Autumn is the best season to trek in Nepal. The clear weather, blue skies, moderate temperature, and the lush greenery make your trek worthy in this season. September bids goodbye to the monsoon and welcomes the autumn.
The amazing weather makes trekking in Nepal in September the best time to enjoy it at its best.
During September you will get to witness two kinds of weather in the same month. The early September showers some rain, and mid-September blesses you with a cool, dry Autumn. It is also known as a shoulder month.
You will get a better view of the natural diversity and get to experience the best of everything. You will be able to trek through the trails without any risk at all.
If you are planning your trek during September, you might have to schedule your days according to the weather forecast. It can rain in the late afternoons or in the nights. However, it makes the following day sunnier and clearer.
Nepal is very rich in cultural diversity. So you will get a chance to witness the festivals in September. This month officially welcomes the major festivals celebrated widely in Nepal.
The best part is that you will avoid crowds during this month and you can enjoy your time with nature while trekking at your own pace. You will be able to enjoy a lot of interesting treks during September.
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Highlights of September Trek in Nepal
September has a lot to offer you if you decide to plan your trek in this month. Here are some of the major highlights:
- You will get to observe the traditions and culture since the major festivals begin from this month.
- There are fewer crowds, you will better accommodations
- Amazing up-close views of the snow-capped mountains
- Clear and stable weather
- Better hospitality, as the tea house owners have lesser guests to focus on
- If you choose to trek in Everest region then higher chance of getting on-time seat on a flight to Lukla – less people means even if flight get cancelled you have opportunity to secure seat on next day’s flight
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The Weather while Trekking in Nepal in September
September has very pleasant weather in Nepal. It is not much affected by heat or cold. However, the temperature may vary according to the altitudes.
The average temperature in Kathmandu ranges from 5 to 24-degree Celsius. In the mountain regions, the temperature can be around 20-degree Celsius in the day and around 5-degree Celsius in the night.
At altitudes higher than 3500m, the temperature ranges from 20-degree Celsius to -10-degree Celsius. The temperature may fall down by 6 degrees with every 1000m you ascend. When you ascend above 5000m, the weather can be dramatic and unpredictable.
Best Trekking Trails in September
By now, you probably already know that September is the best season to trek through amazing Himalayan trails of Nepal. You have multiple options for trekking routes that offer you the best scenic views.
Here are some of the Trekking routes that we recommend for your trip:
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is a dream trail for every trekker. It is an iconic journey through the beautiful Khumbu region. It is a challenging journey indeed. Yet, it is an achievement after you complete it!
You can experience the culture and biodiversity at its best during this month. The scenic beauty, the up-close view of the mountain range and the hospitality of the Sherpa people is something to cherish.
You will be able to see the Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7855 m), Mt. Changtse (7550m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Amadablam (6856 m), Mt. Thamserku (6723 m) and so on.
You can opt for various routes to reach the Everest Base Camp trek in September. You can choose the classic Jiri to EBC Trek, Everest Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek and, Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek.
If you are looking for ideas on how to reach Gokyo Lakes, then this post titled How to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region might interest you.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails of Nepal. It is a tremendous mixture of natural and cultural diversity. And September is a great month to experience the beauty of nature and Nepalese tradition in this trek to the trans-Himalayan region.
You will enjoy the Manang Valley and the welcoming hospitality of the people there.
September is safe to trek through Annapurna Trails. The beautiful September weather gives you the opportunity to witness the rare exotic birds and animals.
You will also get a chance to witness the culture of the local people through the festivals that they celebrate in this month.
You can opt to trek through the Annapurna trails through various routes. It includes Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great alternative to the Annapurna trail. It has been gaining popularity recently, with the emerging teahouses. However, this trek still remains remote adventure as it is an off-the-beaten-trail which is still untouched.
The weather in this trail varies according to the altitude, as you will be ascending from 700m to 5169m. However, September gives you a better experience in the trails as the weather remains stable.
Since Manaslu Circuit Trek is a new trail and is still in the phase of gaining popularity, there will be a lot lesser crowd in this area. As for September, the crowd will be even lesser.
Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal. The Tibetan culture influences Mustang, yet, it has a unique culture of its own. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking.
September is the best month for you to witness the Himalayan range since the view is as clear as it can get. You will get to enjoy the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and many more. The trek is worth experiencing.
Upper Mustang is on the North of Kagbeni and looks similar to the Tibetan Plateau. The high winds erode the yellow and grey hills and it Tibet borders it on three sides. Mustang is the last of the untouched lands of the Himalayas.
While on this trek, you will be able to see the only walled city in Nepal, Lo-Manthang. It is the capital of Mustang. It is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom.
Upper Mustang Trek is a great trek during September as you will not have to worry about the rain or slippery trails. It is the region that receives very less rainfall even during monsoon. So, September is on the safe side for this trek.
The weather remains warm and sunny on regular days.
Tips for Trekking in Nepal in September
September is a great time to trek. The weather is at its best and you can explore the cultural festivities as well.
Yet, some tips can always come handy:
- Make sure you have a good pair of hiking shoes with a strong grip. Since the early September can still have rain, the trails can get slippery.
- Likewise, make sure you have proper rain gears such as waterproof jacket and gaiters.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Sufficient fluid in the body makes you feel comfortable and you can hike with ease in the higher altitudes.
- It is good to have some knowledge on the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as most people are prone to this in higher altitudes. Being aware of this will help you to be cautious and take action immediately.
- Train yourself physically and mentally at least 2-3 months before the actual trek.
Packing for Trekking in Nepal in September
The first thing you should know is that you should not over pack. Only the essentials and basic trekking equipment should be sufficient to make your trek comfortable. You do not want to burden your back while you trek.
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
- Tissue / Toilet roll
- Antibacterial hand wash and hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Quick drying towel
- Moisturizer
- Wet wipes
- Multipurpose soap/ hand wash
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Sunscreen
Clothing
- T-shirts
- Fleece Wind-proof Jacket
- Waterproof Shell Jacket
- Breathable Undergarments
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Warm Trousers
- Waterproof shell pants
- Gloves
Head Gears
- UV Protection Sun Glasses
- Headband, Cap and beanie
- Buff
Footwear
- A good pair of hiking boots
- Hiking sandals
- Gaiters
- Hiking socks (to prevent blisters)
Miscellaneous
- Sleeping Bag
- Water Bottles
- Head Lamp
- First-aid Kit
- Insect repellent cream
- Sleeping Bag
- Ziplock bag (to store your documents, money and other important belongings safe and dry)
- Duffle Bag/ Rucksack
- Daypack
- Medications (as prescribed or as per need)
Conclusion
September is the best time to trek in the Himalayan trails of Nepal. The stable weather, cool temperature, clear skies, and festivities make the trip worthy.
The trails are also safe after mid-September since they are quite dry.
Langtang Valley Trek,, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Ganesh Himal Trek are some interesting trekking trails if you are looking for something different. These trails are quite peaceful during September.
If you have more questions and queries, please feel free to contact us. Our experts are happy to be at your service.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.
Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.
He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.
