Asia

Nepal in February

Days lengthen and trails start to wake up. Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, often falls this month or early March.

Quiet valueKathmandu highs near 68F (20C), dry, cold above 13,000 ft (4,000m)

Annapurna, Nepal — NepalPhoto: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Nepal. Days lengthen and trails start to wake up. Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, often falls this month or early March.

Weather: Kathmandu highs near 68F (20C), dry, cold above 13,000 ft (4,000m)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Nepal

February brings longer days, dry weather and Kathmandu highs near 68F (20C). It is still very cold above 13,000 ft (4,000m), but the lower trails start to wake up. Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, often falls this month or in early March, with butter lamps and monastery dances at Boudhanath. In Chitwan, the tall grass starts to be cut, improving wildlife viewing.

It suits culture lovers, wildlife fans and trekkers happy with lower routes. Crowds are still thin and prices low. If you want full spring trekking with rhododendrons, wait for March or April.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Nepal this month.

Losar at Boudhanath

The Tibetan and Sherpa new year brings butter lamps and monastery dances around the great stupa. The date varies by year.

Chitwan wildlife season

From February, the tall grass is cut and rhino and other wildlife become easier to spot.

Quiet foothill treks

Short Annapurna foothill treks are peaceful with clear views and few other hikers.

What to pack for February

Warm layers for cold mornings and nights
A down jacket for high views
Sturdy hiking boots
Sun protection for bright days

Our timing tip

Check the Losar date for your year, since it can fall in February or early March.

Book Nepal for February.

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Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nepal for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in February

Losar

February or early March, varies by year

Tibetan and Sherpa new year, celebrated at Boudhanath and in Sherpa communities with butter lamps and monastery dances.

Things to do in Nepal

Full guide

Everest Base Camp trek

Usually 12 to 14 days round trip from Lukla. October, November, April, and May are the windows; build in spare days for flight delays.

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Annapurna region treks

Poon Hill is a short, family-friendly option with a famous sunrise view; the full Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La, which can close in heavy snow.

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Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

Three royal cities within an hour of each other. Bhaktapur is the best preserved; go early before the day-tour groups.

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Boudhanath and Swayambhunath

Boudhanath's great stupa is the center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the valley; walk the clockwise kora at dusk with the pilgrims.

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Chitwan National Park

Best from October through March; February to April, after the tall grass is cut, gives the best wildlife visibility, though heat builds by April.

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Pokhara and Phewa Lake

The relaxed lakeside base for the Annapurnas, with paragliding off Sarangkot in the dry season.

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Beat the crowds

Trek in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear, the trails thin out after the Dashain holiday rush, and lodges are easier to book.
On the Everest trail, start early each morning. Most groups leave after breakfast; walking by 7am gets you quiet trails and the clearest views before afternoon cloud.
Consider Langtang, Manaslu, or the Mardi Himal route instead of the two headline treks; they are less crowded in the same seasons.
December and February are excellent for lower treks like Poon Hill and Ghorepani with a fraction of the October traffic.

Know before you go

Monsoon (June to September): many teahouses on the main trekking routes reduce service or close, and road landslides can cut off trailheads for days.
High passes, especially Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can close after heavy snowfall from December through February. Check conditions before committing.
During Dashain, many shops and offices in Kathmandu close for several days and transport is overwhelmed as people head home. Book buses and flights early.
Mountain flights to Lukla are weather dependent all year. In peak seasons, many Lukla flights have recently departed from Ramechhap, a long drive from Kathmandu, rather than Kathmandu itself. Budget two buffer days.

Nepal in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Nepal?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Nepal. Days lengthen and trails start to wake up. Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, often falls this month or early March.

What is the weather like in Nepal in February?

Kathmandu highs near 68F (20C), dry, cold above 13,000 ft (4,000m).

Is Nepal crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Nepal; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Nepal in February?

Losar (february or early march, varies by year).