7 Challenging Trekking Trails in Nepal
There is something quite intriguing about exploring the unknown. Traversing rugged terrain is very popular, and some of the most challenging environments are found in proximity to mountainous regions. Nepal, the Himalayan nation, has always been a popular destination for trekkers – amateurs and pros alike. While most people may equate Nepal with the expedition to conquer Mount Everest (as seen in the 2006 documentary Everest: Beyond the Limit on Prime Video), the country offers a great variety of treks to other not-so-intimidating-yet-challenging areas. If you’re all prepared to take the next step, then the information below can guide you to some of the best Nepal trekking regions. Due to the difficult terrain, some of these routes are recommended only for experienced trekkers. 1. Manaslu Circuit Trekking (Image: “ManasluCircuit4.jpg” by Spencer Weart licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.) The Manaslu region is located in west-central Nepal and is one of the less-visited regions of the Himalayas. Basic infrastructure is minimal as you go around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain on earth. Manaslu circuit trekking is possible even though many parts of the area have yet to be explored. Individuals have come here since the early 1990s, thanks to the pristine wilderness. The mountain’s peak crests at 8,156 meters. The trail goes around the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to rare animals and birds.
Trekking in Nepal during November
Trekking in Nepal in November November is a much better month to go trekking in Nepal. This is because the monsoon should be long gone by November. However, there is rainfall for a couple of days every month, both post and pre-monsoon, and sometimes freak weather occurs every few years. The daytime temperatures are warm below 1500 meters, cool up to 2500 meters, and warm/cool above 2500 meters. Therefore, you can do most treks during November. This is ideal for regular treks such as Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, Everest base camp, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, and Upper Mustang. It pays to invest in the right equipment, such as a suitable down jacket, sleeping bag, a couple of layers of fleece, the right thermal underwear, thick hiking socks, gloves, trekking pants, warm hats, and essential gears. 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. You can hike in shorts in the lower to middle altitude areas. Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalaya during November. This is the fall season; some flowers are still blooming in the middle of Nepal. The clouds can begin to form during the late afternoon. However, the colder weather should make the clouds stay low longer and descend quicker in the late afternoons. The trekkers will be seen in significant numbers on the trail and in the lodges during November. You will be warm to hot while hiking during the daytime. You will meet plenty of other trekkers on the trail and lodges. You can socialize with a lot of people. The views should be fantastic for most of the day. Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal in November? You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during November. This is a better time to do a high-altitude hike than in February or March. However, you can expect some snowfall in the higher elevations, but this should melt quickly due to the warmth and humidity. 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 November. Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during November. There can be a few days of rain in the lower elevations while snowfall on the higher grounds. If you come across a landslide area, do the following: 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. Lodges can be full of trekkers, even sleeping on the dining tables, benches, and floors. There have been times when trekkers had to walk for two to three hours more than intended/planned, as all the lodges were full. The WIFI speed could be frustratingly slow due to the number of users. You can use the Internet (if it is not too slow) for weather forecasts and temperatures. There could be a lot of people queuing for hot showers. You might find the lodges are full and might have to walk to the next village to find a room in a hostel. The lodge owners prefer two persons to share a room as they make more money from the food they sell. The rush of Deepavali celebrations can make it difficult to get bus and flight tickets at the last minute. Fog can delay and disrupt domestic flights in Kathmandu and Pokhara. November 2020 – The weather was excellent this year, with clear days most of the month apart from the usual 3-5 days of monthly rain/snowfall, depending on the altitude. November 2019 – The temperatures followed the previous year with colder temperatures with some cloudy days and some days of precipitation. November 2018 – The temperatures have been colder than usual this autumn season. This year the weather was cloudy in the early morning during the first two weeks. The views were excellent in the early mornings in the middle altitude, but the mountains got covered quite early – sometimes as soon as 7 am. Some rainfall took place on different days in different parts of the country. The weather improved and stayed clear for most of the day during the last week of the month. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Trekking in Nepal during October
Trekking in Nepal in October Most tour operators claim October to be the best month for trekking in Nepal. This statistic was accurate 25 to 30 years ago. These days the monsoon can linger around longer. Cyclones could disturb the weather in the Bay of Bengal, sometimes resulting in unseasonal snowfall, which has proven fatal. The most recent tragedy occurred in October 2014, caused by Cyclone Hud Hud. The daytime temperatures are warm to hot below 1500 meters, up to 2500 meters, and warm/cool above 2500 meters. Therefore, you can do most treks during October, and it is advised to choose higher altitude treks for cooler temperatures. This is an ideal time to do regular treks such as Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, Everest base camp, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, or go for more adventurous walks such as The Upper Dolpo Circuit or Upper Dolpo Traverse or Upper Mustang as these regions are in the rain shadow. It pays to invest in the right 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 name a few essential gears. 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. You can hike in shorts in the lower to middle altitude areas. Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalaya during October. This is the fall season; some flowers are still blooming in Nepal’s middle and high hills. However, the clouds can begin to form during the late afternoon, 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. The trekkers will be seen in significant numbers on the trail and in the lodges during October. You will be warm to hot while hiking during the daytime. You will meet plenty of other trekkers on the trail and lodges. You can use the Internet (if it is not too slow) for weather forecasts and temperatures. A lot of people could be queuing for hot showers. You can see villages ripening crops such as rice and millet. Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal in October? You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during October. This is a better time to do a high-altitude tour than in February or March. However, you can expect some snowfall in the higher elevations, but this should melt quickly due to the warmth and humidity. 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 October. Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during October. Trekking trails can still be muddy and slippery. Be careful of wet roots while trekking through forests. Again, leeches might come out when it rains, in moist areas in early October, or when it rains. 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 is more useful this way. Some people burn the leeches or use Dettol or regular salt. However, the rain can wash them off, making rock salts and chewing tobacco mixture an excellent choice. 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. 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 WIFI speed could be frustratingly slow due to the number of users. Lodges can be full of trekkers, even sleeping on the dining tables, benches, and floors. There have been times when trekkers had to walk for two to three hours more than intended/planned, as all the lodges were full. The leeches start coming out in elevations below 2400 meters when it rains. The mountains remain clear only during the mornings mostly. It can be hot and humid in lower elevation areas. Insects in the lower altitude areas can bite you – bring along the proper insecticide. October is autumn; However, rains could disrupt domestic flights to or from Short take-off and landing strips (STOL) airports like Lukla, Jomsom, and Juphal. Landslides can block roads causing delays in your holiday program. Foggy weather in the valleys of Kathmandu and Pokhara can delay flights. There is a massive exodus of migrant workers from Kathmandu during the Hindu Festival of Dashain (it can be next to impossible to get bus seats and when you are close to the main festival days, even on domestic flights. October 2021 We experienced heavy rainfall in the first week. After that, we had continuous rain from the 17th to the 20th of October, which caused landslides and floods in the nation. The precipitation was caused by the combined influence of two weather systems that developed a week after the exit of the monsoon. As a result, the eastern and far-western regions of the country were severely affected by the torrential rains. October 2020 – The monsoon rains receded from the second week on schedule. October 2019 The monsoon rains lingered much longer this year. It affected the flights to Lukla and Jomsom until the second week of the month. In the Everest region, there was unseasonal rain/snowfall. October 2018 The first week of October experienced clear weather in the mornings, but the clouds
Trekking in Nepal during September
Trekking in Nepal during September For most trekking tour operators, the month of September is the beginning of the autumn trekking season. However, it is the tail end of the monsoon season, and it can rain until the third week, and occasionally it rains until the end of the month. The daytime temperatures are to be warm to hot and humid below 1500 meters, warm up to 2500 meters, and warm/cool above 2500 meters. Therefore, you can do most treks during September, and it is advised to choose higher altitude treks for cooler temperatures. This is an ideal time to do regular treks such as Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, Everest base camp, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, or go for more adventurous walks such as The Upper Dolpo Circuit or Upper Dolpo Traverse or Upper Mustang as these regions are in the rain shadow. It pays to invest in the right 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 name a few necessary gears to invest in. 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. You can hike in shorts in the lower to middle altitude areas. Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalaya during September. This is the beginning of the fall season; some flowers are still blooming in Nepal’s middle and high hills. However, the clouds can begin to form during the early afternoon, 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 substantial colourful moths during September while trekking in Nepal. The trekkers will start to be seen on the trail and in the lodges if you go trekking during September to the popular trekking areas where there are lodges. You will be warm to hot while hiking during the daytime. You will meet other trekkers on the trail and lodges. The WIFI speed should be decent as the fall season isn’t yet in full swing. You can use the internet for weather forecasts and temperatures. There will be fewer people queuing for hot showers. You can see villages ripening crops such as rice and millet. Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during September? You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during September. 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. 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 September. Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during September. Trekking trails can still be muddy and slippery. Be careful of wet roots while trekking through forests. Leeches might again come out when it is raining or in moist areas. 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 is more useful this way. Some people burn leeches or use Dettol or regular salt. However, the rain can wash them off, making rock salts and chewing tobacco mixture an excellent choice. 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. Thunder and Lightning storm It is not a regular occurrence, but occasionally there might be thunder and lightning storms. So in case, you are caught in the rain: Take 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. 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 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. September is the monsoon’s end; 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. September 2021 – The disturbances in the Bay of Bengal cause heavier precipitation than usual. September 2020 – There was a lull in the monsoon rains in the first week while the second and thirds precipitation returned to ‘normal.’ September 2019 – The combination of heavy to moderate rainfall was experienced this month. September 2018 received a lot of rainfall during the first ten days; then, there was a lull in precipitation, which picked up again from the third week.
