Monsoon Trekking Trails in Nepal: Exquisite and Euphoric

Rain!! Rain!! Welcome rain!! Currently, Nepal is being blessed with a heavy rainfall. Primarily beneficial for paddy farms and farmers, the rain also provides people with a means to beat the heat. In contrast, every rainy season leads the way to flood and landslide that wash out bridges and make roads and paths slippery; thus, these natural calamities are considered as a common phenomenon that occurs at different regions of the country. Not surprisingly, the monsoon months of June through August witnesses plummeting number of incoming visitors and trekkers as many individuals endeavour to stay away from high temperatures, heavy rainfall, persistent transportation delays, masses of leeches and elusive mountain vistas.

Mercifully for the travel enthusiast, there are few of the delightful trails that are positioned in rain shadow region, a dry stretch of land on the downwind half of a mountainous area which blocks the passage of rain-generating weather systems. Although, forecasts in these expanses are not promising; less rain should be expected in these locations.

Mustang region:

The enchanted Mustang region is awe-inspiring, which flaunts picturesque landscapes alongside unheeded heritages and ethnic traditions. The region is divided into lower and upper Mustang that is inhabited by ethnic Thakali and Tibetan Buddhist communities. Moreover, trekkers can get detailed insight into ethnic Thakali traditions and Tibetan Buddhism. The untouched Upper region of Mustang aka ‘Hidden Kingdom of Lo” is well renowned among the visitors because of its of classic culture, unique lifestyle and arid terrains, which is encircled by the sandy rocks and resembles the Tibetan highlands. Throughout the escapade, one can observe numerous ancient monasteries adorned with prayer flags, Chhortens and mani walls.

Widely celebrated Muktinath is also situated in this region. Sacred to Hindu and Buddhist, Muktinath is explored by thousands of tourist, and pilgrims each year. Backpackers trekking along the Annapurna Circuit, also arrive at Muktinath after crossing the Thorong La Pass. The legend explains that individual who bathes in 108 waterspouts and holy ponds in Muktinath can get rid of sin committed during the lifetime.

Dolpo Region:

Situated in a remote part of Nepal, Dolpa aka Dolpo region is stuffed with cultural and natural fantasies. Due to the clear vistas and eye-catching landscape, Dolpo region is highly recommended to trek in Monsoon season. Additionally, trekkers can choose from Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo Trek. This region is the homeland to Phoksundo National Park, which is rich in distinct Himalayan wildlife and bestows the jaw-dropping outlook comprising of the brown hills, hidden valleys along with the exposure to extraordinary and traditional communities of the Tibetan Buddhists and Bon Po.

The region also possesses sublime Phoksundo Lake. A camping or meditation experience beside the lake provides a lifetime experience accompanied by the blessings from the mighty Himalayas. The trekking trail features hidden valleys, high passes next to awesome monasteries like Shey Gompa and Showa monastery on the east bank of Phoksundo Lake.

Rara Lake Trek:

In spite of being smallest National Park in Nepal; Rara National Park flaunts the biggest lake in the country i.e. Rara Lake. Not so dry when compared to Mustang and Dolpo region; the turquoise but crystal-clear water of Rara Lake, parallel to the neighbouring alpine meadows inhabited by exotic Himalayan flora and fauna tend to put together a noteworthy escapade.

Located in a remote region in western Nepal, road conditions and flight departures subjected to weather disruptions in the lowlands makes presents difficulties to access the prepossessing territory. The unheeded trekking trail within the vicinity of Rara Lake region renders a window of opportunity to devote few graceful moments in the lap of Mother Nature.