Monsoon Season in Nepal: Weather and 13 Best Things to Do
Are you wondering what monsoon season in Nepal is like?
After spending a couple of monsoon seasons in Nepal, I can say it is actually not too bad! People usually think that it rains all day long every day, and while there are days when it rains a lot – generally it only rains in the afternoon or in the evenings.
Monsoon runs from June to August, however, it can start earlier in May, and in recent years, it didn’t come to an end until the end of September.
Monsoon is off season in Nepal but there are still many things you can do. It is not recommended to go trekking but it’s a great time to go on city breaks and explore Nepal’s culture.
Here is all the information on how to prepare for travelling in Nepal and activities you can do during the monsoon season in Nepal!
When is Monsoon Season in Nepal
The monsoon season typically runs between June-August, however, it can start earlier/later (May) and last until the end of September.
The weather patterns are slightly unpredictable each year, thus, the monsoon can start earlier or be delayed.
Recently, the monsoon lasted until the end of September, so if you want to avoid the rain, it is better to visit Nepal from October onwards.
Nepal Temperature in Monsoon
The temperature in Nepal during monsoon is very hot and humid. The temperature may show 30-35 °C (86 °F) but due to the humidity, it feels much hotter.
It is especially true in the Tarai Region of Nepal (in the southern part of the country, close to the border with India), that gets the hottest and most humid temperatures.
Does it Rain All Day During the Monsoon Season in Nepal?
No, it does not rain all day during the monsoon season in Nepal. Usually, it only rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening and the rest of the day is hot and humid.
Pokhara is one of the places in Nepal that receives the highest level of rainfall, so if you travel to Pokhara, you are likely to experience more rainfall.
Best Things to Do During the Monsoon Season in Nepal
1. Visit the Rain Shadow Region of Nepal: Mustang!
Mustang is in the rain shadow region of Nepal which means that it doesn’t rain here that much during monsoon.
Mustang has two regions: Lower and Upper Mustang. Lower Mustang is easier to reach, but for Upper Mustang you need to hire a guide and get a Restricted Area Permit.
The road is well-built within most of the villages in Lower Mustang, and there are buses and taxis between the villages. So when visiting Lower Mustang, it is more like going on day hikes and trips around the villages.
Some of the best places to visit in Lower Mustang are Marpha, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Jomsom, Lupra, and Thini village.
While the Mustang region may receive less rainfall, getting there may be delayed due to the rainfall in the rainy season. Flights can be cancelled and roads may be blocked due to landslides, so always check the weather and travel updates before your trip.
I would say that in the beginning of monsoon season (June), it is still fine to reach Mustang, however, as it rains more in July-August, it may be more difficult to reach.
2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Monsoon is one of the best times to explore the art and culture in Kathmandu. If you are not so much into trekking and hiking, then there is still much to explore on city trips.
There are 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley including Buddhist stupas, Hindu temples and three Durbar Squares (“royal palace squares”) that used to be buildings of the royal family.
The seven World Heritage Sites are the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhu Stupa and Changu Narayan Temple.
🌧️ Check out the best rainy day activities in Kathmandu here!
The world heritage sites offer a glimpse into the history and architecture of Nepal. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also referred to as a “living museum” as you can see how the temples and old palace buildings have integrated into everyday life.
3. Explore Cities and Towns in Nepal
Apart from Kathmandu, there are many other cities to explore in Nepal. The weather may not be the best and you will not get clear views of the Himalayas but there are still lots of activities to do.
Due to landslides on the roads during monsoon, it may take longer to reach places outside of Kathmandu. If you travel outside of Kathmandu during monsoon, it is better to take the day bus instead of the night bus, as drivers have better visibility to spot landslides.
3.1 Tansen (Palpa)
They say the weather is pleasant all year round in Tansen! It does not get too hot during the monsoon and does not get too cold during winter. So it is an ideal place to visit during the rainy season in Nepal.
- Main attractions in Tansen (Palpa): Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal of Nepal”), Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower, Tansen Durbar and Museum, and Palpali food.
3.2 Bandipur
Bandipur is a beautiful village about halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and it is a great place to spend 2-3 days.
It became a popular place to visit in the last 10 years due to the beautifully preserved Newari architecture and epic mountains views (if the weather is clear!).
The people living in the village has put a lot of effort into preserving the architecture, and its main street is full of outdoor cafes and restaurants.
- Main attractions in Bandipur: Thani Mai Temple, Siddha Gufa (the biggest cave in Nepal), Bandipur to Ramkot hike, cafes and restaurants.
3.3 Gorkha
Gorkha is known as the place where the former King of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah is from.
Prithvi Narayan Shah is significant in Nepali history as he was the king that started the unification of various kingdom into one unified Nepal (in the 1760s). Gorkha is also where the Gurkha soldiers originate from.
Gorkha can be reached in about 5-6 hours from Kathmandu and it is less visited by tourists. Although it is likely to be cloudy during the monsoon, if the weather is clear, you have beautiful views of the Himalayas from the Gorkha Durbar.
- Main attractions in Gorkha: Gorkha Durbar and Gorkha Museum, sunrise and sunset views
3.4 Janakpur
Janakpur is famous for Mithila art paintings and its Hindu temples, such as the Janaki Temple (Janaki Mandir).
Janakpur is located in the south of Nepal, so it is very hot and humid during monsoon. Nevertheless, the main attractions can be covered in one day and it is a good place to visit during monsoon.
- Main attractions: Janaki Temple, Mithila paintings, Indian street food and sweets.
3.5 Pokhara
Although Pokhara is one of the rainiest places in Nepal, if you only have time to visit Nepal during monsoon, you should not miss out on Pokhara.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal and there are lots of things to do, even if you don’t go trekking or hiking.
- Main attractions: World Peace Pagoda, boating, hiking, Annapurna Cable Car to Sarangkot, museums, Davis Falls, caves.
Check out the best rainy day activities in Pokhara here!
4. Chill in Chitwan and Spot Rhinos by the Riverside
Chitwan is a popular place in Nepal for jungle safaris and wildlife spotting. However, the rainy season is not really a good time to go on jungle safaris. This is due to that the grass grows very tall from all the rain. Thus, it is very difficult to spot any wildlife inside the national park at this time.
Sometimes they even stop the jungle safaris for a few weeks during the monsoon because the trails become impassable due to all the rain. So if you visit Chitwan in July which has tends to have the highest rainfall, be prepared that you may not be able to go on a safari.
However, Sauraha (the main tourist town in Chitwan) is located by the Rapti River where many rhinos and elephants come to drink and cool down during the heat of the monsoon. Thus, you have the biggest chance of seeing wildlife by the riverside during the monsoon.
Sauraha is a chill, relaxing town with lots of restaurants and cafes. They have also built hotels and restaurants by the riverside, so you can just chill there and possibly spot wildlife.
5. Take a Nepali Cooking Class
Taking a Nepali cooking class is a great way to learn more about Nepali culture and to also learn to make a new dish.
Some of the most popular Nepali dishes are the dal bhat and momo, which you can find in restaurants all over Nepal. Both dishes come in veg and non-veg options, including buff meat which is the most popular meat in Nepal.
There are various cooking classes that you can sign up for. There is a cooking class on AirBnB Experience that I recommend. They hold the cooking lessons in Patan, and if you join for a morning cooking session, afterwards you can even check out the Patan Durbar Square.
The best part is that you get to eat everything you cook and you also get the recipes at the end. I even signed up my brother here for a class when he visited me and he loved it.
6. Go on a Cable Car Ride
Cable cars are not the first thing that comes to mind when people think about Nepal. Surprisingly, there are a good number of cable cars in the country that are a great for a day trip.
However, if you go on the cable cars during monsoon season, the views from the top will be cloudy and you don’t get to see the mountains.
Still, the cable cars are a great option for an activity and usually, once you get to the top of the cable car, there are some other activities you can do apart from the mountain views.
- Chandragiri Cable Car (Day trip Kathmandu)
- Annapurna Cable Car to Sarangkot (Day trip from Pokhara)
- Manakamana Cable Car (Day trip from Kathmandu)
7. Go to a Museum Exhibition
If it is a rainy day, one of the best ways to escape the rain is to go for a museum exhibition.
Kathmandu has some really great museums that are perfect for a rainy day: Museum of Nepali Art, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Aviation Museum, and the Music Museum of Nepal among others.
The museums in Pokhara are also a great place to learn about the history of mountaineering, and the history and culture of the Gandaki Province (where Pokhara and the Annapurna Range is located).
8. Learn to Make a Thangka Painting
Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist paintings and originate from 2,500 years ago.
There are different types of thangkas that you can paint or buy, and each painting depicts a topic related to Buddhism. These can be an excerpt from Buddha’s life or mandalas used for meditations.
Most of the Thangka painting shops and schools are located in Bhaktapur and Patan. There are options to sign up for a day class or even longer ones (depending on how much time you have).
The teachers will help you select a painting of your choice that you can finish in the amount of time that you signed up for. I did a one day class in Bhaktapur at the Lama Thanka Painting School that I can recommend.
Here you can read about what it’s like to take a Thangka Painting Class in Bhaktapur.
9. Take a Vipassana Meditation Course
Vipassana meditation is a form of Buddhist meditation, and I can say from experience that it is also one of the most difficult and painful form of meditation.
The Dhamma Shringa Vipassana Meditation Centres can be found all around the world (including Nepal) and they hold free 10-day Vipassana courses frequently throughout the year.
The vipassana courses are completely free and you also get free accommodation and food throughout the course.
I must say, the vipassana meditation technique is very strict and you really have to motivate yourself to get through the 10-day course.
I somehow pushed myself through a 10-day course in 2023 and here you can read about my experience of what it’s like to take a vipassana meditation course in Nepal.
10. Chill at a Swimming Pool
The weather gets really hot and humid during monsoon in Nepal, so the swimming pool is a great place to escape the heat.
It does not rain all day long in Nepal, so you can even go for an outdoor swimming pools on a sunny day. There are also many indoor swimming pools, which can be an option in case it is raining.
Some swimming pools in and around Thamel include: Aloft Hotel, Hotel Shanker, Mulberry Hotel. You can get a day ticket even if you are not staying at the hotel.
11. Watch a Movie at the Movie Garden Pokhara
The Movie Garden is a chill place to watch movies in Pokhara. It is an outdoor cinema but they also have seats that are covered in case it rains.
They play one movie in the evenings and it usually start around 7 pm. The place has a small bar so you can order drinks and snacks too. It is a really popular place in Pokhara and it is a great place to meet other travellers.
12. Zen Out at a Singing Bowl Session
Tibetan singing bowls are a big thing in Nepal. There are many shops selling singing bowls and places where you can sign up for a session.
Many of the singing bowl schools also organize trainings where you can sign up and learn the ins and out of holding your own singing bowl session.
If you are interested to try a singing bowl sessions, there are 2 places in Kathmandu that offer free singing bowl sessions for those that are interested:
- FREE: Nepal Singing Bowls and Healing Centre: every day: 9:45 am, 4:30 pm
- DONATION-BASED: Nirvana Singing Bowl: every day: 10 am, 5 pm
13. Visit the Caves and Waterfalls in Pokhara
Pokhara has caves and waterfalls that are especially beautiful to visit during monsoon.
Generally, outside of monsoon season, there is not much rain so the water levels can be very low. However, during monsoon season the waterfalls and rivers get full of water and have a much better view.
Some of the places in Pokhara worth checking out is the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (it is a cave but there is a waterfall inside which gets full of water during monsoon), Davis Falls (it is a small waterfall that is otherwise not so spectacular outside of monsoon season) and the Seti River Gorge.
What to Pack for Travelling During Monsoon Season in Nepal
- Waterproof shoes/sandals
- Umbrella
- Light rain jacket: It can get very hot and humid, so you might not end up using a rain jacket, in this case, an umbrella is more useful
- Light clothes (as it is hot and humid)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Nalgene water bottle: A Nalgene water bottle is the best as you can keep refilling it with drinking water and you don’t have to use plastic bottles.
Reasons to Visit Nepal During the Monsoon Season
#1 Less Tourists
People usually say that during monsoon season, the only foreigners you find in Nepal are the ones that live here. Many times it is true, but you can also find travellers who are only able to visit Nepal during the summer holidays!
On the other side, less tourists also mean less travellers to make friends with. In case you are travelling solo and looking to make travel friends, it is more difficult during low season.
#2 Lower Prices and Discounts
The monsoon season in Nepal constitutes as the low season when fewer tourists visit Nepal. Due to this, there are discounts in hotels and trekking gear shops.
As the hotels run at low capacity, booking ahead is not so crucial during this time. Check out booking.com for prices, or you can also just show up at the hotel and inquire about the prices.
#3 Apart from trekking, there are still many things to do!
Most people come to Nepal for trekking, however, trekking is not recommended during this time due to rainfall, leeches and possible landslides that block the trekking trail.
Things you can do during monsoon include city trips, exploring the heritage sites, museums, or taking a Nepali cooking class.
Is it Safe to Trek During the Monsoon Season in Nepal?
Trekking is not recommended during monsoon in Nepal as the rain can cause landslides that block the trails, the trekking routes in lower altitudes are full of leeches, and the roads to and from the trek start route can also be affected by landslides.
Upper and Lower Mustang are some of the best places to visit during monsoon, as they are located in the rain shadow and receive less rainfall.
However, getting to and from Mustang can still be a challenge during monsoon. Flights can get delayed due to bad weather and there can also be delays for road travel due to landslides.
Festivals During the Monsoon Season in Nepal
Nepal is full of holidays and festivals all year long. However, the least number of festivals are during the monsoon season.
Nepal follows a lunar calendar, meaning that the dates of holidays change every year – but more or less they fall around the same time/month.
The biggest Nepali holidays (Dashain and Tihar) are celebrated after the monsoon season ends.
🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!
Festivals in Nepal in June
Ropai Festival
The Ropai Festival celebrates the rice planting season in Nepal. It usually falls at the end of June. Most of the farmers finish the planting of the rice seeds by this time, and through the celebration, they wish for good rains for the rice seeds.
People play in the muddy rice fields on this day and if you are in the countryside during the Ropai Festival, you will see and may also be invited to join the festival.
Festivals in Nepal in July
The dates of holidays changes every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. Nevertheless, usually none of the holdays fall on a date in July.
Festivals in Nepal in August
August is a bit more lively when it comes to festivals. There are usually 2-3 festivals in August, depending on how the lunar calendar is each year.
Nag Panchami
‘Nag’ means snake in Nepali and so Nag Panchami is dedicated to snakes. On this day, devotees offer prayers to snakes in order to be protected from snake bites.
Janai Purnima
‘Janai’ is a sacred thread worn by Hindu men and during Janai Purnima they change this thread. The changing of the thread is believed to purify the person and protect from negative influences.
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is celebrated by a procession of people wearing masks and costumes. People who have lost family members in the past year join the procession. Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival can be in August or September.
Teej
The Teej festival is celebrated by women to pray for their husbands’ wellbeing. In Nepal, once the woman is married, they traditionally move in with their husbands. During Teej, women also return to their parents’ home to celebrate with their mom and sisters.
Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival can be in August or September.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
Shree Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival can be in August or September.
Bus Travel During Monsoon Season in Nepal
Travelling by bus during the monsoon season in Nepal can be a bit trickier. The buses still go as scheduled, however, there is a much bigger chance of landslides on the mountainous roads.
The landslides can cause long traffic and delays, so it is good to consider that the travel time might take even longer during this time of the year.
In addition, if you are deciding between the day or night buses, it is better to take the day bus. There can be landslides on the roads and they are more difficult to spot at night.
Where To Stay In Kathmandu
Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out my top recommendations for every budget:
Nepal Monthly Guides
Not sure when to visit Nepal? Check out my monthly guides for Nepal:
Nepal Seasonal Guides
Want to know more about visiting Nepal during different seasons? Check out my seasonal guides to Nepal:
FAQs: Monsoon Season in Nepal: Weather & Best Things to Do
When is the monsoon season in Nepal?
The monsoon season generally lasts from June until September. However, due to changes in the weather patterns, it can still be unpredictable.
For example, monsoon can start earlier in May and come to an end at the end of September.
How often does it rain during the monsoon season in Nepal?
It does not rain as much as most people think. The mornings are usually clear and it rains a few hours in the afternoon.
In Kathmandu it usually only rains just a few hours of rain in the afternoon/evening. The weather in Pokhara is much worse and it rains much more.
Is it worth visiting Nepal during the monsoon season?
Yes, it is totally worth visiting. Although, trekking is not advised during this time, but if you can only visit Nepal during monsoon, then there are other activities you can do apart from trekking.
