Top 10 interesting things to do in Nepal in August
August still falls under the peak monsoon season in Nepal. In August, visitors can observe the dazzling green rice fields. In addition, the hill is covered by dense green forests, which look stunning. The weather is hot and humid around the country, but the climate differs from the low land of Terai to the hilly and mountainous region, while the overall condition of the country is wet and muddy.
August in Nepal is the low tourism season of Nepal. The crowd of visitors
is not so much. Whereas the trekking trail can be muddy and slippery, also the
trailheads can be obstructed by landslides. However, there are multiple activities
that you can do during August in Nepal.
Kathmandu Valley {The Kathmandu Valley comprises 3 cities; Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur} is also known as the valley of temples. Also, most of the famous World Heritage Sites are located in Kathmandu Valley. August is one of the best months for sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. As the number of visitors is low, the heritage sites won’t be crowded, and one can take time to study every detail. Some of the best sightseeing World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley are Swoyambhunath Stupa, Basantapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Every heritage site has norms and values with religious and historical aspects. All the areas have unique and distinctive architectures, which have been the key attraction for tourists.
And here are some honorable mentions of some places that you can
visit if you want or if you have more time in August; Chhauni museum,
Chandragiri Hills, White Gumba, Kapan Gumba, Shivapuri National Park, Garden of
Dreams, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, Namo Buddha, Budhanilkantha and many
more.
2. Local food hunt around Kathmandu Valley
If you are a food lover, know that Kathmandu Valley offers numerous choices of local foods to tease your taste buds. August, the monsoon month, is the best time for steaming hot food and enjoying the continuous rain. The main attraction of Kathmandu Valley is Newari food which you can try at the local market, with an original and distinct taste. Several restaurants serve Newari cuisine. Some Newari dishes are Choila, Bara, Kachela, Aalu dam and countless other items. Most delicacies are prepared of buffalo meat (Buff, in local words).
On the tour of hunting local food during August in Nepal, you should not miss MoMo and Chowmein {both being the most famous and mostly eaten Nepali food snacks}. Both items originated from Tibetan food, but now they have been favorite dishes for all Nepalese and visitors. You can find these two items almost in every corner of Kathmandu. Some of the famous local foods like; Laphing is famous around Boudhanath Stupa and Swoyambhunath Stupa. Juju Dhow, known as the king of yogurt, is renowned in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Dal Bhat is the famous main course in the whole of Nepal. Especially, Thakali (Dal Bhat) set is what you should keep on the list of your food hunt. Sel Roti with curry is still loved by every household. These are some local food items you should not miss while in Nepal, not only in August but throughout the year you can do. Besides these, there are many other food items you can try with the guidance of local people or your guide.
Homestay tour is now the trending tour in Nepal. In homestay tours, you stay in some particular village houses where you live the daily lives of local people and closely experience their cultures and traditions. You can get an opportunity to observe the culture and ways of everyday lifestyles. You can try their local food as much as you can. Also, try the traditional dresses and observe the cultural dances and dances to their local beats. That’s why it is also called a cultural exchange tour. August in Nepal is the Monsoon season and the agricultural season of Nepal. That means you can learn the way of agriculture in Nepal. Likewise, the homestay tour is also a nature exploring tour where you can get lost in nature. Most of the homestay villages offer panoramic views of the mountains. Ghale Gaun, Sikles Homestay, and Suntalabari Homestay are some of the most famous homestays in Nepal.
4. August
festivals of Nepal
There are some festivals that fall in August that you can celebrate or observe with locals. Nepali festival follows the lunar calendar. So that means they can fall in July or in September sometimes. Some festivals that often fall in August are
1. Janai Purnima/Rakshya Bandan- Both fall on the same day. Janai Purnima is the festival of high-caste Hindu men in which they change their sacred thread. And Rakshya Bandan is a festival of Hindu people in which a sister puts holy threads on her brother’s wrist. Furthermore, they celebrate this joyous festival by having delicious dishes with the family, gathering and chitchatting, singing and dancing.
2. Krishna Janmasthami- Also known as the birthday of Lord Krishna (Hindu God). It is celebrated with special flair at Patan Durbar Square.
