Trekking in Nepal is possible all around the year around because of its unique geography, landscape, and climate. The peak season for trekking in Himalayas of Nepal falls in the spring season and autumn season.
In Nepal, monsoon starts around mid-June and peaks in July and August. The monsoon brings rain, humidity and also increases the temperature in almost all parts of Nepal.
Some of the mountain views may be obscured by clouds. The temperature gets warmer and it, rains almost daily.
Therefore, you can even trek in the rain shadow areas on the north side of the Himalayas in August. The possible trekking areas during this month are Upper Mustang, Upper Manang (Annapurna and Nar Phu region) and Dolpo.
Mustang and Dolpo trekking regions are the restricted areas of Nepal. So, you will need special permits for trekking in this region. Normally, this part of trekking region is not affected by the monsoon in August because of its geographical location.
Besides this, the Annapurna region in north-central Nepal also receives less rain than other parts of the country. In this region, low altitude trekking and short treks are suitable.
Trekking in Nepal in August is, thus, a great time to plan a visit to the country. During this month, you will find the trails and villages less crowded with only a few numbers of trekkers. Thus, you can enjoy the isolation with the mesmerizing views of the mountains.
Weather Condition of August in Nepal
In Nepal, monsoon trekking is also popular which is preferable during the months of June, July, and August. August is the second wettest month of the year. The weather throughout this month remains cloudy.
The temperature and humidity are very high during both the nights and days. The majority of the rain falls in the afternoon and night. But there are also days when it rains continuously.
During August, it generally rains around 345mm (about 13 inches) and you would have 20 rainy days. The average daytime temperature of Kathmandu is around 28°C (82°F) so the climate is hot and wet. Likewise, the maximum temperature of Upper Mustang is 33°C (76°F) and minimum temperature is 20°C (68°F) during August.
Festival Highlights in August
August is one of the best months to travel to Nepal because it is the ultimate festival season. Many traditional cultural festivals of Nepal fall in this month. Nepal celebrates many outdoor festivals such as Teej, Gai Jatra, Krishna Janmashtami and Janai Purnima.
Gaijatra:
It is a special street festival celebrated during August. It is the festival of cows, mostly celebrated in Kathmandu Valley by the Newar community. During this festival, small children dressed as cows march the streets in remembrance of the dead family member during the year.
Teej:
Teej is a fasting festival for women. During this, both married and unmarried women keep religious fast. They pray for marital bliss and well-being of their spouse or future spouse.
Janai Purnima:
It is the festival of the sacred thread. On this day, Hindu devotees tie a sacred thread on their wrists. The men from the Brahmin and Chettri community change the sacred thread around their neck.
On this day, there are big Melas (fair) at Kumbeshwar, Lalitpur, Halesi, and Gosaikunda.
This festival has many names. Newar community celebrates it as Kwati Punhi and Indian celebrates it as Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami:
This festival is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. This festival marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar of the Lord Bishnu.
Best Trekking Trails of August in Nepal
Yes, trekking in Nepal in August is possible without the need for any prior trekking experiences. Generally, people do not like to do outdoor activities such as trekking during the monsoon period.
But, we can assure you that if you visit Nepal during August, you will have various options of trekking routes. And these trails easily escape the monsoon and can be done easily and comfortably.
Below, we have listed the best trek options if you are heading for trekking in Nepal in August.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek starts from Jomsom with a scenic flight from Pokhara. It will lead you to Upper Mustang Valley, which is the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
Mustang region used to be part of the Tibetan empire. Therefore, this place is closely tied to Tibetan culture, tradition, language, and geography.
Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif and you can walk in a complete deserted landscape. The land of the Mustang is very dry and barren as it receives very less rainfall. The desert like landscape does not have any kind of vegetation except for a few plants that grow in dry places.
Throughout the trail, many hidden caves and artistic monasteries will captivate you. Along the trails, you will also come across various Gompas, prayer flags and old monasteries. You can get a firsthand experience of how Tibetan Buddhist culture is preserved in this place
The main highlight of this trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. It is an old town, surrounded by a huge town wall. The main attraction of the Lo Manthang is a few beautiful monasteries built before the fifteenth century.
