Trekking in Nepal in April

No doubt! There is no specific month for visiting Nepal. However, Trekking in Nepal in April is one of the perfect choices from different angles. Favorable weather and temperature, crystal skies, unobstructed views, shimmering mountains, lush green valleys, meadows covered with zillions of flowers, chances to spot rare species of birds and animals, and gorgeous vegetation make your Trekking in Nepal in April easy and rewarding.

The entire villages and hills are covered with spring flower blossoms including the rhododendrons and everything seems to get painted in all colors you can imagine how astonishing is it. Of course, April is the perfect month for high mountain treks and peaks climbing. Popular trekking routes are filled with fellow travelers; hence you will never feel alone and away from the hometown. Next, the environment forces you to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Nepal and the Nepalese.

Days are mostly sunny and are the best time for hiking. In the night and early morning, the temperature might get decreased making the surrounding chill. As winter is already over, the days grow longer each day favoring longer hours for walking.

In this article, I have mentioned highlights, weather and temperature, the best trekking routes, and travel tips for trekking in Nepal in April.

Trekking in Nepal in April: Weather and Climate

I bet you will not be disappointed by the weather and climate while trekking in Nepal in April. From the lower elevations to the high Himalayas, you will find moderate temperature being a bit colder in alpines.

The mornings and evenings of the higher altitudes can be colder and temperature can decrease below negative. But the days are pleasant, longer, warmer, and soothing for a relaxing trek. Being dry and sunny most of the time receives only occasional rainfall and you can expect sunshine 6-7 hours a day and can trek in t-shirts and shorts. To escape the chilly atmosphere of the mornings and evenings, warm jackets however are recommended to pack.

In Kathmandu (1350m), and average temperature ranges between min 11.7°C and max 28.2°C From 2000 m to 3500 m it ranges between min 5°C  and max 20 °C. Above 3500m there is 10-15°C during the days and gets usually subzero at the nights.

During the high passes, circuit treks, peaks climbing, and expeditions, you need to a bit more careful as they might have extreme weather conditions as the weather of mountains is always unpredictable. Still, April is considered the perfect month for all of them.

Notwithstanding these all, you will witness the best views of gleaming Himalayan pinnacles and surroundings. The snow-heaps, glaciers, floating glacial lakes, wide and green yak pastures, picturesque meadows, green valleys, the first rays of the sun kissing to the world-class peaks and cascading waterfalls make your journey worth photogenic. You will be tired of capturing each scenic moment on your camera!

Trekking in Nepal in April: Where to Trek?

From day hikes to 120 days’ The Great Himalayan Trail is doable in April. All the teahouses even in the high Himalayas are in operation and awaiting you eagerly. All you need is to carry your passport, pack your luggage and buy a ticket to fly!  All others leave to Icicles Adventure Treks. Down below, I have presented some of the bucketlistic destinations you can hike during April. 

Everest Base Camp Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 5545m/18192ft

Duration: 14 Days

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Accommodation: Local Lodges

Highlights

• Fly Lukla-one of the most thrilling airport with scenic views of the valleys, snow-clad peaks, green hills, and forests.
• Sagarmatha National Park- distinctive vegetation and wildlife.
• Namche Bazaar- the major trading hub and one of the largest Sherpa towns of the Khumbu region which bustles with energy during April.
• Hotel Everest View the most elevated hotel on the planet with the first crystal view of Mt. Everest and its neighboring mountains.
• Tengboche Monastery- The highest altitude monastery of the Everest region. A spiritual attraction of the Buddhists from the uncut world.
• A frozen lake at Gorekshep
• Hike up to Kala Patthar- Spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Changtse, Thamserku, and Khumbu Glacier along with mesmeric sunrise views over those massifs.
• Small Sherpa settlements with their unique cultures and way of surviving.
• Airy suspension bridges, deep river valleys, green meadows, rhododendron blossoms, cultivated lands, painted hills with different colorful spring flowers, and exotic Himalayan creatures.
• Prayer flags and wheels, long mane walls, small chortens, monks, and nuns.

