Photo by Jamie McGuinness of Phoksundo lake Dolpo.
As most of the world gears up for the June - July summer holidays, and as a traveler, if Nepal is on your travel list during these months then we have a handful of recommendations. Monsoon season usually starts from mid June/July ending during the last week of August. during these months it will rain heavily but luckily not every day. Nevetheless, there is something magical in the air at this time and the most pristine and less traveled trek sites open and accessible during monsoon season. Adventure all around Nepal resumes from September.
So, where can I go in Nepal during June - August?
Below are some of the amazing trek sites you can access during your summer holiday. ( Note * - for trekking adventures please have additional days as contingency plan on your itineraries, as travel disruptions are likely to happen with local transportation due to chances of landslides in highway connecting routes).
Trekking adventures
The best part about trekking during June - August is the small number of crowds (to no crowd) in all trekking sites. Trekking can be done in the region where it falls in the Himalayan rain shadow, meaning there is no rainfall in these areas of Nepal.
Upper-Mustang ( 17 Days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography. The region's isolation from the outside world has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kind of colours and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses, barley fields and chortens festooned with prayer flags which add a splash of colour to the landscape.
The trail follows the ancient salt caravan route through which the people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. The goal of the Upper Mustang trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From the pass Lo La (3950 m) you can see the walled medieval capital in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the barren landscape. Upper Mustang is one of the driest region in Nepal and this is the only time of the year where the floras and faunas bloom which occurs due to light rain sprinkles brought by the escaped monsoon clouds from the Himalayas.
If you would like to travel to Upper Mustang region, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Annapurna Circuit ( 17 Days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
The Annapurna Circuit - appropriately known as Nepal's classic trek - offers more variety than any other equivalent length trek, and will take you through virtually every type of scenery that Nepal has to offer. You will witness superb views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and an amazing variety of landscapes varying from sub-tropical through alpine peaks to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet. The climax of the trekking involves crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass (5416m). The majority of the trip will be based in tea-houses throughout the route where you will also get time to spend in villages inhabited by many of Nepal's different peoples, both Buddhist and Hindu. Like Mustang region, this is the only time of the year where the floras and faunas bloom which occurs due to light rain sprinkles brought by the escaped monsoon clouds from the Himalayas.
If you would like to travel to Annapurna circuit, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Dolpo and Phoksundo ( 30 days )
Months during summer ( Monsoon in Nepal ) recommended: Early June and Mid August
Trekking the Dolpa Circuit is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll have the opportunity to experience life in the remote highlands. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes ranging from green pastures (in some ways resemblant of the European Alps), to barren rocks that extend into the Tibetan plateau. The Phoksundo Lake is of an incomparable beauty, with its deep blue and emerald colors surrounded by steep bold rocks. On the way, you’ll encounter small authentic villages steeped in Tibetan culture and tradition. Buddhism and Bonpo are very important for the people living in these villages and interwoven in everyday life. Bonpo religion is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. It is very closely related to Buddhism but has more shamanistic and animistic influences contributing much to the region’s mythical appeal. Due to its remote location, Dolpa is still an “off the beaten track destination”. Tourists are few and far between, especially in the summer months. The Dolpa Circuit is a quite strenuous trekking with some steep climbs. The trail ascends to two high passes, Numa La (5318 m) and Baga La (5190 m). These crossings involve long climbs and long descents. That being said, the scenery on the way, the views from the passes and the encounters you will have with the Dolpa people will make it all worth it. Camping is recommended for this trek. There are basic guesthouses in Juphal, Dunai, Lingdo, Dho Tarap, Ringmo, close to Sanduwa (next to the Amchi Hospital), Chhepka and Kageni. At the other places, you will have to camp.
If you would like to travel to Dolpo region, we have fixed departure dates announced. ( Click here ) for detailed trekking adventure information.
Soft Adventures ( Culture and tours )
Kathmandu is open for tourism throughout the year. If you are looking for short relaxed local guided tours with spells of cultural activities in your travel plans then tours like temple run ( click here ) and visiting monasteries, UNESCO heritage durbar squares, museums are recommended.
Also, tours around outskirt villages of Kathmandu are possible. Paddy plantation festival falls around mid-July every year and this can be experienced around this time of the year. This is one of the activities that is unique and has been drawing attention for authentic travel experience.
To plan your adventure, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for travel advise and other expert advice on adventure travel recommendations.
Written by - Bisesh Gurung / Founder
Credits:
Pictures by
Dolpo - Jamie McGuinness (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie8848/albums)
Dolpo - Mayriam Kaba
Upper Mustang - Jamie McGuinness (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie8848/albums)
Annapurna circuit: Huey yoong (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluryee/)