This area is inhabited by the Tibetan Buddhists. Local people celebrate different festivals such as Tiji. Here, you will find a mixture of ancient caves, holy fossil rocks, cliffs and deserted lands.
The best time for trekking in this area is from May to October. As monsoon winds are less active in this region, you can do this trek in August as well.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and trip meeting
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (900m)
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)
Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m)
Day 06: Trek to Syangboche (3,800m)
Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3520mm)
Day 08: Trek to Charang (3,560m)
Day 09: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,840m)
Day 10: Exploration of Lo-Manthang
Day 11: Trek to Dhankar (3,820m)
Day 12: Trek down to Syangboche
Day 13: Trek to Chuskang (2,980m)
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara and sightseeing tour
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 17: Final Departure
Upper Dolpo
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the long treks in Nepal as it takes 25 days to complete. During this trek, you will reach the maximum elevation up to 4,350m. Usually, the northern part of Dolpo is called upper Dolpo.
This trek offers a real adventure, in a remote and untouched part of Nepal. To preserve the culture and ecosystem, Nepal government has made some strict provisions. As it is one of the restricted areas, only a few trekkers visit this region.
Upper Dolpo trekking in August will be can be a wonderful adventure trip. Along the way, you will pass through many ancient monasteries, highland villages, and beautiful scenery. You will also pass through deep forests of pine, oaks, and rhododendron and experience a unique culture.
The wonderful trip begins with a flight to Juphal. Then you will cross lush green fields of Ring moat to continue across the Kang La to Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa. On the way, you will be captivated by the colorful cliffs of Shey Phoksundo Lake.
You will return by crossing Shey La to the major Dolpo settlement of Saldang and the Jeng La eventually reaching Dho Tarap. With the fascinating cultures and captivating natural beauty of this region, this trek is highly desirable.
In this region, winter is very cold with heavy snowfall. Thus, August is the best month for trekking in this region as it lies in the rain shadow area.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing of capital and pre-trip meeting
Day 03: Flight to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2,400m) and trek to Dunai (2,150m)
Day 05: Trek to Ankhe (2,600m)
Day 06: Trek to Renje (3,104m)
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3600mm)
Day 08: Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507m)
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402m)
Day 10: Cross the Kang La Pass (5,151m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,126m)
Day 11: Exploration day in Shey Gompa
Day 12: Cross the Saldang La pass (4,785m), and then trek to Namduna Gaon (4,400m)
Day 13: Trek to Saldang (3,903m)
Day 14: Trek to Sibu (3,942m)
Day 15: Trek to foot of Jeng La Pass (4,369m)
Day 16: Cross the Jeng La Pass (4,985m), trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240m)
Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m)
Day 18: Trek to Serkam (3,630m)
Day 19: Trek to Khani Gaon (2,250m)
Day 20: Trek to Tarakot (2,281m)
Day 21: Trek to Dunai (2,052m)
Day 22: Trek to Juphal (2,402m)
Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj from Juphal
Day 24: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 25: Farewell
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek leads to one of the most remote villages of Nar and Phu. It lies in the northeast valley near Chame, Annapurna. This region is untouched by modern ways and the local people still adopt Tibetan culture.
This off beaten trail will make you explore the Himalayan people’s lifestyle, culture, and traditions. In addition to this, you will also explore amazing high mountains and old Buddhist monasteries. Along the trails, you will come across narrow canyons, green lush vegetation and amazing rock formations.
The trek will start from a different trial of Annapurna Circuit. The trial diverges for a few days to Nar Phu Valley through Kang La Pass and again rejoin the Round Annapurna Trek trail at Manang. After that, this trek continues with the Round Annapurna Trek through Thorong La Pass to Muktinath.
During the trek, you can explore two beautiful villages of Nar and Phu. You will get a close insight into the life of the mountain people. You can also be a part of their very interesting culture.
