Trekking in Nepal in August
Nepal is a country that has many glorious attractions for any traveler. These include many religious, cultural, mountainous, water and other resources. You can enjoy pleasurable trekking experience all throughout the year in Nepal including the month of August.
August is a month when the temperature of Nepal is warm as it is the summer season then. This makes it easier for the body to acclimatize with the temperature as the places are not as cold as that in other seasons.
But, the warm temperature during August also coincides with monsoon rain. This means that there will be some probabilities of rain during your treks. So you need to have the proper gear and plan your trip accordingly.
For trekking in August, you should look for destinations where the amount of rainfall is lower in comparison to other seasons. You also should be willing to extend your trip by a day or two if rain affects your treks.
Weather in August Season
August falls in the summer season of Nepal. Summer lasts from June to August. So this is the last month of summer in Nepal. Most trekking destinations in Nepal lie at higher altitudes. Therefore, you need to look at various factors such as temperature, sunshine, and rain of places along the trek.
Temperature in August
As this is the ending month of the summer season, the temperature is not as high as in the month of June and July. The average daytime and nighttime temperatures are 28°C and 19°C respectively.
The temperatures lower when it begins to rain or when the conditions are overcast. It generally rains in the nighttime or in the early morning. Therefore, the mornings are extremely pleasant and the trekking areas become lush green.
Sunshine
In the month of August, there will typically be 14 hours of daylight. Sun rises around 5:15 in the morning and sets at around 7:00 in the evening. The sun is the brightest in the daytime. The highest temperatures are recorded in the noon.
Rainfall in August
Rainfall pattern varies throughout the month. The rain is heaviest in the earlier days of the month and decreases as the days go on. The average rainfall in August throughout Nepal is 350 mm ( around 14 inches). On average, 20 days of rainfall is expected in this month.
Best Trails for Trekking in August
I have tried to list some of the most popular trekking destinations in the month of August in Nepal. All of these trekking destinations are rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. Let us take a look at these places in detail.
1. Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang lies in the northern side of the Annapurna massif. It receives a minimal amount of rainfall even in the monsoon as some potential rain clouds are blocked by the presence of the Annapurna massif. This makes it a popular destination for monsoon trekkers.
Another reason that this trek is popular is because this trek will take you to the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang, a beautiful relic of the Tibetan culture. There are four main monasteries in Lo Manthang: Jampa, Thubchen, Chodey, and Chaprang.
This trek begins in Pokhara (altitude of 1400 m) and ends in Lo Manthang (altitude 3840 m). The trail takes you through Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world, steep canyon walls and thrilling caves.
You will also get to see mesmerizing views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and other tall peaks in this region. In addition, you will also get to notice the stark contrast of landscapes along the way.
While you start your trek you will notice lush green vegetation that is beautifully surrounded by wonderful snow-capped peaks. As you enter the Upper Mustang Valley, the landscape will be pretty much barren and the mountains will be rocky.
Two-thirds of Lo Manthang is culturally and linguistically Tibetan while the rest is inhabited by Thakali people. Thus this region is a wonderful mixture of Nepalese and Tibetan culture.
Although the amount of rain in this region is quite low, you also have to realize that there are chances that your trek will be interrupted by rain. If you are looking to take a flight, there might be some delays due to inclement weather conditions.
Therefore, you need to make room for the possibility of an extension of your trip by a day or two if trekking gets interrupted due to rain.
Outline Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara.
Day 04: Pokhara – Jomsom- Kagbani.
Day 05: Kagbeni – Tsehile (3110 m).
Day 06: Tsehile – Syangbochen (3800 m).
Day 07: Syambochen – Tsrang (3570 m).
Day 08: Tsarang-Lomanthang (3530 m).
Day 09: Explore Lomanthang (3760 m).
Day 10: Lomanthang – Tsarang. (3,570m)
Day 11: Tsarang – Syambochhen.
Day 12: Syambochhen – Chuksang (3050 m).
Day 13: Chuksang – Kagbeni.
Day 14: Kagbeni – Jomsom (2743 m).
Day 15: Jomsom – Pokhara.
2. Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trek
Upper Dolpo lies in a remote part of Nepal and trekking in this region is one of the longest treks in Nepal. As this trekking route was not open for trekkers until 1990, it is not amongst the crowded trekking destinations in Nepal.
The altitude of the highest point along the trek is 4430 meters. The trek takes you through far from the crowd of the city areas to a region with serene Nepali villages, historical monasteries and captivating cliffs in this region.
For this trip, you will take a flight to Juphal. From Juphal you will trek through wonderful forests blushing with rhododendron, pine and oak. Along your trek, you will also cross 3 high passes over 5000 meters namely: Nagdalo La, the Shey La and Jeng La.
