Escape the rain: 5 Best Summer Treks in Nepal

What is Nepal's summer weather like? Understanding the monsoon’s embrace

Also called the monsoon season, summer in Nepal is from June to August. The weather specifically may vary from season to season due to the country’s diverse topography and altitude differences from the lowland Terai plains to the high Himalayan mountains like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. While it rains heavily in the lower region, the leeward mountain region receives less rain, and some regions of Nepal are in rain shadow areas, making it the perfect summer trekking destination.

In the lower region, the temperatures are generally warm, and landscapes are lush with hills and valleys filled with greenery, wildflowers, and roaring waterfalls due to frequent rain showers. To experience decreased rainfall as you ascend higher, the transition is something truly magical to witness. The trekking areas are left only to those who embark on this time, and often many organizers like Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, and teahouses along the route offer discounts.

Though skies can be cloudy with poor visibility followed by active insects and leeches, some untouched routes are awaiting you in the trans-Himalayan region to escape all the hardships of following the typical high-altitude trekking routes in the Himalayas, making Nepal trekking in summer not only feasible but also a rewarding experience, an ideal time for budget travelers revealing unique factors of Nepal as skies clear out.

Why Choose Nepal Trekking in Summer?

Trekking in Nepal during the summer season offers several advantages, including traffic-free trails, which also means that, unlike in peak trekking seasons, you might not be mandated to share accommodation with fellow trekkers. The monsoon rain brings nature’s spirit to life, an ideal time to observe a wide range of flora and fauna. Despite the heavy fall that could result in flight delays and cancellations, and slippery trails adding much to the difficulty level, festivals like Dumji in Upper Mustang and Guru Purnima widen the cultural immersion.

The sense of solitude with fresh nature is unparalleled, featuring lush greenery as the rain washes away the dust and residue. The tea houses have lower prices, and you can also get more affordable deals on flights, meals, permits, and trekking packages. Several high-altitude trekking routes in Nepal are manageable for embarking in summer if packed with appropriate gear as per seasonal demands, physical and mental preparedness, and an experienced travel companion.

If you are looking for one such trustworthy trekking agency in Nepal, congratulations on finding Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, which is happy to be veteran of the tourism industry of Nepal with over two decades of experience and presents you with the top 5 best monsoon high-altitude treks in Nepal summer. These are handpicked by professionals, particularly due to their location in the rain shadow zones. We can also make arrangements for summer Himalayan treks.

Upper Mustang Trek—The Rain Shadow Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

The Upper Mustang Valley Trek is a journey to the untouched trans-Himalayan region of Nepal beyond the mountains that was completely isolated until 1992 and is still one of the highly restricted areas, allowing only a limited number of visitors and special permits each year. Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and founded in the 15th century, it is one of the popular summer treks in Nepal. The stunning arid landscapes, ancient monasteries, and untouched Tibetan culture are far yet accessible.

The unspoiled culture and nature are a result of several years of isolation from tourism. The journey is through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, leading to Lo Manthang, once the abundant capital city of the Upper Mustang. Even during summer, here you can expect clear skies, dry trails, and lush terraced farms due to irrigation, and it is a golden chance to witness local festivals like the Tiji Festival that generally falls in May or June, making it one of the fantastic summer trekking routes in Nepal.

Trip Highlights

• Duration: 17 days
• Trip Grade: Moderate
• Activities: Conditioning Scenic and thrilling flight to Jomsom and back to Pokhara, enjoy the dramatic display of rocky escarpments in and around Kagbeni, embrace the serene spirit of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu East and West, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche Peak, discover the unique culture of the interdicted area in the rain shadow of the Nepalese Himalayas, and explore Lo Manthang, etc.
• Places to see: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang( the walled capital megacity of the remote area of Nepal), etc.
• Max. Altitude: 3,760 m at Lo Manthang
• Permits: Needed
• Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
• Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines, to some international dishes.
• Transport: Local buses, private jeeps, and cars.

Details at Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days.

Phoksundo Lake Trekking, where the secret meets turquoise

The Phoksundo Lake Trek in June to July is undoubtedly one of the best high-altitude treks in Nepal in summer, offering unmatchable authentic off-season treks in Nepal’s lower region of Dolpo. Near the Tibetan border in the rain shadow area, the natural wonder with a turquoise blue hue is deeply embedded in spiritual and cultural significance, and is Nepal’s deepest lake that promises you a serene escape from daily modern chaos.

Under Nepal’s largest national park, the Shey Phoksundo National Park, it is one of the country’s best-kept secrets that is known to only a few, and the chances of seeing a wide array of flora and fauna are high. With its traditional villages, monasteries, and waterfalls, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is a summer trekking haven for a good reason. In addition, the high mineral content and absence of aquatic life make it a natural wonder worth a visit to witness.

Trip Highlights

• Duration: 12 days
• Trip Grade: Moderate
• Activities: Kathmandu Valley guided Tour to see UNESCO World Heritage, adrenaline-rushing flight to Nepalgunj-Jupal and vice versa, spend nights in teahouses amidst the cultural villages, seize astounding sights of Kanjroba subranges followed by breathtaking Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal, unwind around the shimmering Phoksundo Lake, and gain insight into the Bon-Po religion.
• Places to see: Kathmandu, Juphal, Phoksundo Lake, several mountains from high-altitude ridges and villages, etc.
• Max. Altitude: 3,610 m at Phoksundo Lake.
• Permits: Required
• Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
• Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines, to some international dishes.
• Transport: Mountain flight, cars, and a jeep.

Details at Phoksundo Lake Trek - 12 Days.

