A monsoon trek on Mardi Himal is a very different experience from the classic autumn trip. From June to August, clouds wrap the ridge, rain falls frequently, the forest is lush and dripping, and leeches wait in the damp undergrowth. At the same time, the trail is almost empty, the hillsides are vivid green, wildflowers bloom above the treeline, and when the clouds part, the freshly washed peaks can be spectacular. A standard itinerary can struggle in these conditions; a monsoon-specific plan gives you the best chance of success.
This guide sets out a monsoon itinerary and explains how to plan around rain, clouds, leeches and road conditions. For a broader look at the season, see is the monsoon worth it? The plan adapts our 5-day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara.
A 6-Day Monsoon Itinerary
| Day | Route | Overnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pitam Deurali | Pitam Deurali | Early start to walk before afternoon rain |
| 2 | Pitam Deurali to Low Camp | Low Camp | Leech precautions in the forest |
| 3 | Low Camp to High Camp | High Camp | Watch for fog on the ridge |
| 4 | Sunrise attempt, or wait at High Camp | High Camp or Low Camp | Go only if clear and safe |
| 5 | Second sunrise attempt if needed, descend to Low Camp | Low Camp | Buffer day |
| 6 | Descend to Siding or Lwang, drive to Pokhara | Pokhara | Check road conditions |
Day 1 in the Monsoon: Kande to Pitam Deurali
Monsoon mornings in Pokhara are warm and humid, often with low cloud hanging over the hills. You drive to Kande and climb the stone steps to Australian Camp, which can be slippery when wet. The views of the Annapurnas may be hidden, but the terraced rice fields around Kande are a brilliant green, and farmers may be planting or tending rice. Continue through the forest to Pitam Deurali, where you arrive by early afternoon, ideally before the heaviest rain. Dry your gear and change into dry clothes.
Day 2 in the Monsoon: Pitam Deurali to Low Camp
The forest climb is the wettest and most leech-prone part of the trek in the monsoon. The trail is often muddy and slippery, with roots and stones slick from rain, and mist drifts between the moss-covered trees. Take your time, use trekking poles and check regularly for leeches. The forest is at its most lush and atmospheric, with ferns, orchids and mosses everywhere. Arrive at Low Camp by early afternoon if possible. If the clouds lift in the evening, you may glimpse Machapuchare above the mist.
Day 3 in the Monsoon: Low Camp to High Camp
Above Low Camp, the open ridge is often in cloud, with fog reducing visibility on the narrow path. Stay close to your guide and walk carefully. Wildflowers bloom on the grassy slopes, and the damp air carries the scent of wet vegetation. At High Camp, rest in the afternoon and watch for breaks in the cloud, especially toward evening.
Days 4 and 5: Waiting for the View
On the first summit morning, your guide checks the sky before dawn. If it is clear, you climb to the Upper View Point and Base Camp for sunrise, then descend to Low Camp. If it is cloudy or raining heavily, you wait. Many monsoon trekkers find the second morning clearer, especially after heavy overnight rain has washed the air. Even if the peaks stay hidden, the ridge in the mist has its own beauty, and brief windows can reveal spectacular views.
Day 6: Descent and Return
The descent to Siding is steep and slippery in the monsoon, so take extra care. If the Siding road is blocked, your guide may suggest exiting via Lwang, which also has road access, or waiting for the road to be cleared. Once you reach Pokhara, dry out, rest and enjoy a hot shower.
Walk Early, Rest in the Afternoon
In the monsoon, mornings are usually drier and clearer, while heavy rain often arrives in the afternoon and evening. Plan to start walking soon after breakfast each day and aim to reach your lodge by early afternoon. This reduces time spent walking in heavy rain and gives you afternoons to dry out, rest and wait for breaks in the cloud. On summit mornings, check the sky before dawn; clear spells often appear briefly after overnight rain.
Two Chances at the View
The biggest difference in this itinerary is the buffer day at High Camp. In the monsoon, a single planned summit morning is often clouded out. By allowing two mornings, you greatly improve your chances of seeing Machapuchare and the Annapurnas from the Upper View Point or Base Camp. If the first morning is clear, you can descend early and use the spare day to relax. If both mornings are cloudy, you still experience the atmosphere of the ridge in the mist, and brief glimpses of the peaks through the clouds can be magical. See when the mountains are clear.
Dealing with Leeches
Leeches are common in the damp forest between Pitam Deurali and Low Camp during the monsoon. They are harmless but unpleasant. Wear leech socks or tuck trousers into socks, apply repellent to socks and boots, carry salt to remove them, and check your legs at rest stops. Above Low Camp, on the open ridge, they are much less common. See leeches on the Mardi Himal Trek.
Road Conditions
The road from Pokhara to Kande is paved and usually open, but the dirt road from Siding can become muddy or blocked by landslides after heavy rain. Your guide will check conditions and may suggest exiting via Lwang or waiting for the road to be cleared. Keep a spare day in Pokhara before your onward travel to absorb delays. See jeep and road safety.
Monsoon Gear
The right gear makes a monsoon trek far more pleasant. Bring a good waterproof jacket and rain trousers, a pack cover and, most importantly, dry bags or heavy plastic liners inside your backpack and duffel, since rain covers alone rarely keep everything dry. Quick-drying clothing is essential; avoid cotton entirely. Waterproof boots with good grip handle mud and wet stone, and gaiters or leech socks protect against leeches. A compact umbrella is surprisingly useful on the trail in steady rain. Pack several spare pairs of socks, lightweight sandals for the lodges, and a light down or synthetic jacket for cooler evenings at High Camp. See our monsoon packing list.
