Autumn Season in Nepal: Weather, Trekking and 10 Best Places to Visit

Autumn Season in Nepal

Autumn in Nepal runs from September to November but with prolonged monsoon seasons in the past yew years, autumn starts mostly from October onwards.

From October onwards, the weather is clear and pleasant following the monsoon season in Nepal. If you are planning to go on a trek in Nepal, I definitely recommend planning the trek from mid-October onwards.

As autumn is one of the popular times to trek in Nepal, it gets very busy on the trekking trails. If you are looking to trek in Nepal without the crowds, the end of November – beginning of December is a good time to do so. I did Everest Base Camp at the end of November, and it was way less busy.

Nepal Weather in Autumn

The end of September is the beginning of the autumn season in Nepal and the weather starts to get a little bit colder after the hot and humid monsoon is over.

What I like about autumn in Nepal (October) is that it is warm and sunny during the day, and it only gets a bit cold at night. In November, the weather starts to get colder and you need a jacket for the evenings.

Nepal Temperature in Autumn

The average temperature during the autumn season in Nepal ranges between 19-29 C in Nepal in September, 14-31 C in Nepal in October and 8-28 C in Nepal in November.

How Cold is Autumn Season in Nepal

The months of September and October are still warm and it only starts to get cold at nights towards the end of October.

November is sunny during the day but gets cold at nights. The problem is that there is no central heating in Nepal so most people use electric heaters to keep warm.

Visiting Nepal in Autumn

Crowds

Autumn is one the most popular times to visit Nepal. Due to that, it is one of the busiest times, especially on popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

The autumn season also happens to coincide with two of the biggest Nepali festivals (Dashain and Tihar). During this time, many Nepalese are also on holiday doing treks, so the trails get very busy.

If you prefer to go on a trek when it’s less busy, the best is to go on a trek at the end of November. By then, there are less trekkers, so it’s more peaceful.

Prices

As autumn is peak tourist season in Nepal, everything is at full price. During the off seasons (monsoon and winter), there are many discounts in hotels and the rooms are cheaper.

In the peak seasons (autumn and spring), the prices go back to their original, full price. You could still get some discounts on Booking.com if you have any of the Genius levels.

Best Places to Visit during the Autumn Season in Nepal

1. Trekking Routes

Autumn is the best time to go trekking in Nepal. The skies are clear, and you get great views of the mountains. The days are sunny, but it does not get too hot. It gets cold at night in higher altitudes, so you have to pack warm layers.

There are many trekking routes in Nepal, some of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal include: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley, Annapurna Circuit, and Poon Hill.

If you are looking for a less touristy trekking route, check out the Khopra Danda, Panchase or Pikey Peak Trek.

2. Kathmandu

Kathmandu Weather in Autumn

The average temperature is between 8 – 28 C in Kathmandu in Autumn.

September is generally still hot and humid, with the monsoon lasting until the end of September. If you are just coming to visit Kathmandu in September, you can still explore the city, even if it rains. But if you want to travel or trek extensively, then September is not ideal.

By mid-October, the monsoon stops and the weather becomes sunny, warm and dry. It is one of the best times to visit and trek in Nepal.

Then, in November, the weather starts to turn colder. It is still sunny during the day but it gets cold at nights.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

A good time to visit Kathmandu is from October to May. However, the weather is the most pleasant between October-November and March-April. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and there are many activities to do all year around.

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Visiting Kathmandu in Autumn

October and November are one of the best times to be in Nepal and there are so many things to do in Kathmandu at this time.

Apart from the main tourist attractions, there are also many hiking and day trip options in the Kathmandu Valley. Hiking and day trips from Kathmandu provide beautiful views of the Himalayas and time in the nature with fresh air.

