Top 10 Best Monsoon Treks in Nepal: Where to Hike During the Rainy Season

Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Facts

• Duration: 12-20 days
• Max Altitude: About 3,932 m (Nyi La Pass)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Permits: Restricted Area Permit ($500 approx).
• Lodging: Tea houses and guesthouses along the route

The Upper Mustang Trek is perhaps the best monsoon treks in nepal that is rain free during monsoon time because it is situated in the rain shadow of the Himalaya Mountains, which receives little to no rain at all. This is why it is a good trek to do in the June-August period, when most of Nepal is soaking wet. The trek leads to the ancient kingdom of Mustang, bordering Tibet, a desert-like landscape of red cliffs, steep canyons, and little vegetation. 

During your trek you will interact with Tibetan Buddhist culture in the ancient rural villages of Mustang, while also visiting walled towns like Lo Manthang, and ancient monasteries and fortress walls. One aspect of this trek experience is the absence of high trekking traffic, dry and safe trails, and many times brilliant skies after short-lived usual monsoon rainfalls, which blessed you with glorious views of scenic peaks on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Traveling through the athletically-based lush lower elevation regions, you will then find that you are now walking in the arid beauty of Mustang. 

For those that seek a moderately difficult trek, you will be rewarded with varied cultural experiences, and dynamic scenic beauty, and the rare opportunity to travel through a once guarded Himalayan kingdom.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Trip Facts

• Duration: 10–15 days
• Max Altitude: Around 5,320 m (Kang La Pass)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Permits: Restricted Area Permit (Approx. $90/week) + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Lodging: Basic tea houses in villages, limited facilities

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trekking journey to two hidden valleys located between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. It is in a rain shadow area so it does not get the rainfall like it does in other traverses of the Himalaya during the monsoon, giving it as an option as a summer trek. It has everything expected in a trek from a natural and cultural perspective, stunning alpine landscapes to colourful rhododendron forests and Tibetan influenced villages with some ancient monasteries and festivals. The trek vigorously climbs up to Kang La Pass which is marked by breath-taking views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna. During the monsoon you can expect solitude as trekking in Nár Phu is not a popular tourist destination, and during certain parts of the monsoon you may have the trails to yourself and a great opportunity to see local life in action, though some rainy days may make for slippery paths to navigate. This is an excellent trek if you want to trek in an area that doesn't normally attract trekkers, and you get amazing scenery, flowering Himalayan flora, and to be underwhelmed in a part of Nepal that sees little touring traffic.

Dolpo Region Trek

• Duration: 18–27 days
• Max Altitude: Around 5,190 m (Kagmara La Pass or others)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Permits: Upper Dolpo Permit (Approx. $500 for 10 days) + Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry
• Lodging: Camping trek or basic lodges in a few villages

The Dolpo Region Trek takes you into a remote area of the Northwestern Region of Nepal, not far from the Tibetan border. You will trek through rugged lands, alpine forests, high mountain passes, and reach a maximum of 5,490 meters. The Dolpo Region Trek takes you through Shey Phoksundo National Park where you can see the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal. You will also trek along ancient Buddhist and Bon monasteries, including Shey Gompa. The trek does require special permits and is best suited for experienced trekkers. Even in monsoon season, the high and dry conditions help to keep the trek enjoyable. It is one of the few opportunities you have to explore Nepal's wild west, while you have to stay away from the trails that are too wet. 

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

• Duration: 4–7 days
• Max Altitude: Around 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS Card
• Lodging: Comfortable tea houses throughout the trail

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek during monsoon season gives you amazing sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains from the summit of Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters. You will walk through beautiful blooming rhododendron forests, as well as quiet, peaceful Magar villages, and enjoying the stunning views all along the way. The trek is very achievable with a moderate level of difficulty, and is not too hard. The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is also fully open during monsoon season particularly toward the end of the monsoon season when the clouds begin to break and the sun comes out. You can walk through lush green hills, provided you don't mind the ups and downs, enjoy the fresh air, and encounter fewer people on the trail. This trek provides the opportunity to tour the great nature of the Annapurnas while giving you the chance to experience local culture in one short adventure.

Khopra Danda Trek

• Duration: 7–10 days
• Max Altitude: Around 3,660 m (Khopra Ridge)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS Card
• Lodging: Community lodges and tea houses

The Khopra Danda Trek offers a beautiful ridge walk in the Annapurna Region with far-reaching views of the mountains Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trek follows a quiet trail through Gurung villages and dense rhododendron forests, but if you want a little extra adventure, you can hike up to the sacred Khayer Lake. The trail is less crowded and green and fresh during the monsoon season. This trek is best for those looking for mountain views, nature and quieter trails in monsoon in Nepal.

