The Annapurna Circuit in June: A Comprehensive Guide for the Monsoon Trekker

Are you planning to join an expedition to the Himalayas as your next adventure in Nepal? Then, you most likely have heard the common wisdom, “Do not trek during the monsoon.” June is the official start of the summer monsoon season. It is a time when the foothills transform into lush, wet environments. For many trekkers, this signals a red flag. They tend to postpone their trips until autumn.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek, however, is unique. Unlike peaks like Mount Everest or Langtang, a major part of this trek lies within a geographical phenomenon known as the “Rain Shadow”. Due to this, trekking in June is not only possible but a uniquely rewarding experience for the right type of traveller.

Challenges like leeches, humidity, and cloud cover make trekking daunting in June. Albeit that, it offers solitude, emerald-green landscapes, and a cultural intimacy not found during the crowded peak seasons.

With this guide, we provide you with reliable, decision-ready information so you can ultimately decide if “Monsoon Circuit” aligns with your adventure goals.

Is June Good for the Annapurna Circuit?

For those who want confirmation on whether June is preferable for trekking, yes, it is. However, it comes with a caveat. Excellent for the northern part of the loop from Manang to Muktinath, June is challenging for the southern part, starting from Besisahar to Chame.

The key advantage of the June Trek is that once you cross into the Manang District, rainfall drops dramatically. With that, you can enjoy the solitude as you will often have the trail entirely to yourself. As June is also the month of blooming wildflowers and active agriculture, you will get a chance to traverse through the vibrant lower valleys.

However, keep in mind that the first few days will make you experience heat, humidity, rain and mud. You should also be aware that in the lower elevation, leeches are prevalent. Even peaks in this month often hide behind cloudy skies, especially in the afternoons.

If you are an experienced hiker who dislikes crowds and wants to travel on a budget, this is the month for you. Those who are interested in seeing the green Himalayas rather than just snow and rock can pick this month for their embarkation as well.

Understanding the Weather

Typical June weather patterns

The month of June keeps transitioning. It may feel like late spring early on, but the full force of the monsoon can be experienced in late June.

In lower elevations from Besisahar to Chame, the weather is hot and humid. While it is common for daytime temperatures to range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F–86°F), expect heavy rainfall too. Usually, in the late afternoon and night, torrential rain is to be expected.

In the upper elevations from Manang to Thorong Phedi, temperatures are pleasant. This is a sweet spot where it is 10°C to 20°C (50°F–68°F) during the day. Nights have the propensity to be cool but rarely freezing. But make sure you are ready for freezing nights when you hit the High Camp. Rainfall here is scanty. Often, you experience just a drizzle or passing mist.

Impact of Monsoon on the Trek

Monsoon here doesn’t mean 24/7 rain. Typically, rain builds up during the day and releases in the late afternoon ot overnight. Regarding the visibility, there will often be a crisp, clear view in the mornings. However, by midday, convection clouds arise from the valleys, which obscure the peaks.

Below 2,500m, the air is thick. Due to this humidity, you will sweat significantly more than in October. However, you will get to enjoy the spectacular views of cascading waterfalls. It rages with meltwater and rain. You will also hear roaring sounds from the rivers, like the Marshyangdi, with tremendous force.

Advantages of June Weather

The evident benefit of trekking the Annapurna Circuit is that the rain brings life to the stretches you traverse. The dust that covers the trail in April and May is washed away during this time of the year. You will also notice that the air is clean and rich in oxygen. With that, the beauty of vibrant, neon green hillsides is something you won’t be able to see in the dry autumn months.

Trail Conditions in June

Lower Sections (Besisahar – Chame)

The most important point of the issue that may arise in your June trek is the soggy land. You will be a part of a trail that can be muddy and slippery. Many trekkers choose to transport themselves through a jeep track to avoid the heat. But the muddy surface can add navigation challenges.