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in Autumn:

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple
• Museums
• Day Trips from Kathmandu: Bhaktapur, Patan, Chandragiri, Kirtipur, Godawari, Manakamana, and Changunarayan.
• 2-3 day trips from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Markhu and Kulekhani, Panauti
• Hiking near Kathmandu: Phulchowki Hill, Jamacho Gumba, Tarebhir, Chandragiri to Chitlang, Sundarijal to Chisapani
• Classes and Workshops: Sound Healing sessions, Thangka Painting Class, Cooking Class

3. Pokhara

Pokhara Weather in Autumn

The average temperature in Pokhara in Autumn is between 12-29 C. The weather in Pokhara is great during the autumn season and being the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, Pokhara is a great place to visit in the autumn.

When is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?

The best time to visit Pokhara is between October-November and March-April, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a good time.

Visiting Pokhara in Autumn

Autumn is the main tourist season and there are many things to do in Pokhara during this time, including hiking, trekking, and boating.

Pokhara is full of life and tourists during the autumn season as there are many trekking routes starting from there. Many trekkers come to Pokhara to spend time here before and after going on a trek.

Some of the most popular trekking routes starting from Pokhara include, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and Australian Camp.

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Best Things to Do in Pokhara during the Autumn Season:

• Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
• Annapurna Cable Car for the Sarangkot Sunrise
• Paragliding
• Visiting Begnas Lake (+hiking)
• Visiting the caves in Pokhara
• Movie Garden
• Cooking classes
• Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7 days), Poon Hill (3 days), Mardi Himal (5 days), Australian Camp (2 days), Panchase (2-3 days), Lower Mustang (4-5 days)

4. Bandipur

Bandipur Weather in Autumn

The average temperature in Bandipur in autumn is between 11-25 C. September is still hot and there can be some rainfall, while the weather turns sunny and dry in October. It starts to get cold in November, and although it is sunny during the day, the nights are cold.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

The best time to visit Bandipur is between October to Mid-December and February-April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are generally clear to see the Himalayas.

Overall, it is a good time to visit Bandipur anytime from late September until the end of May but it can get very cold in the evenings in the winter months.

Visiting Bandipur in Autumn

Bandipur is a beautiful little town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and is a popular stop to enjoy Himalayan views, go hiking or just chill at one of the cafes and restaurants.

Bandipur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture (wooden carved windows and red bricks). It is so charming with its architecture and restaurants on the main street that it is often compared to being in Belgium or France.

Visiting Bandipur during the autumn season in Nepal is one of the best times to visit as the weather is pleasant and you also get clear views of the Himalayas.

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Best Things to Do in Bandipur in Autumn:

• Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
• Siddha Gufa: Nepal’s largest cave
• Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
• Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
• Visit the Silkworm Farm
• Chill at one of the cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
• Try Newari food

5. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan Weather in Autumn

The average temperature in Chitwan in Autumn is between 9 – 25 C. Chitwan is the southern part of Nepal and tends to get hotter than Kathmandu.

If you visit Chitwan and go on a safari, make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen and a sun hat as it will be hot and sunny.

When is the Best Time to Visit Chitwan?

The best time to visit Chitwan is in February-March. Between February-March, the grass inside the Chitwan National Park is lower and so the visibility is better to spot wildlife.

Generally, Chitwan can be visited anytime from mid-September to May and have a chance of spotting wildlife. However, during the monsoon season (June-August), the grass grows very high due to the rain. So, if you are visiting Chitwan straight after the monsoon season, it will be more difficult to spot wildlife due to the grass.

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Visiting Chitwan in Autumn

If you are visiting Chitwan during the autumn season, the good thing is that the weather is more pleasant during this time.

On the negative side, the grass inside the park is very high after the monsoon rains, and it makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.

If you are visiting Chitwan during October-November, it is best to go on a safari for at least 1-3 whole days. Then, the deeper inside the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Chitwan during the Autumn Season:

• Jungle safari (walking or jeep)
• Canoe on the Rapti River
• Cycle to Bis Hazaari Lake (20,000 Lake)
• Chill the Riverside Sunset View Point
• Support the welfare of elephants: Stand Up 4 Elephants

6. Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park Weather in Autumn

The average temperature is between 15-32 C in Bardia in Autumn. Bardia is in the southern part of Nepal and gets hotter than Kathmandu.