Pokhara is a charming lakeside town that offers spectacular skyline views of Mount Machapuchare, the Annapurna range, the Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu range. Pokhara has endless attractions for tourists and is consistently listed as the most favorite city. You can do and redo several exciting activities in Pokhara. From thrilling paragliding above the town to the soothing boating experience on the Phewa Lake and mountain biking. Pokhara has countless adventures. Although the view is not very clear in August, you can chill around the lakeside cafes or restros and observe the beautiful scenery of Phewa Lake. Also, driving to nearby villages, Sarangkot and Dharahara Danda, to spend quality time with your close ones is an excellent way to get lost in the August month of Nepal.
Mountain biking is the newest favorite adventure of Nepali people. Nepal is a hilly and mountainous country, so mountain biking is the perfect sport for Nepal. In August, cycling trails are muddy and slippery. However, it is also an ideal time for cycling, so please don’t forget to be prepared to get stained with mud and rain. Kathmandu offers some of the best startup cycling trails. Sundarijal and Chobhar cycling trails are some simple trails, while Shivapuri National Park has a challenging mountain cycling trail. Besides Kathmandu, Pokhara also offers some mountain biking trails. Some renowned biking trails are the World Peace Pagoda Trail, Begnas lake trail and more.
Due to monsoon rain in August, water in the river increases more than in other seasons. Therefore, more water means more fun for Rafting and Kayaking enthusiasts. Trisuli, Bhote Koshi, Seti and Sun Koshi are the major rivers that offer thrilling experiences of Rafting and Kayaking. There are plenty of riverside or beach resorts that organize these exciting adventures. On the other hand, Rafting and Kayaking are the most suitable adventure sports for the hot and humid weather conditions of the August months.
8. Trekking in August in Nepal
No matter how much impact the monsoon season has on almost every other trekking trail but it doesn’t affect much in the Mustang region. Mustang lies in the shadow of the Himalayas, which is why it’s not highly affected by the August weather and the rain. Mustang is the ancient, mysterious Buddhist kingdom situated on the dry land of Nepal. Mustang, itself is a beautiful place along with breathtaking mountain scenery. The rain affects the first part of the way to Mustang on the ground, but there is still another way, i.e., a flight to Jomsom, from where you can start your trekking towards Mustang and further.
Nar Phu Valley trekking leads to two beautiful villages of Nar and Phu. This off-beaten trail allows you to explore the Himalayan people’s lifestyles, cultures and traditions. The Nar Phu region is still untouched by modern civilization. People still practice Tibetan culture and have several old Buddhist monasteries. Nar Phu lies in the deserted part of Nepal, due to why it is less affected by the monsoon. So, Nar Phu is one of the best destinations to travel to in August. Along the trail, the path crosses narrow gorges, lush green forests and magnificent cliffs. Similarly, the trail offers you the most spectacular views of the Annapurna massif, Mount Machapuchare, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri range and many other snow-capped mountains.
Dolpo lies in the remote and untouched part of Nepal. It is one of the restricted regions and not crowded as other trekking routes. August is a highly favorable month to travel and trek the Dolpo region. Dolpo region welcomes you warmly with the beautiful scenery of typical Nepali villages, historical monasteries and stunning cliffs. Dolpo offers a wonderful trekking experience, which takes you through the blushing forest of rhododendron, pine and oak. The trail has 3 high passes: Nagdalo La, Sela La and Jeng La. Eventually, the trail leads to the majestic, bluish Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal and undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking lakes.
Yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines originally from ancient India. At the same time, meditation is a practice where an individual uses a simple technique of mindfulness or focusing their mind on a particular thought or activity to achieve a calm and stable mind or thoughts. Combining these both can become a powerful thing. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga is based on poses that promote improved control of the mind and body and enhance well-being; that’s why it has become trendy recently. There are various organizations organizing yoga and meditation. Nepal offers incredible and marvelous experiences of yoga and meditation in the land of the Himalayas amidst the natural beauty, serenity and peace. Nepal in August is the perfect time to try and experience various yoga and meditation retreats.
10. Monsoon Photography
We don’t need to say more about the beauty one can see and explore in Nepal during August. Nepal is already a wonderful country in terms of nature, while the monsoon weather adds more beauty to it. August could be one of the best months to carry your camera and capture the best photography. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to come to Nepal in August since your will photos will naturally make you one afterward.
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