Trekking in June also means encountering leeches. Expect them in the forests between Jagat and Tal. You will also be aware that a landslide may occur. In case of a hazard like rockfalls or mudslides, the cliffside roads can get temporarily blocked.

Mid-Region (Chame – Manang)

When you reach near Pisang, you will have climbed past 3,000m. Here, the landscape changes. The arid scrubland welcomes you as you depart the pine forests. This is a gateway to the rain shadow of the Annapurna stretch. The stability is excellent here.

High Altitude Sections (Manang – Thorong La – Muktinath)

The impact of the monsoon is minimal from Manang (3,519m) up to the pass (5,416m) and down to Muktinath. There might be a chance of snowfall at the pass, but the trail is generally dry and rocky. As it happens, all year round, there is a chance of the wind being strong at the pass.

How Trail Conditions Affect Experience

In the lower sections, you must adjust your pace. You will be walking more slowly due to the mud. Be mentally prepared for wet boots and possible delays. In case the stream swells too high, you might have to wait an hour for it to recede or find a bridge.

Scenery & Photography Opportunities

What You Can Expect

If you are on a photography embarkation, do not expect the standard postcard blue skies all day long. As June has a changeable atmosphere, do expect mist swirling around, peaks rising through the clouds, and dramatic sunsets. During this time, patience is essential for photography. Make yourself ready to shoot in the brief window when the mountain unveils itself.

Where Scenery Is Still Strong in June

In upper Mustang, the views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III are often clear in the mornings. If you opt for a side trip to the Ice Lake from Manang, it will offer high-altitude panoramic views that are often above the cloud line.

Furthermore, once you cross Thorong La into Muktinath and Kagbeni, you will arrive in the high desert. How the brown desert contrasts against the dark monsoon clouds is a striking view to witness.

When Scenery Might Be Limited

There is a possibility of hiking inside a cloud for hours in the lower Marshyandi valley. The sheer walls of the valley trap moisture, making it common for trekkers to be surrounded by mist for long stretches.

Difficulty Level in June

Physical Difficulty

June, for expeditions, is known for being moderately hard. You will experience higher physical exertion, not because of the terrain’s steepness, but due to humidity. As dehydration is a silent risk when you sweat profusely in the humid lower jungle, do not neglect enough water consumption. Albeit that, be mindful of the fact that the damp air doesn’t tend to make you feel thirsty.

Technical Difficulty

You do not require technical climbing skills, but be prepared for focused foot placement. This becomes your technical skill in the journey. As the moss-covered rocks and muddy slopes rule the trail, you are required to have better balance and concentration than on dry trails.

Altitude-Related Considerations

What’s interesting is that the humid air at lower elevations can make the transition to high altitude feel more clashing. Regardless of the thin and dry air there, following a proper acclimatisation schedule is crucial. Regardless of the season, it is, hence, important that you are aware of the AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) risk being present.

Who Should and Should Not Trek

June trekking is favourable for some and not for others. It is important to evaluate your aim, safety and ability properly before you embark. Hikers who have high endurance and previous trekking experience with good gear discipline should trek in June. However, if you are a first-timer who is uncertain of your footing or insect-phobic, it is better not to plan for a June Trek.

Safety Considerations

Landslides & Trail Blockages

Due to hazards, there is a chance of trail blockages. This is the major safety concern for your June trek itinerary. From Besisahar to Chame, the roads are prone to rock falls during heavy rain. It is highly recommended that you walk on the old trekking trails as they are often more stable.

Rain-Related Hazards

You must follow your guide during your expedition. The month of June can become dangerous for river crossings. Even though the bridges are generally reliable, tributaries can swell rapidly. Make sure you are guided well to assess a crossing before stepping into the water.

Altitude Sickness Risk

The “Clim high, Sleep low” principle should be strictly applied. You should not rush to escape the rain, as it causes AMS.

Health Considerations

To avoid fungal infections, ensure you have the antifungal powder with you. Due to wet socks and boots, your feet are prone to becoming a breeding ground.

Also, make sure you either boil or use tablets for water consumption. Water purification is non-negotiable for everyone. Be aware that the monsoon rain washes animal waste into water sources.

Emergency Response

Helicopters can fly in the rain. However, there will be challenges regarding visibility. Rescue flights may be delayed in June for days due to cloud cover. It is recommended that you trek with ample patience and safety.

Wildlife and Insects

Leeches in Lower Regions

There is no escape in this. You will encounter leeches between Besisahar and Chame. They are minuscule, thread-like worms that latch onto boots and ankles. For proper management, make sure you wear long socks, tuck pants into socks, and carry a small pouch of salt ot a lighter to get rid of them. They are harmless but annoying and messy.

Mosquitos

In the lower sections that are humid, you will have to deal with mosquitoes. Even though the malaria risk is low in these hills, note that dengue fever has been rising in Nepal. It is favourable to bring a DEET-based repellent for your safety.

Animals on Trails

A plethora of mules and yaks carrying supplies will be observed. In June, with few number of trekkers, there is also a chance of Himalayan Thar or Blue Sheep spotting. Usually lower down on the slopes, they roam around as they are less disturbed by human presence.

Accommodation & Food in June

Open vs Closed Teahouses

The Annapurna Circuit is not just a tourist trail. It is a major hub for the living trade route. Even though it is the off-season, most teahouses will remain operated. You will always find a place to sleep, but the chances for interactions with fellow trekkers are lower, as the teahouses are less crowded.

Food Variety

Due to off off-season, there is a slight chance of menus being reduced and fewer fresh bakeries in operation compared to peak season. But staple foods like Dal Bhat, noodles, and soups are always available. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the incredibly fresh and organic vegetables in June.

Quality of Services

The quality of services gains a plus point in June. In October, teahouse owners have a hectic routine. They are stressed and busy. In June, you will have the benefit of getting the best room and extra blankets. Along with that, this also gives you a perfect opportunity to chat with the family by the kitchen fire.

Electricity & Hot Shower Availability

As solar showers rely on the sun, cloudy days of June mean lukewarm showers. Gas showers will be available if you are ready to pay extra for them. Regarding the electricity, it is generally reliable. However, the storms can knock out power lines in the lower valleys.

Permit Requirements

The primary paperwork you need to have for yourself is the ACAP. An ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which will cost you approximately USD 30. It is a conservation fee that incorporates the preservation works regarding the environment and the local community.

Specifically in June, checkpoint officials may be relaxed. As wet permits are illegible and invalid, make sure your permits are wrapped in plastic within your bag.

You may also like: Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Cost Breakdown for June

Expected Lower Costs

June allows negotiations in price regardless of the fixed permit fees. There is a common practice in off-peak season of teahouses offering you free rooms if you eat meals there. Regarding the guides or porters, their rates are standard. However, you are more likely to get a senior guide for a standard rate.

Transportation Costs

This can be a tricky choice to make for you. Public buses are cheaper than private jeeps, but you will have a miserable experience due to the heat and mud. Private jeeps, on the other hand, are an extortionate preference costing you approximately USD 150-200 for a reserved jeep to Chame. If you are looking for safer and faster transportation, this will be an ideal choice.

Food Costs

The food prices are standardised by local committees. There is likely a chance of the prices rising in case of an altitude increase. You can segregate a budget of USD 25-35 per day for full meals and drinks.

Value for Money

The June trek is highly valuable in terms of money. You will have to spend less on accommodations and even less on resources. However, it is beneficial to have a contingency budget for an extra hotel night in case your flight gets cancelled from Jomsom.

Gear & Packing List for June

Rain Protection Essentials

If you invest in a breathable poncho, you do not have to worry about buying a separate cover for your bag. Often, a high-quality poncho covers your backpack. While a Gore-Tex jacket in high humidity, is useful in case of trapping sweat in its pores. Just be reminded that in June, a backpack cover is extremely essential.

Footwear & Traction

Regarding the footwear, waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread for mud are highly preferable. Similarly, gaiters will help in keeping mud and leeches out of your boots. For the evenings, you can carry a sandal to let your feet air out.

Electronics

Remember to pack everything in dry bags or Ziploc bags inside your pack. As electronics get drained due to humidity, ensure bringing a power bank of 20,000mAh, as solar charging may be inconsistent.

Anti-Leech & Insect Solutions

To protect yourself from insects and get rid of leeches, carry a salt pouch and Dettol spray. Also, you can preferably wear light colored socks, as you can clearly see the leeches crawling.

Clothing

Layering will be a favourable method for your clothing if you embark on a June trek. As you will sweat, starting in shorts and a t-shirt is an ideal choice. Later, you can finish in a down jacket and thermal hat, as it will be freezing. Make sure you avoid cotton at all costs. It is impossible to let cotton clothes dry in the monsoon humidity.

Comparing June with Other Monsoon Months

June vs. July

Comparing June to July is like comparing light showers to downpours. In June, the ground is thirsty. In June, the soil is dry at first, so the early rains make the lower trails (Besisahar to Chame) muddy but mostly safe. By July, the ground is completely soaked. This makes the trails dangerous, with a much higher risk of landslides.

In June, you might brush off a few leeches here and there in the bamboo forests. In July, leeches are everywhere. The vegetation is so overgrown that leeches can attach to you just by brushing against a fern.

Also, regarding the rainfall, once you cross into Manang (the rain shadow), both months are relatively dry. However, getting to Manang is significantly easier and safer in June than in July.

June vs. August

While both are off-season months, the vibe is different. Often in June, the mountains are hiding, but you get clear windows in the mornings. August is the month of heavy, low-hanging clouds that can sit in the valley for days. However, late August can offer dramatic “clearing storms” where the mountains reappear in a fresh coat of snow, unlike the melting, black rock often seen in June.

In June, the greenery is fresh, vibrant, and sprouting. It feels like spring with rain. By August, the dense vegetation dominates, making the jungle walks vibrant but slow.

River crossing is critical in June. The glacial melt is high, but the monsoon runoff is just starting. By August, the rivers are at their maximum. Temporary bridges used in winter or spring are often washed away, forcing you to use higher, longer diversions.

June vs. September

This is the most crucial comparison for a trekker to understand. Trekking in June is a race against time. The weather gets worse every day you walk. Trekking in September is a reward, as the weather gets better with each passing day.

Early September is still wet, but the air quality is vastly superior to June. The monsoon rains of July and August have washed all the dust and pollution out of the atmosphere. When the clouds part in September, the views are high-definition and crisp. In June, the pre-monsoon heat often creates a milky haze that dulls the mountain views even when it is sunny.

June is for the solitude seeker who wants the mountains to themselves. September is the shoulder season. By the end of the month, the teahouses begin to fill up, and the “silence” of the monsoon is replaced by the buzz of the coming peak season.

Trekkers’ Experiences in June

Common Positive Feedback

Those who trekked during June express that they discovered Manang with a unique approach. There was no queue for the photos. It was just themselves, the monks and the locals.

They also have shown appreciation for how unbelievably attractive the greenery was. Along with that, trekkers who had trekked prior in Autumn say there was less to explore compared to June.

Common Complaints

The most common dissatisfaction arising among trekkers in June is that their jeep ride to Chame was terrifying in the mud.

They were also not ecstatic due to Annapurna II being invisible for three days straight. Inevitably, most complain about leech bites being itchy for days as well.

Lessons Learned

A plethora of trekkers express that they regretted not bringing better rain gear. They were unhappy to see how an affordable poncho ripped easily. With that, they wished they had more changes of socks too.

Also Read:

• Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather and Temperature
• Trekking in Nepal in June
• How to Prepare for Annapurna Circuit Trek?