Monsoon Trekking in Nepal is it Summer in Nepal starting in May and ending in August. Summer is marked by rainfall and monsoon trekking in Nepal is not considered an ideal time for trekking. Hot and humid weather also add to this. Days can be full of fog, clouds and rain making the trekking routes wet & slippery.
The evenings and nighttime usually brings in heavy rainfall, revealing stunning views of mountains the next morning. Lush and greener vegetation during the season makes the trek more enjoyable. Also, the trekking routes are less crowded giving you a peaceful journey.
The temperature can vary according to the altitude. The lower altitude has higher temperatures and the hottest days are recorded during the season. The temperature can get an average of 29°C high and low at 20°C during this time. It may feel rather too hot and uncomfortable trekking during the summer season. So, make sure to drink plenty of water.
Best Summer Treks in Nepal
There are trekking regions that can be blissful and enjoyable to trek during summer. Most of these regions are rain shadows. It means these regions get lower rainfall than other regions. These mountainous regions block the monsoon weather patterns which makes the trekking conditions suitable.
Below is the list of some of the best summer treks in Nepal:
The vast range of the Tibetan plateau sums up the trek. Upper Mustang Trek leads you to one of the forbidden kingdoms i.e. Lo Manthang. The landscapes of the region are unique and amazing. The trek lets you engage with the typical tribes of the Mustang region. You get close encounters with the livelihood and culture of the people.
Tsum Valley is in Gorkha. The speciality of the trek is the complete wilderness and peaceful journey. Tsum Valley Trek invites less number of trekkers, unlike the mainstream treks. The meaning behind Tsum is ‘The Valley of Happiness’. The remoteness and the hidden corners of the mountains can be explored in this trek. Larke La Pass5,215 m is the highest point of this trek which boasts unique and stunning landscapes.
Lower Dolpo Trek includes exploring one of the most beautiful lakes of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo. The wanderers and travellers have an opportunity to explore the exciting parts of the Far North Western Himalayas of Nepal. The views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m), will keep your spirit going through the rugged paths of the terrain. This trek is equally challenging and rewarding, as it leads to scenic Dho Tarap Valley. It is one of the most beautiful treks you could head for in Nepal.
Rara, the biggest lake in Nepal is the main highlight of this trek. The journey through Daphne Lagna and Ghurchi Lagna is filled with natural sceneries. Trekking to the Far Western region of Nepal with Rara Lake Trek includes the great mountains Api, and Shaipal and exploring a less-seen cultural aspect of Nepal. The less travelled trek is a peaceful trek and spiritually awakened by nature’s wilderness.
This trek is great for monsoon trekking as it is surrounded by three mountains. The journey to the remote & old surroundings, and indigenous villages all add up to the highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The well-preserved ancient cultures and traditions can help you know the deeper meaning of the Nepalese lifestyle. Breathtaking mountain views are a common sighting on the trek.
Festivals Monsoon Trekking in Nepal
Nepal is rich in culture and traditions. People of different communities, ethnic groups and religions celebrate different forms of rituals and festivals. Monsoon Trekking in Nepal also offers you an opportunity to have first-hand experience of the special festivals of Nepal.
Nag Panchami
The festival is celebrated in the month of July. It is a festival of the Hindus in which a serpent deity is worshipped. People celebrate this ritual for the well-being of their families and close ones. Milk is offered to Cobras as the hope to impress the deity.
Janai Purnima
It is a Hindu festival where families and relatives gather and organize feasts. Brahmins get a dip in the water and change their sacred thread (Janai). A special dish called water which is made of sprouted beans is served. Also, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated on this day in which sisters tie a decorated thread, Rakhi on their brother’s hand.
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is celebrated for showing respect to deceased loved ones. The festival is a reminder that death is a part of life and one should cherish it. Locals of Kathmandu, Patan, Kirtipur, and Bhaktapur organize and celebrate this festival with full joy. A special parade is organized where dances and traditional music are performed. Comedy shows are performed across the country.
Indra Jatra
One of the popular festivals of Kathmandu valley, Indra Jatra is celebrated with respect to the deity of heaven, Indra. The festival is celebrated for eight days and includes various rites and rituals with masked dancing performances. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the main venue where thousands of people gather to witness the amazing festival.
Krishna Ashtami
The Krishna Ashtami is celebrated as the day Krishna was born into the world. Hindu devotees stand in line for offerings around Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Square. The festival is celebrated for the victory of good deeds over bad. It reminds us that karma always plays a big role in your life so one must be aware of that.
Average Temperatures in Summer months
Kathmandu
Pokhara
Lukla
Namche Bazar
Jomsom
Ghandruk
Everest Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
June
29
20
30.6
20.9
14.7
1.6
15.5
6
17
4
25
15
16
-1
22
0
July
28
20
29.8
20
14.4
3.9
15.7
7.7
17
6
25
14
15
2
18
6
August
29
20
31
19
13.4
3.5
16
7.4
16
6
25
13
16
2
19
7
The average highest and lowest temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
Monsoon Trekking in Nepal – FAQ
Is July a good time to visit Nepal for trekking?
July is the time when monsoon clouds always hover around the trekking regions of Nepal. There is usually a higher chance of rain during the night time making the mornings have clear views of the mountains. The other great thing about the monsoon is that there will be less crowded trails making your trek more peaceful and enjoyable.
How difficult are the trekking routes in Nepal during summer?
The trekking routes may have different difficulties. Trekking routes such as Upper Mustang Trek, Tsum Valley Trek and Rara Lake Trek fall under the rain shadow which doesn’t get much affected during the monsoon season.
What are the recommended gears for monsoon trekking?
Some days you might have to trek the whole day while it rains. So, it is best to pack trekking poles, umbrellas, raincoats and shoes with good grips for the trek. The rain brings in more humidity, so it’s better to keep yourself dry with proper rain gear.
What is the weather like during monsoon trekking?
It can rain for 2-3 days continuously in the trekking regions. The weather is mostly foggy and cloudy and visibility might be poor in some areas. So, you should be extra careful along the muddy trails.
What is the accommodation during summer trekking in Nepal?
Since the summer or monsoon is the season that many trekkers avoid, it makes the accommodation and services more available as well as cheap. The rooms are always empty and you might be the only one in the teahouse during these times. The accommodation can also get cheaper.
Can I trek solo during the summer season?
Trekking solo is possible however, some trekking regions may require some technical assistance. Hiring a guide is highly recommended while trekking in Nepal in the summer. The guide will be at your service and help you with navigation.
Arguably, summer may not be the best season to trek but like every other season, it comes with benefits and challenges. You need to be extra careful while trekking and you have options for accommodation and services as there is not much trekking in summer. To be on the safe side, hiring a guide is highly recommended during the season.
