Why is trekking in Nepal during monsoon less popular?
One of the biggest hurdles that the monsoon season brings with it is frequent rainfalls. The weather is unpredictable and the trails are muddy and slippery due to constant rain.
Trekking on unstable trails makes even a beginner-friendly route challenging. Likewise, the risks of landslides are higher in the hills in the rainy season and the trails are swarmed with leeches. Due to erratic weather, we cannot guarantee clear mountain views. If it is not the peak monsoon period, the morning hours are on the stable side. However, rain starts to fall as the afternoon kicks in.
Unstable weather also disrupts domestic flights and landslides often block the major highways. Lukla and Jomsom's flights are often delayed and canceled. So, it can get quite frustrating if you do not understand and expect the monsoon weather conditions.These are a few top drawbacks of monsoon trekking in the Himalayas. On a good note, we have solutions for all the challenges, and do not forget there are also many benefits of trekking in monsoon as well.
You will read about them below, but before that, we want to share what travelers are missing by avoiding trekking during the monsoon season in Nepal.
Challenges of trekking in Nepal during monsoon season & how to overcome them
Monsoon weather presents unique challenges that require unique solutions. Trekking in monsoon season is not impossible if you are aware of its challenges and know how to overcome them.
Below, we have made a list of all the potential challenges you may face during monsoon trekking with solutions:
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Heavy rainfall and slippery trails
Heavy rainfall and slipper trails are something no one can control. Instead, you have to learn to work around it. For example, trekking poles, sturdy trekking boots with gaiters, and other waterproof gear will make the journey very easy.
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Landslides, flooded trails, and broken bridges
These are some common monsoon trekking problems. During the monsoon season, the hilly region of Nepal is at high risk. Additionally, landslides block many hillside roads and trekking routes. Therefore, you must trek with a reliable trekking company like us. We are well-connected with the locals and get regular updates about the trails. Likewise, we provide an experienced guide who knows the trails in the monsoon.
Heavy rainfall sometimes also swipes the trails. Again a knowledgeable guide can help you navigate the unmarked route. Similarly, heavy current in rivers and streams sometimes also wipes bridges away. In that scenario, we have to find an alternative route right away and only expert guides can do that. So, the solution for landslides, flooded trails, and broken bridges is a reliable trekking company and mountain guide.
Leeches and insects are inevitable during monsoon season. The trail below 3,000 meters is mostly affected by them. The only way to deal with leeches and insects is by wearing anti-leech socks and gaiters. Likewise, use salt or insect repellent on shoes and ankles to prevent leech bites. And most importantly prepare your mind for the insects.
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Flight delays and road blockages
Domestic flight delays and road blockages are common during monsoon season in Nepal. Mostly the roads in the hilly regions are affected because of landslides.
The only solution to deal with this inconvenience is to have a flexible itinerary. Budget 2 to 3 days of additional accommodation and meals expenses. You can also consider alternative transportation.
The best mountain views are possible when the weather is clear. However, dense clouds during summer/monsoon season often block the views.
Be mentally prepared for obscured views. You will be less disappointed. Enjoy cloudy/foggy scenery. Embrace hazy, magical views.
Due to a low number of trekkers, teahouses in remote locations or areas highly affected by rainfall get closed. By trekking with us, you do not have to worry about accommodation. We will pre-book accommodations.
There is a high risk of stomachaches and diarrhea during the monsoon season. You have to be extra careful with the food and water that you consume while trekking.
Make sure the water is boiled and filtered with a water purification tablet before drinking it. Avoid raw salads and meats. Carry ORS or electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated.
What travelers are missing by avoiding monsoon trekking in Nepal
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The teeming greenery and vibrant landscapes
The foothills of the Himalayas are more lush than the upper part of the region. During the monsoon season, the greenery is at its peak.
Waterfalls are roaring, streams and rivers are gushing with water, terraces glow with vibrant shades of green, and forests thrive.
You can discover numerous plants and flowers thriving. June to August is the best time of the year to explore the biodiversity of the Himalayas.
Trekkers who love empty trails should experience trekking during monsoon season. The lodges are quieter and the locals have a lot of time to spend with you.
