Top 5 Trekking Routes for December 2025
Not every trail is open in winter, but these five are safe, accessible, and absolutely stunning right now.
Why December? You avoid the infamous "steps traffic jams" of peak season.
Duration: 4–5 Days
Max Altitude: 3,210m (Poon Hill)
This is Nepal's most famous short trek, and it is even better in winter. The sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is legendary. In December, the usually crowded viewpoint is much quieter, and the cold air makes the sunrise colors unbelievably vivid.
The classic sunrise loop itinerary. Perfect for beginners and short on time.
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hr) → Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m).
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m). Get ready for the famous stone stairs!
Day 03: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise → Trek to Tadapani (2,630m).
Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m). Explore the Gurung cultural museum.
Day 05: Trek to Nayapul → Drive back to Pokhara.
Why December? It’s one of the few treks where you get "Expedition-style" views without the expedition-style altitude.
Duration: 5–7 Days
Max Altitude: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Mardi Himal takes you along a ridge line to the base of the soaring Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). It offers constant, sweeping vistas. In December, the ridge can be windy, but the views are unobstructed from start to finish.
The "fast track" to big mountain views. This is the modern standard itinerary.
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Kande → Trek to Forest Camp (2,500m).
Day 02: Trek to High Camp (3,580m). Big elevation gain today.
Day 03: Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) for sunrise views → Trek down to Badal Danda (3,200m).
Day 04: Trek down to Siding Village (1,700m).
Day 05: Drive from Siding back to Pokhara (Jeep drive approx. 2-3 hours).
Sir Edmund Hillary claimed Pikey Peak was his favorite view of Everest. This lower-altitude trek in the Solu region is phenomenal in winter. It is culturally rich and offers a panorama stretching from Mt. Everest to Kanchenjunga that is incredibly sharp in the December air.
Why December? Unbeatable visibility of the Everest massif without the freezing temperatures of Base Camp.
Duration: 6–7 Days
Max Altitude: 4,065m (Pikey Peak)
The best view of Everest in the lower Khumbu. Less commercial, more cultural trekking route below:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (2,932m). Long scenic drive (7-8 hrs).
Day 02: Trek to Jhapre (2,820m).
Day 03: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3,640m).
Day 04: Sunrise hike to Pikey Peak Summit (4,065m) → Trek to Junbesi (2,700m).
Day 05: Trek to Phaplu or Salleri (2,469m).
Day 06: Drive or Fly from Phaplu back to Kathmandu.
Easily accessible from Kathmandu, Langtang is a beautiful valley trek known for its Tibetan-influenced culture. Because you are trekking inside a valley floor rather than over high passes, it is a safe and stunning option for winter.
Why December? The valley is protected from the worst winds, and the stark contrast of white snow against the valley floor is breathtaking.
Duration: 7–9 Days
Max Altitude: 3,870m (Kyanjin Gompa)
The "Valley of Glaciers." A straight shot up and down the valley.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m). Approx. 7-8 hrs drive.
Day 02: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,380m).
Day 03: Trek to Langtang Village (3,430m).
Day 04: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m). Afternoon visit to the cheese factory.
Day 05: Hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) for panoramic views → Trek back to Lama Hotel.
Day 06: Trek back to Syabrubesi.
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu.
You don't need to go all the way to Base Camp to see the big one. This shorter trek takes you to the famous Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and up to the Everest View Hotel.
Why December? You get to experience Sherpa winter culture and see Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam in their most pristine state.
Duration: 5–7 Days
Max Altitude: 3,860m (Tengboche)
Experience the Everest region without the extreme altitude of Base Camp.
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla (2,840m) → Trek to Phakding (2,610m).
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
Day 03:Acclimatization Day. Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880m) for coffee with a view of Mt. Everest.
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m). Spiritual heart of the Khumbu.
Day 05: Trek back to Monjo or Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek back to Lukla.
Day 07: Fly back to Kathmandu.
December Weather: The Cold Hard Truth
December marks the start of winter, but it is a dry winter.
Daytime: Expect pleasant, sunny trekking conditions. Temperatures at lower altitudes (2,000m) hover around 10°C to 15°C (50°F–59°F). You will likely trek in a fleece or light jacket.
Nighttime: As soon as the sun drops behind the ridge, the temperature plummets. At higher altitudes (above 3,500m), nights can drop to -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).
Daylight Hours: The days are shorter. Sunrise is around 6:45 AM, and sunset is early, around 5:15 PM. You need to plan your trekking days to finish by 4:00 PM to stay warm.
Trekking Gear List
You cannot skimp on gear in December. Warmth is your safety.
A Serious Down Jacket: Rated for -10°C or lower. This is for evenings in the teahouse.
Four-Season Sleeping Bag: Teahouse bedrooms are not heated. You need a bag rated to at least -15°C. (You can rent these in Kathmandu).
Merino Wool Base Layers: Cotton kills in winter. Wool keeps you warm even if you sweat.
Micro-spikes: While heavy snow is rare in early December, icy patches on the trail can happen. A simple pair of micro-spikes (YakTrax) will keep you safe.
Thermos Flask: A game-changer. Carrying hot ginger tea on the trail keeps your core temperature up.
Ready to embrace the quiet?
December isn't for everyone. It's for the trekkers who value silence over socializing, and crystal-clear views over warm nights. If you are willing to bundle up, the Himalayas will reward you with a beauty that the peak-season crowds never get to see.
Have questions about trail conditions right now? Drop a comment below or message Mount Mania Treks directly—we’re always happy to help you plan your winter adventure!
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