Trekking in February

Round Annapurna or Everest base camp is best trekking for febuary.

I would suggest Annapurna Circuit or Gokyo, if it is your first trip in Nepal. February will be cold, especially above 3500m altiude, so good warm clothing, and a warm sleeping bag are necessary. A down jacket would be great. But February is not as cold as late December, when I will be around the Gokyo valley...

If you think you can hack a big trek then the Annapurna Circuit + Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna base Camp) would be good, as the variety of these treks is amazing. Plan about 25 days.

Please bear in mind that manny trekkers on their first trek can feel owerwhelmend and not finish the trek... So take it easy, no rush, plenty of rest and acclimatization days.

In February, I would suggest a lower elevation trek such as the Jomsom trek. In the Khumbu region, snow drifts and blowing snow are likely above Namche. If you decide to trek this area anyway, you should go with an experienced guide. The trail could be tough to follow, depending on the year and conditions.

I did AC in February - but it did DUMP about 3 metres of snow on us when we reached Manang and we were stuck there for about 5 days. When the weather is like that, you can only turn back or wait it out. Crossing the thorung la with that much snow was pretty much the physically hardest thing I have EVER done, but it was definitely worth it. If you feel like taking your chances (and you have a really warm sleeping bag - some nights were minus 25 C in our room!) then the winter is nice because there aren't too many trekkers, you have your choice of good lodges and you don't feel like you're in a trekking zoo. I believe at the same time, the EBC trek was being cancelled because there were no flights going to lukla.

If you do the AC, definitely check out the Tilicho Hotel in manang - nicest lodge I have ever stayed at, the food was gorgeous and the owners are wonderful! solar showers!