The trails will be all to you and these things are just a dream during spring and autumn seasons.
With the beginning of the monsoon different jatras in Kathmandu. Though other parts of Nepal do not see that festivity, Kathmandu tells a different story.
Rato Machindranath Jatra and Gai Jatra set the tone for the upcoming festival season. Likewise, Shivaratri and Rakshyabandhan add more spirituality into the air.
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Low accommodation, meals, and permit costs
Unlike the peak trekking season, the cost of accommodation, meals, and permits are low during monsoon. You will literally save a lot of money.
Monsoon makes even simple trails adventurous. Imagine navigating slippery trails, embracing hot and humid climates, magical rainy scenery, the soothing sounds of nature, and the unforgettable stories of the locals. You will enjoy every moment of the journey, which is kind of missing during peak trekking seasons due to all the bustle.
You will either hate trekking in the monsoon season in Nepal or fall in love. There is no in-between. But one thing is sure, it will be an unforgettable trip that will stay in your heart forever!
Top monsoon treks in Nepal
We all know Nepal is home to some of the best treks in the world and most of these treks are believed to be suited for spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). However, you can do many of those famous treks during monsoon season as well. The challenges will be definitely more but the experience will also be unique and once in a lifetime.
Below, we have hand-picked the top monsoon treks in Nepal:
Upper Mustang Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 14 days
Trip grade: Moderate/difficult
Maximum altitude: 4,230 m/13,878 ft (Marang La Pass)
Highest sleeping altitude: 3,840 m/12,598 ft (Lo Manthang)
Ideal for: Beginner/experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Transportation: Roadway
You can combine Kathmandu - Pokhara flights and Pokhara - Jomsom flights in your itinerary.
- The Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan area, which means rain doesn't fall here. The region is under the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Because the Upper Mustang does not receive rainfall, it looks like a desert.
- Historically, the Upper Mustang trek has always been one of the top treks in Nepal. This trek is considered a mystical journey into the last forbidden kingdom in Nepal.
- The Upper Mustang trek route offers vast meadow scenery, unique huge rocks, wheat and barley fields, deep canyons, and white-washed mud houses. Likewise, you will also explore the infamous sky caves and centuries-old monasteries.
- Arid landscapes and mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri are seen on the Upper Mustang trek.
- Towards the end of the trek, you will explore a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus in Nepal, Muktinath Temple. Likewise, you will pass by the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Some notable landmarks on the Upper Mustang trek route are Ghar Gumba, Luri Gomba, Thubchen Gompa, Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa, Chhoser Caves, etc.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 25 days
Trip grade: Strenuous
Maximum altitude: 5,306 m/17,408 ft (Kang La Pass)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,400 m/14,436 ft (Namduna Gaon)
Ideal for: Experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse and camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
Transportation: Two domestic flights each way (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Jhupal & vice-versa)
- Upper Dolpo is another rain shadow area in Nepal. You do not have to worry about rain in this part of the Himalayas as well.
- Unlike most of the trekking regions in Nepal, Upper Dolpo is untouched, extremely remote, and less visited by tourists. It is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners and requires an expensive special permit.
- Though teahouses are available in a handful of villages along the trail, camping is still required. You have to be self-sufficient on this trek, which makes it quite expensive.
- The Upper Dolpo trek will take you far away from conventional trekking routes. You will trek within the Shey Phoksundo National Park and cross multiple mountain passes, such as Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng La.
- Some major highlights of the Upper Dolpo treks are Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, yak caravans, snow leopards, BonPo heritage, and Nangkhong and Tarap valleys.
- You will witness incredible landscapes and mountains like Dhaulagiri, Mt. Crystal, and Annapurna ranges during the Upper Dolpo trekking.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 17 days
Trip grade: Challenging
Maximum altitude: 5,306 m/17,408 ft (Kang La Pass)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,110 m/13,484 ft (Nar village)
Ideal for: Experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Transportation: Roadway
Take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Combine the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit.
- The Nar Phu Valley trek is another one of the best monsoon treks in Nepal. It is tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. Nar Phu Valley is the rainshadow area in Nepal, so trekkers do not have to worry about rainfall and muddy trails.
- Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners, so a special permit is required. It is a remote trekking area with offbeat terrain. Though located between two famous trekking regions, the Nar Phu Valley offers an authentic voyage in the Himalayas, untouched by the crowd.
- During the Nar Phu Valley trek, you will explore diverse flora and fauna in the starting part of the trail. As you ascend, you will see Tibetan Buddhist heritage, mud houses, dramatic gorges, and deep canyons.
- The trek offers stunning views of mountains like Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, Fishtail, Annapurna II, Manaslu, etc. Likewise, the landscapes are also mesmerizing on this trek.
- See the unique life of the locals, untouched by modernization. Nar Phu Valley trek is a very adventurous trekking program in Nepal.
Humla Limi Valley Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 20 days
Trip grade: Strenuous
Maximum altitude: 4,940 m/16,207 ft (Nyalu La)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,370 m/14,337 ft (Talung)
Ideal for: Experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse and camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
Transportation: Two domestic flights on each side (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Simikot and vice-versa)
- You may not have heard about the Humla Limi Valley trek and its common. Limi Valley is one of the best-kept secrets of Nepal. Again it is a beautiful rain shadow area situated far away in the northernmost part of the Humla district in Nepal.
- In the north, Limi Valley borders Tibet. Therefore, it is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners. The locals in Limi Valley have evolved in their own way because this region remains untouched by the rest of Nepal.
- You will explore the Humla Karnali Gorge, Mota Gompa, Ya Yip Phuk (sacred meditation cave), and ancient monasteries.
- The Limi Valley trek offers arid landscapes and views of mountains like Saipal, Rishi Himal, Api Himal, Byas, etc. Likewise, you will also see Mt. Kailash on this trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 10 days
Trip grade: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 3,210 m/10,531 ft (Poon Hill)
Highest sleeping altitude: 2,874 m/9,429 ft (Ghorepani village)
Ideal for: Beginner trekker
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Transportation: Roadway
Upgrade to short domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the most famous trekking programs in Nepal. It is a beginner-friendly trek in the Annapurna region. The trek is short and can be completed in just 10 days of vacation.
- The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route mainly explores the lower parts of the Annapurna region, which receives heavy rainfall. The trails are unfortunately muddy and slippery. But with proper preparation and support, you will thoroughly enjoy this trek in monsoon.
- The trail ascends and descends through rhododendron forests in the Annapurna region and passes by beautiful Nepali villages like Birethanti, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, etc.
- On this trek, you will see stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, etc. The sunrise and mountain panorama from Poon Hill viewpoint is the main highlight of this trek.
- Experience the authentic traditional Nepali mountain lifestyle. Comfortable accommodation and fantastic service. Escape the crowd during the monsoon and enjoy a peaceful trek.
Helambu Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 8 days
Trip grade: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 3,690 m/12,106 ft (Thadepati Bhanjyang)
Highest sleeping altitude: 2,590 m/8,497 ft (Sermathang)
Ideal for: Beginner trekkers
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation: Roadway
- Helambu trek is a short 8-day trip from Kathmandu. It is one of the excellent beginner-friendly treks in Nepal.
- The trekking route traverses inside the Shivapuri National Park. The monsoon rain makes the trail slippery and muddy, but the terrain is navigable.
- You will start the journey with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the starting point of the trek. From here, you will trek through Chisapani, Kutumsang, Melamchi Gaon, and Sermathang and end the trek in Melamchi Pul Bazar.
- The Helambu trek offers beautiful scenery, an excellent break from the chaos of Kathmandu, and stunning mountain vistas of Gaurishankar Himal, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, etc.
Everest View Trek
Price from
₹ 1,50,800
Travelers's Choice
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 8 days
Trip grade: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ft (Hotel Everest View)
Highest sleeping altitude: 3,440 m/11,286 ft (Namche Bazaar)
Ideal for: Beginner trekker
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation: Lukla flight
- You can do the Everest View trek in a luxury style.
- Combine a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar if you want to give a grand end to your trip.
- Some trekkers prefer to extend the Everest View trek to Tengboche village.