Can I go trekking during monsoon season in Nepal?
Trekking is not recommended during the monsoon season in Nepal. Due to the rainfall, there is a risk of landslide on the trails that make it unsafe to go trekking.
In addition, the trails are full of leeches during this time which make it very uncomfortable to be trekking while trying to get rid of the leeches.
What are the best places to visit in Nepal in monsoon?
Some of the best places to visit in Nepal in monsoon are cities and towns. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen and Janakpur are some of the best places to visit during monsoon.
Trekking is not advised during monsoon season in Nepal, so the best activities are exploring the art and culture of Nepal by visiting its towns.
Conclusion
The monsoon season in Nepal typically runs from June to mid-September. The beginning of June is not as rainy so it is still a good time to go trekking in Nepal.
July and August have the highest rainfall and trekking during this time is not recommended due to the rainfall and possible landslides.
If monsoon is the only time that you can visit Nepal, don’t worry because there are still many things to do and places to explore.
The monsoon starts to come to an end in September, however, there can still be rainfall and cloudy skies. So, if you are planning to trek in Nepal it is better to plan it from the end of September onwards.
Nepal Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Nepal:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner! (+You can also set price alerts to save even more!)
🏠 Book Hotels for Nepal:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
🏔️ Book Activities for Nepal:
Book activities on GetYourGuide for the best food tours, walking tours, day trips, cooking classes and sightseeing tours (World Heritage Sites) in Nepal!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Nepal:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance: best affordable, general international travel insurance.
IATI Insurance: best for trekking in Nepal. Covers trekking up to 5,400 meters (17,700 feet), e.g. Everest Base Camp.
💳 Get a Travel Card: Get the Wise travel card that you can top up with multiple currencies (including Nepali Rupees). It has great exchange rates and in most hotels and restaurants you can also pay by bank card in big cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara).
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
Nepal Quick Guide
Can I get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal?
Yes! Almost all nationalities can get a ‘Visa on Arrival’ once landing at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu (check eligibility here). Getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal is quick and easy. Read here my full guide on getting a Visa on Arrival for Nepal.
Should I get a Nepali SIM card?
Yes! Once you arrive in Nepal, it is recommended to get a Nepali SIM card.
SIM cards in Nepal are cheap and easy to get. There are daily, weekly or monthly data plans – all at an affordable cost. For more information, check how to get a SIM card in Nepal here.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Nepal?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Nepal, including taxi apps, offline maps for trekking, booking accommodation and travel cards.
Check out my list of the most useful mobile apps to have in Nepal.
Can I exchange money in Nepal? What about ATMs?
Yes! Thamel (where most tourists stay) has many money exchange shops as well as ATMs.
There is also a currency exchange shop at the airport but the rates are better in Thamel. Read here all about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Nepal?
The roads are dangerous but generally yes (best to travel by a tourist bus)!
I would say road travel in Nepal is generally dangerous due to the road conditions. The roads are narrow and go through mountainous areas. The tourist buses in Nepal have the best safety, so if possible, make sure to book tourist buses when travelling in Nepal.
Overall, the roads might look dangerous but the drivers are used to the road conditions in Nepal so the tourist buses are a safe choice. Here is everything you need to know about bus travel in Nepal.
Can I drink the tap water in Nepal?
No, you cannot drink the tap water in Nepal.
The tap water is unsafe for drinking in Nepal. It is not only foreign tourists that should not drink the tap water in Nepal, even Nepali people who were born and raised in Nepal do not drink the tap water.
Can I book bus tickets online in Nepal?
Yes! It is possible to book bus tickets online in Nepal however, I recommend it for those staying in Nepal for 3+ months.
It is not possible to book bus tickets online using an international bank card but only through registering on a Nepali digital payment app eSewa. If you are staying long-term in Nepal, read here my step-by-step guide on how to book bus tickets online using eSewa.
Do they speak English in Nepal?
You might wonder “Do they speak English in Nepal?” It depends on where in Nepal you are. In big cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) or trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest) that have many tourists, you will easily get by speaking English.
If you are in remote Nepal where not many tourists go, people usually will have little or no English. Here is a quick list of useful Nepali phrases to know while travelling in Nepal.
