Eastern Nepal · – · –
Eastern Nepal in December
Cold and clear. The high treks close as snow and cold set in, though early December is still possible for well-equipped groups. The hills are at their quietest, with sunny days, orange harvests in Dhankuta and clear views from Sandakpur and Antu Danda. The Mangsir full moon often falls in December, bringing Chasok Tangnam, Sakela Udhauli and Yomari Punhi in Newar bazaars such as Chainpur.
Local tip for December
Bring a sleeping bag rated to minus 10 °C or lower for any night above 3,000 m.
Where to go in December
Eastern Nepal3,636 mSandakpur
Four of the world's five highest peaks from one ridge top
Eastern Nepal1,192 mDhankuta
A tidy ridge town of oranges, tea and Athpahariya Rai villages
Eastern Nepal1,277 mChainpur
An old hill bazaar of brass jugs, bronze casters and khukuri smiths
Festivals around December
Eastern NepalChasok Tangnam
Full moon of Mangsir (November–December)
Eastern NepalSakela (Ubhauli and Udhauli)
Twice a year: Baisakh full moon (Ubhauli, April–May) and Mangsir full moon (Udhauli, November–December)
Trips at their best in December
Eastern Nepalmax 1,850 mArun Valley and Chainpur Crafts
Seven nights from the Arun valley to the plains. Fly to Tumlingtar on its broad river terrace, spend two days with the …
Eastern Nepalmax 2,100 mEastern Hills Overland: Ilam to the Arun
Nine nights across the eastern hills by private car, from the tea gardens of Kanyam and Ilam to the Arun valley at …
Eastern Nepalmax 3,636 mIlam, Sandakpur and Kanyam
Five nights that climb from the tea gardens of Ilam to the Singalila ridge at Sandakpur, 3,636 m, where four of the …
Eastern Nepalmax 1,850 mKirat Culture Trail: Bhedetar, Dhankuta, Hile
Four nights in the Kirat heartland of the eastern hills, where Rai and Limbu culture is part of daily life. Visit Budha …
Eastern Nepalmax 2,100 mKoshi Tappu Birds and Ilam Tea
Six nights from the wetlands of Koshi Tappu, home to Nepal's last wild water buffalo and a great gathering of winter water …
Elsewhere in Nepal in December
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Eastern Nepal?
Cold and clear. The high treks close as snow and cold set in, though early December is still possible for well-equipped groups. The hills are at their quietest, with sunny days, orange harvests in Dhankuta and clear views from Sandakpur and Antu Danda. The Mangsir full moon often falls in December, bringing Chasok Tangnam, Sakela Udhauli and Yomari Punhi in Newar bazaars such as Chainpur.
What is the weather like in Eastern Nepal in December?
Ilam about 5–17 °C, dry, clear, cold nights. Conditions change fast with altitude, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Eastern Nepal in December?
We suggest Sandakpur, Dhankuta, Chainpur. Bring a sleeping bag rated to minus 10 °C or lower for any night above 3,000 m.