Nepal in March

Overview

March flips Nepal's switch from winter to spring. Days warm quickly — Kathmandu afternoons reach the mid-20s — the winter snowline retreats, and the country's famous rhododendron forests begin to bloom, starting on the lower trails around 1,500–2,500 m and climbing through the season. The main spring trekking season opens: teahouses above 4,000 m reopen through the month and the classic routes see their first waves of the year.

Early March often keeps winter's crystal visibility, making it a sweet spot: spring warmth with near-winter clarity, before the pre-monsoon haze builds in the lowlands later in spring. Add Holi — Nepal's exuberant festival of colours — and March makes a strong claim as the year's most underrated month. For the season-wide picture, see the full spring guide.

March Weather & Temperatures

Rain remains scarce, though brief spring showers begin late in the month. Early-season high passes can still hold snow — carry microspikes for a March Thorong La crossing.

Where to Go in March

• Rhododendron treks — Poon Hill and Mohare Danda walk straight through the blooming forest belt; the Ghorepani ridgelines are at their most photogenic now.
• The classics reopen — Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp begin their spring season; March trails are quieter than April's.
• Chitwan — last fully comfortable safari month before the real heat; wildlife concentrates at water as the dry season deepens.
• Kathmandu & Bhaktapur for Holi — the Durbar Squares turn into good-natured colour battles; Terai towns celebrate a day later.
• Pokhara — warm lakeside days, paragliding season in full swing and dependable Sarangkot sunrises early in the month.

Festivals & Events in March

Holi (Fagu Purnima) usually falls in early-to-mid March — hill Nepal (including Kathmandu) celebrates one day, the Terai the next. Expect water balloons, clouds of coloured powder and street parties; wear clothes you can sacrifice and keep your phone in a zip bag. It is friendly, chaotic and great fun.

In years when the lunar calendar runs late, Maha Shivaratri can fall in the first days of March, filling Pashupatinath with pilgrims and sadhus — check the year's dates in our festival calendar.

Packing & Practical Tips

• Layers still rule: t-shirt afternoons, fleece evenings, and proper warm gear if you are heading above 3,500 m.
• Book ahead from mid-March — the spring trekking wave builds through the month; early March still feels like the quiet shoulder.
• Carry microspikes for early-season high passes and shaded northern slopes.
• For Holi: old clothes, waterproof phone pouch, and buy your colour powder from established shops.
• Photographers: early March mornings offer spring's best visibility — later in the season, haze builds over the lowlands.