Summer in Nepal: Best summer activities to enjoy in Nepal
The land of the glorious Himalayas, Nepal is shrouded in monsoon clouds during the summer months, i.e. June to August. Many consider this one of the worst times to travel in Nepal and recommend avoiding it. Flash floods can affect road travel, and low-level clouds may disrupt internal flights. However, with proper gear and early starts, visitors can still enjoy Nepal’s many offerings. Trekking in Himalayan rain shadows like Manang, Mustang, Dolpo, and the Annapurna Circuit remains possible. With festivals lined up, you get a far more authentic experience of the country. Plus the hefty deals on accommodation and services makes traveling to Nepal during summer so much sweeter.
Weather and temperature of Nepal during summer months
Here’s an overview of what the weather in Nepal looks like during the three months of summer.
Rain brings lush hills, muddy trails and vibrant festivals to Nepal. If you are planning to travel to Nepal during monsoon, here are some activities (that don’t include visiting World Heritage Sites) to keep in check.
Trekking in the Himalayas
Take the less-traveled trails during summer in Nepal. The monsoon makes popular treks in Nepal like the Annapurna Base Camp off limits. However, regions that fall in the Himalayan rain shadow such as the Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley and even Everest Base Camp are still accessible and are absolutely beautiful this time of the year. Seasonal downpours in the lower parts make flight delays and cancellations a hassle, but the trails themselves are stunning with great views and greenery.
Top tip: Opt for treks in monsoon only if you have a flexible schedule or have enough buffer time in case of flight delays and cancellations.
Hiking in Kathmandu
If a multi-day trek is not your cup of tea or you don’t have the luxury of flexibility to trek during monsoon, there are plenty of hiking trails around Kathmandu to keep your legs working. Brave the leeches, pack a good poncho, and hit the trails in the surrounding hills of Kathmandu. The Champadevi trail has sturdy stepping stones making it less muddy and slippery although when the sky pours there aren’t many shelters available. The Jamacho hike is another good trail to walk throughout the year. Hikes to Bishnudwar in Shivapuri National Park and the trail from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam are doable too.
Top tip: It is advisable to hike in groups. A recent spike in robbery on these trails have raised concerns. Stay alert and stay safe.
Take part in ropain
As the rainy season starts, farmers across Nepal prepare for rice plantation, locally called ropain. It is a festival on its own that falls in the Nepali month of Asar, either in late June or early July. Farmers uproot their paddy saplings from their makeshift nursery and get into their muddy, waterlogged fields to plant them. It is a difficult and messy job made fun by folk songs, camaraderie, drinks and food. Travelers can witness or participate in ropain in Kathmandu valley as well as in other villages in the hilly region or in Terai.
Top tip: While there are day trips available to participate in the festival of ropain, you can also simply request locals and see if they will let you try it. In either case, please be aware that while it is a “fun” activity, it is also serious work, so try to do a good job.
Attend cultural festivals
Kathmandu as well as the rest of Nepal observes a plethora of cultural and religious festivals during summer. Some of the key festivals include Janai Purnima, Gai Jatra, Krishna Janmashtami and Yarthung Horse Racing festival. Janai Purnima is a festival wherein upper-caste Hindu men change their janai, sacred thread. However, other Hindu castes get a sacred thread tied around their wrists by Hindu priests. It is a vibrant festival and can be witnessed in major Hindu temples. This festival is particularly lively at Lake Gosaikunda, in the Langtang area.
In the city of Kathmandu, Gai Jatra brings out a fun parade in which families commemorate deceased members who died in the previous year. In Patan, a similar day-long parade called Mattya takes participants to over a hundred temples and shrines throughout the city. It is a great opportunity to get to know Patan intimately.
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birthday of Krishna. Throughout major cities in Nepal, Hindus celebrate the festival with much fervor—including dancing and singing. Visit Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square to catch the best of this festival.
The Yartung festival, a vibrant horse racing event, takes place in the regions of Mustang and Manang during July or August. This colorful celebration is primarily observed by the Thakali community and serves as a joyous marker for the conclusion of the harvest season.Rato Macchindranath Jatra in Patan is a month-long festival that takes place right before monsoon season. However, since it strictly follows the lunar calendar, the festival can extend until June or July. It is an event you don’t want to miss.
The month of Shrawan (July-August) is considered one of the holy month in Nepal. If you are in Nepal around this time, you will be witnessing Nepali women dressed up in green outfits or accessories with green color. The month of Shrawan is connected to worshipping Lord Shiva. Especially, the Mondays within Shrawan month is considered auspiscious and people are seen keeping fast and visiting Shiva temple on this day. The significance of Shrawan month on spiritual and religious aspect is very high among the Hindus of Nepal and India.
Tip tip: Dress appropriately; not only to respect the religious sentiments but also for practicality. Some of the festivals can get crowded, boisterous and rowdy, so stay alert. Observe from a distance when needed and get into the groove when it’s safe. If in doubt, ask a local.
Participate in Kora Cycling Challenge
The annual cycling challenge takes place on the third Saturday of July. It is a fun event that brings together cycling enthusiasts from all over the country to Kathmandu. The routes change every year taking participants to various corners of the valley. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and also see unseen parts of the famous city. Besides the fun, the event also doubles up as a fund-raiser where participants can help raise money for a cause with every kilometer they cycle. If you cycle, are in Kathmandu during Kora Challenge and want to have some fun, join in!
Top tip: It is a day-long event, so prepare likewise. Dress for the weather as well as the activity. There will be enough places to hydrate, snack and even take a break from peddling.
Bungee Jumping and Swing
Bungee jumping and swing in Nepal offers thrilling experiences year-round, with three primary locations: the iconic Last Resort jump and swing over the Bhote Koshi River, the second-highest bungee jump and swing at Kushma over Kaligandaki River, and the Hemja tower jump in Pokhara. The Last Resort features a 160-meter plunge from a suspension bridge, Kushma is a 228-meter jump, while Pokhara’s 70-meter tower jump provides panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. During the monsoon season, bungee jumping and swinging in Nepal takes on a different character. The rivers swell dramatically, creating a more intense atmosphere with its roaring waters below. The surrounding landscape transforms into a lush, vibrant green, offering a unique visual spectacle. Since rain can make the experience more challenging, be prepared for a higher chance of cancellations.
Top tip: Plan where you want to bungee in advance. Also, keep in mind that monsoon rain can make these locations difficult to reach with frequent landslides and bad road conditions.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Nepal During Summer
Here’s what you should know and do when traveling to Nepal in summer months of June, July and August:
Carry your wet gear wherever you go because when it rains in Nepal during summer, it pours! Include umbrellas, ponchos, and water-proof covers for bags and electronics.
If it isn’t raining, it can be super warm or humid. Pack quick-drying clothes such as sportswear for both sweat and rain.
Be mentally prepared for delays and cancellation when it comes to traveling from one destination to another. Mudslides on major highways can disrupt road travel and frequent rain and visibility issues can lead to flight delays and cancellations. Plan a flexible schedule.
Steer clear from street food or restaurants that do not look popular. Monsoon brings diseases and you do not want to catch one during the trip.
Carry mosquito repellent applicants with you and apply it frequently.
If you thought traveling to Nepal during summer months was not worth it, well now you know better. The season is eventful and with plenty to see and do for travelers. On days when the rain is incessant, we recommend planning an indoor session of relaxation and leisure. At Varnabas, you can spend a rainy day indulging in our spa facilities. Our favorite thing to do however is to relax in the rooftop swimming pool, Gokyo. Enjoy a refreshing dip while sipping on some fun cocktails and watch the rain fall over the glass roof. Blissful!
