# Trekking in Nepal in the Monsoon: Best Rain-Shadow Treks and Tips (June–September)

_Published 16 July 2026_

The monsoon has a bad reputation among trekkers. Between June and September, most guidebooks tell you to stay away from Nepal's mountains, and it is true that this is the wettest, cloudiest and least predictable time of year. But it is not the whole story. Many of our trekkers deliberately choose the monsoon for empty trails, green landscapes, lower prices and, in the right places, surprisingly good weather.

The key is choosing the right trek. North of the main Himalayan range lie **rain-shadow** regions such as **Upper Mustang**, **Nar Phu**, **Dolpo** and the upper Manang valley, where the mountains block most of the monsoon rain. On the southern slopes, treks are wetter but still possible with the right attitude and gear. This guide explains what to expect and where to go.

**Quick answer:** the monsoon in Nepal lasts from about **June to mid-September**. The best monsoon treks are in rain-shadow areas: **Upper Mustang**, **Nar Phu Valley**, **Upper Dolpo** and the upper **Annapurna Circuit**. Treks on the southern slopes, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, are possible but expect rain, cloud, leeches, slippery trails and flight delays. Tibet and the Kailash Yatra are also excellent summer options.

## What the monsoon is really like

Many people imagine the monsoon as non-stop rain. In reality, the pattern in most of Nepal is often **clear or partly cloudy mornings** followed by **heavy afternoon or night-time showers**. Some days are fully wet; others are dry for hours. Mountain views do appear, usually early in the morning, but cloud often hides the peaks for days at a time.

Rainfall varies enormously across the country. Pokhara, directly south of the Annapurnas, is one of the wettest places in Nepal, while Jomsom, only a short flight to the north, receives a small fraction of that rain. The monsoon usually starts in the east in early June and reaches the west later in the month, and it retreats from west to east in September.

MonthWhat to expectJuneMonsoon arrives; hot and humid lowlands; rain increases through the monthJulyPeak monsoon; heaviest rainfall and cloud; landslides commonAugustStill wet, but often with longer dry spellsSeptemberMonsoon retreats; clearing skies by the end of the month## The pros of monsoon trekking

- **Empty trails:** very few trekkers, even on famous routes.
- **Green landscapes:** terraced rice fields, full waterfalls and dripping forests.
- **Wildflowers:** alpine meadows bloom in July and August.
- **Rain-shadow magic:** Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are at their best, with clear skies and warm days.
- **Lower prices:** discounts on hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and easy lodge availability.
- **Cultural events:** festivals such as Janai Purnima at Gosainkunda and Teej.

## The cons

- **Rain and cloud** on the southern slopes, hiding mountain views.
- **Leeches** in forests below about 3,000 m.
- **Slippery trails** and swollen streams.
- **Landslides** that can block roads and trails for hours or days.
- **Flight delays**, especially to Lukla, Jomsom and other mountain airstrips.
- **Heat and humidity** in the lowlands.

## Best monsoon treks: rain-shadow routes

### Upper Mustang

The classic monsoon trek. Upper Mustang lies behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and receives little rain. Its desert landscape of red and ochre cliffs, cave dwellings and whitewashed villages is at its most beautiful under blue summer skies, and **Lo Manthang** is lively in the summer farming season. Take a look at our [Upper Mustang Trek](/upper-mustang-trek) or the easier [Upper Mustang Jeep Tour](/upper-mustang-jeep-tour).

### Nar Phu Valley

North of the Annapurna Circuit, the old stone villages of **Nar and Phu** sit in a rain shadow, so summer there is dry and the Kang La pass is usually clear of snow. Our [Nar Phu Valley Trek](/nar-phu-valley-trek) page has the day-by-day plan.

### Upper Dolpo

Remote, wild and deeply Tibetan, **Upper Dolpo** is a true summer trek. It requires a long restricted-area permit, camping and significant fitness, but rewards you with Shey Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries and some of the most untouched landscapes in the Himalaya.

### Upper Annapurna Circuit

The lower part of the Annapurna Circuit is wet in summer, but from around Chame and Pisang onwards, the Manang valley becomes drier. Many trekkers drive to Chame or Manang to skip the wettest section, then cross the Thorong La to Muktinath and Jomsom. Take a look at our [Annapurna Circuit Trek](/annapurna-circuit-trek) and the [Tilicho Lake variation](/annapurna-circuit-tilicho-lake-trek).

### Tibet and Kailash

Across the border, the Tibetan Plateau has its best travel season in summer. The [Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour](/lhasa-everest-base-camp-tour) and the [Kailash Mansarovar Yatra](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra) both run from May to September.

