The best months are April to May and October to early November, when the weather is more stable and snow conditions are better. Winter is too cold and snowy for most teams.
Two main windows
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with pre-monsoon days a little warmer.
Spring
April and May give good snow conditions and warm days. Afternoon wind is strong in the valley.
Autumn
October and early November have the clearest skies.
Winter and monsoon
Not recommended. Winter brings deep snow and cold, and Jomsom flights are unreliable in summer.
Wind and weather
The Kali Gandaki valley is famous for strong afternoon winds. Mornings are calm, which is why climbs start early. In spring, winds are strong and the snow is soft. In autumn the air is dry and cold.
Planning tips
Allow reserve days and keep flights flexible. Jomsom flights run in the morning and can be cancelled when winds rise.
Why spring and autumn dominate
On the south side of the Himalaya, the monsoon from June to September brings cloud and heavy snow on the high slopes, although Jomsom itself is relatively dry. After the rains, October and November have stable, cold air. In April and May snow cover is deeper and temperatures are higher, which makes the glacier safer to cross early in the day but softer in the afternoon.
Planning the dates
Aim to be at base camp by the start of a good weather window. Many guides prefer the first half of May or the second half of October. Flights between Pokhara and Jomsom run only in the morning, and wind can cancel them, so keep a buffer day at both ends.
Choosing
October or May. See the difficulty guide.
Common questions
- Can I climb in May? Yes, with late snow possible on the approach.
- Is October crowded? No, the peak is quiet.
- What are the winds like? Strong in the afternoon, so start early.
Choosing the window
Spring and autumn give the best chance of stable weather. Winter is cold and snowy.
Stable spells
Spring and autumn offer the best chance of stable weather. Winter has very cold and snowy conditions.
