Trekking in Nepal is possible all year round because of the varied land topography. That is true for the month of July as well.
Although not the peak trekking season, trekking in Nepal in July is absolutely possible. The monsoon rain and the beautiful greenery everywhere make unique trekking in Nepal.
July is a monsoon month in Nepal so almost all parts of Nepal sees rainfall except the rainshadow areas. So, July is the best time to explore the rainshadow area of Nepal which has dry weather with unaffected views.
Besides, you can also trek in other trekking trails of Nepal but you need to make extra preparation with proper rain gear and sturdy boots. The most popular trekking destinations see fewer crowds during this month.
July has its own unique flavor- surprises of good and clear weather after rainfall, full rivers and waterfalls, and the lush green nature.
Weather and Temperature while Trekking in Nepal in July
July is mid-summer/monsoon season in Nepal. Yet, most of the rainfall occurs at night or late evenings. The days are sunny and hot.
The average temperature in Kathmandu in July is hot around 20-28°C or 68-82.4°F.
The eastern part of the country receives the highest rainfall at 600-800mm in July. Pokhara- the rainiest city of Nepal receives an average rainfall of around 900-950mm in July.
In July, it rains almost every day with an occasional thunderstorm in the evening. You can also expect frequent hail showers. Yet, the mornings are often clear with the great mountain views.
The north-western side of Nepal is a large rain shadow area beyond the great Himalayan ranges. Here, the average rainfall is less than 50 mm.
The weather conditions also change with the change in elevation and region. Also, the temperature drops when it rains. For the most part at 2,000 meters, the daytime temperatures cross 30+ degrees. And at night, the average temperatures drop to 12-19 °C.
The frequent rainfall makes the environment green and lush. After the rain, you can also witness the actual lavish color of nature.
Top Destinations for Trekking in Nepal in July
If you are up for a challenge and don’t mind the rain, then you can trek anywhere in Nepal in July.
Given below are some of the best options for trekking in Nepal in July:
Upper Mustang Trek
Duration: 12 – 14 days
Highest Elevation: 4000m
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Tea House
Upper Mustang lies in the remote, trans-Himalayan mountain area in the North of Nepal. It receives little to no rainfall even in July. The trek begins from Kagbeni and takes you to Khumjung Himal in height of 6700m.
Opened only in 1992, the trek still maintains its authentic and mysterious aura.
You can enjoy visits to traditional and well-preserved villages. You can also enjoy full panoramic views of the high mountain ranges.
Here, you can enjoy your treks in moderate temperatures of 16 to 20-degree Celsius. The air is quite dry in the region.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many other peaks.
- A chance to witness the unique lifestyle and heritage of the people of Lo- Manthang (Upper Mustang).
- A chance to pass through the high peaks, various high passes, mighty glaciers, and alpine valleys.
- A chance to view the amazing scenery of the unique landscape of the trans-Himalayan mountain area.
- A chance to view the ancient capital of Lo Manthang.
- A chance to witness the Buddhist art and culture.
- A chance to witness the bottom of the deepest gorge in the world- the Kali Gandaki gorge.
- A chance to walk through steep canyon walls, hidden caves, and red-walled monasteries.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Duration: 22- 26 days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Dolpo lies in mid-western Nepal- one of the most remote and isolated regions of Nepal. It lies behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan Plateau.
So, it is not much affected by the monsoon and is one of the most challenging and adventurous ‘off-the-beaten’ trekking trails of Nepal.
It is a very beautiful region of Nepal and remains untouched by modernity.
Highlights
- A chance to witness the unique culture and lifestyles of the Tibetan origin people.
- A chance to pass through three high passes of the upper Dolpo region.
- Magnificent views of Mt.Dhaulagiri and the picturesque and the crystal clear lake of Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Rara Lake Trek
Highest Elevation: Danfe Pass- 3,710m
Rara lake lies at 3,050m and is Nepal’s largest lake. It lies within the boundary of Rara National Park.
Rara Lake Trek takes you to the remote western region of Nepal. It gives you a taste of the raw and wild nature. You also pass through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron.
It is one of the less trekked routes and has some of the well-preserved cultural and natural scenery. In July, it is dry yet not as much as the regions of Mustang and Upper Dolpo. Still, you can enjoy beautiful views.