Is trekking Everest your bucketlistic destination for your next adventure? If so plan to trek Everest Base Camp Trek this April. It is the most visited trekking destination in Nepal. Several routes and destinations with Everest Base Camp are accessible in April.

Adjoining Everest Base Camp, you can hike further Everest High Passes, Gokyo Lake, climb Mera, Island, and Lobuche peaks in April.

As the weather and other climatic conditions are favorable during April, you will see fully unobstructed views of the entire massifs, without fearing the heavy snowfall or precipitation. As the expedition begins from the last of April, you can meet interact and trek with the professional and potential climbers.

Trekkers will be amazed by the varieties of natural color in Everest during April. The valleys and hills look dye with varieties of wildflowers including the rhododendrons and just above them, the bleached mountain standing with a smile that looks awe-inspiring.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 5416m/17769ft.

Duration: 16 Days  

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

Accommodation: Teahouse

Highlights

• A scenic drive to Syange; passing several villages, torrential rivers occasional views of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and cultivated lands.
• Cozy teahouses: Perhaps the best teahouses entire the trekking routes of Nepal with delicious local food and fireplaces.
• Numerous hills are filled with rhododendron trees with full blossoms, spring flowers, pine woods, oak trees, and more.
• Apple orchids: Bhratang Apple Farm, (Bhartang, Manang) and Marpha Apple farm (Marpha Mustang) are the major ones.
• Ghyaru Viewpoint: Majestic views of the Annapurna range with Gangapurna, Tilicho peaks
• Manang village: A popular stop for acclimatization and numerous side trips. Numerous teahouses, health checks are available.
• Side Trips: Milarepa Cave, Gangapurna Lake and glacier, Braga Monastery, Tilicho Lake and Poonhill
• Large yak pastures, wide meadows, deep river valleys, airy suspension bridges
• Vegetation: Sub-tropical to alpine and protected wildlife inside Annapurna Conservation Area
• Religious shrines: Braga Monastery, Muktinath Temple with numerous chortens, alleys, prayer wheels, and prayer flags
• Thorong La pass: One of the highest and widest passes of the planet elevated at 5,416m. In April, you get a stunning and clear view of the Himalayas from here.
• Kali Gandaki Gorge: The deepest gorge in the world.  

The second busiest route for trekking in Nepal in April is the Annapurna Circuit Trek which is considered one of the best treks on the planet. Attractive landscapes, favorable climate, changed vegetation, and unique culture makes your trip more exciting, memorable, and enjoyable. From the thick forests to, rhododendron-filled vegetation and further driest stony landscapes to be explored in a single trip.

Walking passing the enriched greenery, buzzing rivers, picturesque trail, and the views of breathtaking mountains, one reaches Bensishahar to Pokhara. The length and duration of the Annapurna Circuit trek depend upon where you begin and finish the journey, how many side trips do you cover, how many days you spend for acclimatization, and the route you choose to trek.

While trekking around the 10th tallest peak of the world-Mt Annapurna, you will immerse in the cultural aspects of different ethnic groups including Brahmins, Chhetries, Tamangs, and Gurungs. Overall, this is one of the best options and time to spend your holidays in Nepal.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 4130m/13549ft

Duration:  9-16 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

Accommodation: Teahouses

Highlights

• Pokhara:  A small city with sundry showcases; lakes, religious temples or stupas, large natural caves,
• Annapurna Conservation Area: Amusing in biodiversity and is a gem house for 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. 
• Poonhill: A popular viewpoint for mesmerizing sunrise over the 7th and 10th tallest peaks of the planet among others.
• Two Base Camps: Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp in the single trip
• Closest view of 2 of the 14 tallest peaks of the world. Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m/26,795ft) and Mt. Annapurna (8091m/26545ft)
• Short Trek: It is shorter than other high elevated journeys that can be completed just in 9 working days if side trips are escaped.
• Sightseeing: Perfect time for bird and animal watching. April is a breeding season for numerous species of birds and animals.

