The trekking seasons in Nepal are spring and autumn, which last from March to May and September to December respectively. Retrospectively, monsoon weather is not considered suitable for high altitude trekking in the mountains due to wet and slippery trekking trails, poor visibility and flight cancellations. However, it does not mean that monsoon trekking cannot be done in Nepal. In fact, there are some trekking adventures in Nepal that are not affected by the monsoons, which makes it perfect for trekking in the monsoons.
Monsoon trekking in Nepal is not very difficult. It can be done by people of all ages. People who have limited time in Nepal and can only visit during the monsoon months from June to August can opt for a monsoon trekking adventure. Most of the days in Nepal from June to August are cloudy with heavy rain and continuous summer rains. About 80% of the country’s annual rainfall falls between June and August. However, monsoon rainfall generally decreases from east to west. As such, there are some trekking adventures that are perfect for monsoons.
1. Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek is a unique opportunity for trekkers to trek in the remote mountains of western Nepal. It offers a chance to be in the presence of a large, secluded and magnificent lake. Rara Lake is 3,010m/9,875 feet high and is the highest lake in Nepal, which the Nepalese people proudly call the Queen of Lakes. The national park is considered one of the best in the world and is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, Himalayan gorals and other exotic animals. On a Rara Lake trek, you will not only be in the presence of snow-capped mountains, forests and the enchanting lake but also witness the rustic life of the locals who call this remote land their home. If you are looking for an isolated trek far removed from the tourist-filled mainstream trek routes of Nepal, then Rara Lake Trekking is for you. Situated at a high altitude, the cobalt blue lake is surrounded by juniper, pine and spruce forests. The panoramic mountain views from there are a major attraction for trekkers. In one sentence, the views can be described as, “a sparkling blue jewel set in a ring of snow-capped mountains”.
2. Jomsom Muktinath Trek
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a beautiful monsoon trekking adventure. Situated in the rain shadow of the Annapurna Himal, the Jomsom Muktinath is a perfect blend of cultural and Himalayan attributes. So, the trekking trail passes through the famous apple orchards of Jomsom, where the atmosphere of Buddhism is thick, as there are many monasteries, chortens and gem walls throughout the journey. A sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, the Muktinath Temple is one of the highlights of the trek. Pilgrims can take a bath from the 108 stone blocks surrounding the temple, which are believed to cleanse you of your sins and liberate the soul. Trekking duration is around 10 days, this is a moderate trek best for monsoon.
3. Phoksundo Lake Trek
She-Phoksundo Lake located in Dolpo is considered to be one of the most beautiful and exotic trekking spots in Nepal. Located in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, the landscape resembles that of the Tibetan Plateau, perfect for monsoon trekking. With a flight to Nepalgunj, the trek to Phoksundo Lake begins with a route that leads to several ethnic villages like Juphal and Dunai. Nepalgunj is only 8 km away from the India border in the lowland of the Western Terai. Juphal is often the starting point for trekking, with spectacular views of the Kanjirowa Mountain. Although Dolpo covers about 15% of Nepal, it is the least explored area of the place, which was last opened for trekking in 1989. Furthermore, the Dolpo region is protected by the She-Phoksundo National Park and trekking here offers an opportunity to explore the She-Phoksundo area. Also, meet and experience protected ecosystem and exotic wildlife in the area, such as the blue sheep and snow leopard. The duration of Phoksundo Lake trek is 11 to 12 days. This is a moderate trek best for monsoon.
4. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most famous cultural treks of Nepal, as well as a popular monsoon trekking adventure. Mustang lies north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges, with the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, towards its west. The Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges make Mustang a rain-shadow zone, perfect for monsoon trekking. Monsoon trekking in Upper Mustang is like experiencing one of the last frontiers of a Himalayan enclave that has changed very little for centuries. Its remoteness, the landscape, and sociocultural assets serve as a rich trekking resource. Owing to its rich religion and unique culture, fragile environment and restricted status until only a few years ago, the area has always been veiled by an aura of mystery. The Upper Mustang Trek starts with a flight to Pokhara from where the trekking trail takes you to Jomsom. You can also opt to fly to Jomsom as well, as this is an easier and a quicker option. From there, it is a beautiful and culturally rich adventure to places like Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. The duration of the trek lasts for about 15 to 17 days.
5. Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar-Phu Valley Trek is an off-the-beaten trekking adventure which is a good option for monsoon trekking in Nepal. Surrounded by the Himalayas on three sides and Mustang on the west, the Nar Phu valley ranges greatly in elevation, making trekking in the region quite fascinating. Nar Phu Valley trekking presents trekkers with a chance to encounter a beautiful and unique culture of remote Nepal, with the valley having its own dialect that differs from that of the people who follow Tibetan Buddhism and the Gurung. Nar Phu Valley trekking requires a special permit from Nepal Government. The trek begins from the traditional village of Jagat and the trekking trail continues to remote settlements like Meta, the village of Phu, the village of Nar and Nagawal among others. The Annapurna and the Kangaru Himalayan range towers over the Nar Phu Valley and makes trekking here quite pleasant, albeit strenuous. The trek also prominently features the chance to experience the Bön culture of Nepal. The duration of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is about 15 days. It is trekking to best for the monsoon.
6. Lower Dolpo Trek
One of the more challenging treks, the Lower Dolpo Trek takes trekkers to the western hills of Nepal where steep sloppy hills and rugged paths await. Some of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek include the Phoksundo Lake and the prominent Bon Po culture. With a flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj, the trek begins with the path going through the remote ethnic Bon settlements like Laina Odar and Nawarpani. The traverse through two high passes of the Numa La (5360m), the highest point of the trek, and the Baga La (5070m) makes the trek challenging. Both Passes present extraordinary views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the Tibetan ranges of the Kugung La and the Khyung La. Caravans of yaks and sheep can be seen heading down the pass in large herds. The turquoise Phoksundo Lake is also a highlight of the trekking journey. The duration of Lower Dolpo Trek is about 18 to 19 days.
There are some trekking adventures in Nepal that are not affected by monsoon, which makes it suitable for trekking during monsoon. Therefore, we invite you to trek during monsoon.
Before you start your day’s hike, you may feel a little overdressed, but after a few minutes of hiking, you’ll be drenched in sweat. So, don’t over-layer. Bear with the cold for a few minutes, and you’ll be fine. This our conclusion.