10 Best Summer Treks in Nepal

Nepal is home to numerous trekking trails, some of which are best to trek in the Summer. The best summer treks in Nepal take you to some of the arid desert-like landscapes of the Tibetan plateau and to some rain shadow areas. 

Imagine that you want to trek in Nepal, the timing for you is perfect, but you have heard that Nepal faces heavy rain in many regions in the Summer. What do you do? Well, worry not; there are ample opportunities for you to make this happen. Nepal has many rain shadow areas resulting from the huge Himalayan range that blocks the monsoon rain in the Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Manaslu, Mustang, and even parts of the Annapurna region. These are some perfect summer trekking trails in Nepal.

June to August - Summer Season in Nepal

Summer Season in Nepal lasts from June to August annually. These months see a lot of monsoon rain in the lower altitude regions. The weather is gloom, views are obstructed, trekking trails are muddy, and roads are often blocked by landslides. Hence trekking in the summer seasons to the lower altitude area is not ideal and is regarded as an off-season.

However, Summer is the perfect time for trekking to the higher altitude areas in the rain shadow regions of Nepal. In these regions, due to low tourist inflow for other treks, the trails are less crowded, views are amazing, and the temperature is just about right in the high-altitude areas of Mustang, Dolpo, Manaslu, and some parts of Annapurna. Hence, this is the best time to pack your bags and head for the best summer treks mentioned below.

Following are the 10 Best Summer Treks in Nepal

1. Upper Mustang Trek

Highlight of Upper Mustang Trek

• Explore the forbidden ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang
• Witness the preserved Tibetan buddhist history and traditions in the villages, monasteries, gumbas, chortans, ancient caves
• Visit the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best summer treks as it lies in the rain shadow area, so it doesn't get rain in the summer season. The days are longer, so there is a chance to explore more, and the skies are clear with vivid views of two of the 8,000m peaks, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

This restricted area trek takes you from the cities of Kathmandu to Pokhara to Jomsom. Passing by the desert-like landscape, exploring caves, chortens, villages, and monasteries, you reach the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang. Moreover, you get to explore the Bon religion, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, Muktinath, which is another highlight of the trek.

How to Get to Upper Mustang

To get to Upper Mustang you will have to take a drive or flight from Kathmandu towards Pokhara after which you take a 25 minutes flight or 9 to 10 hours drive to the entrance of Mustang, Jomsom. From Jomsom start the trek from the villages in Lower Mustang towards the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From there traverse the villages of Upper Mustang to reach Muktinath.

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2. Upper Dolpo Trek

Highlight of Upper Dolpo Trek

• Enjoy the amazing views of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake in Lower Dolpo
• Explore the medieval villages, dominated by Bon and Buddhist religion, via the off-beaten Trans- Himalayan caravan trail
• Witness one of the highest settlement of Dho Tarap at Upper Mustang and the unique biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo National Park
• Cross the notorious high passes of Nagdalo La (also called Kang La Pass), Sela La, and Chhoila La

Upper Dolpo, situated north of Dhaulagiri, sees no to least rain in the summer season, making it the perfect summer trekking destination. The skies are often clear, and the weather is around -4 degrees celsius to 17 degrees celsius, which is perfect. If you are lucky, you might even get to witness the local communities collecting Yarsha Gumba (caterpillar fungus sold as an aphrodisiac) during this season, making your stay extra special.

The Upper dolpo trek takes you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then Juphal, where the trek starts. Witnessing the village life in Lower Dolpo, the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, you progress to the recently opened restricted area of Upper Dolpo via multiple high passes. If you have never witnessed one of the highest settlements on earth, you will see one here at Dho Tarap.

How to Get to Upper Dolpo

Getting to Upper Dolpo requires you to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj taking an hour and then towards Juphal from where the trek starts. Passing by some villages in Lower Dolpo towards Phoksundo Lake you’ll be crossing three high passes and exploring the villages in Upper Dolpo.Ultimately by the 20th day, you will have reached the highest settlement of Upper Dolpo; Dho Tarap after which you will return back to Juphal.

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3. Phoksundo Lake Trek

Highlights of Phoksundo Lake Trek

• Explore the flora and fauna of the largest trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo
• Witness the mesmerizing deepest and sacred lake of Nepal, Phoksundo
• Interact with the locals to understand the Bon Po and Buddhist religion in the remote settlements of Lower Dolpo

A perfect summer trek, the Phoksundo Lake trek takes you to the remote and untouched Lower Dolpo region. Falling partially in the rain shadow area means that the rain is interrupted by the Dhaulagiri mountain range. Hence, the weather is cool, the skies clear, and the lake is serene, making it the best time to travel. The weather is anywhere between -2 degrees celsius to 3 degrees celsius, with minimal rain in Shey Phoksundo.