A spectacular journey to the foot of the 10th tallest peak of the planet, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is another seamless alternative for trekking in Nepal in April. Completed in shorter days, this trek covers two mountain base camps Annapurna and Machhapuchre at the same time.

Annapurna Base Camp elevates at an elevation of 4,130m and once reached there, a mountain panorama is just in front of you where the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs are closely observable. Mt Machhapuchre( Mt. Fishtail), a mountain whose shape is just as fish will relish you the most.

After the exploration of Pokhara city, the journey to Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins from Naya Pul. Walk passing the lustrous greeneries, small settlements, river valleys, gorges, and high suspension bridges, you reach the alpine atmosphere which is mostly barren and is surrounded by the giant peaks only. And the locals you meet on the way are very welcoming, charming, kind, and ever-smiling.  All of the activities of the hike are sure to impress you but the mountains will rank themselves above the whole lot.

Langtang valley trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 4,350m/ 14271 ft.

Duration: 11 Days

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) and Langtang National Park Entry Permit

Accommodation: Teahouse

Highlights

• Nearest trekking destination from Kathmandu inside the Langtang National Park
• A scenic drive to Syabrubensi from Kathmandu
• Authentic Tamang culture and lifestyles
• Yala Cheese Factory-One of the leading factory of entire the Langtang region
• Amazing mountain sceneries of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, gangchenpo, Ganesh Himal from the Kyanjin Ri-the highest point of the trek.
• Buddhist monasteries, stupas, chortens, prayer flags, wheels, mane walls, and other monuments
• Distinct wildlife and vegetation of Langtang National Park

Are you wishing to do a short and easy trek near Kathmandu? If so, Langtang Valley Trek will be the best choice for you. This short, easy, and beautiful trek is suitable for novice trekkers as well. In April, the weather of the Langtang region becomes clear and you will pass through full blossoms of Rhododendron and other spring flowers on a dry and comfortable trail.

Entering the Langtang National Park, you can sightsee some of the mountain creatures as langur monkeys, musk deer, barking deer, and even an endangered species-Red Pandas. Farmers in the different villages seem busy harvesting the crops and planting another item again. Different waterfalls, scenic mountain ranges, traditional settlements amaze you all while hiking to Langtang.

Upper Mustang Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 3820m/12532ft

Duration: 17 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Permits: Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP)

Accommodation: Teahouses

Highlights

• Walk: Trek passing semi-arid lands of Upper mustang with colorful rock formation, deep ravines being surrounded by snow-clad peaks, walk through the Kali Gandaki river and almost treeless barren landscape.
• Explore: the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, once lost kingdom walled city-Lho Manthang, ancient caves, religious spots; monasteries, gompas, chortens, prayer flags, and Hindu temple of Muktinath.
• Culture: Explore authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, unique traditions, and the way of living of the Himalayan locals.
• Visit: Some apple orchids, Visit old Buddhist monasteries built in the 13th century, pocket-sized small villages, and ever-smiling locals
• Learn: How people are making their existence even in the inconveniences who are far from this modernization.
• Get: medieval knowledge regarding the religious aspects of Nepal as it is home to many mythological figures, the last kingdom of Nepal

Trekking in Nepal in April will be incomplete without trekking Upper Mustang, a rare privilege, and a real hidden gem. Experience the way of life of the true mountain locals who remained in very little contact with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years.

While trekking into Upper Mustang, you feel similar to trekking in Tibet as its geography, culture, and religious practices match with the people of Tibet. An interesting fact is that it was a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal till 1950 and had a separate king was ruling from the capital-Lho Manthang, a walled city.

During your trekking journey, you can watch them herd yaks, farm their own food, and trade goods and you will immerse yourself in the countryside leaving the modern world far behind. You will get rare opportunities to interact with Loba people who are Tibetan descendants and have a very rich and preserved culture.

