem, and locate safe locations in which to stay.

Still not sure which trekking experience is best suited to your interests? Local experts will help you pick, plan, and prepare. Contact us today.