You will eventually reach the majestic blue waters of Shey-Phoksundo lake and the towering cliffs that surround it. Shey-Phoksundo is the deepest lake in Nepal. Tshowa monastery, where worshippers all over Dolpo region gather to give religious offerings, lies in the in the eastern side of the lake. Culturally, this region has very strong ties with the culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
Despite the fact that this region has been opened up for tourists, it is still a restricted region. You will be charges 500$ for the first 10 days of your trek and 50$ for any additional days
Outline Itinerary of Upper Dolpo Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
Day 03: Flight from kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj.
Day 05: Juphal to Chhepka:
Day 06: Chhepka to Palam – (3820m)
Day 07: Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake:
Day 08: Exploring Day.
Day 09: Trek to Salla Ghari:
Day 10: Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa:
Day 11: Lar Tsa to Shey Gompa.
Day12: Rest Day – Shey Gompa.
Day13: Shey Gompa to Namgun.
Day14: Namgun to Saldan.
Day15: Saldan to Sibu.
Day16: Sibu to Tokyo Gaon.
Day17: Tokyo Gaon to Dho Tarap.
Day18: Dho Tarap to Serkam.
Day19: Serkam to Tarakot.
Day20: Tarakot to Dunai.
Day21: Trek to Juphal.
Day22: Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj early mooring ( 35 Min) – same day flight back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.
3. Everest Base Camp Trek
If you are planning to trek in Nepal during the month of August, trekking in high altitudes should be your choice. High altitude places receive significantly low amount of rainfall compared to the low altitude regions of Nepal. Therefore one of the most popular high altitude treks in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp trek.
Every year, thousands of domestic as well as international tourists visit the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world.
Everest Base Camp trek is moderately challenging. This means that any interested person who trains appropriately can complete this trek. This trek takes you through gorgeous mountains and picturesque villages.
The possibility of rain in August above Dingboche is next to none. Generally, the mornings in August offer you good views of the mountains while the mountains may have cloud covering during the daytime. So, you should start your trek early in the morning.
Mountains such as Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Abu Dablam are visible during your trek. In addition, you will also get to view the Khumbu glacier in this region. As the trek takes you through Sagarmatha National Park, you will get to view pine and rhododendron forests along the way.
Tibetan Buddhism is the culture that is prevalent in the Everest region. The Everest region is home to Tengboche Monastery. Many people in this region come to receive a blessing from Lama of this monastery.
As with all August treks, you should be prepared to be a bit flexible with your timings.
4. Annapurna Base Camp trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a trek to the Base Camp of the tenth highest peak in the world – Annapurna.
Your trek to Annapurna Base Camp will take you to glorious views of the Annapurna Massif, which is located to the north of the beautiful Pokhara Valley. The Annapurna Massif houses six peaks that are over 7000 meters.
The major peaks that are visible during ABC trek are Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri.
The Annapurna Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4210 meters. This trek can be completed within two weeks and you will trek for around 5-7 hours a day. This trek will take you through lush green meadows, rhododendron and scenic views of mountains in the Annapurna Massif.
Annapurna Base Camp is a part of the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is under the protection of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. This conservation Area is the largest conservation area in Nepal and is home to a variety of flora and fauna of this region.
5. Langtang Kyanjin Gompa Trek
Langtang Kyanjin Gompa trek will take to Langtang region of Nepal which lies within Langtang National Park. The national park has a wide range of climatic zones ranging from sub-tropical to alpine and is heavily forested.
Although the Langtang region was affected by the devastating 2015 earthquake, trekking in this region has resumed. Certain sections of the original trekking trail are still under reparation. So on the first day of the trek, you will take a route that is different to the one you would have taken prior to the earthquake.
During your trek, you will go through sub-tropical and alpine forests in this region. You will also get to view the stunning Langtang glacier. You will get to a picturesque village named Kyanjin Gompa.
During your trek, you will be able to enjoy the views of 10 mountains that are over 6000 meters in altitude. You will also get to ascent Choka Ri, which has an altitude of 5050 meters.
If you are looking for a trek that is glaciated, want to walk through rhododendron forests and get a panoramic view of mountain range, Langtang trek is perfect for you.
6. Nagarkot Chisapani Short trek
If you are looking for a short trek in Nepal and don’t want to get to very high altitude, then Nagarkot Chisapani trek is the one you should take.
Nagarkot Chisapani trek lies in hills on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. The altitude of the highest point along the trek is 2050 meters. Therefore this trek is perfect for trekkers who are looking for some light trekking experience in Nepal.
Low altitude means that it is a suitable as a family trek. Despite being a low altitude trek, views of mountains such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal range and Langtang is visible from Chisapani. Chisapani and Nagarkot are two of the most popular destinations for sunrise and sunset views.
During this trek, you can also visit some beautiful temples and monasteries in the Kathmandu region. Namo Buddha and Changu Narayan are two places of religious importance that you can visit on this trek.
7. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the longer treks in Nepal as it takes around 3 weeks to complete. It takes you through four major districts ( Lamjung, Mustang, Manang and Myagdi) and two zones (Dhaulagiri and Gandaki) covering a total distance of 128 miles.
There are many natural, historical and cultural places to enjoy along the trek. During your trek, you will circle the whole Annapurna massif along with other mountains like Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna etc.
You will also go to culturally and religiously important places like Muktinath Temple, which is a temple that is equally revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Jwala Mai temple is another temple where lots of Hindus come for worship. One of the oldest monasteries, Braga, is also located in the Annapurna region.
You will also walk through two river valleys i.e. Marsyangdi and Gandaki. You can also enjoy holy baths in the Saraswati and Laxmi Kund. Both of these are located outside Muktinath temple. You can also enjoy a hot bath in Chisapani.
Main Attractions of trekking in August
Festivals
August is the month where there are a lot of wonderful festivals celebrated throughout the country. Let us take a look at some of them:
Janai Purnima
It is a festival that is celebrated by Hindus throughout Nepal. This festival is celebrated by men from Brahmin and Chhetri community by tying a sacred thread around their wrists. Sisters also put a sacred thread around the wrists of their brothers and exchange various gifts.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
This festival marks the birthday of Lord Shree Krishna. A large number of devotees go to Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square to celebrate this festival.
Teej
Teej is a festival that is celebrated by married and unmarried women in Nepal. Married women fast this day and believe that this will help in the prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women fast and believe that fasting will help them find a good husband.
Gaijatra
This festival is celebrated mostly in the Kathmandu Valley. Small children dress up as cows and tour their neighbourhood and pay homage to their dead relatives and family members. Besides, cows are also decorated and join the neighbourhood tour. The family members of the deceased person distribute food to others.
Solitude
Summer treks in Nepal are not as popular as spring or autumn treks. Therefore, you will not encounter a lot of trekkers along the way. So your trek in Nepal during August will be tranquil and you can enjoy the places by yourself.
Greenery
Some rain pours down this season and this results in lush green vegetation. Flowers blossom and trekking trails are wonderful for sightseeing. Due to rain, even the city areas are clean and free from pollution.
Low Chance of Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness affects people that travel to high altitudes on the treks. But if you trek to high altitude places along your trek during the summer, the chance of altitude sickness will be low. This is because during the summer season, the temperature is warm and the amount of energy drained from your body will be lower than in other seasons.
Tips for trekkers in August trekking
Pack Smartly
You need to consider the possibilities of rain while you trek. Therefore, you need to carry waterproof equipment. In addition, you should choose waterproof trekking boots with a firm grip.
Raincoat and umbrellas are indispensable. Waterproof backpack to store all your valuable belongings will be needed.
Hire a Guide
You need to hire a professional guide for August trek. (S)he will be a reliable source who will know the trail inside and help you in any emergency situation. They also have a good idea about the best time and places for sightseeing. This helps you capture the beauty of your trekking destination from the most sound spots.
Keep an Eye Out on the Weather
Weather during August can be rather unpredictable. There might be short bursts of rain followed by intense sunshine. Therefore, you should always have an access to the weather forecast. You might want to listen to the local news to get an idea about the how the weather will be like on a given day.
Keep the Schedule flexible
In case of heavy rain, your flight to the trekking destinations might be canceled. In addition, you might have to spend a day or two at a place along the trekking route due to heavy downpour. Therefore, you should not have a rigid schedule and be accommodating to such natural phenomena.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are the accommodations along the trekking routes open in August?
Of Course. There are no seasons in which accommodation in Nepal is closed. All trekking routes have visitors all year round. So there is no need to worry about the accommodation during August, or any other month for that matter.
2. Will I need a travel insurance for trekking in August?
Travel insurance is not mandatory. However, a travel insurance is the best way to keep yourself safe from any haggles you might encounter along your trek such as cuts, bruises, altitude sickness, baggage theft etc. Travel insurance for traveling in Nepal is cheap and you should definitely consider getting one.
3. Will trekking permits be available for trekking in August?
Trekking permits are available for any trekking enthusiast all year round. So you can come and enjoy your trek any time that is suitable for you.
4. Will I encounter bugs/ insects during my treks?
Bugs and insects are quite high in number during the monsoon season in Nepal. In fact, you are also likely to encounter leeches and mosquitoes. Therefore, you should carry a mosquito repellent to do away with the bugs. You should also carry table salt, which you can rub against any leeches that might infect you.
5. Is water along trekking trails in August drinkable?
You can never guarantee if water that you get is pure unless it is filtered or boiled. So you must always carry some chlorine tablets to purify water. Or you can also carry a portable water filter to avoid any problems you might suffer from impure water.
If you want to do any trek don’t hesitate to contact us, we will help you to make your trip memorable.