August is the middle of the monsoon season of the country. But as we know Nepal is a mountainous country, it is possible to do trekking in Nepal in August. The great Himalayan ranges pass though the country from east to west. The Himalayan range has nearly all of the top 10 highest mountains peaks of the world. Among these peaks 8 of the highest peaks of the world lie in Nepal. This means the country has a lot of rain shadow areas. Most of the popular trekking routes of the country go through these rain shadow areas.
The weather in month of August is hot and humid because of the frequent rain. You can expect rainfall every day during evening and night time. This will be your biggest issue for outdoor activities in the month of August.
If you are planning to do trekking in Nepal in August then you will have to give more attention in preparing well to tackle the monsoon season. If you prepare yourself well then you will have relaxing and trouble free trekking experience.
Most of the popular trekking destinations are available in monsoon season as well like Everest base camp, Annapurna circuit, upper Mustang etc. All these trekking destinations are in rain shadow areas or in higher altitude which are not affected by monsoon as much as the rest of the places of the country. Other treks near the city areas are also recommended in month of August like Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking, Shvapuri Chisopani Hike, and Dhampus Sarangkot hike etc. All these trekking routes are near cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Monsoon season is at its midway point in the month of August. The climate is hot and wet. There is rainfall nearly every day of the month. The environment is fresh due the frequent rainfall. You can expect the average temperature to be around 30°C in the day time and around 20°C during the night time.
The average rain fall received in month of august is around 13 inches. The rain shadow areas received very less rains fall than the other areas of the country making them perfect for trekking in august in Nepal.
Janai Purnima is the festival of threads. Hindu devotees tie threads on their wrist and men from Chettri and bhramin community change the sacred thread around there body on the occasion of Janai Purnima. This festival is also know as Rakhsya Bhandan. People go to Shiava temples around the country to worship on this day. Places like Gosiainkunda, Patan, and Dolakha have fares and ceremony to celebrated Janai Purnima.
Gai Jatra is one of the most popular festival of the country. it is mainly celebrated in kathmandu. People worship god of death “Yamaraj” on this day. Any familiy who has lost a family member in the year has to participate in this festival. In this festival little kids are dressed as cow and are taken in the streets of kathmandu. The kids are dressed in a funny way. You can enjoy seeing this festival the most in kathmandu city. Different comedy acts are also conducted in the different parts of the city.
Krishna Janmashtami is the festival for celebrating the birth of Krishna who is considered to be 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is one of the important festival on hindu people. This festival is also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami.
Best destinations for trekking in Nepal in month of August
The geographical feature of Nepal makes trekking possible throughout the year. The high peaks present in Nepal have created a lot of rain shadow areas. Many of the trekking areas lie in those areas. The following are best for trekking in Nepal in August.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper mustang trek lies in the north of Annapurna range which means the Annapurna range block the rain clouds from entering mustang region. This means you can enjoy trekking in mustang without being concerned about the monsoon weather. In mustang you will be able to observe the ancient kingdom of Lo. There are many caves on the side of the cliffs. These caves are very old and have many mysteries. You can explore the beautiful landscape of the surrounding areas.
Annapurna circuit Trek.
Annapurna circuit Trek lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range. This trek is one of the best options for trekking in Nepal in August. The trek will take you around the Annapurna region. You will be covering a lot of distance during this trek. The views of the Annapurna range from the circuit will be very beautiful and different from different parts of the trekking route. The higher parts of the trekking route are less affected by the monsoon than the lower parts of the trekking route. If you want to have clear views of the mountain then it will be better for you to start your trek early in the morning as there are very less cloud in the morning time.
Everest Base camp trek
Everest base camp trek is situated in high altitude which makes the trek suitable in monsoon season as well. You will be affected by monsoon in the lower parts of the trekking route like in Kathmandu, Lukla etc. I recommend you to have few extra days for your trek incase the weather delays your domestic flights. Mountains in monsoon season tend to hide behind the clouds during the day time due to which if you want to have great views of the mountains you will have to start the trek early in the morning.
Shivapuri Chiso Pani Trek
Shivapuri Chiso pani trek is very close to the capital city of the country. If you love wild life and hills covered with green forests then this trek is for you. Trekking in August in Shivapuri Chisopani will enable you to have the great view of the landscape filled with greenery. Monsoon makes the forest alive. The water falls and the rivers are larger due to the rain. This makes the trekking even more beautiful and once in a life time experience.
Highlights of trekking in Nepal in month of August
Things to take care for trekking in Nepal in August
Following are the issue you will have while trekking in Nepal in August:
The trekking tips given below will be very helpful for you if you are planning to do trekking in Nepal in month of August.
List of gears for trekking in Nepal in August
The followings equipment is essential for trekking in August in Nepal
Conclusion
Monsoon is in its halfway point in the month of august. You can expect rain fall nearly every day of the month. Mountains will be hidden behind the clouds during the day time. Trekking trails will be muddy in the areas which are highly affected by the monsoon.
If you are planning to do trekking in Nepal in august then you have the option in trekking in rain shadow areas. You will also need to prepare trekking gears according to the situation of monsoon season.Even though it is monsoon season during this time of the year, all the trekking routes of the country are open and you will easily find accommodation and guise service for your trek.
