Christmas and New Year Vacation in Nepal, Places to Visit & Itinerary

Travel Guide for Christmas and New Year 2026 in Nepal

Nepal turns into a mesmerising winter escape when December arrives. Snow-capped Himalayan peaks glow brighter, valleys feel peaceful, and cultural cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara come alive with warm lights, live music, and festive gatherings. If you are dreaming of celebrating Christmas and New Year Vacation in Nepal, then the Himalayas, vibrant cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and heritage sites, Nepal offers an unforgettable December–January experience.

This comprehensive guide highlights the weather, best places to celebrate Christmas & New Year, winter treks, holiday itineraries, packing tips, cost guide, and travel recommendations—all crafted to help travellers plan the perfect holiday vacation in Nepal.

Why Choose Nepal for a Christmas and New Year Vacation?

Nepal is not traditionally a Christian-majority country, yet the nation embraces Christmas and New Year with remarkable warmth. The season blends Himalayan adventure, cultural festivities, peaceful retreats, and thrilling activities—all wrapped in winter charm.

Reasons Nepal is ideal for Christmas & New Year holidays:

• A peaceful destination with fewer crowds than the peak autumn months
• Stunning winter landscapes with clear Himalayan views
• Wide choice of easy–moderate winter treks
• Christmas events, parties, concerts, and food festivals
• Pleasant weather in the cities and snowy ambience in the mountains
• Budget-friendly holiday packages compared to many destinations
• A chance to enjoy both cultural exploration and adventure activities

From relaxing at a lakeside café in Pokhara to trekking through rhododendron forests toward snow-covered viewpoints, Nepal’s December atmosphere feels refreshing, cosy, and energising at once.

Weather in Nepal During Christmas & New Year

Christmas and New Year fall during the winter season in Nepal. Before planning your Christmas vacation in Nepal, you must understand the weather and climate conditions. Understanding winter weather helps travellers plan properly:

Kathmandu & Pokhara (Cities)

• Temperature: 4°C – 20°C
• Mornings and nights can be cold, but days remain sunny and comfortable
• Perfect for sightseeing, cultural tours, and short hikes

Chitwan National Park (Lowlands)

• Temperature: 7°C – 23°C
• Misty mornings, warm afternoons
• Ideal for jungle safari, canoeing, wildlife watching

Himalayan Trekking Regions

• Temperature at mid-altitude (2,000–3,000m): –5°C to 10°C
• Higher regions (3,500m+): Much colder with snowfall
• Clearer mountain views than in many other seasons

Is December a good time to visit Nepal?

Yes. Clear blue skies, stable winter conditions, and peaceful trails make it one of the most enjoyable months to explore.

How Nepal Celebrates Christmas & New Year

Even though Christmas isn’t a national holiday, the celebration is big in cities and tourist areas. The New Year, however, is a massive event across Nepal.

Christmas in Nepal

• Hotels and restaurants host Christmas dinners
• Churches hold special services
• Streets like Thamel and Lakeside Pokhara light up with decorations
• Bakeries offer Christmas cakes, cookies, and festive menus

New Year in Nepal

• Live concerts, DJ nights, street festivals
• Lakeside Pokhara hosts one of Nepal’s largest New Year carnivals
• Kathmandu’s Thamel becomes a hotspot for nightlife
• Fireworks, cultural performances, and countdown events attract thousands

Whether you love peaceful getaways or energetic celebrations, Nepal offers both.

Best Places to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Nepal

Nepal is a wonderland if you want to celebrate any special occasion like Christmas or New Year. Even if there are no special occasions, Nepal always holds its place as the best destination in the world for vacation.

Kathmandu Valley – Culture, Food, and Festive Nights

Kathmandu blends culture with modern celebration.

What to Expect:

• Christmas dinners in classy restaurants
• New Year parties in Thamel
• Heritage tours in Bhaktapur and Patan
• Winter hiking around Nagarkot, Shivapuri, and Chandragiri

Best for travellers who want:

• A festive atmosphere
• Easy sightseeing
• Access to cultural experiences

Other things to do in Kathmandu during the Christmas Tour: Kathmandu Day Tour, Nagarkot Sunrise Tour, Shivapuri Day Hike

Pokhara – Nepal’s Most Popular New Year Destination

Pokhara’s Lakeside area becomes a vibrant carnival during Christmas and New Year.

Highlights:

• Massive open-air music festivals
• Street food fairs
• Fireworks by Phewa Lake
• Adventure sports like paragliding and ziplining
• Peaceful Christmas dinners by the lakeside

Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• Adventure lovers
• Travellers seeking a relaxing and scenic escape

Chitwan National Park – A Warm Escape from Winter Cold

If you prefer warm temperatures over snow, Chitwan offers nature, wildlife, and relaxation.

Activities in Chitwan Tour

• Jeep safari
• Canoe ride
• Bird watching
• Tharu culture show
• Riverside Christmas dinner under open sky

Ideal for:

• Families
• Wildlife lovers
• Travellers wanting a slow-paced holiday

Check our2-night 3-day Chitwan Tour Package 

Bandipur, Ghandruk, and Other Hill Stations

These small hill towns offer quiet, charming winter escapes.

