Trekking in Nepal in May
May is the end of the spring season in Nepal and the starts Summer. On the trek during Spring in Nepal, its pre-monsoon rain invites greenery everywhere. If you enjoy walking sometimes in little rain breathing the greenery then May is the right time. It does however, start to get humid at this time of year with plenty of thunderstorms. If you are planning to trek in May then you’ll need to bring rain gear and be prepared for pre-monsoon. For the most part at 2500 meters expect day-time temperatures of 25plus degrees and temperatures at night around 8 degrees.
TREKKING TIPS:
- Bring a light rain jacket and rucksack rain cover
- Try to leave earlier in the morning rather than later
- Dress in Layers
Treks to consider during May in Nepal
1. Everest Base Camp Trek in May
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in the world.
You can experience scenic Himalayan mountains and get a peek into the life of the world-famous people Sherpa climbers. The Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site is also another highlight of the trip. You can visit also high-altitude Buddhist monasteries.
From March to May is a festive month for mountaineers. There are several Everest expeditions will assemble around the base camp in April. So, you will have the opportunity to meet world’s famous climbers.
The colorful tent camps and trekkers in their gears turn the Everest Base Camp into a lively field. It is very similar to how the colorful rhododendrons make the forests come alive in Nepal.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek in May
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most classical treks in the country. And May is the third most popular month to do the Annapurna Circuit. Out of the total tourists trekking the circuit annually, about 20% of annual visitors come in April-May itself.
It is also one of the most diverse and nice teahouse treks in the Himalaya. You get to witness the ethnic groups like Gurrung, Manage with their own diverse language and tradition. You get the amazing views of some of the most stunning 8000 meter mountains including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Simply wow!
This trek is also known as the ‘Annapurna Round Trek’.
Annapurna Circuit starts from Beshisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and ends up in the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. The time taken to complete the journey is usually 12 to 16 days.
Another highlight of this trek is the Thorong La pass at 5,416 meters. Thorong La is the highest and most challenging pass on the circuit. While passing Thorong la, you will discover a stunning view of the Himalayas.
Cozy teahouse accommodation and local fresh meals are available along the trail. The delicious apple pies are the best you will ever have while trekking in Nepal in May.
3. Langtang Valley Trek in May
Langtang is lying North of Kathmandu Valley. Tibetans are the locals in this area. So, it can be a perfect place to experience the Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Langtang Valley Trek starts from the lower Langtang Valley, it’s called Sybrubeshi. Langtang National Park is another big asset of this route. It will give you a chance to see wildlife such as Gray langur, monkeys, deers and the “Red Pandas” if you are lucky!
From Langtang valley to Kyangjin Gompa, another interesting site is the Yala Cheese Factory. You should try to visit the Yala Cheese Factory because it is truly amazing. You can reach Yala within half a day walk from Kyangjin Gompa.
You can hike up to Kyangjin- Ri and enjoy the spectacular views of Langtang and other Himalayan ranges. Anyone can do this trek because of its easy accessibility.
4. Upper Mustang Trek in May
May is a good time of the year to visit Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a rare untouched place in the Himalayas, and home to Lo-Manathang. Lo- Manathang is the capital of Mustang and the only walled city in Nepal.
Its name in Tibetan translation means “plains of aspiration”. Still, it also has its own King, so it is a kingdom within a country.
The locals of this area are Loba people. Upper Mustang is still a restricted area and opened for trekking only fifteen years ago. To enter Upper Mustang, you will need a special trekking permit. Also, a government-appointed officer will have to accompany you.
The local people are of Tibetan descent and very traditional. You will see them herd yaks, farm their own food and trade goods. This is a great chance to leave the modern world behind and blend in with the ancient lifestyle.
The trek also delivers some breathtaking views while you walking along the routes. You can also camp beneath the stars for a better view of the sky at night.
5. Poon Hill Trek in May
The trek starts from Pokhara and if you want to discover some of Nepal’s big peaks up close it’s the best option for a short trek. The 2nd day of the trek, the trail makes a steady climb between the small Magar villages up to Ghorepani. In the morning, you hike to Poon Hill to catch the sunrise on the Himalayas. After exploring the poon hill, it’s time to get back to Ghorepani and start the trek to Tadapani after the breakfast. The view from Poon Hill 3210 meters takes in Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Fishtail and more.
On day 3rd, heading to Tadapani which offers great views of Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machapuchare which is also known as “Fishtail. This trek is doable round the year, anyone can do this trek with normal physical fitness because it’s short an easy.
Accommodations
All accommodation along the trekking routes will be open and available in Spring season and Autumn Season. Accommodation can get busy along popular trails in April-May and October-November.
What is the weather like in April-May for trekking in Nepal?
Warmer weather continues to build and along with-it humidity. Expect 24+ degrees weather in the mountains during the day. In the night temperatures are often around the 7-10 degrees range.
The weather temperatures and conditions change as you go up in altitude or descend. Likewise, there are variations depending on the trek. Always expect passes and base camps to have more extreme conditions sometimes. The temperatures listed here are only used as rough indications.
Conclusion
On a journey that takes you to Everest region, Annapurna region, Manaslu or Langtang region depending on which trip you are planning to trek in Nepal during Spring season. The costs are varying and need to be borne for a variety of reasons. Ensure that you read into it properly before starting on your journey. Contact us if you have any enquiries.