- Plan 1-2 contingency days and budget at least 2 days of accommodation and meal expenses in case your Lukla flight gets canceled due to poor weather.
- Everest View trek is a short and easy trek in the Everest region. It follows the EBC trek route but ends at Namche Bazaar or Tengboche Village. Basically, the Everest View trek is a short trip designed for travelers who are on short vacation or can't trek at high altitudes.
- Enjoy the famous Lukla flights and spend nights in villages like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. Experience Sherpa's lifestyles and culture.
- Witness mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, etc.
- Monsoon is one of the best times of the year to explore the peaceful side of Everest, which is unknown to most trekkers.
Langtang Valley Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 12 days
Trip grade: Moderate/difficult
Maximum altitude: 5,033 m/16,512 ft (Tserko Ri)
Highest sleeping altitude: 3,830 m/12,565 ft (Kyanjin Gompa)
Ideal for: Beginner/experienced trekker
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation: Roadway
- You can combine the Langtang Valley trek with the Helambu excursion.
- Combine a hike to Gosaikunda Lake in your itinerary.
- The Langtang Valley trek is one of the popular treks near Kathmandu. This trek takes you to Kyanjin Gompa via Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel, and Langtang Village.
- The highest point on this trek is Tserko Ri. It is a viewpoint from where you will see a breathtaking panorama of mountains, like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Yala Peak, Dorje Lhakpa, etc.
- The Langtang Valley trek route goes through Langtang National Park. In the monsoon season, the trails are ruined by heavy rainfall. However, adventurous lovers will enjoy the journey a lot.
- Monsoon is a great time to discover the lush flora and fauna of Langtang National Park. The hospitality of the locals and the gorgeous landscapes make the trek very rewarding.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 15 days
Trip grade: Moderate/difficult
Maximum altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp)
Ideal for: Beginner/experienced trekker
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Transportation: Roadway
You can upgrade to short domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the famous names in the trekking community. It is an incredibly adventurous and scenic trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
- On the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will hike to the base camp of the tenth tallest mountain on Earth, Mt. Annapurna. Most of the trekking route goes through lush forests. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon affects the trail, but it is not impossible to trek.
- Be well prepared and trek with a reliable trekking company. The mountain views can be unclear on some days, but you will have many opportunities to witness stunning vistas.
- The best thing about the Annapurna Base Camp trek in monsoon is the peaceful trails and the rainy landscapes.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Price from
₹ 1,50,800
Travelers's Choice
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 14 days
Trip grade: Moderate/difficult
Maximum altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft (Kala Patthar)
Highest sleeping altitude: 5,164 m/16,942 ft (Gorak Shep)
Ideal for: Beginner/experienced trekker
Accommodation: Lodge to Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation: Domestic flights (Lukla flights)
Combine helicopter flights in your itinerary to shorten the trip.
Be mentally prepared to descend from Lukla to Phaplu and drive back to Kathmandu in case Lukla flights are not in operation due to poor weather.
We all know Everest Base Camp is the most famous trek in Nepal. Spring, autumn, and winter are the most preferred trekking periods for EBC trek rather than monsoon. However, if you properly plan your trip & include 1-2 contingency days in your itinerary, you can do the EBC trek in the monsoon as well.
Once you go above Dingboche, there is little to no rainfall. The trails are mostly muddy and slippery till Dingboche, and after that, you will walk on sturdy, dry trails.
The Everest Base Camp trails ascend and descend through rhododendron and pine forests and beautiful Sherpa villages. Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are the two main destinations you reach on this trek.
The breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, Sherpa community, and never-ending adventures make the Everest Base Camp trek a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 19 days
Trip grade: Strenuous
Maximum altitude: 5,416 m/17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,450 m/14,600 ft (Thorong Phedi)
Ideal for: Experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Transportation: Roadway
Shorten the itinerary by ending the trek in Jomsom and flying back to Pokhara via Jomsom.
Upgrade to Pokhara - Kathmandu domestic flight.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. After EBC, we believe Annapurna Circuit is the second most famous trek. It is also an incredible trek but mostly done during the spring and autumn seasons.
