Monsoon in Nepal is not the typical monsoon of Asia. Rains usually occur during the night-time leaving the sky clean and clear by the morning making the Himalayan view even more dramatic. Some parts of the Himalayas in Manang, Upper Mustang, Tsum Valley and Upper Dolpo or Far West Nepalare in rain-shadow areas; the mountains are high enough to block the clouds. Tibet’s high travel season also corresponds to Nepal’s monsoon. Jomsom Muktinath, Gorepani Ghandruk Treks, Kathmandu Valley Treks are fantastic lush environment everywhere and that gives a lot of Ecstasy to those who does not mind possible few minutes rain before or after starting the trek. We provide good rain poncho and quality camping accommodation on the trek.
Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude, ranging from the tropical to the arctic. The low-land Terai region in the tropical southern part of the country has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 45 Degree Celsius (113 Degree Fahrenheit) during summer. The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all the year round, although the winter nights are chilling. The northern mountain region has an alpine climate with considerably lower temperature in winter, especially, at altitudes above 3300m. Therefore, we recommend choosing the season that best fit your interest.
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year that comprises of four distinct seasons each with different attractions to offer:
Springtime temperatures are mildly warm in the lowlands and moderate at higher altitudes, with plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening, though mornings are often clear and you can expect beautiful sunrises.
This is the favorite season to trek in the arid rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and all the stunning Tibet Treks and Tours. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanists. The advantages of trekking in the summer months are the uncrowded trails and the less cold in the high mountains with lush terraces.
This is the best trekking season in Nepal. The weather is very pleasant and clear so the mountain views are the best. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed so it’s wise to books your flights well in advance. This is also the season of festivals as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals – Dashain followed by Tihar.
This is a great season for those who do not mind cold weather in the Himalayas. There is a traditional concept that people are less encouraged to trek during these months but it can’t be nothing more than truth that during this season mountain peaks are more visible and the days are longer in the Himalayas being sunny almost every morning to late afternoon. We provide you with warm down jackets and the sleeping bag to keep you warm enough in the night. Most of the lodges are open this time too which offers you heated dining hall till late. Occasional snow can sometime prevent us to go further. Mid December to end of January is the best time to trek during the winter.
Nepal is the country of extremes. The low-land plains of the Terai can have tropical temperatures and also mosquitoes, particularly in the summer months. The Himalayas can get to sub-zero temperatures, but the sun can bring some warmth during the day, even in the mountains. The temperature of Kathmandu goes below 1 Degree Celsius (34 Degree Fahrenheit) in winter and rises to an average of 25 Degree Celsius (77 Degree Fahrenheit) in summer.
The average temperature in Kathmandu during the four seasons:
During the rainy monsoon season between June to August, it rains to an average between 200-375 millimeters in Kathmandu. There is occasional rainfall during the other seasons too. In an average, 1300 millimeters of rain falls in Kathmandu every year.
A travel insurance policy that covers cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees and repatriation costs are the client’s responsibility.
If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter or charter flight from a remote airstrip only if you have definite proof you can pay for it. It costs more than US$ 2500 for a helicopter evacuation from 4000m near Mt. Everest and up to US$ 5000 for a rescue in the far west. All trek organizers, including Himalayan Eco Trek-Nepal, have an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. It is then up to you to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company. Be sure your policy specifically covers helicopter evacuation. Also check that your insurance policy does not exclude mountaineering or alpinism or you may have a difficult time settling a claim. Although you will not engage in such activities, you may not be able to convince a flatland insurance company of this fact.
There are a few reliable medical posts in the hills, such as the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) posts at Pheriche and Manang, and the Khunde Hospital which are all staffed by Western doctors. However, most accidents or illnesses will occur in the absence of reliable medical care.
If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, here are the steps Himalayan Eco Treks and Travel -Nepal will take to rescue you.
If you are trekking with Himalayan Eco Treks and Travel – Nepal we will arrange the rescue and initial payments, but the victim is responsible for reimbursing the cost of the flight which can be as high as USD 2500 per hour. Again, make sure you have insurance covering emergency helicopter rescue.
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