Asia

Nepal in March

Spring trekking season opens and rhododendrons start to flower in the middle hills. Holi turns Kathmandu into a color fight.

BestKathmandu highs near 77F (25C), warming, occasional haze

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

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Nepal. Spring trekking season opens and rhododendrons start to flower in the middle hills. Holi turns Kathmandu into a color fight.

Weather: Kathmandu highs near 77F (25C), warming, occasional haze
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Nepal

March opens the spring trekking season. Kathmandu highs reach near 77F (25C), it warms up in the valleys, and there is some haze. Rhododendrons start to flower in the middle hills. Holi, on the full moon, turns Kathmandu into a colorful powder fight, especially around Basantapur and Thamel. Crowds and prices rise, but not to fall peak levels.

It suits trekkers, festival lovers and families doing foothill hikes. Views can be a little hazier than in fall, so aim for early mornings. It is one of the best months of the year, along with April, October and November.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Nepal this month.

Holi in Kathmandu

Colored powder and water fights fill the streets on the full moon. Wear clothes you are happy to throw away.

Rhododendrons begin

The middle hills start to bloom red and pink, especially on the Annapurna trails.

Spring trek season opens

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna routes are in good shape with warming days.

What to pack for March

Old clothes for Holi
Layers for warm days and cold nights
Broken-in hiking boots
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Plan mountain viewpoints for early morning, before afternoon haze and clouds build.

Book Nepal for March.

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Opens a hotel search for Nepal in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in March

Holi (Fagu Purnima)

March, on the full moon, varies by year

Colored powder and water fights across Kathmandu, especially around Basantapur and Thamel. Wear clothes you will throw away.

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Nepal?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Nepal. Spring trekking season opens and rhododendrons start to flower in the middle hills. Holi turns Kathmandu into a color fight.

What is the weather like in Nepal in March?

Kathmandu highs near 77F (25C), warming, occasional haze.

Is Nepal crowded in March?

Crowds in Nepal are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Nepal in March?

Holi (Fagu Purnima) (march, on the full moon, varies by year); Losar (february or early march, varies by year).