Snowfall Places in Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a culturally and naturally rich destination. It lies in the central part of Nepal at an elevation of 1400 m above sea level. Because of its proximity to the mountains, the atmosphere of the Kathmandu valley is quite pleasant and moderate. The outskirts of the valley are popular for mind blowing hiking and snowfall. 

There are a lot of places near Kathmandu which observe snowfall during the winter season. These places have a sort of attraction in themselves. The spectacular Himalayan views and a diverse range of flora and fauna are the major attractions of the hilltops while the wonderful snowfall experience in winter is another activity to explore. Some of the popular places near Kathmandu for snowfall are Daman, Kalinchowk, Phulchowki, Shivapuri, Chandragiri and Nagarkot. 

Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri hill is one of the highest land elevations around Kathmandu valley with 2547 m from the sea level. It is a popular hill station in the present time because of the Cable car facility. Cable car from Thankot to Chandragiri hill is around 2.4 KM.

It costs Rs 415 for one way and 700 for two-way for Nepalese and SAARC countries, US$ 9 (oneway) and US$ 15 (two way) for Chinese, US$13 And US$ 22 for another foreign. Once 6 people can sit in a cable car. 

During the winter season, snowfall occurs around  Chandragiri hill. The whole area of Chandragiri covered in snow offers a wonderful sight to explore. Beautiful hills and the vantage point are snow topped making it more beautiful and enhancing the aesthetics of the entire area. 

Chandragiri hill also provides a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and Himalayas ranging from Annapurna to Everest. Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple (Hindu temple) is located at the hill of Chandragiri. 

People visit Chandragiri temple for Puja and other holy rituals. You can reach Chandragiri by driving from Kathmandu valley to Thankot for an hour, Thankot to Chandragiri hill by cable car in 10 min.

Phulchowki Hill

Phulchowki hill is 20 KM in the southeast of Kathmandu valley. The hill is located at an altitude of 2627 m from sea level. During the winter season, many people visit this hill to explore the snowfall and enjoy the snowy retreat while exploring the beautiful villages of Phulchowki. 

Phulchowki observes a lot of people with the snowfall. Many people from the neighboring villages and the Kathmandu valley itself visit the Phulchowki hill to explore the snowfall. 

The Hill is also surrounded by dense forest. Mountain biking, hiking and bird watching are popular in Phulchowki hill. Phulchowki Hill is also a bird paradise. It is also popular for its Phulchowki Mai festival which is celebrated between the months of March and April.

Shivapuri Hill

Shivapuri hill is around 30 min drive from the Kathmandu valley and lies at an elevation of 2500 m. During the winter season, there is snowfall around the high area of the hill. Shivapuri is famous for the rhododendron and different species of flora and fauna. The mindblowing himalayan beauty seen from Shivapuri is one of the best things to explore from Shivapuri hill. Some activities like short hiking, trekking and mountain biking can be done in this area.

The traditional Tamang village houses, spectacular views of Himalayas, Monastery and Budhanilkantha temple are the main attractions during the walk to the Shivapuri hill. Budhanilkantha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Hindu god). In Budhanilkantha temple, the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu is seen floating in the middle of a small pond. 

The statue is 5 m long which was carved out of a single rock. You can hike or cycle to Shivpuri national park, Nagi Gumba, Bishnudwar and Bagdwar from Budhanilkantha. Snowfall is best observed in Shivapuri hill during the winter time. 

Daman

Daman is one of the most popular places for snowfall in Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2330 meter above sea level. Located 80 KM southwest of Kathmandu valley in Makwanpur district, Daman observes snowfall during early January to the end of March. 

You can also enjoy stunning mountain views, visit Chitlang village, witness waterfalls, natural beauty and boating in Kulekhani river. Some activities including hiking, cycling, fishing and boating can be done around the village. Daman also has a large amount of home stays. People also enjoy camping in this place. 

The oldest and most beautiful botanical garden with varieties of flowers is also in Daman. Daman is famous for kiwi, sweet apple, radish and cheese made of goat milk. Around 90 per cent of the people are engaged in agriculture. You can reach Daman by bus from Kathmandu ring road. Biking is another option to reach Daman. 