Some trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit trek in monsoon too. You will experience heavy rainfall in the initial few days of the trek. Once the trail ascends beyond Yak Kharka, the rainfall decreases.
With additional precautions and preparations, you can enjoy Annapurna Circuit trekking during the monsoon season, too. Peaceful trails, teeming greenery, and foggy landscapes make trekking in the rainy season incredible.
Trek through lush forests and picturesque villages and cross Thorong La Pass. Descend to Muktinath Temple and pass by the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge. Enjoy natural hot springs in Tatopani and stunning sunrise from Poon Hill before ending the trek.
Badimalika Trek (A Magical Monsoon Trek)
Price: USD XXXX
Duration: 12 days
Trip grade: Difficult
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m/13,779 ft (Badimalika Temple)
Highest sleeping altitude: 4,200 m/13,779 ft (Badimalika Temple)
Ideal for: Beginner/experienced trekker
Accommodation: Teahouse and camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek & breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation: Roadway
- The Badimalika trek is an unheard name, and only true adventurers know about it. Situated in the Bajura district of Nepal, the Badimalika trek takes you on an exciting journey in far-western Nepal.
- Badimalika trek is famous as a magical monsoon trek. The hills are covered with beautiful flowers and lush greenery, which makes the scenery out of this world.
- You will experience rain, muddy trails, and bugs, but guess what, the view will make up for all the trouble. Monsoon is the best time of the year to witness the spectacular beauty of Badimalika.
- On this trek, you will see various waterfalls and meet with Nepali communities such as Thakuri, Rokaya, and Bohora.
- Witness stunning views of the Api and Saipal mountains.
Is monsoon trekking for you?
Trekking in Nepal during monsoon season is only for those who are nature lovers, photographers, seeking solitude, and have a flexible itinerary.
Trekkers have to be ready to accept changing weather and be okay with not-so-perfect landscapes and mountain vistas.
However, if stable weather, mild climate, dry trails, and clear views are your priority, monsoon may not be the best time of the year for you to trek in Nepal.
Essential tips for trekking in Nepal during monsoon season
Below, we have made a list of tips that will make your monsoon adventure in Nepal safe and fantastic. These tips are based on our first-hand rainy trekking experience and will help you a lot.
- A waterproof backpack cover and mobile and camera cover are a must. It will protect your stuff from downpours.
- Do not wear cotton clothes during monsoon trekking. Instead of that, bring quick-dry clothes.
- Rain pants and rain jackets are much more practical than umbrellas in the mountains.
- Sturdy trekking boots, anti-leeches socks, and gaiters are a must.
- Insect repellent will be very helpful.
- Carry salt to prevent leech bites.
- Carry a dry sack or ziplock to put cash, documents, and used clothes.
- Trekking poles are a must during monsoon trekking.
- Pack indigestion medicine, stomach medicine, and cold medicine in your first aid.
- Pack extra socks, undergarments, and base layer clothes.
- Use water purification tablets. Stay hydrated.
- Pack electrolytes, snacks, and all the essentials you may need during the trek.
- Budget a few extra days of accommodation and meal expenses in case you have to stay longer than your itinerary.
- Watch out for landslides and stick to your guide's instructions. Avoid shortcuts.
- During the rainy weather, daylight hours are short. Likewise, there is a higher chance of rainfall in the afternoon than in the morning. So, start trekking early.
- You will get cold in the evening and mornings, so pack warm clothes.
- Avoid raw salads during trekking. Similarly, only eat meat after asking about its freshness. Ask your guide to help you with it.
Conclusion: be mentally prepared to embrace rainy scenery and the inconvenience of monsoon season!
Trekking in Nepal during monsoon season definitely requires a daring heart, adventure hunger, love for nature, and mental readiness.
The challenges will be there but you will also get to see the unique side of the Himalayas and enjoy raw nature.
Pack well, follow our guidelines, and trek with us. Are you ready to take a leap, and embark on a trekking adventure in Nepal in the rainy season?
Remember the most incredible stories come from unexpected trips. You are not late to enjoy a monsoon trek in Nepal.
Contact us and plan your team. Our professional team will custom-create the itinerary to suit your fitness and requirements.
