Top 10 interesting things to do in Nepal in August

August still falls under the peak monsoon season in Nepal. In the month of August, the visitor can observe the dazzling green rice fields. In addition, the hill is covered by the dense green forests which look absolutely stunning. The weather condition is hot and humid around the country but 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 the 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.

1. Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley in August

Kathmandu valley {The Kathmandu valley comprises of 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 the sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. As the number of visitors is low, the heritage sites won’t be crowded and one can take their time to study each and every details. 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. Each and every heritage sites has its own norms and values with its religious values and the history. All of the sites have their unique and distinctive architectures, which has been the key attraction for the tourists.
And here are some honourable mentions of some places or the sites that you can visit if you want or if you have more time in August; Chhauni museum, Chandragiri hill, 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, be known that Kathmandu valley offers numerous choices of the local foods for you to tease all of your taste buds. August, the monsoon month is the best time for the steaming hot food and enjoying the continuous rain. The main attraction of Kathmandu valley is Newari food which you can try on the local market which has original and distinct taste. There are numbers of restaurants that serve Newari cuisine. Some of the Newari dishes are Choila, Bara, Kachela, Aalu dam and countless other items. Most of the delicacies are prepared of buffalo meat (Buff in local).

On the tour of hunting local food during August in Nepal, you should not miss Mo:Mo and Chowmein {both of them being the most famous and mostly eaten Nepali food snacks}. Both of the items originated from Tibetan food but now it has been favorite dishes for all Nepalese and visitors too. You can find these two items almost in every corners of Kathmandu. Some of the famous local foods like; Laphing is famous around Boudhanath Stupa and Swoyambhunath Stupa. Juju Dhow, known as king of yogurt, is very famous in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Dal Bhat is the famous main course in whole Nepal. Specially, Thakali (Dal Bhat) set is what you should keep in the list of your food hunt. Sel Roti with curry is still loved by every households. These are some local food items you should not miss while you are in Nepal; not only in August but throughout the year you can do this. Besides these, there are lots of other food items you can try with the guidance of local people or with your guide.

3. Homestay tour (Cultural exchange tour) in August

Homestay tour is now the trending tour of Nepal. In homestay tour you stay in some particular houses of a village, where you live the daily lives of local people and experience their cultures and traditions closely. You can get an opportunity to observe the culture and ways of daily life styles. You can try their local food as much as you can. Also try the cultural dresses and observe the cultural dances and dances to their local beats. That’s why it is also called as cultural exchange tour. August in Nepal is the Monsoon season and is the agricultural season of Nepal. That means you can have chance to learn the way of agriculture in Nepal. Likewise homestay tour is also a nature exploring tour when you can get lost in the nature. Most of the homestay villages offer the panoramic views of the mountains. Ghale Gaun, Sikles Homestay, Suntalabari Homestay are some of the most famous homestays in Nepal.

4. August festivals of Nepal

There are some festivals that fall in August which 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 of the festivals that often falls in August are: 1. Janai Purnima/ Rakshya Bandan- Both of them falls 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 the festival of Hindu people in which a sister put holy threads to 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 birth day of Lord Krishna (Hindu God). It is celebrated with special flair at Patan Durbar Square.

5. Exploring Pokhara in August

Pokhara is the charming lakeside town that offers you the spectacular skyline view of Mount Machapuchare, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu range. Pokhara has the endless attraction for the tourist and is always listed in the most favorite city. Pokhara has a number of activities you can do and redo anytime. From thrilling paragliding above the city to the soothing boating experience on the Phewa lake and mountain biking. Pokhara has countless adventures. Although in August the view is not very clear but you can chill around the lakeside cafes or restros and observe the beautiful view of Phewa Lake. Also, driving to nearby village, Sarangkot and Dharahara Danda to spend quality time with your close ones are the nice ways to get lost in the August month of Nepal.

6. Mountain biking in Monsoon

Mountain biking is the newest favorite adventure of Nepali people. Nepal is the hilly and mountainous country, so mountain biking is the perfect sport for Nepal. In August, cycling trails are muddy and slippery. In the meantime, it is also an ideal time for cycling and don’t forget to be prepared to get stained with muds and rain. Kathmandu offers some of the best startup cycling trails. Sundarijal cycling trail and Chobhar cycling trail are some simple trails. Shivapuri National park has the challenging mountain cycling trail. Besides Kathmandu, Pokhara too offers some mountain biking trails. Some of the renowned biking trails are World Peace Pagoda trail, Begnas lake trail and more.

7. Rafting and Kayaking in Monsoon Rivers

Due to monsoon rain in August, the amount of 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 which offer you thrilling experiences of Rafting and Kayaking. There are plenty of riverside or beach resorts which organize these wonderful 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        

Mustang

No matter how much impact the monsoon season has on almost every other trekking trails but it doesn’t affect much in Mustang region. Mustang lies in the shadow of the Himalayas which is the reason 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 initial way to Mustang on the ground is highly affected by the rain but there is still another way i.e. flight to Jomsom, from where you can start your trekking towards Mustang and further.

Nar Phu Valley

Nar Phu valley trekking leads to two beautiful villages of Nar and Phu. This off beaten trail provides you a chance to explore the Himalayan people’s lifestyles, cultures and traditions. Nar Phu region is still untouched by modern civilization. People still practice Tibetan culture and has numbers of 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 options to be traveled in August. Along the trail, the path crosses narrow gorges, green lush forests and the magnificent cliffs. Similarly, the trail offers you the most spectacular views of Annapurna massif, Mount Machapuchare, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri range and many other snow-capped mountains.

Dolpo

Dolpo lies in the remote and untouched part of Nepal. It is one of the restricted regions and not crowded as other trekking routes. Month of August is highly favorable month to travel and trek Dolpo region. Dolpo region welcomes you warmly with the beautiful scenery of typical Nepali villages, historical monasteries and enchanting cliffs. Dolpo offers the wonderful experience of trekking as well 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 which is the deepest lake in Nepal and undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking lakes of Nepal too.

9. Yoga and meditation during August in Nepal

Yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines which originally originated from the ancient India. While 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 the calm and stable mind or the thoughts. Combining these both, it can become a powerful thing. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. The yoga is all based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind and body and enhance well-being, that’s why it has become very popular recently. There are various organizations organizing yoga and meditation. Nepal offers the 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 believe we don’t need to say more about the beauty one can see and explore in Nepal during August month. Nepal is already a very beautiful country in terms of nature while the monsoon weather add more beauty to the nature. 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.