Similarly, you can observe breathtaking views of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchre Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu Himal, Tilicho peak, Dhaulagiri range and several other snow-capped mountains.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is the best option for a trek in August as this region is connected to Tibet and deserted parts of Nepal. Besides, this region also receives significantly less rain than other parts of the country in August. So, trekking in this region in August is recommended.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Capital
Day 03: Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (850m)
Day 04: Trek to Chame (1,450m)
Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m)
Day 06: Trek to Koto (2,710m)
Day 07: Trek to Dharamsala (3230mm)
Day 08: Trek to Kayang (3740mm)
Day 09: Trek to Phu Village (4050mm)
Day 10: Exploration of the Phu Village
Day 11: Trek to Junam (4,000m)
Day 12: Hike from Junam to Nar (4,150m)
Day 13: Exploration of Nar
Day 14: Trek to Ngawal (3,650m)
Day 15: Hike to Manang (3,351m)
Day 16: Exploration of Manag
Day 17: Hike to Yak Kharka (4350m)
Day 18: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,400m)
Day 19: Trek to Muktinath (3,850m)
Day 20: Trek to Kagbeni (2,895m)
Day 21: Trek to Jomsom (2,650m)
Day 22: Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 23: Back to Kathmandu
Day 24: Farewell Dinner
Trekking in Nepal in August: Useful Tips
- While trekking in Nepal in August, you need to choose your trekking destination wisely. Ideal trekking areas include Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek and Tilicho Lake as all these lies in the rain shadow area.
- You need to start your trek early in the morning, to reach your respective destination before dusk.
- During August, you need to carry an umbrella for lower elevations. But, at higher elevations, you need a proper rain gear such as a breathable waterproof shell.
- Carry an extra pair of dry clothes in the waterproof backpack so that you can keep your gear dry.
- There will be occasional rain in August. So, you need to carry waterproof trekking boots or light and breathable trail running shoes.
- On the trial, you may encounter leeches and mosquitoes. So, you should carry insect repellents with you all the time.
Recommended Equipment List for August Trekking
Trekking in the Himalayas is a risky affair. Thus, you need adequate information about what to pack and what to avoid. Sometimes carrying too much or far less than required will be a burden and could affect your holidays.
The following list will help you while you are packing for trekking in Nepal in August. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trekking bag should be no more than 15kgs.
Clothing and Equipment List:
Head
- Sun hat
- Warm fleece hat (to cover ears)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)
Upper Body
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermals tops
- Fleece long sleeve tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down vest or jacket
Hands
- Lightweight fleece gloves
- Waterproof /wind fleece gloves
Lower body
- Under garments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Light and expedition weight thermals bottoms
- Fleece /tracksuit pants
- Waterproof shell pants
Footwear
- Thin, lightweight inner sock liners
- Hiking socks that prevent blisters
- Hiking boots and spare laces
- Walking sneakers
- Camp shoes / Sandals
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow case/ slip
Accessories
- Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
- Duffel bag with small lock
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Large Plastic Bags- to keep items dry
- Daypacks
- Thermarest sleeping pad
- Water bottles
- Watch with light and alarm
- Money belt
- Trekking poles
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
- Quick dry towel and face cloth
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Toothbrush and paste
- Multipurpose wipes (face and body)
- Deodorant
- Face and Body Moisturizer
- Nail clippers / file
- Small comb/brush
- Small mirror
- Clothes washing soap
- Toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sun block face/ body high UV protection
- Lip block with UV protection
- Feminine hygiene products
Extra
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Reading books
- Conclusion
During August, some treks should be avoided but some trekking regions are accessible and a great time to visit. As the trekking trails are less crowded, the villages are full of life and the green paddy fields look awesome. All these things make it a perfect time to capture Nepal in all its beauty.
In August, the rain doesn’t usually last all day. Most of the time, it rains at night rather than in the day time. So, you can complete your trek before the rain begins.
But if you don’t want to take risk of rain or leeches, you can always choose far better options like Mustang District. They lie in the rain shadow area and is unaffected by the monsoon season.
Thus, trekking in Nepal in August in regions such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Nar Phu Valley is perfect as the weather will also be optimal.
Note:
Trekking in Nepal in August is possible with a variety of alternate options. So if you have any queries feel free to ask us through https://nepalecoadventure.com/contact-us/.