## Monsoon treks on the southern slopes

If your heart is set on a classic trek, it is still possible in the monsoon, with the right expectations.

### Everest Base Camp

The Khumbu is less wet than the Annapurnas, and above Namche, rainfall decreases. Mornings can be clear, and the valleys are green and full of flowers. The biggest issue is **Lukla flights**, which are frequently delayed by cloud; build in at least two spare days or consider starting by road via Salleri. You'll find the route in detail on our [Everest Base Camp Trek](/everest-base-camp-trek) page.

### Langtang Valley

Wet in the lower forest, but beautiful and close to Kathmandu by road, avoiding flight issues. Landslides can affect the road to Syabrubesi. You'll find the route in detail on our [Langtang Valley Trek](/langtang-valley-trek) page.

### Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp

These are among the wettest treks in Nepal in summer, with lots of leeches in the forests. They are still walkable, and the Sanctuary can be beautiful between showers, but views are unreliable.

## Leeches: what you need to know

Leeches are the most talked-about part of monsoon trekking, but they are more of a nuisance than a danger. They live in damp forests below about 3,000 m and attach to boots, socks and legs. Their bites do not hurt and do not transmit disease, but they can bleed for a while.

- Wear **leech socks** over your hiking socks and tuck trousers in.
- Apply **insect repellent** or salt to boots and socks.
- **Check your legs** at rest stops.
- Remove a leech by sliding a fingernail under the sucker, or apply salt; do not pull it off hard.
- Clean the bite and cover it with a plaster.

## Flights and roads in the monsoon

Mountain flights are the weakest link in monsoon travel. Lukla flights may be delayed for days in cloudy spells, and Jomsom flights, which only operate in the early morning, are frequently cancelled. Roads can be blocked by landslides, sometimes for hours, occasionally for days. Plan generously: add two or three spare days, consider road alternatives and buy travel insurance that covers delays. Your trekking company should monitor conditions and have backup plans, such as helicopters or alternative routes.

## Packing for a monsoon trek

- A reliable **waterproof jacket** and **waterproof trousers**.
- A **pack cover** and **dry bags** for everything inside your daypack and duffel.
- A light **umbrella**: very useful on lower trails.
- **Quick-drying** clothing; avoid cotton.
- **Waterproof boots**, or trail shoes that dry quickly, plus several pairs of socks.
- **Leech socks** and insect repellent.
- **Zip-lock bags** for phone, passport and permits.
- For rain-shadow treks, **sun protection** and a **buff** for wind and dust.
- A lighter sleeping bag (about −5°C) for most summer treks below 4,000 m.

See our full [Nepal trekking packing list](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list) for more.

## Safety in the monsoon

- **Landslides:** listen to local advice, cross landslide-prone areas quickly and avoid walking during heavy rain.
- **River crossings:** streams can rise quickly after rain; never cross fast water without your guide's approval.
- **Slippery trails:** use trekking poles and take care on stone steps.
- **Health:** drink purified water and protect against mosquitoes in the lowlands.
- **Insurance:** make sure it covers delays and evacuation.

## Festivals during the monsoon

- **Janai Purnima** (July/August): thousands of pilgrims visit Gosainkunda lake.
- **Gai Jatra** (August): a colourful procession in Kathmandu honouring the dead.
- **Teej** (August/September): women in red saris sing and dance at Pashupatinath.
- **Indra Jatra** (September): masked dances and the Kumari's chariot procession in Kathmandu.

## Monsoon beyond trekking

The monsoon is a good time for cultural travel in the Kathmandu Valley, where rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, and for rafting, when rivers are high (some sections close for safety). Chitwan and Bardia national parks are largely closed to safaris in the heart of the monsoon, and the lowlands are hot and humid. Pokhara is very wet but green and peaceful.

## Late September: the sweet spot

If you can, consider trekking in the second half of September. The monsoon is usually retreating, the landscape is still green and fresh, rice terraces are golden, waterfalls are full, and the crowds of October have not yet arrived. Weather can still be unsettled, but the rewards are great.

## A monsoon trek in Upper Mustang: what it feels like

To understand why Upper Mustang is so special in the monsoon, imagine the journey. You leave Pokhara under heavy grey clouds and fly north, or drive, through the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, where waterfalls pour off the cliffs and the forests drip with rain. Then, somewhere between Tatopani and Jomsom, the landscape changes. The trees thin out, the cliffs turn dry and golden, and blue sky appears above the Nilgiri peaks. By the time you reach Kagbeni and enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang, you are in a high desert, with only occasional showers and bright, warm days.

In summer, Mustang's villages are alive with activity. Barley and buckwheat fields are green, apple orchards are ripening, and families are busy in the fields. The monasteries of Lo Manthang, Tsarang and Ghar Gompa are open, and the walled capital is at its most welcoming. Evenings are cool but not cold, and nights under the clear desert sky are full of stars. It's one of our favourite treks, and the monsoon may well be the best time to do it.

## How to handle rainy days on the trail

If you trek on the southern slopes in the monsoon, some rainy days are inevitable. The best approach is to plan for them. Start walking early, when mornings are often dry, and aim to reach your lodge by early afternoon, before the heaviest rain. Pack your daypack so that anything important is in dry bags, and keep a dry set of clothes in your duffel for the evening. Use an umbrella on lower trails; it is surprisingly effective and cooler than a rain jacket in the humid heat. On very wet days, it is often better to have a short walking day or a rest day in a comfortable lodge than to push on through heavy rain. Your guide will know which sections are safe and which are prone to landslides.

## Green season photography

Photos from the monsoon look nothing like those from the dry seasons. Terraced rice fields are bright green, waterfalls come off every cliff, and clouds pour over the ridges. When the mountains do break through, usually at dawn, the air is washed clean of dust and the light is very sharp. Protect your camera with a rain cover and keep silica gel packets in your bag to reduce humidity. In rain-shadow areas such as Mustang, blue sky, red cliffs and green barley fields make easy pictures.

## Monsoon wildlife and flowers

For nature lovers, the monsoon is a season of abundance. Alpine meadows above the tree line burst into flower in July and August, with primulas, gentians, edelweiss, blue poppies in some areas and dozens of other species. Butterflies are everywhere in the middle hills, and birds are breeding. In the Langtang and Annapurna regions, high pastures are full of grazing yaks and sheep brought up by herders for the summer. Some of these experiences are only possible at this time of year.

## Monsoon costs and bookings

The monsoon is Nepal's low season for tourism, and that can mean better value. Many hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer discounts, and teahouses on quieter routes are delighted to see trekkers. Guides and porters are more available, making it easier to book at short notice. However, some costs can be higher: restricted-area permits for Upper Mustang and Dolpo stay the same, and you may need to budget for extra nights or alternative transport if flights are cancelled. Build a contingency of a few hundred dollars into your budget for unexpected delays.

## Travel insurance in the monsoon

Monsoon travel makes good insurance even more important. Check that your policy covers trekking at your maximum altitude, emergency evacuation, trip delays and cancellations caused by weather, and missed connections. Keep receipts for extra hotel nights or transport caused by delays, as some policies will reimburse these costs. Share your policy details with your trekking company before you travel.

## What our trekkers say about the monsoon

Some of the happiest trekkers we have guided walked in the monsoon. A couple from the Netherlands who trekked Upper Mustang in August told us it was "the best trip of our lives: blue skies every day, and we had Lo Manthang almost to ourselves." A solo trekker who did Everest Base Camp in July admitted she waited three days for her Lukla flight, but said the green valleys, flowers and quiet lodges made up for it, and she had "the whole of Kala Patthar to myself at sunrise." The common thread is flexibility: the people who came ready to adapt had a great time.

## Monsoon trekking itineraries we recommend

### Upper Mustang trek (12–14 days)

The best monsoon trek in Nepal. Fly or drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, walk to Kagbeni and enter the restricted area, then trek through Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang to Lo Manthang, with a day to explore the walled city, caves and monasteries before returning by a different route or by jeep.

### Nar Phu and the upper Annapurna Circuit (14–17 days)

Drive to Koto, trek into the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu, cross the Kang La to Manang, then continue over the Thorong La to Muktinath and Jomsom. Most of this route lies in a rain shadow, and the high passes are usually clear of snow in summer.

### Upper Mustang by jeep (9 days)

For travellers with less time or who prefer not to trek, a jeep tour to Lo Manthang shows Mustang's landscapes and culture in comfort, with visits to Muktinath and the sky caves.

### Tibet overland (10–14 days)

Fly to Lhasa for the Potala Palace and monasteries, then travel overland to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side, or join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, both at their best in summer.

## Monsoon trekking with a guide

A good guide is even more valuable in the monsoon than in the dry seasons. They know which trails are prone to landslides, where rivers can be crossed safely, which lodges stay open and dry, and how to adapt your itinerary when flights are cancelled or roads are blocked. They also keep in touch with the trekking company office, which monitors weather forecasts and road reports. Since 2023, licensed guides are required for most treks anyway, so choose an experienced one who has walked your route in the rainy season.

## Our honest verdict

The monsoon is not the best season for most classic Himalayan treks, and we would never pretend otherwise. If your dream is a crystal-clear view of Everest from Kala Patthar, come in October or November. But if your dates are fixed in summer, or you want to see a greener, quieter and more intimate side of Nepal, the monsoon has a great deal to offer, especially in the rain-shadow regions north of the Himalaya. With the right trek, the right gear and some flexibility, a summer trip to Nepal can go very well.

## Common questions about monsoon conditions

Trekkers planning a summer trip often ask similar questions. Will I see any mountains? Usually yes, at least on some mornings, although not every day, and in rain-shadow regions views are often excellent. Will I be wet all the time? On southern slopes you will have some wet days, but a good jacket, umbrella and dry bags keep you comfortable, and lodges have dining rooms to dry out in. Are lodges open? On the main routes, yes; some on remote routes close, which your guide will know about. Is it too hot? The lowlands are hot and humid, but once you are above about 2,000 m, temperatures are comfortable for walking, and nights at altitude are cool. Is the monsoon getting less predictable? Our guides have noticed more intense bursts of rain and later retreats in recent years, which is another reason to keep your plans flexible.

## Before you book a summer trek

Before committing to a monsoon trek, ask your trekking company a few specific questions: how they handle flight cancellations and road blockages, which sections of the route are prone to landslides, whether the itinerary includes spare days, and what their policy is if a trek must be shortened or rerouted because of weather. A company that plans carefully for the monsoon will give you clear, confident answers.

## Getting the timing right

If you have some flexibility within the summer months, think about timing. Early June can still offer reasonable weather in some areas before the monsoon fully arrives. July is usually the wettest month on the southern slopes. August often brings slightly longer dry spells. And the second half of September combines fading rain with fresh, green landscapes, making it one of the most underrated times to trek in Nepal. For rain-shadow treks such as Upper Mustang, any summer month works well.

## The monsoon in a few words

The monsoon is Nepal at its most alive: rivers roaring, terraces glowing green, farmers planting rice and festivals filling the streets. It asks for more patience than the dry seasons. In return you get empty trails, wild flowers, big clouds and, north of the main range, some of the best trekking weather of the year. Plan it right and summer is a perfectly good time to come.

## Is monsoon trekking right for you?

Monsoon trekking suits flexible, adventurous travellers who love solitude and do not mind rain, or those who can only travel in summer and are happy to head to rain-shadow regions. If guaranteed mountain views are your priority, choose October–November or March–May instead. Our [month-by-month guide](/blog/best-time-to-trek-in-nepal) compares all the seasons.

Planning a summer trip? [Contact our team](/contact-us), and we will suggest the best route for your dates and interests, from Upper Mustang to Tibet.

## Frequently asked questions
### Can I trek in Nepal during the monsoon?
Yes. Rain-shadow treks such as **Upper Mustang** and **Nar Phu** are excellent, and classic treks are possible with rain gear and flexibility.

### When is the monsoon in Nepal?
From about **June to mid-September**, varying by year and region.

### What is the best trek in the monsoon?
**Upper Mustang** is the classic monsoon trek, along with Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo and the upper Annapurna Circuit.

### Can I trek to Everest Base Camp in the monsoon?
Yes, but expect rain lower down, cloud and frequent Lukla flight delays. Keep two or three spare days.

### Are there leeches on Nepal treks?
Yes, in damp forests below about 3,000 m during the monsoon. Leech socks and repellent help.

### Does it rain all day in the monsoon?
Usually not. Mornings are often clearer, with heavy rain in the afternoon and night.

### Are flights cancelled in the monsoon?
Mountain flights to Lukla and Jomsom are frequently delayed or cancelled.

### Is it dangerous to trek in the monsoon?
Landslides and slippery trails are the main risks. Follow local advice and trek with a guide.

### What should I pack for a monsoon trek?
Waterproof jacket and trousers, pack cover, dry bags, umbrella, quick-dry clothes and leech socks.

### Is Upper Mustang good in the monsoon?
Yes, it is in a rain shadow and one of the best places to trek in summer.

### Is the monsoon cheaper for trekking?
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara often offer discounts, and lodges are easy to book.

### What about late September?
Late September is often excellent, with retreating rain, green landscapes and few crowds.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/blog/trekking-in-nepal-in-monsoon