Season & Weather Guide
Best Time for Kalihani Pass Trek — Month-by-Month Guide
Seasonal Overview
The pass is sealed by deep snow for over half the year. The primary windows are pre-monsoon (June, expecting heavy snow) and post-monsoon (September to early October, expecting dry ice and clear skies).
Check which operators run Kalihani Pass Trek during peak season — view available batches and pricing
Peak Season
september, june
Off Season
january, february, march, april, may, july, august, november, december
September Ice
Key point
September melts the dangerous soft snow, revealing the hard 'blue ice' of the glacier. It is far safer to walk on visible ice with crampons than to guess where hidden crevasses lie under soft snow.
Month-by-Month Trail Guide
January
Conditions
Buried in dangerous avalanche zones.
Crowds
none
Closed.
February
Conditions
Buried.
Crowds
none
Closed.
March
Conditions
Buried.
Crowds
none
Closed.
April
Conditions
Deep, slushy, unstable snow.
Crowds
none
Closed.
May
Conditions
Opens for extreme alpine expeditions. Heavy snow trenching required.
Crowds
low
Expeditions only.
June
RecommendedConditions
Snow begins to consolidate. Classic glacier climbing window.
Crowds
medium
Great climbing.
July
Conditions
Monsoon renders the lower forests muddy and visibility drops.
Crowds
low
Deadly whiteouts.
August
Conditions
High monsoon. Rivers are dangerously swollen.
Crowds
none
Avoid.
September
RecommendedConditions
The ultimate window. Crevasses are visible, skies are sharp blue.
Crowds
medium
Peak perfect window.
October
RecommendedConditions
First two weeks are spectacular but rigidly cold.
Crowds
low
Brutally cold winds.
November
Conditions
Blizzard danger increases. Pass freezes.
Crowds
none
Closed.
December
Conditions
Closed.
Crowds
none
Closed.
Important Tips
Attempting this in August is a common mistake. Plunging into hidden crevasses disguised by fresh monsoon snow is a severe hazard.
Also on this trek
Timing makes or breaks a trek. Send this to your group before you decide.
Planning a 2026 trek?
Now that you know when to go, find the best local operators with availability for your preferred dates.
Check peak season packages