Trekking in Nepal in August

The month of August is in the middle of the monsoon season. The daytime temperatures are hot and humid below 1500 meters, warm up to 2500 meters, and warm/cool above 2500 meters. You can do most treks during August, and it is advised to choose higher altitude treks for cooler temperatures. This is ideal for the Upper Dolpo Circuit, Upper Dolpo Traverse, or Upper Mustang, as these regions are in the rain shadow.

It pays to invest in proper equipment such as a suitable raincoat or even an umbrella, sleeping bag, a couple of fleece layers, right thermal underwear, thick hiking socks, gloves, trekking pants, and warm hats. Here are a few essential gears to invest in. But, of course, it is always better to have more than less.

It is good to dress up in layers, which you can ‘peel’ one at a time when you start to warm/heat up as you begin trekking.

Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalaya during August.

This is the monsoon season, and flowers bloom in Nepal’s middle and high hills. However, the clouds can begin to form in the early part of the day, and it can start raining at the lower altitude and snow in the higher elevations during the late afternoons. This could be a good thing to clear the clouds and clear the clouds for excellent mountain views the following day. You might even see a lot of giant colourful moths during August while trekking in Nepal.

There will be fewer trekkers on the trail and in the lodges if you go trekking during August to the popular trekking areas where there are lodges.

You will be warm to hot while hiking during the daytime.

You could be the only trekker in the lodge.

For the same reason, the wifi works better in the hostels as fewer people log in. 

You can use the internet better for weather forecasts and temperatures.

• There will be fewer people queuing for hot showers.
• The high-altitude flowers will be blooming at altitudes above 4500 meters.
• You can see villagers busy with agricultural activities.
• The plants, trees, and soil are fragrant with the monsoon rain.
•  The sound of rain on the roof helps most people get a deep, sound sleep.

Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during August?

You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during August. This is a better time to do a high-altitude trek than February or March. However, you can expect some snowfall in the higher elevations, but this should melt quickly due to the warmth and humidity. Nevertheless, we do receive some precipitation for a few days every month.

Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during August.

Trekking trails can be muddy and slippery. Be careful of wet roots while trekking through forests. Leeches can be a nuisance when it is raining or in moist areas. Landslides can be dangerous; walk briskly with utmost caution when you cross landslide areas on the trail. DO NOT stop to take photos in the middle of the landslip area. Instead, two or more of you cross the landslide area while the other person looks out for falling rocks.

Leeches can be significantly irritating while trekking in Nepal during the monsoon. For prevention, you can make a small pouch of rock salt and chewing tobacco. You can dab the bag on the leeches when they get on your boots, clothes, or you. You need to dip the bag in water to moisten it more efficiently. Some people burn leeches or use Dettol or regular salt. However, the rain can wash them off, making rock salts and chewing tobacco mixture superior.

Thunder and Lightning storm

It is not a regular occurrence, but occasionally there might be thunder and lightning storms. In case you are caught in a rainstorm:

Seek refuge in a vehicle or grounded building when lightning and thunder begin.

If you are far from a vehicle or a building, stay clear from tall objects like trees, electric/telephone poles, and bodies of water. Instead, find a depression or a low spot and make yourself as small as possible – DO NOT lie down on the ground.

If you are a group, spread yourselves 50-100 feet away to avoid multiple victims, as lightning can travel along the ground.

If you happen to be indoors, avoid taking showers or doing laundry and avoid charging your phone or other gadgets.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last seen lightning or since the last thunder.

• Some lodges are shut, but you will find a comfortable place to spend the night.
• Not all food on the menu will be available.
• Start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon rains. There usually is a pattern when it starts to rain. Study it for a couple of days or speak to the lodge owners.
• The monsoon season has started, and it can rain while you are trekking (Normally, it starts to rain from 3 pm onwards; this isn’t a hard and fast rule).
• It can continue to rain for a few days occasionally.
• The leeches start coming out in elevations below 2400 meters if it rains.
• It can be hot and humid in lower elevation areas.
• Insects in the lower altitude areas can bite you – bring suitable insecticide.
• August is the monsoon’s middle; rains could disrupt domestic flights to or from Short take-off and landing strips (STOL) airports like Lukla, Jomsom, and Juphal. In addition, landslides can block roads causing delays in your holiday program.

August 2021 – Normal monsoon rainfall took place.

August 2020 experienced heavier rainfall compared to most recent years.

Good monsoon rains for 2019 finally took place in August.

The beginning of August 2018 is receiving pretty good rainfall. However, the rainfall slowed down during mid-July, and moderate-heavy rain occurred during the third and last week of August.

Trekking regions that fall into the Rainshadow areas: