The best summer treks in Nepal take you to the arid desert-like landscapes of the Tibetan plateau and some rain-shadow areas.
You’ve been dreaming of trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal for quite some time. However, is it necessary to schedule your trek during the summer season? Is it even possible? If you are concerned about the trek conditions or looking forward to breathtaking views and an immersive cultural experience. Luckily, you can still have an incredible trekking experience during the summer months.
Nepal experiences heavy rainfall during the summer season. However, rain-shadow areas like Mustang offer clear skies, stunning views, and vibrant natural beauty, making it a perfect season for trekking. Furthermore, the route conditions in this area are well-managed, making it more straightforward to travel across the Himalayan lap. The best summer treks in Nepal take you to some of the arid desert-like landscapes of the Tibetan plateau and some rain-shadowed areas.
Table of Contents
Best Summer Treks in Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek
| Maximum Elevation | 5,364 meters |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Transportation/Flight | Flight to Lukla |
| Trek Starting and Ending Point | Lukla |
| Permit | Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit |
| Trek Duration | 12 to 14 days |
| Cost | $1,490 to $2,500 |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and Lodges |
The Everest Base Camp Trek in the Himalayas is among Nepal’s most scenic and popular treks. At 8,848 meters, Everest is the world’s highest summit. The trek involves a challenging journey on foot to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge your persistence and dedication while showcasing the beauty of high-altitude landscapes. The trek takes around 14 days and is of moderate difficulty.
While trekking through Sagarmatha National Park, you can admire the fascinating beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. You can also gain insight into the Sherpa culture. While trekking at the Everest Base Camp, you can see the stunning views of glaciers, icefalls, and sky-high peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and many more.
The most exciting thing to do on the Everest summer trip is to see and participate in the Dumji Festival. This is one of the biggest celebrations of the Sherpa community in the Everest region. This celebration falls in either the second half of June or the first half of July. The people gather at the monasteries of Tngboche, Khumjung, Phakding, Namche Bazar, Pangbochr, and Thame.
Langtang Valley Trek
| Maximum Elevation | 3,865 meters |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Transportation/Flight | Private vehicles are available from Kathmandu to the trekking starting point |
| Trek Starting and Ending Point | Syabrubesi |
| Permit | TIMS Card and Langtang National Park entry permit |
| Trek Duration | 7 to 15 days (depending on individual preference) |
| Cost | $500 to $2,500 |
| Accommodation | Teahouses |
The Langtang Valley trek is also one of the best summer treks in Nepal. It is about an 8-hour journey from Kathmandu and takes an average of 8 days to complete. Trekking to Langtang Region in the summer provides breathtaking vistas of Langtang National Park. Furthermore, most animals are active throughout the summer so you will witness various beautiful wildlife on your hike. One of the most pleasant highlights of Langtang is the stunning morning views from Tserko Ri.
Other notable attractions are many Kundas, including Gosaikunda, Surya Kunda, and Saraswati Kunda. People often come to Langtang to see Gosaikunda, sacred in Hinduism. You can also purchase well-known cheeses and visit Yak farms nearby. You can enjoy the most blissful surroundings in the summer while trekking to Langtang Valley. The wain-washed green woods, landscapes, and breathtaking Himalayas captivate many trekkers from all over the globe.
During the summer, the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek allows you to participate in the Janai Purnima Festival. Thousand of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims visit the holy lakes of the Gosaikunda Valley Trek each August. On this trip, you’ll learn about the Janai Purnima Festival and how it is celebrated.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
| Maximum Elevation | 5,416 meters |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Transportation/Flight | Private transport is available from Kathmandu to the trek starting point, and flight is available for Pokhara |
| Trek Starting and Ending Point | Chame to Muktinath |
| Permit | TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
| Trek Duration | 12 to 14 days |
| Cost | $800 to $2,500 |
| Accommodation | Teahouses |
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a well-known classic trip in Nepal that can be completed during summer. This trek offers a unique experience in the Annapurna region, combining traveling to the Manang and the lower Mustang region. Thus, around the full moon of August, you can observe the Yartung Festival, also called the Horse Riding Festival. Unlike other treks, you can expect minimal to no monsoon rain during your journey. During this incredible journey, the monsoon rain may affect the lower regions as you drive from Kathmandu to Chame.
When you arrive in Pisang, you’ll find a primarily dry landscape with consistently clear weather, even in summer. The route is less crowded during summer, making finding accommodation more efficient and easy. This trek takes you on a circuit of the breathtaking Annapurna mountain range, starting from Manang and stopping at the scenic high-altitude Tilicho Lake.
The trail leads from the Marsyangdi River Valley to the Kali Gandaki River Valley, crossing Nepal’s highest pass, Thorong La Pass. You can also visit the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath in Mustang, after which you’ll follow ancient routes to Jomson. During this Himalayan adventure, the 8000-meter peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will be towering.
Upper Mustang Trek
| Maximum Elevation | 3,840 meters |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Transportation/Flight | Private transport is available from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and flights from Pokhara to Jomsom are available. |
| Trek Starting and Ending Point | Jomsom |
| Permit | TIMS card, a special Mustang trek permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP) |
| Private transport is available from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and flight from Pokhara to Jomsom are available. | 12 to 15 days |
| Cost | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Accommodation | Teahouses |
Many people have the Upper Mustang Trek on their bucket list. It is one of the best summer treks in Nepal as it lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massifs and doesn’t get rain during the summer. Upper Mustang, isolated from the rest of the world and quarantined within stone walls, has preserved primitive traditions, knowledge, and experience to the present day. In this trek, you can see that the culture, dress, and food are primarily Tibetan.
The Upper Mustang Trek takes almost 15 days to complete, and you can explore Upper Mustang’s capital, Lo Manthang, and learn about monasteries that are more than 100 years old. Heavy snowfalls may block the path in winter, so doing the trek in the summer is a preferable option.
You can see the magnificent views of the snowcapped peaks of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif. In the summer, the semi-arid landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan region and Tibetan Plateau are stunning. Aside from the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, the Yartung festival is another highlight of this incredible region. If you plan your trip around the August Full Moon, you can attend the Yartung Festival, also known as the Horse Riding Festival. Upper Mustang Trek in the summer also provides insights into the locals’ distinct lifestyles, cultures, and traditions.
You may also like – 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Benefits of trekking in Summer
Lush Greenery and Blooming Flora
Summer brings vibrant colors to the landscape, with lush forests and blooming plants. The pathways, which have been landscaped with natural beauty, add to the scenic surroundings.
Warmer Temperatures
Summer in Nepal offers milder temperatures at higher altitudes, making trekking comfortable. The weather primarily benefits you if you prefer to hike without experiencing extreme bloodlessness.
Cultural Festivals
Nepal offers numerous cultural festivals during the summer months. Trekking during this season allows you to witness and participate in nearby celebrations.
Extended Daylight Hours
During the summer, longer hours allow you to do more trekking activities. You can start early and enjoy the scenic views for a long time, making the most of each day.
Fewer Crowds
Few trekkers are on the trails in summertime compared to peak trekking seasons. Thus, you can have a more peaceful and enjoyable trekking experience, learn more about the local way of life, and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Tips for a Successful Summer Trek
- You should know your trekking route and how long it will take.
- You should check the weather before starting your trek.
- You should obtain all the permits required for your trek.
- Bring essentials like water, snails, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a map, a first aid kit, and good trekking boots.
- Take your time, walk slowly, and rest when you need to.
- You should be prepared for emergencies and also carry navigation tools.
Conclusion
Summer trekking in Nepal is an incredible experience, with its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural significance, and thrilling adventures. The country has a variety of trails suitable for all levels of trekkers, whether beginners or experienced hikers. The summer season brings fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy tranquility and peace in nature at its best. The stunning scenery is one of the most rewarding aspects of trekking in Nepal during the summer. Towering snow-capped peaks, vibrantly green hillsides, and crystal-clear rivers are just a few of the breathtaking landscapes you’ll see while hiking.
FAQs
Is Nepal good to visit in the summer?
Yes, Nepal can be a great place to visit in the summer. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, especially in the lower regions like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can enjoy trekking in the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, and experiencing local culture.
Which is the most scenic trek in Nepal?
The Annapurna Circuit trek is incredibly diverse and beautiful. Along the way, you’ll see steep valleys, deep canyons, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and snow-topped peaks. You’ll also visit Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali villages.
Which month is best for the Annapurna trek?
The best times to hike in the Annapurna region are October to November and April to May. During this time of the year, everything tends to be pretty dry, and the skies are clear.
Is Annapurna easier than Everest?
Annapurna is easier than Everest as Everest is more physically demanding due to higher altitudes and harsher weather conditions.
Which is the most difficult trek in Nepal?
The most challenging trek in Nepal is the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. It requires high endurance and physical fitness.