The journey begins after a short flight to Jomsom from the city of lakes-Pokhara. Passing several monasteries, beautiful settlements on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river, caves, and other religious monuments, you reach the walled city-Lho Manthang before being back to Muktinath-a religious place for a Hindu temple: the Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 5106m

Duration: 17 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding 

Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Accommodation: Teahouses

Highlights

• Trek in the less crowded area: Manaslu is a less known area than the Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal. During April, the trails, teahouses, and viewpoint witness fewer people than those routes.
• Trek wild and remote: To reach Larkey-trekkers need to pass remote and wild areas than any other regions. The large meadows, pastures, yak herders, sheep chasers are found in the high Himalayas. Although teahouses are built at an everyday stage with basic amenities.
• Walk: The initial part of the trail follows Budhi Gandaki River valleys, gorges, suspension bridge crossings, and later to sub-tropical and finally alpine jungles. Countless rhododendron forests with full blossoms to pass.
• Larkey-La: A high mountain pass with magnificent sceneries of the mountains nestled in the Mansiri mountain range.
• Religion and Culture: An uncommon cultural admix of Tibetan and Nepali people, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, flags, and long mane walls.

Nepal has never-ending trekking routes with unique features in each. Added possibility for trekking in Nepal in April is the Manaslu circuit trek that allows you to circle Mt. Manaslu- the 8th tallest peak on the planet inside Manaslu Conservation Area and adjoins Annapurna Conservation Area too in the latter part of the trek. With the epic views, you will be traveled through lessor known areas of Nepal. With few visitors encountered along the way, trekkers will get a different experience than Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal that receive flocks of tourists march each day.

So what about the trekking route? You will follow an ancient trekking trail along which you will witness a pure Nepali culture and hospitality keeping the breathtaking views of Manaslu and other mountain peaks in the background. Rhododendron trees with perfect blossoms in the subtropical jungles Large alleys, mane walls, prayer wheels with almost medieval lifestyle as you ascent the high altitudes.

Be sure. Your trek will lead the areas which are shielded from rejuvenation and commercialization, the local people’s lifestyle has improved just a little over the centuries, thus retentive their pureness. Heus trek to Manaslu will be alike to time-travel.

Ghorepani- Poonhill Trek

Quick Info

Maximum Elevation: 3210m/10532ft

Duration: 5-7 Days

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

Accommodation: Teahouse

Highlights

• A short, easy and cheaper family trek inside Annapurna Sanctuary
• Pokhara: A vibrant city to explore around-both natural and cultural shrines.
• Thick rhododendron forests in full blooms, some other wildflowers
• Gurung villages: Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani among others, unique cultures, and ways of living.
• Poonhill: Core attraction, panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges including 7th (Mt.Dhaulagiri)  and 10th (Mt. Annapurna) tallest peaks of the planet including others as Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, Dhaulagiri II, and most importantly Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail)
• Cozy teahouses, magnificent small settlements, kind and helpful people, well-marked trekking route.
• Best acclimatization hike before embarking on the higher elevated journeys

If you are looking for a short and classic family trek on the foothills of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, then the Poonhill trek will be the best option for you. During April, the entire hills look lustrous and magnificent filled with rhododendron flowers.

The deep backwoods, numerous flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, small but very beautiful settlements of Gurung ethnic people are some of the other attractions of this journey.

Standing at Poonhill, the highest point of the trek, you will witness the yellowish rays of the sun kissing the high pinnacles of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

The journey to Poonhill commences after a 2 hours’ drive from Kathmandu to Nayapul. Following a well-established trekking route, you reach Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani before summiting Poonhill-the popular viewpoint.  The entire villages of Poonhilla trek are quite popular for their warm hospitality and cultural insights

Trekking in Nepal in April: Travel Tips

I have already mentioned highlights, weather conditions, and the best trekking routes for trekking in Nepal in April. Below I have listed some travel tips for trekking during this month in Nepal.

