Imagine you are on a serene trek with your family or friends, and all you can see around yourself is the calming darkness filled with celestial views. Sounds like a scene straight out of a movie, right? Well, you can live that scene and create memories that last forever. All you need to do to experience this magic is to go on a nighttime trek to Nepal.
During night trekking, you can avoid exposure to dust and pollution, enjoy cool temperatures, and watch the Milky Way galaxy. This is one of the reasons for the recovery of the tourism industry in Nepal. In 2024, this country saw an increase of 13.1% increase in international visitor arrivals, reaching 1,147,567. (Wikipedia: Nepal Tourism)
If you are also ready for this divine experience, this article is for you. Read on to discover the top 5 trekking trails in Nepal to see the Milky Way galaxy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS Various Milky Way trails can be observed during night trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp trek and circuit trek are considered two of the best nighttime trekking destinations in Nepal. Poon Hill trek is excellent for witnessing both, beautiful sunrises and stars. Kala Patthar Nagarkot night trek and Mardi Himal trek are exceptional choices for mountain lovers.Gosaikunda Trek holds spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Prepare well, pack the necessary items, and research well about the timings for a pleasant experience.
1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek attracts numerous trekkers every year, however, most of them are missing out on the experience of trekking at hours of dark.
The ABC hike is popular as one of the best nighttime outing destinations in the country Nepal.
The height of 4130 meters at ABC gives visitors ample chances to view the Annapurna range during the starry dusk.
Also, the trio of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli serves as a stunning background for Milky Way observations in the ABC region.
Spending a night in the ABC region is a spiritually enriching experience, so you should definitely try.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous treks of Nepal, and this region offers beautiful views of mountains and villages.
The minimal light in remote villages along the way and the clear sky offer excellent opportunities to observe the Milky Way.
You will get the chance to witness the beautiful scenery of the Milky Way, which is offered by the minimal light in remote villages along the way.
You can even trek through places such as Thorong La Pass (5416m), Manang, and Muktinath for a more memorable and spiritual experience.
As you climb through the circuit at night, you can feel the sense of isolation, peace, and connection to nature.
3. Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill Trek is a great mount route to witness one of the most glorious sunrises as well as the stars at night.
In fact, this area is one of the top destinations for observing the stars with minimal light disturbances.
You can mount as high as 3210 meters in this region and relaxingly set your base camp in the evening.
You will also be able to see the Milky Way all night, and the cherry on top is that the early sunrise above the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range will be a bonus.
4. Nagarkot Night Trek
Less than an hour’s drive from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a clean and stunning city.
You can climb the view tower during the day to see the entire Himalayan range, whilst at night, you can view the stunning illuminated stars.
Nagarkot is certainly an ideal destination for dark hours trekking without diving too far into the wilderness.
The altitude of 2,195 meters of Nagarkot offers an unobstructed view of the sky at night, especially the Milky Way.
5. Kala Patthar (Everest Region)
Covered as part of the Everest Base Camp trek, Kala Patthar is situated at an altitude of 5,545 meters.
Though the majority of trekkers go to this region to watch the early sunrise, I strongly recommend that you try climbing at night; it is an equally amazing view.
You can see the Milky Way appear at this location, however, the weather can affect the clear sky, and your dark hours trek goals can be unattained.
6. Gosaikunda Trek
Standing at 4,380 meters, the Gosaikunda Trek is a perfect blend of spiritual and natural wonder, which is located in the Langtang National Park.
It is one of the significant religious destinations for Hindus as well as for people who follow Buddhism.
You can enjoy a sensational view of the Milky Way in clear lighting conditions if you trek at night.
You will certainly love the magical view, i.e., a reflection of the starry sky on the Gosaikunda lake.
7. Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is an off-the-beaten-path hiking route with enchanting views of the mountains.
The mountain reaches its highest point at 4,500 meters, which makes it another great outing option for nighttime.
Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice for trekkers who dream about peaceful camping beneath the illuminated night sky.
You can camp overnight in this area and observe the Milky Way stretch across the sky with the perfect mountain range backdrop.
Do You Know? Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848 meters), the tallest mountain on Earth.
How to Capture the Milky Way in your night trek in Nepal?
First and foremost, you should start trekking during the new moon, as these are the best nights for viewing the Milky Way.
You must stay alert between 10 PM and 4 AM, as this is the time when the Milky Way is most visible.
Upon reaching your campsite, you can take out your DSLR or a mirrorless camera that allows manual adjustments, such as a Canon, Nikon, or Sony.
A smartphone with Astrophotography Mode and a wide-angle lens, including a 14 mm- 24 mm, along with a fast aperture of f/2.8 or lower, can capture a wide night sky.
For a steady shot, a tripod may be placed on the ground, a remote shutter release, or the self-timer can be set to eliminate camera shake.
The pie chart below represents the tourist arrivals in Nepal.
Tips for Night Trekking in Nepal
Now, let’s go through some of the tips you can follow when trekking at night in Nepal.
Make sure to wear warm clothes in multiple layers because the temperature becomes extremely cold at night.
Get yourself a high-quality camera, tripod, and binoculars to enjoy the night view to the fullest.
Always carry a good flashlight with spare batteries to ensure personal safety.
The first thing to keep in mind is to take a well-informed guide to ensure safety at all times.
You must make sure to take regular rests and breaks in order to remain energized for the duration.
You should prefer trekking during autumn from September to November or during the spring months from March to May, as you can see clear skies.
Pick a trek route like Nagarkot and Poon Hill if you are beginner, so those who are new to trekking can go there since they are lower in altitude.
The guidance offered here is intended to assist you in easily tackling even the most complex routes and treks.
Final Thoughts
The most prominent adventure to try in Nepal is daytime trekking and which most people indulge in.
If you are someone who enjoys calm weather, mildly chill temperatures, views of stars in the sky, and the quiet calm, then a night outing is a great alternative for you.
That time in that area gives you an exclusive opportunity to see the Himalayas and a star-studded twilight sky with the Milky Way on it.
Such tours in the Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Nagarkot, Kala Patthar, Gosaikunda, Annapurna Base Camp, and Annapurna Circuit offer magnificent views of the Milky Way.
Need help in planning a dark hours trek in Nepal? Mission Himalaya Treks is here for you with professional trek guides who can make your outing in Nepal most fruitful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see the Milky Way in Nepal?
The Milky Way galaxy can be observed from various destinations in Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp, Gosaikunda, Mardi Himal, and Kala Patthar.
Which is the most famous trail in Nepal?
The Annapurna Panorama trek is the most famous trail in Nepal.
Can you see Aurora (Northern Lights) on Nepal nighttime trek?
No, you can not see the northern lights, aka Aurora Borealis, on the Nepal nighttime trek.
In which direction can we see the Milky Way?
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, look to the south. However, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, look straight above your head.
