Asia

Nepal in August

The valleys are intensely green, but trekking conditions are poor and many lodges on the main trails run skeleton service.

Think twiceMonsoon continues, highs near 83F (28C), lush and wet

Annapurna, Nepal — NepalPhoto: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Nepal. The valleys are intensely green, but trekking conditions are poor and many lodges on the main trails run skeleton service.

Weather: Monsoon continues, highs near 83F (28C), lush and wet
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What August is like in Nepal

August continues the monsoon, with highs near 83F (28C) and wet, green valleys. Trekking conditions are poor, and many lodges on the main trails run skeleton service. Indra Jatra, with masked dances and the Kumari's chariot procession, can fall in late August. Prices and crowds are low.

Avoid it for trekking. If you must travel, stay in the Kathmandu Valley and watch for Indra Jatra in the old squares. The temples of Patan and Bhaktapur are good between showers. For the best trekking conditions and mountain views, wait for late September or October.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Nepal this month.

Indra Jatra

In years when it falls in late August, the Kumari's chariot procession fills Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Lush green hills

The terraces and hills are at their greenest.

Cultural days

Temples and museums in Patan and Bhaktapur are good rainy-day visits.

What to pack for August

A rain jacket
Waterproof shoes
Quick-dry layers
A dry bag

Our timing tip

Keep plans centered on the Kathmandu Valley, where rain is less disruptive than on mountain roads.

Book Nepal for August.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Nepal
Opens a hotel search for Nepal in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Nepal
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Nepal
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nepal for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Indra Jatra

Late August or September, set by the lunar calendar

Masked dances and the chariot procession of the Kumari, the living goddess, through Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Things to do in Nepal

Full guide

Everest Base Camp trek

Usually 12 to 14 days round trip from Lukla. October, November, April, and May are the windows; build in spare days for flight delays.

Tickets and tours →

Annapurna region treks

Poon Hill is a short, family-friendly option with a famous sunrise view; the full Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La, which can close in heavy snow.

Tickets and tours →

Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

Three royal cities within an hour of each other. Bhaktapur is the best preserved; go early before the day-tour groups.

Tickets and tours →

Boudhanath and Swayambhunath

Boudhanath's great stupa is the center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the valley; walk the clockwise kora at dusk with the pilgrims.

Tickets and tours →

Chitwan National Park

Best from October through March; February to April, after the tall grass is cut, gives the best wildlife visibility, though heat builds by April.

Tickets and tours →

Pokhara and Phewa Lake

The relaxed lakeside base for the Annapurnas, with paragliding off Sarangkot in the dry season.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Trek in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear, the trails thin out after the Dashain holiday rush, and lodges are easier to book.
On the Everest trail, start early each morning. Most groups leave after breakfast; walking by 7am gets you quiet trails and the clearest views before afternoon cloud.
Consider Langtang, Manaslu, or the Mardi Himal route instead of the two headline treks; they are less crowded in the same seasons.
December and February are excellent for lower treks like Poon Hill and Ghorepani with a fraction of the October traffic.

Know before you go

Monsoon (June to September): many teahouses on the main trekking routes reduce service or close, and road landslides can cut off trailheads for days.
High passes, especially Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can close after heavy snowfall from December through February. Check conditions before committing.
During Dashain, many shops and offices in Kathmandu close for several days and transport is overwhelmed as people head home. Book buses and flights early.
Mountain flights to Lukla are weather dependent all year. In peak seasons, many Lukla flights have recently departed from Ramechhap, a long drive from Kathmandu, rather than Kathmandu itself. Budget two buffer days.

Nepal in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Nepal?

August is a month to think twice about visiting Nepal. The valleys are intensely green, but trekking conditions are poor and many lodges on the main trails run skeleton service.

What is the weather like in Nepal in August?

Monsoon continues, highs near 83F (28C), lush and wet.

Is Nepal crowded in August?

August is one of the quieter months in Nepal; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Nepal in August?

Indra Jatra (late august or september, set by the lunar calendar).