The trip commences with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Jhuphal which means that you will be missing out on the rain in those regions. There might be slight chances of flight delays in case it rains heavily. Trekking starts from Juphal onwards to distant scattered villages. The arid landscape brings you up close to an oasis, the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. Interacting with the locals in the Tibetan villages, you will eventually return back to Juphal, where your trek ends.

How to get to Phoksundo Lake

The trip starts with a one hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then a 45 minutes flight to Juphal from where trek commences. You’ll be visiting the villages of Chhepka, Jharana and Ringmo dominated by Tibetan buddhists, until reaching the amazing Phoksundo lake on the 7th day.

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4. Nar Phu Valley Trek

Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek

• Explore the ancient remains of the Nar and Phu villages in Annapurna region
• Cross one of the highest passes in Nepal; Kang La Pass (5,320m)
• Closeup views of Annapurna II, Himlung, Manaslu mountain range

Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the best summer treks in the remote north Annapurna region of Nepal as it is the time of the year when the weather is perfect, and the climate is cool. You would not have to face harsh rain or humid weather during Summer in Nar Phu, unlike other treks in the region. Due to the climate, the landscape is also arid in many places on the trail.

This short and cultural trip takes you to the two oldest villages of Nar and Phu, lying between Annapurna and Manaslu trekking trails. Along the way, you will be passing Annapurna II and Manaslu peaks while immersing yourself in the Tibetan lifestyle. The villages of Nar and Phu offer a lovely glance at the Tibetan Buddhist culture. In between the trek, you will pass through the Kang La Pass (5,320m), one of the highest passes in Nepal. You will also visit the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, the last monastery built in the Nar Phu Valley, which adds to the experience.

How to get to Nar Phu Valley

Starting with a drive from Kathmandu to Koto, the trek takes you to Phu village on the 5th day. From where you trek towards Nar village on the 8th day. After enjoying the unique experience, crossing the high pass you’ll find your way to the ending point of the trek.

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5. Tsum Valley Trek

Image: Ewen K/flickr

Highlight of the Tsum Valley trek

• Explore age old gompas, monasteries and dzongs in the lower Tsum valley
• Traverse the secluded trail to witness elusive wildlife like Thar, Blue Sheep in the hidden gem of Nepal, Tsum Valley
• Witness the unique Buddhist and Tibetan vulture of the Tsumba people

Regarded as a hidden gem of Nepal, Tsum Valley is the best trekking trail during the Summer season because it is one of the renowned rain shadow areas. The off-beat path leads to the eastern side of the Manaslu range to Tusm, a mystical valley still a restricted area. The arid Tibetan Plateau makes it easier to traverse the landscape. Moreover, you can witness amazing views of the gigantic Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal, and more.

The difficulty of the Tsum Valley Trek is quite moderate, starting from Soti Khola in the Manaslu region to Arughat. Visit the Chumling Village(Lower Tsum Valley) and Lokpa Village, connecting the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Explore the Rachen Gumba and Mu Gompa, Sacred Monasteries of the Tsum Valley, along with the longest mani walls at Dzong and Phurba. Experience the tradition of the Tsum people and glimpse at the blend of the Buddist and Tibetan cultures.

How to get to the Tsum Valley

Getting to Tsum Valley begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat then to Soti Khola from where the trek begins to villages of Lokpa and Chumling in lower Tsum valley. From there traverse to the villages of Chhokang Paro and Nile, the final settlement of Tsum valley, then the highest point of Mu Gompa.

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6. Limi Valley Trek

Highlights of Limi valley trek

• Visit the three Tibetan Buddhist dominated villages of Til, Halji and Jang in Limi valley
• Traverse the ancient caravan trail from Talung to Limi valley and Mansarovar trail
• Up close views of Mt. Kailash, Kanjiroba and Mt. Saipal bordering the Tibetan plateau

Limi Valley, situated in the remote Humla region bordering the frozen Tibetan plateau, offers the best summer trek experience in Nepal. Views of Mt. Kailash and Mt. Saipal is clearer than ever. The arid landscape obstructed by the Himalayas from the monsoon rain makes it the best time to travel to Limi.

Recently opened in 2002, upholding its restricted area status, a part of the trail also witnesses some pilgrims joining the Mt. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during Summer. The temperature in Humla is around 3 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees celsius during Summer, which is cool enough to travel.