• April is one of the busiest trekking months in Nepal. The lodges, flights, hotels, and teahouses fill up fast. Book in advance and make sure for your flights, preferred lodges, etc.
• Various festivals are celebrated during this month as Nepali New Year, Bisket Jatra, and Buddha Purnima. If you have interest, pay a visit them.
• Do not forget to pack wind and waterproof jackets and pants in your backpack. It is a windy month in Nepal and receives occasional rainfall.
• While visiting religious monuments and cultural shrines, always follow the respective protocols. Be sure before clicking the pictures.
• The mornings and evenings are usually cooler in the high Himalayas; make sure to carry down jackets and pants.
• Have clothes in layers as you walk in the higher elevations. If you felt warmer, can remove it easily.
• Days are usually bright with sunshine in April. Have needed precautions for your skin, layers of eyes, etc. 
• Always hire a licensed guide and porter from an authorized trekking agency.  It is the safest, easiest, and most convenient way to complete the entire trek.
• In case you felt the symptoms of Altitude Sickness, inform immediately to your trekking leader. Ignoring this can be fatal.
• Always carry cash while trekking remote areas from Kathmandu or Pokhara; no ATMs are available during the trek.
• Acclimatize properly; it is a key way to escape from Acute Mountain Sickness.
• Maintain your own pace, do not compete or rush.
• Get plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration causes problems.
• April is a season of flowers. In case you are allergic to pollens, take precautions.
• Get travel insurance before embarking to any destination of Nepal.
• Do not forget to carry a water purification system before embarking on the trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is April a good time to visit Nepal?

Of course. April is the perfect month for visiting in terms of weather, climate, trekking routes, availability of teahouses even in the high Himalayas, and more. Trekkers can celebrate a couple of festival as Nepali New Year, Buddha Purnima, Bisket Jatra during this month. The hills and mountains welcome you with varieties of wildflowers and snowcapped peaks. Moreover, get authentic lifestyle and the style of performing agricultural activities as it is the time of both harvesting and planting new grains.

What is the best time of year to trek in Nepal?

Generally, there are two major seasons for trekking in Nepal: spring (March-May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the skies are crystal, fewer chances of rainfall or snowfall, and views are spectacular.

In winter (December to February), the high elevated trekking trails and teahouses might get affected by heavy snowfall. However, lower elevated journeys with the right preparations are the best options.

In summer (overlapped with monsoon), Nepal receives heavy precipitation and trekking trails might get blocked because of landslides in the hills and floods in the rivers. Still, the rain-shadowed areas of Upper Manang, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo are the best destinations during these periods as they receive very less or no rainfall et al.

What is the weather like in Nepal in April?

Varieties of weather conditions can be found here during April. In the plain areas of Terai, you witness a comparatively warm and moist climate making 25-40°C during the daytime.

In hilly areas as Kathmandu, you will find moderate climatic conditions. The temperature reaches up to 25-30 °C during the middays. The nights and mornings are still chill.

In the Himalayan regions above 3500m above the sea level, the day temperatures range between 15°C-20°C in the afternoons. In the evenings and mornings, you will witness 5°C -10°C and in the nights it usually goes below freezing.

Normally, you will have sunlight 5-7 hours a day.

What is there to do in Nepal in April apart from trekking?

There are numerous. Apart from trekking, you can go for city tours, World Heritage Sites tour, Religious tour, Cultural exploration, jungle safari, Elephant back safari, bird watching tours, paragliding, sky diving, canoeing, rock climbing, zip-lining, mountain flight, sky diving, ultra-light flight, bungee jumping, mountain biking, white water rafting, etc. while you are in Nepal.

 Does it rain in Nepal in April?

Normally not. But April and May are considered pre-monsoon periods where occasional rainfall is possible. In the high elevations, it might snowfall. But it doesn’t rain or snowfall heavily. The next day of shower or snowfall, the sun shines brightly and landscapes seem even crystal.

Which is the rainiest place in Nepal?

Pokhara is the rainiest city in Nepal. It receives 3,900 mm of rainfall per year.