In this article, we are going to discuss Trekking in Nepal in August!
Trekking in Nepal is possible all year round. It is because Nepal offers a variety of trekking destinations with different climatic features. So yes, it is possible to trek in Nepal during the monsoon month of July and August as well.
Nepal is blessed with a diverse geography. Thus, trekking in Nepal in August is possible as you will get a variety of options for trek routes. The weather and surroundings are more beautiful during the period of monsoon.
During August, you can trek in the rain shadow areas in the north of the Himalayas. This area includes Mustang, Upper Manang (Annapurna and Nar Phu region), and Dolpo. Different trekking regions such as the Mustang region and the Dolpo region can be perfect for trekking in August because of the less rain.
Mustang and Dolpo trekking regions are restricted trekking areas of Nepal. You will need special permits to enter these trekking regions.
Weather Conditions while Trekking in Nepal in August
August is the second wettest month of the year. So, people, don’t find it the best time for trekking in Nepal.
In August, the maximum temperature is 27°C and the minimum temperature is 18°C (average temperature is 22°C). So, the climate is hot and humid most of the time. During August it generally rains with 345 mm precipitation.
In August, the maximum temperature is 4°C and the minimum temperature is 1°C (average temperature is 3°C) in the Himalayan region of Nepal. There will be rain over 31 days with 743 mm precipitation.
The weather is cloudy. But, the day time is sunny, clear, and the air is fresh. The climate is quite fresher in this month.
Trekking in Nepal in August: Festivals
Nepal is famous for its unique culture, traditions, and religious festivals. There are more than 50 popular festivals celebrated in Nepal each year.
Trekking in August will give you a chance to observe various religions and cultures in Nepal. During August, many tourists travel to Nepal to explore these fascinating festivals. These festivals are especially celebrated in the Kathmandu, Patan, and Lalitpur areas.
Some of the most famous festivals celebrated during August are as follows:
Gai Jatra
‘Gai Jatra’ is one of the most popular festivals in the valley. It is celebrated every year in August. This popular festival is full of humor and sadness at the same time.
As per traditions, any family from the Newar community, who has lost a family member(s) during the past one year must take part in this festival. The family will dress up the youngest boy in the family like a cow and parade him through the streets of Kathmandu. Every year, hundreds of family who have lost a beloved one takes part in the procession.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in August. It is the birth anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna. All the devotees gather in Krishna Mandir of Patan Durbar Square to offer prayers, flowers, and sweets.
Indra Jatra
This festival is celebrated both by Buddhists and Hindus. This festival lasts for eight days. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken through the main streets of Kathmandu.
Mask dancing and singing also takes place. During this festival, you will get a chance to enjoy various classical dance forms. They include Lakhe dance, Elephant dance ‘Pulu Kisi Nach’, and other dance forms.
Teej Festival
Teej is another popular festival celebrated by Hindu women in August. On this day, women hold fast and pray to Lord Shiva for the long, healthy, and prosperous life of their husbands.
Many women devotees queue up outside Pashupatinath Temple to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.
Trekking in Nepal in August: Highlights
Though August is one of the wettest months many tourists visit during this time.
Besides this, There are several reasons for trekking in Nepal in August. The main advantage of trekking in August is the absence of huge crowds of trekkers, unlike other months. Thus, you will get the best out of your trek.
During August, it generally rains during the night. But, the sky is clear in the mornings. Normally, you will be trekking 4-5 hours for a day, so you can easily manage to avoid the rainfall period.
You can also enjoy the green and lush vegetation. You will witness blooming flowers and agricultural cultivation. There is less chance of altitude sickness because of summer.
Trekking in Nepal in August: Upper Mustang Trek
Generally, people do not like doing outdoor activities during monsoon. But we can assure you that there are a lot of options for trekking routes to escape the monsoon trails.
The first one is the Upper Mustang Trek. This can be done easily and comfortably during August in Nepal. This is because the Upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna range. So, all the rain clouds are blocked during August.
This trek also provides you a golden opportunity to explore thousand years old monasteries, temples, caves, and beautiful landscapes.
This adventure trip starts from the deepest gorge in the Kali Gandaki region. It then leads to the world’s highest region of Lo-Manthang valley. At the end of your destination, you will witness Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, and other high mountain peaks.
Another attraction in the Mustang region is the Tiji Festival. This festival has the influence of Tibetan and Buddhist culture which coincide at the end of the dry seasons.
The Upper Mustang Trek is possible at any time of the year except during the winter season. This rain-shadow valley holds several cultural landmarks, which will make your trek more interesting. The hospitality of the local people makes your trek even better.
Trekking in Nepal in August: Packing List
Before heading towards your trekking destinations, you need to know what to pack for the trekking period.
Packing also depends on the time of year and type of treks you will be doing in Nepal.
Certain packing list for trekking in Nepal in August are listed below:
Clothing
- Down or fiber best backpacking rain jacket and trousers
- Sweater or fleece jacket
- Undergarments
- Warm and cotton trousers or jeans
- Shirt and T-shirts
- Thermal Wears
- Wool hat
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Bathing suit
- Tracksuit
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Camp shoes and slippers
- Light and Thick Socks
Other Equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Day pack
- Water bottle
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Walking stick
- Head torch with flashlight
Other Items
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes
- Personal towel
- Toiletries
- Personal medical kit
- Raincoat and Umbrella (optional)
Note: You can get trekking gears in both Kathmandu and Pokhara at a cheap price. You can buy anything including jackets, gaiters, walking sticks, and water purification tablets. You can also hire a sleeping bag for $2-$3 per day.
Useful Tips for Trekking in Nepal in August
Before heading for the trekking in Nepal in August, here are a few tips.
- You need to start your trek early in the morning as it usually rains in the afternoons.
- You need to wear light T-shirts, breathable waterproof jackets, and pants.
- You need to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.
- You may encounter leeches and mosquitoes. So, you should carry insect repellents with you all the time.
- Your feet might get wet. So, you need to wear light and breathable trail running shoes. It will improve your grip on the wet and slippery trail.
- If you are trekking in an unknown trekking route, then you need to hire a local guide.
- In monsoon, there is a high chance of landslide occurrences, which can obstruct your trekking trails. So, you need to take precautions and get updates from your travel agency.
Conclusion – Trekking in Nepal in August
Monsoon is an off-season for trekking in Nepal. August is one of the monsoon seasons in Nepal. But, Nepal offers a wide range of options in the Himalayan trail for trekking during August.
Many of us avoid August for trekking due to rainfall, slippery routes, and leeches. But, it is important to realize that the monsoon rain is not uniform throughout the country. There are some regions of the country that receives less amount of rain or no rain at all.
The north of the Himalayas receives less rain than other parts of the country during August. Thus, you can go for a short trek in this region. It is also a great time as the trails are less crowded.
Nowadays, many people consider August as the best time for trekking. It is because you will get better experiences even when you pay less in this season.
Note: Trekking in Nepal in August
Weather conditions in the Himalayas are unpredictable, even during the best trekking seasons. Sometimes bad weather can affect flight schedules, resulting in flight delays. So, to be on the safe side, you can add a few extra days to your trip plan.
If you want to discuss any details of this trip, we will release any necessary information and change the itinerary as per your requirement. For more information about this trip, you can also visit our website. You can contact us through https://himalayasonfoot.com/contact-us/.