Starting from Simikot, the trek traverses through high passes towards the three villages of Limi; Til, Halji, and Jang. The major highlight of the Limi Valley trek is indeed passing by the ancient caravan trail, exploring the 800-year-old Rinchhen Ling Gompa, and understanding the Tibetan Buddhist and Bon culture, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to get to Limi Valley

As Limi valley is situated in the remote mid-western region of Nepal, you need to take an hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a 30 minute flight to Simikot. Starting at Simikot, trek to the villages of Gilsa, Manipeme, and Til, the first village in Limi on the 12th day. On the next day, head to Halji and Jang, the second and third villages in Limi and relax at the Chagzur hot spring.

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7. Mustang Teri La Pass And Nar Phu Valley Trek

Highlights of Mustang Teri Pass and Nar Phu Valley Trek

• Witness Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Culture in the ancient forbidden kingdome of Lo Manthang
• Visit local Buddhist monasteries, gombas, lakhangs and sky caves (man-made caves dug into the sides of valleys in the Mustang)
• Cross the high pass of Teri La (5,577m) to explore the isolated Nar and Phu villages in Annapurna region

Mustang Teri La Pass and Nar Phu Valley Trek is a perfect blend of trekking in the restricted Upper Mustang and Nar Phu valley. It is one of the ultimate best summer treks in Nepal because both the regions fall in the rain shadow area. In the desert-like Tibetan plateau, there isn't any obstruction of the monsoon rain. The towering views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Tilicho peaks are unobstructed by clouds, and the temperature is cool.

The lengthy trek traverses through the lower Mustang to the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang in the first half trail. The unique experience of this trek is crossing one of the highest mountain passes of Teri La at 5.577m to reach the other side in the Annapurna circuit. From there, explore the Bon and Buddhist culture in the remote Nar and Phu villages before concluding the tour in Besisahar.

How to get to Mustang and Nar Phu via Teri La Pass

Like most treks in the Mustang region, you need to take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom where your trek starts. Trekking from the villages of lower Mustang, you will eventually reach Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang on the 8th day. From there, trek further up to Teri La Pass on the 17th day to reach Nar village on the 20th day and Phu village on the 22nd day

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8. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Explore Kali Gandaki and Marsyangdi river valleys and make a detour to one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, Tilicho (4,920m)
• Cross the highest passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass at 5,416m to reach from Manang to Mustang
• Visit the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath and understand about the Hindu and Buddhist culture

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a famous classic trek that can be done in the summer season in Nepal. This is unlike any other treks in the Annapurna region as it includes a blend of traveling to the Manang and the Lower Mustang region, where the chances of monsoon rain are minimal to none.

In this classic trek, monsoon rain might only hit the lower regions while driving from Kathmandu to Chame. Once reaching Pisang, the land is mostly arid, and the weather is clear even in Summer. Moreover, the route is less crowded, more peaceful, and easier to get accommodation as well in the summer season.

This trek makes a circuit of the Annapurna Mountain range starting from Manang, making a detour at the picturesque high altitude Tilicho Lake (4,920m). Passing the Marsyangdi River valley, the trail leads to the Kali Gandaki River Valley crossing the highest pass in Nepal, Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Another highlight of the trek is reaching the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath in Mustang, after which you follow the ancient trade routes to Jomsom. All the while, the 8000m peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna will be towering throughout this Himalayan adventure.

How to get to Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame through Besisahar. You will start the trek from Chame to Lower Pisang and then to Manang. From Manang, make a detour to Tilicho Lake then head back to Sri Kharka and begin the second part of the circuit by crossing the Thorong La Pass into Mustang.  From Muktinath traverse to Jomsom to end the circuit.

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9. Dolpo To Mustang Trek With Five High Passes

HIghlights of Dolpo to Mustang trek with the high passes

• Traverse through 5 of the highest passes; Baga La, Numa La, Jhyarkoi La, Mo La, and Ghami La, from Dolpo to Mustang.
• Visit the largest and the only trans-himalayan national park of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo National Park.
• Explore the best of both the rain shadow areas Dolpo and Mustang
• Witness the highest settlement of Dho Tarap, amazing Phoksundo Lake, and Kali Gandaki River valley

Dolpo to Mustang Trek with Five Passes is one of the toughest yet best summer treks in Nepal. The trek offers the best of both distinct rain shadow areas of Nepal; Dolpo and Mustang. The best time to do this trek is Summer because there won't be unpredictable snowfall in the higher regions or rain in the lower region. This is because both the regions fall under the shadow of the Dhaulagiri range that obstructs the monsoon rains in the high-altitude desert-like area.

