Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Jomsom Trek in Jan/Feb ?

Interest forums / Trekking & Mountaineering

I'm thinking of the Jomsom Trek in late January, early Feb. My LP guide says it's doable year round. It also say there's a point at 12 thousand feet elevation. And, the climatic guide says it's about the driest season there is for that area. So what's the deal ? Will I be able to make the trip or will it be snowed in ? Also, how cold is cold for that area ? I'm from upstate New York where we have some freakin' freezing weather, so I'm familiar with walking outside in the cold. I actually prefer it.
Anyone been there at that time of year ? What problems will I encounter ?

I did part of the jomson trek at the end of October. The trek is certainly doable year round, even if there is snow there are enough localvpeople/animals on the path to clear the way.

In October at night it got very very cold. The lodges along the route are very basic & are little more than wooden sheds. Though warm in the dining room area once in yr room its very cold many room doors open to the outside & are drafty. So make sure you take a very warm sleeping bag & thermal underwear. Don't rely on the equipment available on the ground in Pokhara/Kathmandu. The stuff we saw was very bad quality & we met quite a few people returning from their treks early due to poor equipment rented from the shops.

Its also worth taking a change of T-shirt in yr daypack, incase you get sweaty during the day. Keep yr chest/back dry & you'll have no problems with colds/flu etc

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Hey,

I just did the Jomsom trek 2 weeks ago. Day time is OK but nights are always cold (especially in Lower Mustang and Ghorepani). when I was in Ghorepani it's around 0C inside the room so make sure you bring a good sleeping bag. My sleeping bag rated at 4C plus the blankets from the lodges kept me warm at night.

Also a mask is highly recommended in Lower Mustang (Jomsom - Tukuche - Tatopani) since it's very very dry, dusty and windy.

I did not encounter any snow on the trail.

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I did it in December-January before. Not bad. We had a little snow one day, and clear skies the rest. The coldest night we had up to Mukinath was 11F (-12C), so its not that cold in winter.

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