Monsoon is a tough time in Nepal with frequent rainfall and clouds covering the hills and the himalayas. This makes treks a bit challenging. Monsoon normally recounts the months of June, July, and August and sometimes extends till the first half of September. However, the last week of JUNE and the first two weeks of JULY are tough.
Although the himalayas normally don’t receive rainfall, the lower altitude below the himalayas does and the trail becomes slippery, bushes cover the trail along with leeches or some insects or reptiles on the way are common.
Further, between those monsoon months, sometimes heavy rainfalls happen for a day or more. This creates difficulty, blocking the main highway, and sub-roads with landslides, and even some small bridges are swept away.
However, this doesn’t mean trekking in Nepal during MONSOON is impossible; there are multiple options for trekkers to explore the himalayas even during the monsoon. The best and shortest destination will be the ANNAPURNA REGION.
This region covers a wide range of areas and the best part is, that the trail is diverse and one can choose among those. The popular and easy trekking trails during the monsoon are Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, Mardi Himal, etc.
Moreover, those are some of the popular areas in the Annapurna, where one can trek easily and comfortably because the entire area falls under the Himalayan Cloud Shadow and receives very little rainfall. Those include the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek, Jomsom-Muktinath Trek, and Manang Trek.
Those areas of the Annapurna Region lie beyond the himalayas, blocking the rain clouds from entering, and the area borders with the Autonomous region of Tibet. Thus, naming the area as the desert of the himalayas.
The trails to these areas are wider and clear with less vegetation and trekking here will be one of the perfect choices for trekkers. This trail is the closest, safest, and easiest trekking trail that can be taken during the months of the Monsoon.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the renowned trekking destinations in Nepal and has always been listed as the top ten best trails worldwide. The best part of this trek is that it covers the highlighted part of the Annapurna region, making it a circle over the Himalayas.
One can visit the Himalayan capital of Manang, Throung La Pass, Muktinath, Kagbeni, and Jomsom during this trek and can be easily done within 6-Days of Hike, making a short circuit around the Annapurna crossing the highest Pass of Throung La Pass (5416M).
Further, this trail can also be extended towards the other areas of the Annapurna Region, like Tilicho Lake, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani Ghandruk, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, etc.
Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake is one of the popular trekking destinations in the Manang district of Nepal. This is the highest-situated snow-med lake at an altitude of 4919 meters. However, the best part of this trek is one will spend governing at Tilicho Base Camp (4150M) and a short day hike towards the Lake, exploring the himalayas and the glaicer.
This trek is a comparatable easy and doable short trek for all age groups and can further be diverted towards the Annapurna Circuit Area and descend towards Jomsom or drive or trek back to Kathmandu from Manang.
Manang Trek
Manang Trek is the shortest of all kinds and the easiest trail in the Annapurna Region. The trail to Manang goes through the valley and the river, with the majestic view of the Annapurna and Manaslu range of the Himalayas, and can be easily done within 4-6 days.
This trek is to the low altitude of the Himalayan town of Manang (3519M), so spending an extra night in Manang will be best. This will help one to explore around and hike uphill point to view the majestic view of the himalayas.
Muktinath Jomsom Trek
Muktinath Jomsom Trek, also known as the Lower Mustang Trek is one of the popular destinations for travelers, including Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. This is not a mere trek into the himalayas, it carries religious significance to devotees.
The trail to Muktinath Jomsom passes through the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of the Himalayas by the river Kali Gandaki, the deepest river gorge. The scenic view of the village and mountains will be a fascinating experience in this trek.
Moreover, the trail towards Muktinath Jomsom passes in between the two popular himalayas, namely Mount Annapurna (8091M) and Mount Dhaulagiri (8167M) and on this journey, one can explore the beautiful little villages, hot springs, Himalayan orchid garden, etc.
Exploring the the Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, and Tatopani Hot Springs, you will be able to visit Dhumba Lake and then finally to Muktinath Temple situated at an altitude of 3800 Meters. This will be the highest point of the entire trek.
This trail to Muktinath Jomsom can also be done by Jeep all the way or by flight as well. However, there is less possibility of flight to/from Jomsom during the monsoon season. So, for those who want to avoid hiking in the himalayas, an easy option will be to take a jeep drive.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek also known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, borders Tibet and is one of the Trade hubs as well. The entire area falls in the Mustang district of Nepal and is a restricted area.
Trekkers here need a special permit from the Department of Immigration to enter into this area. As the region falls under the Cloud Shadow of the Himalayas, this makes the area the Himalayan desert.
The best part of the Upper Mustang Trek is one can either Hike or drive to Lo Manthang of the Upper Mustang and explore around. This drive can be started from Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, there is a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom every day but during the Monsoon, this might not happen. So, better be prepared for a Jeep drive or Hike.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is another doable and easy trek in the Annapurna Region. This is a short trek of 5-6 Days covering villages, hills, and the conserved forest.
Mardi Himal Trek is popular as a short hiking destination in the Annapurna region and the altitude is comparatively lower but the views are majestic.
Mardi Trek is a newly opened trekking destination and has gained very popularity among both national and foreign trekkers due to its easyness and short distance.
Apart from those hiking destinations mentioned above, other alternative trekking destinations are popular among trekkers in the monsoon. Those include Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani PoonHill Trek, and Langtang Trek.
However, in this trail, there are possibility of landslides (in some places) and leeches on the trail during monsoon. Landslides will be common during heavy rainfall but still one can trek. So, it is highly recommended to have a Guide while trekking.
There will be very few trekkers on the trail and joining a group is almost impossible, better to have a guide who can assist you throughout.
