Nepal in December

Cold but clear; lower treks and Pokhara are good; high passes can close.

• Kathmandu valley · Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkotcool

  Cold nights Dec–Feb (near 0 °C); dust and smoke haze in spring hide the mountains; monsoon rain most afternoons Jun–Sep.

• Pokhara and the middle hills · Pokhara, Bandipur, Gorkhabest weather

  Pokhara is one of the wettest towns in the country in the monsoon; clear Annapurna views Oct–Dec.

• Terai lowlands · Chitwan, Lumbini, Bardiabest weather

  Fog on winter mornings; 40 °C in May; Chitwan's grass is cut in Jan–Feb, the best time for rhino sightings.

• High Himalaya treks · Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslucool

  Two seasons: spring (rhododendrons, some haze) and autumn (clearest skies, crowded trails). High passes close with snow Dec–Feb.

Crowds · Nepal

Medium

Prices · Nepal

Medium

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Pokhara and the middle hills

  Best weather of the year (Pokhara, Bandipur, Gorkha)

• Terai lowlands

  Best weather of the year (Chitwan, Lumbini, Bardia)

• Kathmandu

  Cold mornings and nights; bring layers.