Some people love the monsoon rains, while some people dread it. But, only the most avid trekkers feel the real joy of trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season.
As the country still witnesses rainy season in August, the month marks the off-season period for trekking and other adventures. However, if you have the proper preparation, trekking in Nepal in August is a better way to explore the country.
So, what to expect in August?
Expect to see greener forests and landscapes. The rainfall clears all the dust, so once the sky is wiped out, you see fantastic views of the Himalayas. Also, from higher altitudes, you can overlook the clouds beneath you, creating mesmerizing vistas.
Also, you come to see very few trekkers and crowds along the trails. Trekking in August is quite a peaceful experience. Accommodation facilities are readily available and offer better service than in peak seasons.
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Highlights of Trekking in Nepal in August
- The trekking destinations remain peaceful and less crowded.
- Teahouse owners offer discounts and negotiations.
- The landscapes become richer and fuller with greenery everywhere.
- You see a wide variety of flowers blooming along the trails.
- The rainfalls clear the dust and smoke. You get to breathe the clean air.
- You get to experience festivals like Gai Jatra and Krishna Janmashtami.
- Rainfalls clear the sky, offering stunning views of the surrounding.
- You can see lush green paddy fields.
Trekking in Nepal in August- Weather Details
August faces rainfall due to the monsoon season. However, August marks the end of monsoon, and you see little rain during the end of this month.
As monsoon season prevails in the summer season, the days remain hot and humid. The precipitation levels also are not as high as the peak monsoon month of July.
Temperature Details
| Location | Maximum Temperature (°C) | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Elevation
(in meters) |
| Kathmandu | 28.8 | 17.9 | 1,400 |
| Pokhara | 30.2 | 22 | 900 |
| Lukla | 13.4 | 1.6 | 2,860 |
| Namche Bazaar | 13.7 | 6.6 | 3,440 |
Precipitation
The precipitation levels in August stands less than July but still high. The precipitation percent ranges from 50% to 65% throughout the month.
You can expect rainfall, gradually waning as the days go by in August.
Humidity
August faces an average of 90-94% of humidity throughout the country. The humidity level also keeps on decreasing every day.
Best Places for Trekking in Nepal in August
You have many options to choose for trekking here. Some places are best during August due to many factors. So, feel free to select a route that suits your desires.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Details of the trek
Trek Duration: 14-16 days
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters
Yes, trekking to Everest Base Camp is possible, even in August. Just before you begin, make sure you have all the appropriate clothes and the complete packing list to withstand the weather.
The classic Everest Base Camp Trek is one that every visitor dreams of completing. You begin this trek with a scenic yet thrilling flight to Lukla. From here, you ascend to various popular places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche village, and Kala Patthar.
You can expect a bit of rainfall in the lower altitudes, but there is quite a little chance of such downpour in higher elevations. Carry stuff in waterproof bags and make sure you walk safely. The trail gets a bit muddy and slippery. So, invest in functional, non-slippery trekking boots.
Once you reach the Everest Base Camp, you meditate some time to admire the place but the real deal at Kala Patthar. It is the highest point on the trek (5,643 meters). Expect to get the best views of the mountains from this place.
Highlights of the trek
- A scenic aerial flight to Lukla offering amazing views of the Himalayas
- Namche Bazaar; the beautiful market within the heart of the Khumbu region
- Visit the Tengboche Village and Tengboche Monastery
- Reach the starting point of Everest Summit– the Everest Base Camp
- Admire the vistas of peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu
- Step on Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5,643 meters
- Get views of Khumbu glacier and Khumbu icefall
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Details of the trek
Trek Duration: 12-15 days
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: Base Camp at 4,130 meters
Another classic trekking destination in Nepal, walking up to Annapurna Base Camp is also an excellent option for August.
Trekking to the base camp of Annapurna begins with a ride from Pokhara to Nayapul. From here, it’s a vertical climb with many stairs along the trail. The region is prone to leeches and mosquitoes in August. So, make sure you wear full sleeves and carry insect repellant.
Walking along the trail takes you to beautiful places like Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages. Also, you get a chance to visit the famous viewpoint– Poon Hill. And the path; it’s a delight in August. There is greenery everywhere with colorful flowers blooming all around.
The rainwater also increases the volume in the waterfalls and rivers. It makes them appear thicker, making them even more pristine.
Highlights of the trek
- Panoramic views of peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
- Gurung and Magar villages at Ghandruk and Ghorepani
- Sunrise views from Poon Hill
- Visit Jhinu Dada and rest in the natural hot springs
- Wide variety of flora and fauna
Langtang Valley Trek
Details of the trek
Trek Duration: 10-12 days
Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highest Elevation: Kyanjin Gompa at 3,860 meters
For August, trekking to the famous Langtang Valley is the right option. The trail is not very difficult, so the monsoon rains don’t affect your experience.
You get to see a lot along this trail. You walk through beautiful jungles full of rhododendron, pinewood, and bamboo. There are green pastures and meadows along the trail, leading to the Langtang Valley.
The area is home to many rare species like red pandas, bears, and monkeys. Also, you get to see wild bee honeycombs. Honey from these combs has hallucinating effects, which are popular all over Nepal.
The final destination is Kyanjin Gompa at the height of 3,860 meters from sea-level. As this trek is all about the natural beauty, the August rainfalls make the trail even more beautiful. The landscapes look lush and green. The path feels like walking through natural heaven.
