Weather and Climate

Nepal has five distinct climate zones based on altitude. The Terai lowlands are tropical and humid. The mid-hills where Kathmandu and Pokhara sit enjoy a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The high Himalayas are alpine and arctic. Temperatures drop roughly 6°C for every 1000m gain in altitude. Kathmandu averages 19°C annually. At Everest Base Camp (5364m) temperatures can drop to -20°C at night even in October. Always pack layers regardless of season.