Keeping Dry and Comfortable
The key to comfort in the monsoon is protecting a set of dry clothes for the evening. Walk in quick-drying layers and accept that they may get damp from rain or sweat. As soon as you arrive at your lodge, change into dry clothes kept sealed in a waterproof bag. Hang wet clothes in your room or, if the owner allows, near the dining room stove, though drying is slow in humid air. Stuff wet boots with paper if available. Keep your sleeping bag and electronics in separate waterproof bags at all times. See how to dry wet gear on the trek.
Safety in the Monsoon
Monsoon trekking brings specific hazards. Wet trails are slippery, especially on stone steps and root-covered forest paths, so walk carefully and use trekking poles. Fog on the ridge can hide the path and the drop-offs on either side, so stay close to your guide. Thunderstorms can bring lightning risk on exposed ground; avoid the ridge during storms. Landslides can affect roads and occasionally trails after heavy rain. Your guide will monitor conditions and adjust plans as needed. See slippery trails after rain and landslides and trail hazards.
Monsoon Highlights
The monsoon offers experiences you cannot have in other seasons. The forest is at its most lush, with moss, ferns and orchids everywhere. Wildflowers carpet the slopes above the treeline. Rice planting brings the villages around Kande and Siding to life. Waterfalls and streams are full. The trail is almost empty, and lodge owners have time to share stories. And when the clouds part, the views of freshly washed, snow-streaked peaks rising above swirling mist can be breathtaking. See orchids and wildflowers on the trek.
Flights and Travel in the Monsoon
Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara are more often delayed or cancelled in the monsoon because of cloud and rain. The Prithvi Highway can also be affected by landslides, causing long delays for buses and cars. Build flexibility into your plans: arrive in Pokhara a day before the trek, and keep at least one spare day before your international flight. Travel insurance with delay and interruption cover is worthwhile. See what to do if your flight is delayed.
Health in the Monsoon
Warm, humid conditions in the lower areas and cool, damp conditions higher up can affect your health. Drink treated water only, as water sources may be contaminated after heavy rain. Keep your feet dry to prevent blisters and fungal infections, and change socks daily. Protect against mosquitoes in Pokhara and the lower valleys. Keep cuts and leech bites clean to avoid infection. See safe drinking water on the trek.
Choosing the Best Monsoon Month
Not all monsoon months are the same. Early June often still offers some clear mornings before the rains fully arrive, making it the best monsoon month for views, though pre-monsoon storms are common. July is typically the wettest month, with frequent heavy rain, abundant leeches and limited visibility. August remains wet, but some years bring more frequent breaks toward the end of the month, and wildflowers on the upper slopes are at their best. By September, the monsoon usually begins to retreat, and the second half of the month can offer excellent conditions. If you have flexibility, early June or late August give slightly better odds of clear mornings. See Mardi Himal in June and Mardi Himal in August.
Budgeting for a Monsoon Trek
The monsoon is the low season, and some hotels in Pokhara offer lower rates. Trek costs, including guide wages, permits and transport, generally stay the same. The extra buffer day adds a day of wages, accommodation and meals. Consider budgeting for an extra night in Pokhara in case of road delays, and for items such as leech socks, dry bags and an umbrella. See our cost guide.
Monsoon Photography
For photographers, the monsoon offers unique opportunities. Mist drifting through the moss-covered forest creates layered, atmospheric scenes. Peaks emerging briefly from swirling clouds make dramatic compositions. The vivid greens of rice terraces and forest, flowering meadows above the treeline and water droplets on leaves provide rich subjects. Protect your camera with a rain cover and silica gel, keep a microfibre cloth handy for lens drops, and be ready to shoot quickly when the clouds part. See our photography guide.
Tea Houses in the Monsoon
Lodges along the route stay open during the monsoon, though they are much quieter than in autumn. You will rarely need to book ahead, and lodge owners often have more time to chat and share stories. Drying clothes is the main challenge; ask whether you can hang damp items near the dining room stove, and keep your sleeping bag sealed in a dry bag. Hot showers are welcome after a wet day of walking at the lower camps.
Tips from Monsoon Guides
- Start early every day. Mornings are your best weather window.
- Protect your dry clothes. Keep one set sealed for evenings.
- Check for leeches often. Especially after walking through tall grass or forest.
- Be patient at High Camp. A second morning often brings clearer skies.
- Stay flexible about your exit. Roads can change quickly after heavy rain.
Who Should Trek in the Monsoon?
A monsoon trek suits flexible travellers who enjoy solitude, green landscapes and a sense of adventure, and who can accept that mountain views may be limited. It suits photographers interested in mist, forest and dramatic clouds, and those whose only chance to visit Nepal falls in summer. It is less suitable for first-time trekkers hoping for guaranteed views or those with tight schedules.
Book a Monsoon Trek
We run monsoon treks for travellers who enjoy quiet trails and green landscapes, with guides who know how to time walking around the rain. Start with the 5-day trek from Pokhara, extended with a buffer day, and contact us to plan your trip.