Here, the average temperature is around 25 degree Celsius with occasional showers.
Highlights:
- A chance to view Nepal’s wild animals and birds including the Himalayan bear.
- A chance to explore and view the crystal clear waters of Rara Lake
- A chance to witness the exotic Himalayan flora.
- An ‘off the beaten’ trekking experience with unique cultures and landscapes.
- Crystal clear scenery of the mountains, the alpine meadows.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Duration: 9 – 14 days
Highest Elevation: 5315m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Type: Tea House
Nar and Phu villages lie in the northeast, rainshadow section of Annapurna region. Hence, in July, this is an ideal trekking destination.
Nar Phu Valley Trek begins by following the classic Annapurna circuit trek route.
This “off the beaten path” trek crosses challenging high passes of Kang la and Tilicho.
Highlights
- A chance to trek through narrow canyons, high passes, and amazing rock formation.
- A chance to visit ancient monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang Gompa.
- A chance to pass through beautiful flora and fauna of the region.
- A chance to witness the unique Himalayan culture of the valley.
- Majestic views of the Himalayan ranges. This includes the mighty peaks of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. It also includes other Himalayan Giants and smaller peaks like Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak.
- A chance to explore one of the newly opened trekking regions of Nepal.
- In July, you can enjoy the dramatic mountain views and great alpine scenery.
- A chance to explore ancient villages and high-altitude settlements.
Annapurna Circuit Trek (Upper Parts of Manang)
Duration: 6-13 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: Thorong La Pass- 5,416m
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classic and popular treks of Nepal. One of the well-marked trails, it has welcoming tea houses and is easy to get to by road or air via Pokhara.
A significant part of the Annapurna Circuit lies in the rain shadow areas of the Annapurna range. So, if you don’t mind a little rain and a little change in your routes, this trek can be for you in July.
The upper parts toward Manang and over the challenging Thorong La pass crossing into Muktinath in lower Mustang are all dryer. These are well worth the effort in July.
You can expect average temperatures of 25-degree Celsius in elevations below 2500 meters. At 5416 m, the average temperature is around 6-degree Celsius.
Highlights:
- A chance to experience the lifestyle of the local people living in the region.
- Observe the amazing landscape of the Annapurna region.
- A chance to avoid the crowds on this popular and often crowded trek.
- A chance to cross the dramatic Thorong La Pass.
Reasons for Trekking in Nepal in July
Festival
Gunla: This is a month-long festival celebrated by the Newar (Buddhists) community of Kathmandu valley. People observe fasts, meditation, prayer, and religious ceremonies during this festival.
To get a glimpse of this festival, you can visit Swayambhu early morning. You will see devotees walking up to Swayambhunath Stupa (located on a hilltop) for prayers and worship.
2 seasons in same month/trek
For most of the treks in the rain shadow areas, you will experience 2 seasons of Nepal in one trip.
You can expect the torrential rainfall in the cities and most parts of Nepal.
While the rain shadow areas have dry, bright summer days and nights. The days are long, hot and dry. The nights are hot yet short. You can also enjoy stunning views and sunrise from the popular viewpoints across these trails.
Fewer Crowds
July is off season for treks in Nepal. So, you will see and meet fewer trekkers and visitors on most treks of Nepal.
You can enjoy a crowd-free trekking experience. For most days, you will have the trails and the beautiful nature to yourself or your group.
Lush Nature
Summer/ Monsoon brings out the best of Nature. You can enjoy the forests at their greenest. The air and atmosphere are also cleaner during this month.
You can also enjoy the full rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls along the way. Most of the smaller streams and waterfalls come alive during this season. For the rest of the year, they are dry.
Enjoy the close and full attention of the locals. Due to the fewer number of trekkers, most of the tea houses on the trails wish to get your attention. They will provide you with the full and best hospitality.
This will also give you a closer look into the local lifestyle and culture. With the fewer number of trekkers, the locals are freer and less guarded.
Discounts
During the off-peak month of July, almost everything is cheaper. These include the cost of flights, accommodation, meals, and drinks on the trails.