Although it is autumn season September and October still get very hot, so make sure to pack sunscreen and sunhat if you go on a jungle safari.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bardia National Park?

The best time to visit the Bardia National Park is in February-March. Between February-March, the grass inside the park is lower and thus, the visibility is better to spot wildlife.

Generally, Bardia can be visited anytime from mid-September to May and have a chance of spotting wildlife. However, during the monsoon season (June-August), the grass grows very high due to the rain. So if you are visiting Bardia straight after the monsoon season, it will be more difficult to spot wildlife due to the grass.

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Visiting Bardia National Park in Autumn

If you are visiting Bardia in the Autumn, the good thing is that the weather is more pleasant during this time.

On the negative side, the grass inside the park is very high after the monsoon rains, and it makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.

If you are visiting Bardia between October-November, it is best to go on a safari for at least 1-3 whole days. Then, the deeper inside the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Bardia National Park in Autumn:

• Jungle safari (walking or jeep)
• Rafting
• Bird Watching
• Sunset Point

7. Tansen

Tansen Weather in Autumn

The average temperature in Tansen in Autumn is between 10-28 C. Tansen is a great place to visit in autumn as it is one of the less touristy places in Nepal that has a small town charm and nice views of the Himalayas.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tansen?

The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you get the best views of the Himalayas. However, generally, anytime between October-May is considered a good time.

The least favourable time to visit Tansen is during the monsoon season (June-September), however, there are plenty of things to do in Tansen if you happen to be there when it rains.

Visiting Tansen in Autumn

Tansen remains still one of the less visited places in Nepal and is the perfect getaway to experience a small Nepali town.

Tansen has some really good homestays where the owners are really friendly and can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.

On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range and if you visit during the Autumn Season, you will get really good views of the mountains.

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Best Things to Do in Tansen in Autumn:

• Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
• Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
• Tansen Durbar and Museum
• Temples
• Try Newari food
• Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)

8. Janakpur

Janakpur Weather in Autumn

The average temperature is between 17-33 C in Janakpur in autumn. Janakpur lies in the southern part of Nepal and in the spring, monsoon and autumn seasons, it gets much hotter than Kathmandu.

When is the Best Time to Visit Janakpur?

The best time to visit Janakpur is between October-November and March-April.

Janakpur is in the south of Nepal and it gets very hot and humid during the monsoon (June-August). While in the winter months (December-February), it gets very little sunshine, so, it can even get even colder than Kathmandu.

Visiting Janakpur in Autumn

Janakpur is mostly famous for its Hindu temples and people come go there to perform pujas (worshipping/praying ceremonies).

Apart from the temples, Janakpur also has Nepal’s only railway station, so it can be fun to check it out. But to be honest, the railway station is very small, so can be a bit disappointing.

Janakpur is also known for Mithila paintings which you will see painted on walls all around the city. The town is also close to India, so there are a lot of Indian snacks and sweets available in Janakpur.

Best Things to Do in Janakpur in Autumn:

• Janaki Mandir (Janaki Temple)
• Shree Ram Janaki Biwah Mandir
• Mithila paintings
• Indian street food and sweets
• Janakpurdham Railway Station (Nepal’s Only Railway Station)

9. Lumbini

Lumbini Weather in Autumn

The average temperature is between 15 – 31 C in Lumbini in Autumn.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lumbini?

The best time to visit Lumbini is in October-November and from Mid-February to April. Lumbini is in the south of Nepal and it gets very hot and humid between May-August.

While in the winter months (December-February), it gets very little sunshine, thus, it can get even colder than Kathmandu.

Visiting Lumbini in Autumn

Lumbini is said to be the birthplace of Buddha. It is most famous for the Maya Devi Temple and the Marker Stone which marks the birthplace of Buddha.

Visiting Lumbini in autumn is one of the best times. The weather is still warm but it starts to cool down and not as hot as it is during the monsoon season (June-August).