This trek begins from lower Dolpo passing the Ringmo settlements to mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. The challenging aspect of this trek begins as you cross the two passes, Baga La Pass (5,214m) and Numa La Pass (5,238m), to the highest Do Tarap settlement. Then again, Jhyarkoi La Pass (5,360m), Mo La Pass (5,035m), and the fifth Ghami La Pass (5,700m) towards Upper Mustang.

The trek concludes in the lower Mustang, making it a wholesome experience of witnessing the highest Himalayan ranges, trans-Himalayan ecosystem, Tibetan and Bon cultures, medieval settlements, a forbidden kingdom, and more. If you are looking for a challenging yet adventurous trek in the summer/monsoon season of Nepal, then this is the perfect one for you.

How to get from Dolpo and Mustang via five high passes

Getting to Dolpo begins with a 50-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a 30-minute flight to Jhupal. Starting from Juphal, reach the turquoise Phoksundo Lake on the 7th day after passing a number of lower Dolpo villages. From there start your trek to Mustang by crossing one pass after the other including Baga La Phedi, Numa La and to Baga La Pass, Mo La Pass and Ghami La Pass. On the 19th day you will have reached Ghami, the entrance to Mustang.

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10. Lower Mustang Trek

Highlights of Lower Mustang Trek

• Explore the Bon and Buddhist villages of Jomsom, Kagbeni, Lupra and Jhakot
• Visit the 500 year old Red Gompa monastery, the gigantic King’s palace and the holy Muktinath temple
• Witness the closeup view the 8000m mountain ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna

Lower Mustang Trek is one of the shortest and the best summer treks in Nepal. You can leave behind the heavy monsoon rain as you fly towards Jomsom, the entrance of the rain shadow area of Mustang. You will get to experience the preserved culture, rare caves, arid Tibetan plateau, and medieval settlements in a short span of time.

The lower Mustang might observe rain in late August, but the rest of the summer season is indeed the best time for this trek. The temperature is stable, the climate is decent, the skies clear, and views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges are vivid. 

Trekking commences from Jomsom and traverses the Buddhist and Bon villages of Kagbeni, Lupra, and also the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath before returning to Jomsom. If you are short of time but wish to explore the mystical Mustang with its amazing religion and culture, then Summer is the right time to do so.

How to get to Lower Mustang

Getting to Lower Mustang begins with a short flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then, you will take another 30-minute flight or 9 to 10 hours’ drive to Jomsom, the heart of Mustang. Trek begins on the next day with the first destination being Kagbeni, the last village of Lower Mustang. On the 5th day visit the Red Gompa monastery in Jarkhot, and then trek the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. On the 7th day trek to Lupra valley then back again to Jomsom.

Benefits of trekking in the Summer

• Wildflowers bloom in the early Summer, making the mid and higher hills.
• Due to the off-season status, the trails are less crowded and mostly peaceful.
• Unlike the peak seasons of Spring and Autumn, in the summer season, there are multiple options for accommodation due to lesser crowd, and the prices are also lower.
• You are likely to get better and faster quality service in the tea houses.

Tips for trekking in Summer Season in Nepal

• Take a raincoat to incase of mild rainfall in the lower regions.
• Carry appropriate gear, including sturdy trekking poles and waterproof hiking boots
• Avoid trekking in the lower altitude regions; as far as possible, try to take a flight to the areas where you can and continue trekking from the rain shadow high altitude areas.
• Consider adding a contingency day for the case where there might be domestic flight cancellation due to heavy rain.
• Carry insect repellent as mosquito and leech encounters are common on the trekking trails in Summer

Hiking and short tours during the Monsoon season in Nepal

Besides those treks mentioned above, the summer season can also be a perfect time for some short hikes and treks in the lower altitude region. The most popular short tours and hikes are in and around Kathmandu and Pokhara.

You can do cultural city tours in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Square, which are not as much affected by rain. Hikes in Nagarkot hill station and the Chisapani area are also doable at this time. There might be occasional showers, but the misty green forests are the best during this time.

Short hikes in Sarangkot, Australian Base Camp, and Ghandruk are also acceptable in Summer as the wildflowers bloom during this time, and the views of waterfalls are perfect.

Conclusion

There are many places to trek in the summer season in Nepal. Most of the treks mentioned above require you to get a restricted area permit via a travel agency. It is necessary that you select a professional and experienced agency to organize the treks to avoid unexpected complications.

Our experienced trekking professionals at Third Rock Adventures can help you organize your summer trek. With required permits, a customized itinerary tailored to suit your need, and experienced guides, we can ensure that you have the best time of your life with any trek that you choose this Summer.