Useful Tips for Trekking in Nepal in July
Get an early start
Start your treks early in the morning. Most of the rains occur in the afternoons than in the mornings.
Hence, getting an early start helps you avoid most of the rain. You may be able to enjoy the rain and thunderstorms from the comforts of your tea house.
Proper Packing
Making sure you have the right rain gears for trekking in Nepal in July is essential for a safe and comfortable experience. This includes things like a waterproof backpack, insect repellent, proper boots among others.
Avoid Solo Treks
In July, there are fewer trekkers on the routes, so you can’t ask for directions or help easily. Even the most well-maintained treks can get covered by mud or washed off by the rain. Hence, you need to hire a guide or trek with more professional trekkers during July in Nepal. This is especially true for treks affected by the summer/monsoon season.
Buffer Days
Make sure you have a flexible trekking schedule or itinerary. In July, due to the bad and unpredictable weather, you may face delays. This includes delays or cancellations on your flights, roadblocks.
Stay updated on the weather conditions
Make sure to remain updated about the weather during and before your trek. You can do this through apps and inquiries with your guide, tea house host and fellow trekkers and locals.
This ensures you avoid bad weather, bad routes. It also helps you better plan your trekking day- time to start, end and so on. It also helps you know when you can enjoy the best views.
Choose your trekking destinations carefully
Depending on what you wish to experience on your treks, you should make your decision about your trekking destination.
What to Pack for Treks in July?
When packing for treks in Nepal in July, you may need to consider making a few changes to your trekking essentials. Some of the things to remember are:
- Pack light, breathable clothing to deal with unpredictable downpours and humidity. If possible, choose the quick-drying fabrics.
- This includes your trekking shorts, pants, and shirts. All these need to be light and breathable. If possible waterproof.
- Make sure to carry a thin down jacket and fleece bottoms for the evenings and nights.
- Also include rain gear like rain jacket with a hood, umbrella, waterproof boots with ankle support. This helps keep you dry.
- Make sure to pack salt with you in case you get bit by a leech. The trails will be leech infested in the lower regions.
- Also, carry insect repellent cream or spray. As July is a hot and humid month, many insects are sure to appear.
- Make sure to carry dry back, rain cover for your backpack and luggage bag. This will help to keep your clothes clean and fresh.
- Also, include trekking poles. It will help you navigate your way on the trails. It will also help you with balance and support while walking.
- Make sure to also include water purification tablets or gels. This will help prevent the risk of water contamination during your treks to Nepal. In July, the risk of water contamination is higher.
Transportation for Trekking in Nepal in July
Transportation can be a challenge during your treks in July in Nepal. Due to the unpredictable weather conditions, there may be delays and cancellations of flights.
The torrential rains and heavy clouds can also cause delays in road transportation. This is true when the roads get too muddy or blocked by mudslides or/and landslides.
Hence, make sure you get regular updates on road and flight transports. Also, get updates on the trail conditions. Some places in Nepal also have risks of floods. Stay updated and alert to prepare accordingly.
Final Say,
Trekking in Nepal in July does offer some great options and trekking routes. With proper preparation and gear, you can have a safe and great trekking experience.
If you want more information about trekking in Nepal in July, feel free to contact us.
You can also contact us to create your own custom itinerary for treks and tours in Nepal in July or any other month of the year.
FAQ’s
Are the tea houses along the trails open in July?
Although an off-peak season for treks in Nepal, in July almost all the tea houses along the trails are usually open for business.
Are the popular, classic treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp doable in July?
These treks are doable and open for trekking in Nepal in July. But these treks do not fall in the rain shadow areas of Nepal. So you will face the summer/monsoon season of Nepal on these treks.
Be prepared for delays, rainfall, and unpredictable weather conditions throughout these treks. Some of the higher passes may remain closed due to bad weather.
Do I need prior trekking experience to trek to Nepal in July?
No, you do need prior trekking experience to trek to Nepal throughout the year.
What kind of physical training do I need to do to treks in Nepal in July?
Regardless of the month you trek in Nepal, you can do cardiovascular training. These can include cycling, running, walking, hiking, swimming, among others.
The fitter you are, the more comfortable you will feel during the trek. Physical exercise also helps to increase your mental strength and endurance.
