Why September-October is the Best Time to Trek in Nepal

Best time to trek in Nepal? Yes! Though Nepal is considered as the best in all seasons there are few pros and cons of all seasons. Most importantly, October-November has few perks of traveling you should not miss.

Normally we can go trekking in Nepal at any time of the year. There are no restrictions and limitations. But each season in Nepal has something special to deliver different looking topography, environment, and experience.

The Himalayan and hilly setting of Nepal has to offer many things in terms of adventure, especially in the September-October. In Nepal, the autumn season is the best trekking season which comprises of September, October, and November.

September- October offers excellent weather, ambiance, and vibes so it is suitable for any kind of outdoor activities in Nepal. The temperature is moderate and moderate, which makes the best time to trek in Nepal.

Autumn seasons comes just right after the monsoon so the dust and pollution in the air are cleared away from the atmosphere. After the weather is settled, most of the days are normally sunny and comfy with clear blue skies and opened views.

September, October, and November are three top trekking months in Nepal. Foreigners from all around the globe flock to Nepal during these months. They want to experience different adventures, witness Dashain and Tihar to from regular hiking to extreme trekking.

Mainly September to November is the months when Nepal receives a large number of trekkers, hikers, and holidaymakers. The most popular trekking trails such as Everest region, Annapurna region and Langtang region are visited with huge figures of trekkers. One of the famous tourist places, Thamel in Kathmandu city is also full of tourists and guides in this season.

Best Time to Trek in Nepal- Autumn Season| Weather Conditions 

The season of Autumn lasts from September to November. During September, the weather is best and not much affected by the cold. The average temperature in Kathmandu during September ranges between 15°C to 25°C. Everywhere the greenery of Monsoon also prevails in its fading stage which looks good though.

Generally, from early September the monsoon rain decreases gradually. Likewise, temperature also starts to fall in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The average temperature will be around 26°C. The maximum temperature rises to 31°C and the minimum temperature down to 20.1°C.

As the Autumn season follows Spring season, it invites out a clear view of the skies, topography, and hills. There will be no clouds to obstruct our vistas. Days will be warm and nights are generally colder.

No doubt! September will provide you a pleasant temperature for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

During September, the night at the mountain region is cold but not as cold as winter. Between 2500m to 3500m, the day temperature is 20°C and night temperature is 5°C. At the higher altitudes, temperature ranges from about 20°C down to -10°C.

Trekking in Nepal in Autumn: Best time to trek in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal in Autumn is one of the best outdoor activities to undergo. Right after the Monsoon, September comes with a splendid view of the sky, fresh environment and the breathtaking scenery of mountains ranges. It’s the best time to trek in Nepal.

No worries! Sometimes, even mountain peaks offer you a fabulous view when they are partially covered with cloud. You will see lush forested hills and vegetation. Most of the trekking trails include pastures, meadows, beautiful waterfalls, rice fields, and abundant hillocks.

As Autumn season in Nepal is one of the best seasons for trekking, you can expect the trails to be a bit populated. As a result, accommodation and additional facilities might not be easily available. So, you will need to consult with your respective travel agency before planning to trek in September.

The main reason to trek during Dashain-Tihar is villages blooms in Nepal with full of lives. One can easily bypass the treks in every nook and corners of the country. Not only for dense human presence in the village but also with the high movement of internal tourist inside Nepal, it is important.

Another reason is the environment. The atmosphere during this season is just WOW! From flowers to greenery it is awesome to hike and trek. Weather is just mild and moderate starting its preparation for winter.

Festivals in September/October: Teej, Dashain, and Tihar

Autumn is not only popular for trekking but the different Nepalese festivals. The major attractions of this season are some of the biggest festivals like Teej, Janai Purnima, Dashain, and Tihar.

Also, these festivals make September-October, the best time to trek in Nepal.  

Teej is a big festival which is observed basically by females in Nepal. If you visit Nepal in September, you will be able to witness and capture how women celebrate this grand festival. Normally ladies do fasting, dance and pray to Lord Shiva for the longevity of life, and prosperity of their husbands. In the case of unmarried ones, they pray for a perfect match for the future.

Furthermore, in between September and October, Nepal celebrates another one of its major festival named Dashain. It is also known as the ‘festival of victory over demons’.

The festival of Dashain lasts for 15 days. In the tenth day, the younger ones receive the red mark “Tika” and blessings from their elders. It is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil according to Hindu folklore.

In addition to that, the month of October hosts another festival named Tihar which is the second biggest festival of Nepalese. It’s celebrated for five days and bestowed with traditional cultural features of Nepal.

Tihar in Nepali dialect is also called as ‘Bhai Tika’. On the fifth day of Tihar, sisters and brothers accept Tika and garlands from each other. Bhai implies brother in Nepali. Brothers and sisters also honor each other and the sisters pray to the God of Death, Yama, for their brothers’ progress, prosperity, and longevity

Tihar is also called the ‘festival of lights and colors’. It facilitates the holy bond of brothers and sisters. Not only that, within these five days of Tihar, not only brothers are worshiped but also crows and dogs are also worshiped as the representation of several Gods.

Best Trekking Trails for September- October in Nepal

When it comes to trekking, there are two most sought-after regions in Nepal: The Annapurna region and the Everest region. Besides, there are many other regions which lie in rain shadow areas like Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Humla, Karnali and Dolpo circuit.

Below are some of the tops most recommended treks in Nepal in September and October. This list includes trails as per the recommendations of multinational trekkers. If you cover these trails during the best time to trek in Nepal, you will be awestruck.

1. Everest Base Camp

Trek to Everest Base Camp is the most-sought after dreamy trail by many trekkers around the world. Indeed, It is an adventure of a lifetime which should be experienced at once. Often the journey to EBC is a trek which engraves into the heart of the explorer and nature lovers.

Away from the shades of modern life, the journey will quench the thirst of any wandering soul. Exploring the wonderful landscape, geographical, cultural and bio-diversity during this trek is just WOW. Ethnic Sherpa people, human settlements, their culture, lifestyles, mountains, hills, flora, and fauna are what make this trek awesome.

Everest region offers us close-up vistas of some of the most beautiful and the highest mountains in the world. And September-October is one of the perfect times to trek along with the shadow of the Everest. It has much more to offer to all of us.

2. Annapurna Region

Annapurna region sits on the front line when it comes to yearly its visitors from around the world. It covers a wide range of cultural and geographical diversities. Showcasing every little aspect of its natural and cultural prosperity, Annapurna region gestures visitors from all walks of life and of all ages.

Ghandruk, Poon hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manang, Mustang, Thorang La Pass, Muktinath, Khopra Danda are some major attractions of Annapurna Conservation Area.

The lifestyle, daily chores and tradition of the inhabitants in the Annapurna region is captivating. Even the remote nook and corners of the country in this trail offer homestays, sophisticated lodges, and guest houses.

Green paddy fields, deep woods, rivulets, hot springs, and glacial areas are some of the general attractions. Major mountains and Himalaya ranges from this region are Annapurna Himalayan Range, Tilicho, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.

Witnessing the breath-taking views of all these Himalayan ranges and capturing from Poonhill is a heavenly experience. Trust us! You won’t regret after visiting Annapurna region, instead, you will get addicted.

3. Langtang National Park 

Langtang Trekking is the classic trek route in Nepal with real beauty. This trek route passes through traditional ethnic villages, deep and dense forests, and stunning landscapes. While trekking in Langtang region in September-October, we can see plentiful of yak herds grazing on the alpine meadows and photogenic pastures.

On our trek to Langtang region, one can encounter with heartwarming hospitality presented by lovely and decent people. This trek is a perfect blend of natural and cultural aspect. This trek route passes through the amazing forests and beautiful hillock.

Gosaikunda region is the most popular freshwater holy lake around the altitude of 4400m. During Janai Purnima in August, legions of pilgrimage make a holy visit towards Gosaikunda.

4. Trek to Upper Dolpo

Trek to Dolpo region has already appeared in historical records since the 8th century. This virgin region is situated in Shey Phoksundo National Park at the western part of Nepal, between the Tibet plateau and Dhaulagiri range. Dolpa district is divided into two part: Upper Dolpa and Lower Dolpa but the entire district were closed to all trekkers until 1989.

You know what? Dolpa was the location where Oscar-nominated movies “The Himalaya” and “The Caravan” and for the German documentary Dolpo Tulku were shoot. Trekking to the Upper Dolpa consists of passes amid several mountain ranges of Annapurna, Kanjiroba, and Dhaulagiri.

We also have to pass through beautiful villages, trail routes and witness fantastic demographic. The beauty of the tranquil Phoksundo Lake during the trek yields lifetime memory. Despite its accessibility and low popularity in this region, Dolpa is still newer when compared to Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

5. Nar Phu Valley Trek

Trekking to the lost valley in Nepal, Nar Phu Valley trek is a real Himalayan adventure experience which is as unforgettable as it sounds. Tucked between the most popular Annapurna region and Manaslu, Nar Phu is a real yet secluded gem. It boats explorers a rare opportunity to unearth the yet to be discovered valleys.

Of course, Narphu Valley trek a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.

Conclusion

Home to several Mountains, Nepal is the perfect trekking destination in the entire world. You can schedule your trek/hike at any time of year via Mantra Adventure. But September-October in Nepal is highly recommended due to its pleasant climate and weather conditions.

Trekking in Nepal in September and October is the mandatory outdoor activity one must undergo during his/her lifetime. You can get glimpses of the rich festivals and culture of the locals in September and October. One can experience the thrill of both nature and culture in with perfect blend.

Thus, trekking in Nepal during September- October will be the best time to trek in Nepal which will surpass all your expectations. We hope it enhances your adventure, photography and cross-cultural experience.

In September-October, two main Hindus festivals are celebrated. Villages are also full of people and joy. Many people return to their home, villages to celebrate festivals with their families and loved ones. As mentioned above due to various factors September-October is undoubtedly the best time to trek in Nepal.