Nepal is a country with great religious harmony with no conflicts between Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims. All religions are viewed equally in Nepal and since the last decade, there are a good number of Christian communities in the country. Nowadays Christmas and New Year are celebrated with great interest mainly in the urban areas and of course by the Christian community. All the hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes welcome Christmas and New Year with a big celebration. No wonder lodges up in the mountains are not far behind on this. Besides celebrating the Christmas holiday in Nepal is a quite very different and unique experience in itself. Hiking the world’s best trails observing spectacular Himalayan panorama than a stopover at a mountain lodge to celebrate Christmas is the kind of thing one should experience once in a lifetime.
Christmas trekking in Nepal is short and easy treks where previous trek experience isn’t required. Best trekking routes in Nepal are Everest, Annapurna and Langtang. In any of these trekking regions, one can go for a quick trek within a week’s time. Since December is the winter season in Nepal and off trekking season one can expect fewer trekkers and crowds on the trekking trails. Good lodges are plentiful in these areas and December is perfect with clear weather to witness the Himalayas. So what can one ask for such an opportunity to celebrate Christmas or New Yew up in the Himalayas. Below are the best Christmas treks in Nepal which are some great easy treks in Nepal, and adventurous and spectacular at the same time.
Everest View trekking
Everest view trek Nepal is quick and easy trekking in the Khumbu region. Everest view short trek follows the halfway of the Everest Base Camp Trekking up till Tengboche then returns back to Lukla. But still, it’s the best short trek in the Everest region witnessing the Sherpa culture and great Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest. Top highlights of the trek are exploring around Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest and a beautiful mountain town up in the Himalayas. Likewise hike to Tengboche Monastery, the biggest and important monastery in Khumbu, where Mt. Everest can be seen more closely. Further flying to the small airstrip in Lukla to being the hike. The whole idea of the trek is to celebrate Christmas or New Year at the world’s highest locations in the Khumbu region. If one wishes to be more adventurous then they can also attempt Everest base camp trek Christmas which goes till the Everest Base Camp and the base of Khumbu Glacier. There is also an option of luxury trek to Everest where you get to stay at luxury lodges in the Everest region.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Yet another popular and amazing trek in the Annapurna region. Annapurna is another most popular region in Nepal. Celebrating Christmas in serenity and with the beauties of the great Himalayas and alluring nature is a lifetime experience. Poon Hill provides a majestic Himalayan panorama of peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre ‘Fishtail’ and other mountains. To see the Sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill is the most spectacular. Ghorepani poon hill trek itinerary also visits the beautiful mountain village of Ghandruk of the Gurung community. Ghorepani poon hill sunrise trek is the best combination of nature, culture, stunning Himalayan panorama with celebrating Christmas on the lap of the Himalayas.
Ghandruk Loop Trekking
Also a quick and the shortest trek in the Annapurna. Ghandruk Loop trek is all about three days trekking going to the beautiful village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is located at an altitude of 1540 meters and is the high mountain village of Gurung community. One can witness the most spectacular Himalayan panorama from Ghandruk of peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu. Any novice trekker can accomplish this trek which starts/ends from the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara. Celebrating Christmas at Ghandruk Village then hiking down to Pokhara then spending a few days exploring Pokhara to finally celebrate New Year in Pokhara is the best travel plan. Pokhara has hordes of pubs, restaurants, bars where New Year is very happening with live music, food etc.
Nagarkot Trekking
Nagarkot is the most popular Himalayan viewpoint closer to Kathmandu city. Located at the altitude of 2175 meters one can view majestic Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest far behind the horizon from Nagarkot on a clear day. Nagarkot is about 1 & half hour drive from Kathmandu. Since being a hot tourist spot there are numerous hotels, lodges, luxury hotels in Nagarkot where celebrating Christmas or New Year is great fun. If avoiding large crowds in Kathmandu and celebrating Christmas or New Year in a more quiet way Nagarkot can be a good choice. If you want to be more adventurous then take the Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking which is 3 days hike. Chisapani Nagarkot hiking route is an easy hike most closer to Kathmandu City. On Day 2 you will reach Nagarkot and the last day is the hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple then drive back to Kathmandu.