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is 32 km northeast from Kathmandu in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. It lies at an elevation of 2165 m. From the viewpoint of the hill, you can observe panoramic mountain views including the Everest range. This is also the most popular hill station near Kathmandu valley in Nepal. 

Nagarkot hill also presents Himalayan views including Mount Gaurishankar, Langtang and Dorje Lakpa range. The hill point also presents Himalayan ranges and adventure activities including mountain biking, short hiking, trekking around the Chisapani hill. To enjoy snowfall you should visit Nagarkot at the time of the winter season.

Many people visit Nagarkot to spend the weekends and explore the natural beauty of the place. There are various things to explore in Nagarkot. From trekking to vantage exploration, this place has a wide array of experiences to offer. Snowfall at Nagarkot during winter is one of the best things to explore. 

Nagarkot can be reached via a short direct drive of about one hour from Kathmandu valley.

Kalinchowk

Kalinchowk, situated 149 KM northeast from central Kathmandu in Dolakha district. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is located at an elevation of 3846 m above sea level. It is popular for the snowfall activities in the winter season. The temple is located at the top of the hill. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. 

Temple is surrounded by bells, player flags and Trishul. The hill here provides panoramic views of mountains including Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh, shisha panga, Langtang, Gunjal Himal and Gaurishankar. The spectacular Kuri village is seen from the top of Kalinchowk hill. Many visitors also come here for puja and holy rituals, short hiking and for enjoying snowfall. 

You can catch the bus from the Charikot bazaar to Kuri village, hiking or ropeway from Kuri village to reach the temple. The lodges and hotels are found in Kuri villages and  Charikot bazaar.

Pokhara is Nepal’s most popular tourist destination. The impeccable natural beauty, flora and fauna, lakes and caves and amazing mountain ambience surrounding the entire valley make it one of the best places to visit in Nepal. There are several temples, lakes and caves and monuments to explore in this wonderful city. During the wintertime, the surrounding areas and the outskirts of the valley observe snowfall. The Mardi Himal high Camp, Poonhill, Mohare Hill etc. are the major places to explore the snowfall during winter.

Apart from the mindblowing natural atmosphere, the culture and traditions of local people, especially Gurungs and Magars, is the best thing to explore. The distinct culture and lifestyle is an amazing attribute of visiting the neighbouring villages of Pokhara valley.

Poon Hill

Poon Hill is a popular hill station for short trekking and hiking. Situated at an elevation of 3210 m from the sea level near Pokhara, Poon hill presents panoramic views of mountains, South Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Macchapucchre.

The hill station extends the blooming forest of rhododendron, Gurung culture, sunrise and sunset views and  Gurung settlement. Winter (December to February) and Spring (March to April) months are best to enjoy snowfall in Poon hill.

During the season of Winter, huge snow and visitors cover the hill. Around Poon hill, there are plenty of lodges and tea houses that provide accommodation facilities. 

You can reach Poon hill by a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga, then again trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. After reaching Ghorepani, a short walk can take you to Poon hill.

Mardi Himal High Camp

Mardi high camp is one of the best places to enjoy snowfall in Nepal. It lies to the east of Annapurna base camp, under Mount Machhapuchhre. Mardi base camp is best for trekking during the spring and autumn season. 

Mardi base camp lies at an elevation of 45000 m from sea level. Coated with colourful blooms, rhododendrons and snows, the Mardi Himal also presents a gorgeous view during the spring and autumn season.

The weather around the Mardi base camp is very clean, with amazing visibility of the blue sky which is suitable for trekking and enjoying the snowfall during the winter and spring season. The temperature is 10 degrees in the daytime and -15 degrees at night time. 

To reach  Mardi Himal base camp, drive 1-2 hours from Pokhara to Kande, trek 3-4 days via Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp and reach the base camp. The base camp also represents Mt. Machhapuchhre and green hills surrounding the place.

Mohare Hill

Mohare Danda is one of the best short trekking destinations in Nepal. This place is known for the amazing vantage points and the incredible mountain vistas seen from the hilltop. The amazing river systems, suspension bridges, flora and fauna, local culture and traditions along with the incredible natural beauty is the best thing to explore in the Mohare hill trek.