Trekking in Nepal in the autumn season
Trekking in Nepal during the autumn/fall season Fall Peak Season: October and November The autumn months of September, October, and November are the favourite months of Nepal’s fall trekking season: temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively stable, and the clear air makes for superb mountain views. The high mountains are still cold, and lower elevations are still warm, but the daytime walking temperatures are the most pleasant overall. Severe weather can hit the hills anytime, but fall has the most stable conditions. The autumn/fall season is also when Nepal receives most trekkers. The most popular trails, such as Langtang, Everest Base Camp, and the Annapurna Circuit, will be bustling with trekkers, and this is experienced from the paths to the teahouses. The tourist district of Thamel in Kathmandu will be full of tourists. Getting rooms in guest houses or hotels can be problematic if you haven’t booked in advance. Trekkers start coming from September onwards. However, September is the tail end of the monsoon season. Therefore, you can still experience the same annoyances as during the monsoon season, such as landslides, blocked trails, and leeches, to name a few. Click here for more details on what it is like to go trekking in Nepal during September. Most tour operators and trekking agencies claim October is the best month for Trekking in Nepal. It was very accurate 20 or more years ago. It still is the busiest month with hotel rooms; guesthouses in the cities are overbooked. The past decade or more has shown that climatic change has brought rain during the supposed “Clearest” month of October. The weather can be affected by cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. Sometimes the storms bring adverse weather to the high Himalayas in the form of unseasonal rain. Simultaneously, it caused devastation, like in October 2014, when unseasonal snowstorms killed several trekkers and their local staff. The lodges on the trail can be complete, and there have been cases where some backpackers had to go further on to the next place, hoping to find rooms in the subsequent settlement. Trekkers have slept on the dining tables and floors of the dining halls of the lodges during October. November continues to witness the influx of autumn-season trekkers. There are several days of precipitation each month, but November is a more stable time for trekking in Nepal. The number of trekkers starts to decline from the third week of November, thinking the Himalayan regions must be snow-covered; this is far from the truth. The slightly colder temperatures make the clouds stay low longer, and the mountain views are much clearer for more extended periods. Benefits of Trekking in Nepal Himalaya during the autumn/fall season. This is the fall season; some flowers are still blooming in Nepal’s middle and high hills. However, the clouds can begin to form during the late afternoon, 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. The trekkers will be seen in significant numbers on the trail and lodges during the autumn/fall. You will be warm to hot while hiking during the daytime. You will meet plenty of other trekkers on the trail and lodges. You can use the Internet (if it is not too slow) for weather forecasts and temperatures. A lot of people could be queuing for hot showers. You can see villages ripening crops such as rice and millet. Can I do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during the autumn season? You can undoubtedly do a high-altitude trek in Nepal during the fall season. This is a better time to do a high-altitude tour than in February or March. However, you can expect some snowfall in the higher elevations, but this should melt quickly due to the warmth and humidity. 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 October. Dangers/Inconveniences of trekking in Nepal during the Autumn/Fall season. Trekking trails can still be muddy and slippery. Be careful of wet roots while trekking through forests. Again, leeches might come out when it is raining or in moist areas from Late September to mid-October or whenever it rains. 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 is more useful this way. Some people burn leeches or use Dettol or regular salt. However, the rain can wash them off, making rock salts and chewing tobacco mixture an excellent choice. 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. Start early in the morning to enjoy the unobstructed views of the mountains and surroundings. The WIFI speed could be frustratingly slow due to the number of users. Lodges can be full of trekkers, even sleeping on the dining tables, benches, and floors. There have been times when trekkers had to walk for two to three hours more than intended/planned, as all the lodges were full. The leeches start coming out in elevations below 2400 meters when it rains. It can be hot and humid in lower elevation areas. Insects in the more moderate altitude areas can bite you – bring suitable insecticide. The autumn season is September, October, and November; however, rains could disrupt domestic flights to or from Short take-off and landing strips (STOL) airports like Lukla, Jomsom, and Juphal. Landslides can block roads causing delays in your holiday program. Check out our Trekking packages