Tamang Heritage Trail

• Duration: 6–9 days
• Max Altitude: Around 3,165 m (Nagthali View Point)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Permits: Langtang National Park Permit + TIMS Card
• Lodging: Local guesthouses and homestay

The Tamang Heritage Trail is a cultural trek that takes you deep into the Tamang culture with traditional villages in the Langtang region about a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. You will walk through traditional villages, forest trails, terraced fields, and visit temples/monasteries along the way, all while learning about the Tamang culture. This trek also holds up well in the monsoon weather along the trek with beautiful green views making it one of the best rain free treks in nepal. If you’re looking for a good cultural trek close to Kathmandu during the rainy season, this trek is perfect for you.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Duration: 7–20 days
• Max Altitude: Around 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS Card
• Lodging: Tea houses with varying comfort levels

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is really a high-altitude route that travels around the Annapurna Massif. Portions of the trail in the eastern and southern sections experience heavy rain during the monsoon; however, the northern side, especially after reaching Thorong La Pass (5,416m), is in the rain shadow area. Thus, the Mustang region, Manang region and parts beyond Chame are more attractive for trekking during the monsoon since the region remains relatively dry, higher up, wildflowers bloom, the mountain views are clear, and there are almost no leeches.

The trekking routes take the trekkers through different landscapes travelling from lush green valley trails to dry highland. Some of the key sites will include the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys, Muktinath Temple, as well as views up and down the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. The first section of the Annapurna Circuit will likely be muddy and slippery in some places, but timing, planning and planning the right route sections will allow you to trek safe and see the best scenery possible. Always make attempts to review weather forecasts ahead of your trip, pack rain gear, and consider switching your plan to get around any area of high chance of rain. Overall the Annapurna Circuit is a good tour for the monsoon season during and weather and route can be adjusted.

Everest View Trek

• Duration: 5–8 days
• Max Altitude: Around 3,867 m (Tengboche)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit + Sagarmatha National Park Entry
• Lodging: Tea houses in all villages

The Everest View Trek is a short and moderate trek located in the Everest region of Nepal that is accessible during the monsoon. The Everest View Trek does not gain as much altitude and does not go as high as the full Everest Base Camp trek. Instead of going to Everest Base Camp, the trek normally goes to Tengboche or Khumjung, from which you should see Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse if the cloud cover is good. Flights to Lukla can be delayed due to weather, but once you are on the trail, this area receives less rain than the southern part of Nepal  and the mornings usually have a great chance for better mountain views as there can be less cloud.

The trek takes you through Sherpa villages of Phakding and Namche Bazaar, passes some Buddhist monasteries, and goes through beautiful forested trails with rhododendron and pine trees. The trek is done with tea houses, which are able to provide some good shelter from rain, and with fewer trekkers in the Everest region, you will probably find there will be lower number of trekkers and empty teahouses. .That said, waterproof gear, not walking on slippery paths, and additional buffer (days) for good measure due to bad weather are always good sense. The Everest View Trek gives you the opportunity to visit the Everest region of Nepal during monsoon as a very appreciable option.

Rara Lake Trek

• Duration: 8–12 days
• Max Altitude: Around 2,990 m (Rara Lake)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Permits: Rara National Park Entry + TIMS Card
• Lodging: Basic lodges and homestay

The Rara Lake Trek takes you to Rara National Park in Northwestern Nepal, which is one of the many famous areas of trekkers from Nepal. Also, it is considered as a good trek in the monsoon months because it is that part of the country that will have the least rain (the area is fairly dry in relation to the tourist trekked areas of central and east Nepal) and as long as the flights to Jumla from Nepalgunj are not delayed by the monsoon rain. The altitude of Rara Lake is at about 2,990 meters. It can be accessed via a flight from Nepalgunj which is a short 35 minute flight during pleasant weather; although be aware that camps will not avoid being delayed because of rain during the monsoon season. 