The Mohare hill is also known for its snow adventure. During the peak winter time, Mohare hill observes heavy snowfall and allows the visitors to explore the mind-blowing beauty of nature. Trekking in the snow can be arduous but the experience is very novel and in the mountain settlement, it is incredible. 

Mohare Danda is accessible via the trekking route. From Pokhara, one can drive to Dinuwa village and trek to Lespar village. Another short trek from Lespar village can take you to Mohare Danda. From Mohare Danda, you can trek to Ghorepani and return to Pokhara. It is the short route to reach Mohare Danda from Pokhara valley.

Nepal is full of natural beauty. With the changing climate and seasons, the beauty of Nepal adapts to a new form, displaying the variation in itself. The springtime is the best time to explore the beautiful valleys and the mountains, whereas the winter has its own treat.

During the winter, visiting the higher elevations and exploring the different places allows you to witness the mind-blowing snow-blanketed hills. There are some popular destinations outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley that are accessible and popular for the incredible snowy natural show.

There are many destinations that observe the snowfall in the mountains of Nepal. The higher mountain belt of Nepal including the districts of Dolpa, Mugu, Mustang etc. observes snowfall during the winter season. The most popular destinations to explore in winter for snowfall are Khaptad National Park and Pathibhara temple.

Khaptad National Park

Khaptad national park is located in the far western region in the Seti zone of Nepal. It lies in the four beautiful districts Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Achham. The National Park is known for its wide range of flora and fauna, pristine settlement, wildlife, birdlife, medicinal herbs and many others. 

Khaptad National Park comprises an area of 225 Sq. Km. There are around 300 species of birds and 30 species of mammals found in this National Park. It is named after saint Khaptad, who meditated here for quite a long time. There is an Ashram of Khaptad Baba which is worth exploring in this area. 

Khaptad National Park is the only National Park that is accessible to explore the snowfall in Nepal. The amazing beauty of Khaptad National Park is enhanced by the snowfall during the winter season. Many people from the neighboring districts visit this place to witness the mindblowing natural beauty of the park area. 

It was established in 1984 AD. In the winter season, the minimum temperature in the Khaptad National Park goes under 10 degrees. 

Rara

Rara observes knee-deep snowfall during the peak winter time. The entire lake valley covered with snow is as astounding as the affluent Himalayan beauty. With the plummeting temperature, different parts of this area observe snowfall. While getting there can be arduous, the experience Rara offers during the snowfall is no other place has. Nepal's Biggest Rara Lake is one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Nepal. Situated at an elevation of 2990 m above sea level, Rara lake has impeccable natural beauty.

Exploring Rara lake facilitates the visitors with the beautiful mountain atmosphere, soothing lake and river valleys, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and incredible village settlement. The Rara National Park itself is the major attraction of this place, it has many other things including the distinct culture and traditions and life style of local people to offer.

There are a few lodges and homestays that provide accommodation facilities in Rara Lake. Playing in the snow during the winter and exploring the local lifestyle amid the snowy adventure is one of the best things to do in Rara. 

Rara lake lies in a pristine and rural settlement. To reach Rara, you can take a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and from there another flight to Talcha Airport can open up the quickest possibilities to reach this incredible destination. From Talcha Airport in Mugu, Rara is just 3 hours walk away. 

Pathibhara Temple

Pathibhara temple is located in the Taplejung district of Nepal at an elevation of 3794 m above sea level. This temple is popular for its centuries-long belief of having impeccable religious and cultural importance. People visit this temple to make a wish with a belief that the Goddess Pathibhara fulfils the wishes of visitors. The natural view tower and the surrounding atmosphere allows you to explore the wide range of natural beauty at this place. 

Apart from having impeccable religious significance, Pathibhara temple is a wonderful place to explore the incredible natural beauty as well. During the wintertime, the temple area observes heavy snowfall. For people who want to enjoy the snowfall, Pathibhara is one of the best destinations to visit during winter. 

Pathibhara temple is accessible via trek and helicopter. The easiest way to reach Pathibhara temple is via a flight to Suketar from Kathmandu Airport. Upon reaching, you can take a drive to Kaflepati and visit the Pathibhara temple. After visiting you can drive to Suketar to get a return flight to Kathmandu or get a drive to explore other destinations in eastern Nepal.