Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season is not for everyone, but for adventure lovers and curious beginners. Trekking in the Monsoon season may not be the best season for trekking, but it offers unique, lush, and crowd–free experiences. This season is not about the clear skies and perfect photos – it’s about the journey, walking through misty forests, listening to rivers and waterfalls louder than usual, and watching how the rain brings life to the forests.

The peak monsoon in Nepal lies between mid-June and August. It is a common belief that trekking is not possible in the Monsoon season, but some of the treks feel more alive at this time of year.

This blog guides you through six of the best trekking routes for this coming Monsoon season.

Gosaikunda Trek | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

The Gosaikunda trek lies north of Kathmandu, in Nepal’s Langtang region (Rasuwa District). This Gosaikunda trek is not just any ordinary trek, but is best suited for the monsoon season, including both adventurous and religious aspects. Pilgrims from Nepal also travel to Gosaikunda during Janai Purnima in August, adding a festive and spiritual energy to this trek.

This sacred lake of Gosaikunda at 4,380 meters is one of the best monsoon treks in Nepal. While in the daytime, clouds may occasionally block mountain views, but in the night time the clear sky with no pollution allows stars to shine bright and note it, the view is like something never seen before.

One of the key advantages of this trek is its short timeframe—the trek usually lasts 4 to 6 days, depending on your Gosaikunda trek itinerary. So, do not miss out this monsoon to take a holy dip in the scared Gosaikunda lake.

Here is a short itinerary for, Gosaikunda Trek : 

• Day 1: Kathmandu – Dhunche. Drive north (about 6–7 hours).
• Day 2: Dhunche to Laurebinayak (3,560 m). Trek up through jungle and waterfall. 
• Day 3: Laurebinayak to Gosaikunda (4,380 m) via Lauribina Pass. Explore the sacred lakes.
• Day 4: Gosaikunda to Sing Gompa. Begin descent into Langtang Valley. 
• Day 5: Sing Gompa to Dhunche/Kathmandu. End of the journey.

Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass Trek | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

The Nar Phu trek starts from the Annapurna region in the Manang district and reaches up to an elevation of 5,322m of elevation crossing the Kang La pass. The monsoon season is least preferred by any trekkers, because of the uncertainty in the weather. Some places, like Nar Phu they fall under the rain-shadow area of Nepal, so they receive far less rain than other routes. This trek is perfect for those who are planning to trek this monsoon but are worried about rain.

The route of this trek is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, as the villages of Nar and Phu are some of the most preserved settlements in Nepal. During this trek, you will see different monasteries, spinning prayer wheels, and locals living with the same old and unique lifestyle. Unlike other treks where the monsoon brings leeches, muddy paths, Nar Phu valley in monsoon remains mostly dry and far away from leeches.

Reaching the Kang La pass itself is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that most people cannot accomplish. So, be ready for this coming monsoon to travel to the oldest Himalayan settlement of Nepal, regardless of the monsoon season.

Here is a short itinerary for, Nar Phu Kang La Trek :

• Day 1–2: Kathmandu to Besisahar, and drive to Koto (2,600 m).
• Day 3: Trek Koto to Meta (3,560 m).
• Day 4: Meta to Phu Village (4,050 m). Acclimatize in Phu.
• Day 5: Acclimatization/rest in Phu (temple and monastery visits).
• Day 6: Phu to Nar (4,110 m) via Narsing Phedi.
• Day 7: Nar to Ngwal (3,675 m) via Kang La Pass (5,322 m). Spectacular mountain views.
• Day 8–9: Descend to Pisang (3,300 m) and back to Chame/Besisahar. Return to Kathmandu.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

The Ghorepani Poon hill trek is a short, family-friendly hike in the heart of Annapurna region with elevation of 3,210m. This Ghorepani Trek is always highly preferred by new trekkers – even during the monsoon. In the rainy season, the trail is full of coloring flowers and lush green forest Just imagine sipping a warm cup of tea or coffee inside a cozy teahouse, while listening to the soft sound of rain taping gently on the leaves outside – this is the beauty of monsoon season.

It is one of the best short and easy treks which offers panoramic views of the stunning Annapurna Himalayan range while passing through beautiful forests (especially rhododendron forest in Ghorepani) and insightful local Gurung and Magar villages. This trek during monsoon is less crowded, so take full advantage of it because this place will be very busy during the other seasons.

Although in monsoon, frequent rainfall and cloud cover are common, the early mornings often offer surprising clear views of many peaks such as, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchre, Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal, and other neighboring peaks from the view point.

At a maximum altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular nearby short treks in Nepal, suited for every season. Be ready for this monsoon to dive into the nature during Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

Here is a short itinerary for, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek :

• Day 1: Kathmandu – Pokhara, then drive to Nayapul (1,070 m) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570 m).
• Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860 m) via Ulleri (1,960 m) and rhododendron forests.
• Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise. Trek down to Tadapani (2,630 m).
• Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940 m) through quiet forest, then drive back to Pokhara.
• Day 5: Return to Kathmandu.

Panch Pokhari Trek | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

Panch Pokhari commonly known as “Five Holy Lakes”, lies north-east of Kathmandu in Sindhupalchowk district inside Langtang National Park. This trek especially in the monsoon season bursts with wildflower and green jungle, making the nature feel alive.

Being a pilgrimage site, many religious people from different places gather here on the full moon of monsoon season in the month of August to take a holy bath in the Janai Purnima festival. This place is livelier during monsoon season, with mist surrounding the forest and later reveling the five holy lakes. Even though, the place lies just inside Langtang National Park, we need permit to enter and a TIMS trekker card for this trek.

This Panch Pokhari trek is most popular short trek near Kathmandu. So, for those people having less days to travel, this culturally rich trek can be a perfect destination to explore, enjoy and feel the nature closely. 

Here is a short itinerary for, Panch Pokhari Trek :

• Day 1: Kathmandu – Chautara/Dhunche. Drive 5–6 hours to trail start.
• Day 2: Chautara to Yak Kharka (3,250 m). Trek through farms to the ridge.
• Day 3: Yak Kharka to Panch Pokhari (4,100 m). Steep climb to the sacred lakes.
• Day 4: Explore lakes (morning), then descend to Nersing Pati (3,820 m).
• Day 5: Trek back down through Yak Kharka to roadhead. Return to Kathmandu.

Upper Mustang Trek | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

The Upper Mustang trek is one of the most renowned treks among other treks in Annapurna region. It lies in the rain shadow area, even during the monsoon season Upper Mustang receives less rainfall compared to other places. For this reason, the Upper Mustang trek can be entertained at any time during the year. If you want your tour to have less tourist around you, then monsoon season can be ideal season for you.

Regardless the seasons, this trek might be a bit expensive due to permit, as mustang lies in the restricted area of Nepal. Here during the monsoon season, days are warm and dry; nights are cool or cold. This high-altitude desert region, bordering Tibet, offers clear skies and dry trails and dramatic landscapes when most other treks are struggling with muddy trails, landslides, and poor visibility in the day.

Culturally, the Upper Mustang trek is a journey back in time. The city of Lo-Manthang still preserves its royal palace, old mud house and its traditions. This is why Upper Mustang is the best trek in Nepal during Monsoon.

Here is a short itinerary for, Upper Mustang Trek :

• Day 1: Fly/drive to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni (2,840 m).
• Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m).
• Day 3: Chele to Samar (3,700 m).
• Day 4: Samar to Ghiling (3,730 m).
• Day 5: Ghiling to Lo-Manthang (3,840 m). Explore the walled city.
• Day 6–8: Explore nearby villages (e.g. Chhuksang, Chhoser, monasteries).
• Day 9–12: Retrace route or take alternate passes back to Jomsom or KTM.
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Annapurna Base Camp | Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

The Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most iconic trekking routes in Nepal, more popular in the spring and autumn seasons, but becomes a completely different adventure during the monsoon season. During Monsoon, the air is warm and filled with the scent of wet soil and flowers. That being said, the Annapurna Base Camp does come with challenges during monsoon season. However, the journey is worth it.

During the trek, mornings will always surprise you with crystal-clear views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The trail passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages like Chomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali, where the rain-polished stone paths and misty hills add a mystical vibe.

Wildlife in the Annapurna Conservation Area becomes more active, and you might spot langurs, deer, or brightly colored birds along the way. Streams and rivers swell, and the sound of rushing water follows you through the valleys. Hence, we need ACAP permit to enter this place at any time of year.

Here is a short itinerary for, Annapurna Base Camp Trek :

• Day 1: Kathmandu – Pokhara.
• Day 2: Pokhara to Ulleri (1,960 m) by jeep and trek.
• Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860 m). Climb the famous Ulleri stone staircase.
• Day 4: Ghorepani to Chomrong (2,170 m) via Poon Hill (3,210 m) at dawn, then descent.
• Day 5: Chomrong to Bamboo (2,310 m).
• Day 6: Bamboo to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
• Day 7: Base Camp to Bamboo.
• Day 8: Bamboo to Jhinu (1,780 m) for hot springs.
• Day 9: Jhinu to Nayapul – Pokhara; onward to Kathmandu.

Conclusion: Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season offers a unique experience for those who don’t mind a bit of rain. While trails can be muddy and leeches may appear, the landscape comes alive with lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and misty mountain views. With fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere, monsoon treks like Gosaikunda, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Panch Pokhari, Annapurna Base Camp, and Ghorepani Poon Hill uncovers Nepal’s raw and untouched beauty in the rainy season. Each trail offers something unique – from sacred lakes to high desert plateaus, making monsoon one of the most underrated yet rewarding trekking seasons in Nepal. 

If you're the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind getting a little wet to enjoy nature and feel the true adventure, then monsoon trekking in Nepal will be one of the most memorable journeys you’ll ever take.