As Lumbini can still get quite hot during the day, make sure to always have plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Best Things to Do in Lumbini in Autumn:

• Maya Devi Temple
• Lumbini Monastic Zone
• Eternal Peace Flame
• World Peace Pagoda

10. Gorkha

Gorkha Weather in Autumn

The average temperature is around 14 C in Gorkha in Autumn.

When is the Best Time to Visit Gorkha?

The best time to visit Gorkha is between October to Mid-December and Mid-February to May. During this time, the temperature is pleasant, and the views are usually clear to see the Himalayas.

Generally, it is a good time to visit Gorkha anytime from late September until the end of May.

Visiting Gorkha in Autumn

Gorkha is a small town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is a historically significant place in Nepali history.

Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the Gorkha Kingdom, started the unification process of Nepal. Gorkha is also known as the place where the Gurkha soldiers originate from.

If you visit Gorkha, the sunrise is really beautiful from the Gorkha Durbar. You can get up there in about 30-45 minutes from the town centre.

Best Things to Do in Gorkha in Autumn:

• Sunrise at the Gorkha Durbar
• Gorkha Museum
• Bhimsen Thapa Park
• Hiking
• Day Trip to Manakamana Temple and Cable Car

Trekking in Nepal in Autumn

Autumn is one of the main trekking seasons in Nepal! The weather is the most pleasant for trekking between October-November. So, once the monsoon is over, the trekking routes offer beautiful views of the Himalayas.

As October and November are one of the main trekking seasons in Nepal, some of the popular routes (Annapurna, Everest, Langtang) get a lot of trekkers and it can get crowded. To avoid the crowds, I recommend starting the trek in late November.

Staying at the Teahouses

If you are trekking solo, during this time, it might be worth to book ahead teahouses on the trail.

As the trails are full of trekkers, some of the better teahouses might get full. It is fine to book one day ahead or the morning when you set out to the next village. You can ask in your teahouse if they recommend any teahouses in the village you will stop next.

Many groups are trekking with guides and usually the guides also book the rooms ahead. So if you trek slowly and most of the people arrive to the next village before you, you will only have limited options left to choose from.

On the other hand, if you want to browse and check the guesthouse before confirming a booking, then you can just show up in the village and see the options you have.

Have Extra Days

Although, there is generally no or very little rain in the Autumn Season in Nepal, the skies can still get cloudy. The planes don’t fly in Nepal in case there is poor visibility.

It happens very often even in October that the flights are delayed due to bad visibility for days. So, if you are flying to Lukla, make sure to have 2-3 extra days in case your flight is delayed.

Festivals in Nepal in Autumn

Dashain Festival

Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal. It’s importance is best described as the “Nepali Christmas” when people travel home to be with their families.

Dashain is 15-days long and usually falls at the end of September or mid-October.

Tihar Festival

Tihar is the festival of lights and is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. It is celebrated by decorating the houses by fairy lights, making rangoli and celebrating brother-sister bonds.

Chhat Festival

Chhat is mainly celebrated in the Tarai region of Nepal (southern part), dedicated to the God of Sun, Surya.

The Chhat festival is celebrated by worship ceremonies at sunrise and sunset, and by taking holy dips in rivers.

A good place to celebrate Chhat is in Janakpur, Nepal.

🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!

What to Pack for Autumn Season in Nepal

The weather in the Autumn Season in Nepal is pleasant during the daytime but it gets cold at nights, especially in higher altitudes.

Although you can buy all kinds of trekking gear in Thamel, they are not the original brand/quality. If you want trekking items that will last you long, it is better to buy it before you come to Nepal.

If you don’t plan to do much trekking after Nepal, you can buy trekking gear in Thamel and then sell the items after your trek.

A few trekking items that are generally good to buy at home before coming to Nepal:

• Trekking shoes (and break them in before going on the trek)
• Down jacket
• Sleeping bag
• Nalgene water bottle
• Lifestraw water bottle
• Backpack

Where To Stay In Kathmandu

Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out my top recommendations for every budget: