Trekking in Nepal during the summer season

Nepal has a short pre-monsoon summer during May and June. The monsoon begins in the second or third week of June.

You can expect the temperature to be hot in the lower elevations and warm at higher altitudes during the daytime. In addition, there might be some snowfall in the higher mountains than during the summer, as it is much warmer, and the snow melts quicker, making the trails wet, muddy, and slippery. Therefore, be cautious and trek safely. When you come across wet stones/rocks, green or black rocks/trail, muddy trail, or roots of trees in the forest – assume it is slippery and trek carefully. You will make most of your favourite trekking trails if you are an experienced hiker except for the less trodden treks such as Upper Dolpo Circuit or Upper Dolpo Traverse because deep snow will make it challenging to get through the passes that are above 5000 meters.

As usual – it pays to invest in proper equipment such as a suitable sleeping bag, a couple of layers of fleece, the right thermal underwear, thick hiking socks, gloves, trekking pants, and warm hats, to name a few essential gears to invest in. It is always better to have more than less.

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

Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalayas during the summer.

May/June is summer, and flowers bloom in Nepal’s middle and high hills. Rhododendron forests can be very colourful with white, pink, and crimson red (Nepal’s national flower) flowers in bloom, Magnolias and wild orchids, to name a few. However, the clouds begin to form in the latter part of the day, and it can start raining at the lower altitude and snow in the higher elevations during the late afternoon or evening. This is a good thing as it can clear the clouds and clear the clouds for excellent mountain views the following day.

• The rain, hail, or snow can drop the Rhododendron petals in the higher altitude areas and make the forest floors bright and colourful.
• Most of the lodges and restaurants will be open during the summer season.
• Your food should be served faster due to the low number of trekkers.
• The queue for the shower should be short, if at all.
• You will be warm to hot while hiking in the sunny weather – perhaps you will sweat on the uphill climbs.
• You will get to meet some other trekkers in the lodges.
• The Internet speed should be decent due to fewer people logging in.

Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during May and June?

You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during May. It is better to do a high-altitude hike than during February or March. We do receive some precipitation for a few days every month. We receive more massive snowfalls during February and March rather than in the middle of May and June.

Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during the May and June Summer months.

• All food on the menu might not be available.
• The toilet floors could be wet and dirty due to damp and muddy trails.
• The paths could be muddy due to the summer rain/snowfall. But on the other hand, the trail could be slippery, and dirt can camouflage slippery tree roots. 
• There could be very windy conditions in the higher elevations.
• You will likely face rain in the lower elevations and snow in the higher mountains during summer, especially if the monsoon arrives in early June.
• The views might not be as good in spring as it is during late autumn and May. In addition, forest fires could worsen the views during late spring.

Trekking regions that fall into the Rainshadow areas:

Upper Mustang Trek 

You will be visiting one of the scenic trekking trails in the monsoon season in Nepal. Once an independent Kingdom that was later annexed into Nepal’s territory, Upper Mustang is one of the restricted trekking destinations in Nepal that requires a special permit and to be booked with a tour operator. Back Packers are not allowed to trek here. The Buddhists who once followed the Bon religion inhabit the upper Mustang predominantly. Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert. During the monsoon season, you will witness the rivers’ increased water levels, including the holy and mighty Kali Gandaki River.

Upper Dolpo Trek Juphal to Juphal or Upper Dolpo Traverse Juphal to Jomsom Trek

This trekking destination takes you to one of the most remote regions in Nepal. The followers of the Bon religion, followed by Buddhists and Hindus, mainly inhabit it. The locals’ terrain, culture, and traditions are very close to the Tibetan way of life. The trekking trail partly lies in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s most extensive National Park. It is the only National Park in the trans-Himalaya region. The beauty of this region is unparalleled to other trekking destinations. Upper Dolpo doesn’t receive continuous rainfall in the rain shadow region. Trek here for the unique culture, landscape, scenery, and biodiversity.

Jomsom to Muktinath Trek – email us for the itinerary.

This trekking destination is more popular as a pilgrimage that is suitable during the monsoon season in Nepal. Muktinath attracts both Hindus and Buddhists alike for pilgrimage. Thus, you may embark on a spiritual or adventurous trek to this area, which remains dry most of the year, except in the winter when the region is covered by snow. Besides the holy Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni is the other popularly travelled destination in this region.

Trekking during the summer of 2020 was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.