Things to do in Nepal in August

August in Nepal is a month of monsoon rains. However, the probability of rainfall decreases as the month progresses.

Nepal has something unique to offer during every month of the year and August is no exception. There are numerous things to see and do in Nepal in August.

In August, due to the rainfall, the countryside comes alive. You can witness dazzling lush green rice fields everywhere. Also, you will get the sights of the rivers and lakes overflowing.

Though it is not the best time for high altitude trekking, you can still trek in some trails that fall in the rain shadow area. Places such as Mustang, Upper Dolpo and a few others can be chosen as a trekking destination in August.

August is also a good time for cultural sightseeing. All you have to do is carry an umbrella or a raincoat and you are good to go out and explore around the city.

The climate is hot and humid during the sunny days. And when it rains, it rains heavily for hours and clears up for the rest of the day creating a pleasant atmosphere.

One can visit various bars, restaurants and enjoy lovely accommodation options too. The month of August is off-season for tourists in Nepal and there are fewer crowds anywhere you go. So you will have the most popular spots all to yourself.

Also, you will get good deals at hotels which makes August a great month for budget travelers. In this article, we will talk about various things to do in Nepal in August.

City tour and Sightseeing

Kathmandu city tour is one of the best things to do while in Nepal in August. Though August in Nepal is still a monsoon month with rainfall, it won’t rain for the whole day.

And since the Kathmandu city tour is a short distance tour, it won’t be a problem even if it rains a little. You can take breaks in between relaxing in restaurants or cafes.

Kathmandu is one of the most popular cities in Nepal. It is the capital city and is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. It is famous for its natural beauty along with its historic places.

The city has an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant squares and brick paved courtyards. There are pilgrimage sites of Hindus and Buddhists. The following are the places you can visit in the Kathmandu City tour,

Kathmandu Durbar Square

It is one of three Durbar (royal palace) square in the Kathmandu valley.

Here you can see Hanuman Dhoka, Kal Bhairav, Durbar Square, Taleju Temple. And Akash Bhairav Temple and Kumari House which is the house of the living Goddess Kumari.

Swayambhu Stupa

With a colorful fluttering of prayer flags, Swayambhunath sits on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley.

It is one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Nepal.

Here you can see swarms of pilgrims and red-clad monks circling the complex. The scores of monkeys that give the temple its nickname (Monkey Temple) prance about in irreverent groups.

Patan Durbar Square

Lalitpur (Patan) is a beautiful city at a 15 minutes drive from Kathmandu. Separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River, here you will find Patan’s Durbar Square.

It is an architectural point with a concentration of temples.

Here you can visit the Patan Museum, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Golden Window, Mahaboudha temple, Golden Temple and Krishna Mandir, etc.

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is a famous Hindu temple in Nepal.

It has one of the most important Shiva Temples on the subcontinent and draws numerous devotees from all over India each year.

The highlights of this place are the Pashupati Temple, Bagmati River (a sacred river) and a cremation center.

Bouddhanath

One of the largest stupas in South Asia, it has become the focal point of Buddhism in Nepal.

Monks in maroon robes and the local people walk with prayer wheels and circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees bowing down to their lord.

Boudha is a peaceful place with numerous monasteries, shops, cafes, and restaurants in the surrounding.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

It is a conglomeration of a pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood.

The square is one of the most charming architectural masterpieces of the Valley that highlights the ancient art and architecture of Nepal. Places to see include Golden Gate, Lions Gate, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola, and Bhairav Nath among others.

One-day hikes around Kathmandu Valley

Along with cultural sightseeing, there are various natural sightseeing sites around the Kathmandu Valley. Taking one-day hikes is another best thing to do in Nepal in August. Some of the best hikes are:

Nagarkot Hike

Nagarkot is a hill 32 km east of Kathmandu and is a popular tourist destination. It is a good idea to hike around the hills to appreciate the beauty of the area and enjoy the mountain views. And if possible spend a night there. There are numerous hotels here, from cheap to crazy expensive.

Due to its short distance, it is a suitable hike to take in August. To start your hike you will first drive one hour to Sakhu. The hike takes around 4 hours through pine forests. On reaching Nagarkot you can explore the village and watch the spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.

Chisapani Hike

Chisapani is a small rural settlement with fantastic views and good hiking areas. The hike starts from Sundarijal which can be reached in an hour’s drive from Kathmandu.

The duration of the hike is about 4 to 5 hours. It passes through the main water source of Kathmandu and goes through Shivapuri National Park until you reach Chisapani village.

Phulchowki Hike

Phulchoki is the highest hill near Kathmandu and lies to the south of the city. To get there you need to drive to Godawari (14 km south of Kathmandu) from where you will start the hike.

In August, you will be able to see the subtropical thick green forests with oak trees. On a clear day, you will get a breathtaking view of the valley and see the eastern parts of the Annapurna range to Gaurishankar in the east.

Also, while you are there, do check out the Botanical Gardens of Godavari.

Chandragiri Hike

Chandragiri is the highest viewpoint in Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 2425m. It is one of the best hiking places that offer an excellent view of Mt. Everest, Mt.Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, etc.

For this hike, you will need to take an exhilarating cable car ride to the top of the hill of Chandragiri and return back with one hour of downhill hiking.

Trekking in Nepal in August

Trekking in Nepal in August is not the best time owing to the monsoon rains. People generally avoid outdoor activities during this time.

Yet with a little bit of preparation, you can trek in some trails which experiences little to no rain even during monsoon in August. These treks include:

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best treks to take in Nepal during August. This is because the Upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna range. So the weather is clear with no rain during August.

The trek provides you an opportunity to explore thousand-years old monasteries, temples, caves and beautiful landscapes.

Moreover, it also allows you to witness Tibetan culture and tradition.

Starting from the deepest gorge in the Kali Gandaki region, the trek takes you to the world’s highest region of Lo-Manthang at an altitude of 3,950m.

During the trek, you will get spectacular views of Mt. Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna and other high mountains peaks.

Overall, it is a great trek possible any time of the year except during the winter season. And most importantly, it is a great option to consider in August in Nepal.

You can also customize this trek with Poon Hill trek and Jomsom Muktinath trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo trek is one of the long treks in Nepal. During this trek, you will reach the maximum elevation up to 4,350m. This region also lies in the rain shadow area and is possible during August.

The trek offers a real adventure in the remote and untouched region of Nepal. You will pass through many ancient monasteries, highland villages, and beautiful sceneries.

You will also go through deep forests of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. You will get to experience the unique culture of the locals living in the region.

One of the major highlights of this trek is the turquoise-color Shey Phoksundo Lake which is a visual treat to the eyes.

This is a wonderful trek with the experience of fascinating cultures and captivating natural beauty of this region. This is a wonderful adventure trip to take in August in Nepal.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the best options for a trek in August. This region is connected to Tibet and deserted parts of Nepal. The area receives significantly less rain than other parts of the country in August.

The trek leads to one of the most remote villages of Nar and Phu. It lies in the north-east valley near Chame, Annapurna.

The region, till this day, has remained untouched by modern ways. The locals still follow ancient Tibetan culture. This off-beat trail will make you explore the Himalayan people’s lifestyle, culture, and tradition.

Also, you will witness the amazing high mountains and old Buddhist monasteries. Along the trail, you will come across canyons, green lush vegetation and amazing rock formations.

The breathtaking views of mountains consist of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre Himal, Lamjung Himal. View of Manaslu Himal, Tilicho peak, Dhaulagiri range, and several other snow-capped mountains is another highlight of this trek.

If rain doesn’t bother you and you seek thrill and adventure in your trekking you can even consider Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Just be sure to carry all the necessary rain gear and equipment if you are planning to do Everest Base Camp Trek in August.

Take part in the festivals in Nepal in August

One of the highlights of visiting Nepal in August is its various traditional festivals. When traveling to any country, it is always interesting to witness the local tradition and various festivals that the locals celebrate.

In August, you will get the chance to witness the following festivals:

Gai Jatra

Gai Jatra is a special street festival celebrated during August celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley by the Newar community.

Teej

Teej is a fasting festival observed by women. During this festival, both married and unmarried women keep religious fasting. They pray for marital bliss and well-being of their spouse or future spouse.

Janai Purnima

This is the festival of the sacred thread. On this day, Hindu devotees tie a sacred thread on their wrists.

Shree Krishna Janmashtami

This festival marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna.

Take Meditation Sessions

According to the sacred texts, Nepal is a place where Hindu gods and ancient rishis came to meditate and relax for thousands of years.

One of the best things to do in Nepal in August is to experience meditation. You can find a peaceful spot near one of the famous holy places like Boudha or Swayambhu. But since it rains quite a lot in Nepal, it is better to join a retreat in a monastery or private centers.

Meditation is great for the body and mind as it rejuvenates one’s energy level and zeal. Hence it is gaining popularity worldwide and people all around the world practice it.

A meditation course will help you relax and explore your own spiritual side. There are many specialized centers offering meditation courses in Nepal. Some of these institutions also provide accommodation and food along with the classes while others only provide classes.

Some of the best meditation centers are,

• Mahayana Buddhist Himalayan Yoga Institute, Thamel
• Kopan Monastery, Boudha
• Nepal Vipassana Centre, Budhanilkantha

Relax at Spas

Not all days in August are raining. Yet in the days that are, you can book a massage for yourself in one of the spas in Nepal.

There are many spa centers in Kathmandu and Pokhara that offer a variety of massages suiting your preference. From hot stone massage to ayurvedic, head and shoulder and spa body scrub, there is something for everyone.

Massages are a natural pain reliever. It helps in reducing stress levels, improves the immune system and gets the blood flowing. It has numerous benefits and is also a great way to pamper yourself.

Indoor activities

During the rainy days in Nepal in August, you also have the option to enjoy the indoor activities. Wall climbing, archery, playing football, swimming, etc are the indoor activities you can indulge in.

One of the oldest and most popular walls climbing in Kathmandu is the Astrek wall climbing center. While it’s not ultra-modern, it does offer a 50-foot wall, bouldering, and various training options.

Another interesting thing to do is learn archery in Indoor Arena in Thamel.

You can also play indoor football here. And as for indoor swimming, you can go to Gokarna forest resort where they have an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi.

Try Out Restaurants and Bars in Thamel

Thamel is a popular tourist place with an amazing street vibe. There are plenty of eateries and bars to choose from.

You will find restaurants of all kinds in Thamel, from Italian to Korean to Chinese and Nepali, there is something for everyone’s taste bud.

The nightlife of Thamel is something you shouldn’t miss. In the late evenings, you can hop into any one of the bars and enjoy live music and have a relaxing time with a drink.

Check out the Malls

If you are someone who enjoys shopping, there are many malls to check out while visiting Nepal in August. While shopping in Nepal, you can always bargain on the price and get some great deals.

Most malls also have a movie theatre. During rainy days, you can spend about 2 to 3 hours watching a movie that you like.

Rafting in Trishuli

Trishuli river rafting is at its best during August. The river is famous for its stimulating and exciting river trips.

During the monsoon, the river transforms itself into a swollen torrent of raging white water. The rafting trip takes you through scenic villages, attractive gorges, exhilarating rapids and easier sections of the river for swimming and relaxing.

Rafting in Nepal is an exciting and heart-pounding adventure to try in August.

Visit Lumbini – The Birthplace of Buddha

Lumbini is the historic birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Thousands of tourists from around the world visit this place every year. Lumbini in summer is hot, yet in the monsoon, it is slightly less hot.

While in Lumbini, you can visit beautiful monasteries built by different Buddhist countries like China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Myanmar, etc.

Mayadevi temple is the key attraction in Lumbini, as well as the inscriptions on the Ashoka pillar that refers to the birthplace of Buddha.

You can walk around the garden or find a peaceful spot for meditation. There are many beautiful things to see in Lumbini and monsoon rain in August will not disrupt your visit to this peaceful historic place.

Useful tips while visiting Nepal in August

• Prepare for the rain and carry a raincoat or an umbrella
• Wear shoes that are waterproof and fast-drying
• Get great deals in flight and accommodation rates due to the off-season
• Avoid very long travels as there can be road closures due to heavy rainfall and there can be a risk of landslides
• During the rainy season, there are high chances of insect infestation such as mosquitoes and leeches. Carry insect repellents with you at all times
• Start your city tours early as the showers mostly occur in the late afternoons and evenings
• Be extra cautious with the water you take during monsoon. Make sure to drink purified water or bottled water to stay away from waterborne diseases
• Be flexible with your timing
• Keep extra days in case of delays due to rain

Conclusion

August is the last month of monsoon in Nepal, and the rainfall can limit your activities during this time. Still, there will be numerous things to do in Nepal in August.

There are certainly some dry days when you can enjoy being outdoors and take short hikes. If you are lucky you might as well get great views of the mountains.

And for those who don’t mind the rain, visiting Nepal in August is totally cool. In fact, the rain settles down the dust offering a clean atmosphere with lush greenery everywhere.

Moreover for those who want to travel in a budget and likes less crowd, August is a good time to visit Nepal.

For further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you with the best of our knowledge.