Highlights of the trek
- Beautiful trail full of natural beauty
- Get a chance to visit the famous Langtang National Park
- Options for adding Tserko Ri trek and Gosaikunda Lake visit to the classic itinerary
- Views of peaks like Langtang range and Ganesh Himal
- Pastures, farmlands, monasteries, culture and many other highlights along the trail
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Details of the trek
Trek Duration: 17-19 days
Trek Difficulty: Difficult to strenuous
Highest Elevation: Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters
For the best experience of the rural and remote areas of Nepal, you must give Nar Phu Valley trek a shot! The valleys of Nar and Phu offer the raw and untouched experience of the remote lands of the country.
Also, the best part of this trek is,
Nar Phu Valley lies within a rain-shadow area. So, you won’t face any rainfall while visiting the valleys.
You get closer to feel the Tibetan-inspired lifestyle once you’re here. You see how the locals live and work and what cultures they follow. Overall, you’ll have a unique experience with the local people. Besides, you will embrace splendid views of high passes, canyons, and villages.
The trek is not an easy one. You need proper preparation, and especially during the August trek. Although the rainfall doesn’t occur in the valley, you can still face rainfall in the initial days of the trek. But, with proper apparel and footwear, you can avoid most of the problems caused by the monsoon rains.
Along the trek, you get breathtaking scenes of many mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. As a whole, Nar Phu valley offers some of the best trekking experiences for any adventure seeker.
Highlights of the trek
- Very few chances of rainfall, even in monsoon
- Less crowded trekking destination
- Panoramic vistas of peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri
- Tibetan inspired houses, cultures, and lifestyle
- Extend the itinerary to Thorong La Pass via Manang
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Details of the trek
Trek Duration: 5-7 days
Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highest Elevation: Poonhill at 3,210 meters
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is among the best trekking destinations for the monsoon season. The monsoon rainfalls do not affect your experience during the Poon Hill visit, a comfortable and short trek.
You will face rainfall along the trail in August. But it all depends on preparation. Wearing waterproof jackets and trousers is necessary. Along with that, using proper trekking boots and it is a must you carry all the essential stuff for the trek.
Once you’ve packed the complete list for August trek to Poon Hill, you’re ready to go!
The trek goes along villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk. They are home to ethnic Gurung communities. You can taste the local cuisine, immerse in the ethnic cultures of the place. Once the clouds clear after a rainfall, you see fantastic views of the mountains.
From Poon Hill, you witness breathtaking sunrise views. As most of the rainfalls occur at night, you may get a chance to capture those views in your cameras. Besides, the natural beauty, rich culture, and mountain views make this trek so appealing.
Highlights of the trek
- Easy, short and beautiful trekking route
- Waterfalls, streams, and forest along the way
- Vistas of mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
- Traditional Gurung villages at Ghandruk
- Delicious cuisines
- Fantastic views of sunrise from Poon Hill
Packing List for Trekking in Nepal in August
A proper packing list is crucial for trekking in Nepal in August. You need waterproof outer clothes to prevent water from getting to your skin. Likewise, the inner clothes must have moisture-wicking properties for comfort while trekking.
Besides, stuff like bags, trekking equipment, and documents need extra care while packing for August treks.
Clothes
(The quantity of clothes required for the trek depends upon its duration.)
- Breathable undergarments
- Inner layer clothes/ Thermals with moisture-wicking properties
- Proper trekking t-shirts, shirts, and trousers
- Clothes for layering over the inner layer
- Waterproof outer layers like jackets and trousers
- Inner gloves (cotton/wool) along with a pair of waterproof outer gloves
- Sun-hats, bandanas, beanies or other caps
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (worn-in and sturdy)
- Trekking socks
- Normal socks
- A pair of normal shoes (canvas or sports)
- A pair of flip-flops and sandals
Trekking Gear
- A waterproof and sturdy backpack
- A waterproof duffel bag
- High-quality sleeping bag with suitable temperature ratings
- Camera, batteries, and power-banks
- Snacks (as per your desire)
- Insect repellant, sprays, powders, and stuff
- Pain relief spray or balms
Daily and Personal Essentials
Make sure you carry all your daily essentials in a waterproof bag.
- Everyday toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towels and napkins
- Sunscreen (with best possible UV protection)
- 100% UV protection sunglasses
- First-aid kit
- Reusable water bottle (thermo-seal bottles)
- Water purifying tablets
Documents
Always carry all your necessary documents in a waterproof bag to prevent them from damaging.
- VISA
- Permits
- Identification (Citizenship, passport)
- Passport-sized photos
Useful Tips While Trekking in Nepal in August
- The monsoon trek needs preparation. Using waterproof clothing and bags is a great idea.
- Carry all your documents and necessary papers in a waterproof file or bag.
- Always wear breathable yet full-sleeves. Insects and leeches are problems during the monsoon season.
- Make sure you carry stuff like first aid, insect repellants, sleeping bag, and other trekking equipment.
- Don’t rush while trekking. Rainfalls can make trails muddy and slippery.
- Getting wet during rainfall can cause cold or even flu. Make sure you stay away from the rain as much as possible.
- Trekking with an experienced guide is highly recommended.
- Keep flexible itineraries. Monsoon rains can cause some difficulties at times. You need to have preparation in your schedule for such cases.
Final Thoughts
Trekking is all about having the best experience. People may think trekking in Nepal in August is not the right idea due to the rainfall. But, with proper preparation and a well-planned itinerary, trekking in monsoon is also possible in a beautiful way.
And only the avid trekkers know how amazing it is to trek during the monsoon. You get to see the best of nature; rich forests, thundering waterfalls and rivers and flowers blooming everywhere.
So, if you’re a real adventure seeker, trekking in Nepal in August is a must-try.
