Trekking in Nepal During Monsoon Season

Not surprisingly, the monsoon months of June through August don’t exactly attract hordes of trekkers to Nepal. Most people predict high temperatures, heavy rains that rinse out bridges and turn roads and paths into ceaseless “slip-n-slides,”  frequent transportation delays, intangible mountain views, and leeches in large quantity. Some treks should be avoided in monsoon season, but for certain regions, it’s a great time to visit Nepal: the trails are less crowded, the villages are full of life, and the valleys are in bloom.
Some routes next to the Great Himalaya Trails lie in the rain shadow, a dry area on the leeward side of a mountainous area that blocks the passageway of rainy weather. While favorable forecasts in these parts are not 100% guaranteed, they will generally receive much less rain. Below, we’ve listed treks that are great choices if you’re heading to Nepal during the monsoon season, from shorter to longer durations.

Upper Dolpo Trek

This trek will take you to one of the most remote regions in Nepal. The Dolpo region possesses a mysterious appeal, and it has enchanted travelers for many years. An area that was previously off-limits and opened only recently, the Dolpo Trek provides the trekkers with an opportunity to explore the innate beauty unlike anything seen or heard elsewhere. Nature has blessed this detached land with surreal landscapes, ancient monasteries, and snow leopards. The followers of the Bon religion, followed by Buddhists and Hindus, mostly inhabit it. The terrain, culture, and traditions supported by the locals are very similar to the Tibetans’ way of life. The trail partly lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park, the most expansive national park in Nepal. It is the only national park in the Trans-Himalaya region. The beauty of this region is unparalleled by other trekking destinations. Being in the rain shadow region, Upper Dolpo doesn’t receive continuous rainfall. Trek here for the unique culture, landscape, scenery, and biodiversity.

Upper Mustang

A former forbidden kingdom, Mustang is defended by the two 8,000-meter mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and flanked by the Tibetan plateau. Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992, which makes it one of the world’s most preserved regions due to its extreme isolation from the outside world. Backpackers are not certified to trek here. The Buddhists, who previously followed the Bon religion, inhabit the upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert. In the monsoon season, you will witness the increased level of water in the rivers, which includes the holy and mighty Kali Gandaki River. This monsoon season is a great time of year to visit Upper Mustang when the valleys are in bloom.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best-known treks in Nepal, and you can say that it is the flag holder of all treks in Nepal. It’s comparatively easy to get to by road or air through Pokhara, the trails are well-marked, hospitable teahouses serving steam dal-dal-bhat and delicious apple pie line the well-trodden trails; and the views of the Annapurna mountain range are unbeatable. The upper section of the Annapurna circuit trek lies in the rain shadow, making this a great time of year to avoid the crowds. Consider doing a shortened Annapurna Circuit, from Bhulbhule to Jomsom. You could drive into Bhulbhule and then fly out of Jomsom (or take a bus or jeep to Pokhara). It’s also a great time to include the Tili Lakeside trip.

Limi Valley Trek