Expect:

• Clear sunsets and sunrises
• Cozy homestays
• Mountain panoramas

Perfect ambience for peaceful Christmas holidays

Best Winter Treks for Christmas & New Year in Nepal

Winter trekking is one of Nepal’s most magical experiences. Clear skies, peaceful trails, and snowy landscapes create a picture-perfect holiday adventure.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek during Christmas & New Year

• One of Nepal’s best short treks for winter.
• Duration: 4–5 days
• Altitude: 3,210m
• Ideal for a Christmas sunrise on Poon Hill
• Safe, easy, and family-friendly

Mardi Himal Trekking during Christmas and the New Year

• A stunning ridge trek with snow-covered forests.
• Duration: 5–7 days
• Altitude: 4,200m
• Excellent winter views of Machhapuchhre
• Peaceful trails and moderate difficulty

Annapurna Base Camp Trek during Christmas and New Year

• Suitable for experienced trekkers.
• Duration: 7–10 days
• Beautiful snow valleys
• Crisp mountain panoramas
• Tea houses remain open

Everest View Trek (Classic Winter Trek)

• Perfect for travellers who want Himalayan views without extreme altitude.
• Duration: 5–7 days
• Visit Namche Bazaar & Tengboche
• Clear views of Everest and Ama Dablam

Christmas & New Year Vacation in Nepal 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Christmas & New Year Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Christmas dinner in Thamel
Day 2: Kathmandu cultural tour, Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara and Lakeside Visit
Day 4: Begin Poon Hill trek, drive to Ulleri and Trek to Ghorepani
Day 5: Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
Day 6: Relaxation day in Pokhara → boating, paragliding
Day 7: Return to Kathmandu and Departure

10-Day Christmas & New Year Vacation Itinerary in Nepal

Day 1: Kathmandu Day Tour
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara
Day 3-7: Trek to Mardi Himal
Day 8: Return to Pokhara → Begin New Year celebrations
Day 9: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure

12-Day Wildlife and Trekking Vacation in Christmas

Day 1–2: Kathmandu tours
Day 3–5: Fly to Pokhara and Poon Hill Trek
Day 6: Back to Pokhara
Day 7–9: Chitwan jungle safari
Day 10–11: Back to Kathmandu → New Year celebration
Day 12: Departure

If you want to customise the Christmas and New Year Vacation Itinerary, then feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

What to Pack for Nepal in December & January

Winter travel requires smart packing, especially for trekking.

Clothing:

• Thermal base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Warm hat & gloves
• Hiking trousers
• Wool socks

Gear:

• Sleeping bag (–10°C rated for trekking)
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses
• Moisturizer + lip balm
• For City Travellers:
• Warm sweaters
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket for daytime

Packing correctly ensures comfort during both city exploration and Himalayan hikes.

Travel Tips for Christmas & New Year Holidays in Nepal

• Book flights and hotels early, especially for the Pokhara New Year week
• Choose easy–moderate treks for December (weather-friendly)
• Carry cash, as some remote areas lack ATMs
• Plan layers for quick temperature changes
• Try local winter foods like Thukpa, Yomari, and butter tea
• Use experienced local guides for trekking
• Buy travel insurance, especially for adventure activities

These tips help travellers avoid common winter travel challenges. If you need more travel tips for the Christmas and New Year Holiday in Nepal, then feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

Cost of Christmas & New Year Vacation in Nepal

Costs vary depending on destination, trek, and comfort level.

Average Pricing Overview

City sightseeing holiday (5–7 days): USD 500–900

Short winter treks (Poon Hill, Mardi Himal): USD 400–700

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: USD 700–1000

Chitwan Safari package: USD 150–350

Christmas dinners in Kathmandu/Pokhara: USD 20–50/person

What’s Usually Included:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Permits (ACAP, TIMS for trekkers)
• Licensed guide
• Meals on treks

Nepal remains one of the world’s most budget-friendly winter vacation destinations without compromising experience. If you want to customise the pricing and plan the holiday for Christmas, feel free to contact us directly at WhatsApp at +9779849790153.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How is Christmas celebrated in Nepal?

Christmas is embraced warmly in tourist areas. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes offer festive dinners, while Thamel, Durbar Marg, and Lakeside Pokhara decorate with lights and celebrations.

2. Is Nepal cold in Christmas and the New Year?

Cities remain cool but comfortable. Trekking regions can get very cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing at higher altitudes.

3. What are the best places to celebrate the New Year in Nepal?

Pokhara Lakeside hosts the country’s biggest New Year carnival. Kathmandu’s Thamel also offers lively nightlife, events, and countdown celebrations.

4. Which treks are suitable during Christmas & New Year?

The top treks to do during Christmas and New Year in Nepal are:

• Ghorepani Poon Hill
• Mardi Himal Trekking
• Everest View Trek
• Ama Yangri
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek (for experienced trekkers)

5. Is December a good time for trekking in Nepal?

Yes. Winter offers clear views, dry trails, and fewer crowds. However, cold temperatures require proper clothing.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Dream Christmas & New Year in Nepal

Nepal’s winter season blends festive warmth, Himalayan adventure, and cultural beauty into one unforgettable holiday journey. Whether you want peaceful sightseeing, thrilling treks, lively New Year street festivals, or quiet mountain retreats, Nepal delivers a memorable December–January experience.

If you want a tailored holiday itinerary, complete with guided treks, private tours, and customised Christmas & New Year packages, Mountain Eco Trails is ready to design the perfect trip for you.

Plan your Christmas and Happy New Year Vacation in Nepal with Mountain Eco Trails and make your holiday truly extraordinary. Contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.