Ski & snow in Nepal
Including Annapurna Sanctuary, Dolpa Region, and Everest Khumbu Region. On the map.
The vibe
Sliding down snow in this country is entirely expedition-style backcountry touring rather than groomed resort skiing with chairlifts. Winter brings deep powder to high-elevation bowls, though getting to the snow requires weeks of trekking with porters. It is a raw, self-supported endeavor shared only with a handful of dedicated mountaineers.
Annapurna Sanctuary
Gandaki Province
Andrew and Annemarie / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A legendary Himalayan basin surrounded by towering peaks, offering dramatic high-altitude ski descents for advanced ski tourers. The dramatic amphitheater provides incredible touring routes amidst giants like Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Access. Fly to Pokhara, drive to Nayapul or Phedi, and trek through the Modi Khola valley into the sanctuary over several days.
Notes. Optimal season runs from January to March. High avalanche danger, severe weather changes, and extreme altitude necessitate robust mountain experience.
Dolpa Region
Karnali Province
Sergey Pashko / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
An extremely remote and high-altitude backcountry destination in western Nepal offering challenging ski mountaineering expeditions. Surrounded by rugged Himalayan peaks and arid plateaus, it caters strictly to experienced ski tourers seeking untouched powder far off the grid.
Access. Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then take a small aircraft to Juphal airstrip, followed by multi-day expedition trekking into the high passes.
Notes. Best from February to April. High avalanche risk, extreme isolation, and high altitude require self-sufficiency and professional mountain guides.
Everest Khumbu Region
Koshi Province
Thomas Fuhrmann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
High-altitude ski mountaineering in the shadow of the world's highest peaks, offering elite backcountry tourers breathtaking descents near Tengboche and Kala Patthar. The terrain combines massive glacial valleys with steep Himalayan ridges.
Access. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek up the Khumbu valley for several days to reach high-altitude base areas.
Notes. Best window is March to May or late autumn. Extreme altitude sickness risks and severe remote conditions demand expert mountain guides.
Langtang Valley
Bagamati Province
NASA Earth Observatory / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Easier to access than Nepal's western ranges, the Langtang Valley features sweeping alpine bowls and ridges ideal for backcountry ski touring. Skiers can base out of traditional mountain lodges while exploring high-altitude powder slopes beneath Langtang Lirung.
Access. Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, then undertake a multi-day trek up the Langtang valley to Kyanjin Gompa.
Notes. Best conditions found between January and March. High altitude up to 4,000+ meters requires proper acclimatization and avalanche awareness.