Once you are on the trail, the rain is not that bad if you have good rain gear and the trek it is quite lush, rural and beautiful. Trekkers will trek through small and remote villages and forests with moderate elevation gain, which is why you can hike it in the wet season. You may see wildlife as Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and various birds are present in Rara National Park as wildlife may be active in August. The lake is the largest in Nepal, and although it is vibrant all seasons, the form of the lake during the monsoon is extraordinary with the forest and trees around the lake in bloom. As there are few lodges and tea houses on this trek and hikers are expected to be self-sufficient, anticipate basic and primitive living conditions. The Rara Lake Trek can be the trek for those who wish to escape the crowded trekked routes for serenity and beauty in trans-Himalayan Nepal

Limi Valley Trek

• Duration: 16–22 days
• Max Altitude: Around 4,990 m (Nyalu La Pass)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Permits: Restricted Area Permit (Approx. $500) + Humla District Permit
• Lodging: Camping or basic homestay

The Limi Valley Trek exists in a remote part of mid-Nepal’s northwestern Humla District, near the border of Tibet. This trek can be accomplished during the rainy season, because it exists in part of the trans-Himalayan zone that is in the rain shadow and, therefore, relatively dry and accessible and popular monsoon treks in nepal. The trail follows the Karnali River in the valley, before going through old villages like Halji and Til that have a Tibetan Buddhist influence, and then large open areas of space. Due to its location beyond the monsoon belt, this entire trek does not receive much rainfall, so most of it is completely dry and accessible.

The trek requires a flight to Simikot from Nepalgunj, once again weather can easily delay flights. Once you are on the trek, you will be part high-altitude trek and part cultural immersion, without the slippery and muddy path common in all other areas of the Himalayas during this season. The trail has a great overlook of Mount Kailash and Nyalu La Pass (4,940 metres). The infrastructure is simple and treks logistics must be organized beforehand. Trekkers are required to have special permits to trek in this restricted area. If you are searching for a monsoon trek, the Limi Valley trek is a great option for an off-the-beaten-path trip with limited rain and wonderful local culture.

FAQs

Which months are considered the monsoon season in Nepal?

Monsoon season in Nepal is generally from mid-June to early September, with some areas seeing monsoon rain as early as late May or as late as the end of August or early September.

Is it safe to trek in Nepal during the monsoon season?

It is certainly possible to trek during monsoon season in Nepal, but there are some aspects that make it more challenging, including muddy/flooded trails, landslides, and swollen rivers. Safety depends on your planning, choosing the right routes, and utilizing your rain gear properly. In some regions, especially in the rain-shadow areas of Upper Mustang and Dolpo, conditions are much safer and drier than other regions.

Can I see mountain views during the monsoon treks?

Yes, mountain views are actually very nice during monsoon season. When it rains, it washes away dust and pollution and sometimes leaves you with clear and crisp views of snow-capped mountains, particularly in the mornings after it rains.

What should I pack for monsoon trekking in Nepal?

Not surprisingly, first and foremost; you need to be prepared with the right gear. Some items you will need include waterproof and windproof jackets, backpack rain covers, sturdy trekking boots with a good grip, trekking poles and quick-dry clothing. Staying dry is key if you want to be comfortable while trekking on wet terrain.

Are tea houses open during the monsoon season?

Yes, tea houses on famous trekking routes will be open during the monsoon season. In fact, the number of tourists is typically less, so you may find you have better availability and the staff will be able to attend to you much better.

Are there leeches on monsoon treks?

Yes, leeches are present on many trails during the monsoon, since conditions are wet and humid. If you take precautions, such as wearing gaiters and using insect repellent, then you will be able to manage this well enough.

Can beginners do monsoon treks in Nepal? 

There are certain monsoon treks that can be undertaken by beginners, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill or Nagarkot, if they take easier routes, prepare well, and are flexible with their plans. That being said, beginners should avoid risky trails that are at risk to landslides and heavier rain.

Conclusion

Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season is a completely different experience. The trails are teeming with greens, villages alive with local life, and it's certainly quieter along the trails. It does rain. It can be muddy. There is some slippery ground, and some trail leeches in certain areas, but if you work with your expert guide to select a proper route and have appropriate rain gear, then you can certainly enjoy a safe and fun trek!

Although you will find the rain shadow nepal trekking areas , there are areas like Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, and Upper Dolpo which are similar to being in a rain-shadow and will usually be dry during the monsoon, and these are some excellent monsoon prep choices.

Of course, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, the Annapurna Circuit, and Everest View Trip treks are also ready and willing if you plan properly. Monsoon trekking allows visitors and trekkers in Nepal to explore, take in, and enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal during an entirely new perspective, with blooming forests and friendly smiling faces along the way.

If you wish to trek in Nepal during the rainy season, we will work with you to select the best route and provide appropriate trekking trip packages. Contact us at Himalayan Recreation for an expert opinion and support to plan your trekking expedition.