Manaslu Circuit Trek - Visit to the hidden valleys of Tsumabs

Utterly mesmerizing, often with a detour to the Tsum Valley, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in the Gorkha district is a remote Himalayan journey through high-altitude summer hiking trails in Nepal. Known as one of the Himalayas' “hidden valleys” preserving unique Tibetan Buddhism, Tsum Valley remains untouched by modern influences and offers both spiritual and scenic richness, while you also take a round trip of the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m) above sea level.

The highest point you will reach is at Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the longest mountain pass in Nepal, and though parts of the lower trail observe monsoon rainfall, it is the famous summer Nepal Trekkings that puts you through an equal amount of challenges to overcome. Trekkers can experience centuries-old culture, practices, and traditions, specifically those of the Tsumabs, one of the indigenous communities of Nepal residing in the Manaslu Trekking Region’s Tsum Valley; the sense of achievement is unparalleled.

Trip Highlights

• Duration: 21 days
• Trip Grade: Moderate to challenging
• Activities: Explore the Kathmandu Valley, boasting at least seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites with significant cultural and historical values; enjoy a joyous drive with a taste of adventure from Kathmandu to Arughat and vice versa; relish the well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture, especially that of the Tsumbas; visit the iconic Mu Gompa; reach the base camp of mythical Mount Manaslu (MBC); cross the adrenaline-rushing Larkya La Pass; and get varying yet unique perspectives of Ganesh Himal and Mount Manaslu, etc.
• Places to see: The heart of Nepal, Kathmandu, Chukkum Paro, Mu Gompa, Sama Gaon, Manaslu Base Camp, Samdo, Larkya La Pass, etc.
• Max. Altitude: 5,106m at Larkya La Pass.
• Permits: Required
• Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
• Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines, to some international dishes.
• Transport: Local buses, private jeeps, and cars.

Details at Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek - 21 Days.

Kanchenjunga North and South Trek—Explore the majesty of the third-highest mountain peak in the world!

Otherwise, also called the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which makes a stop at both of the base camps of the world’s third-highest mountain range, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the Kanchenjunga North and South Trek combines the raw wilderness of summer hiking trails in Nepal with the Tibetan culture that flourished miles away from over-commercialized trekking routes. Noted for isolation, grandeur, and authentic local interaction, hence Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the best summer trekking routes in Nepal.

In a high-altitude rain shadow region, if you are looking forward to escaping Nepal’s monsoon rain, trekking to the Kanchenjunga Circuit will never disappoint you. The trails feature lush forests from the fresh monsoon rains in the lower regions, clear skies in the early morning without obstruction, and as you pass through jungles, the teeming wildlife adds much to the pleasing experience. Conquer both camps in a single trip, or for customization, contact us now.

Trip Highlights

• Duration: 23 days
• Trip Grade: Moderate to challenging
• Activities: Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around the Kathmandu Valley, take a thrilling mountain flight to and from Taplejung, leave your footprints in one of the less traveled trekking routes of Nepal, look out for rare wildlife like blue sheep, tahr, and red pandas, enjoy epic mountain views and authentic Himalayan culture, reach both base camps of Kanchenjunga, and so on.
• Places to see: The valley of Kathmandu, Kambchen and other typical mountain villages, Mirgin La and Sele Pass, Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp), Okthang (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp), and gorgeous mountain views of some of the tops of the world, including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jannu, Kabru, and other surrounding mountain giants.
• Max. Altitude: 5,143m at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
• Permits: Required
• Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
• Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines, to some international dishes.
• Transport: Mountain flights, local buses, private jeeps, and cars.

Details at Kanchenjunga North and South Trek - 23 Days.

Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek - A classic summer high-altitude Trek

While parts of the lower region of the Annapurna Himalayas in July and August can be affected by rain, the higher sections, particularly from the Manang Valley upwards, lie in the rain shadow as an effect of the Mustang and Manang regions, making the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass among the best high-altitude monsoon treks in Nepal. It offers a lifetime adventure, including conquering iconic Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.

To make it here, whether you are beginners or seasoned trekkers, it is a must that you are physically fit, mentally prepared, and have appropriate gear and equipment. While best done in the months of spring and autumn, for an unparalleled sense of Himalayan scale and solitude, it is one of the best adventure trekking in summer in Nepal. The upper trails are relatively dry, and you get to relish the unique charm of Mt.Annapurna I, eventually leading to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) above sea level, a revered lake sanctuary for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Trip Highlights

• Duration: 17 days
• Trip Grade: Moderate
• Activities: A guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, embark on one of the less traversed trekking routes along the Marshyangdi River Valley, visit traditional villages in Chame and Tatopani, cross one of the highest mountain passes, experience the beauty of glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, and streams, including holy Tilicho Lake, and visit one of the holiest Char Dhams, Muktinath, etc.
• Places to see: The Kathmandu Valley and its UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath, Boudhnath, and others; Tatopani, Chame, Manang Valley, Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake, and Muktinath Temple, all also serving as some of the best viewpoints to see Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I.
• Max. Altitude: 5,416m at Thorong La Pass.
• Permits: Required
• Accommodation: Local teahouses, lodges, and guest houses.
• Foods: Nepali-Tibetan cuisines, to some international dishes.
• Transport: Mountain flights, local buses, private jeeps, and cars.

Details at Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek - 17 Days.

Conclusion: A summer adventure awaits in Nepal!

Trekking in Nepal in summer offers a unique set of adventures, challenges, and rewards. The mystical charms of dramatic skies, emerald valleys, and serene trails during adventure trekking in summer often mean budget-friendly. By understanding Nepal's summer weather, whether seeking off-season treks or high-altitude trekking routes, you can enhance the trekking experience significantly.

Contact us now, reserve your seat, and gain expert guidance with the 5 best summer treks in Nepal, including for the years 2025 and 2026.