Trekking in Nepal in May

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Trekking in Nepal in May offers chances to see mountaineers' expedition in action. It is a transition month from spring to summer. Characterizing as a relatively warm and more stable weather condition even in the high altitudes of Nepal which becomes a favorable time for all treks in Nepal.

Most of the trekking trails are filled with red and pink flowers and brown leaves that have just fall from the trees. That majestic sensation as you walk above the spring flowers is the best feeling in the world. With a bit close to summer, you get to witness the greenery of pre-monsoon as well as the remaining beauty of May. 

Rhododendron blooms can be witnessed on both sides of the trekking routes along with awe-inspiring sceneries of diverse flora and fauna and lustrous greeneries all around.

In the late afternoons, the weather may get cloudy causing plenty of thunderstorms and occasional rainfall. It will be beneficial to be well prepared to have proper rain gears.

For Trekking in Nepal in May, numerous destinations are available, you might get confused about choosing the right destination. This month is taken the perfect month for trekking in the Himalayan foothills and mountaineering in the elevated peaks.

The humidity gets high during this month, you need to be well prepared and well equipped for trekking in the foothills with ease. An average temperature reaches up to 25+ degree Celsius in the daytime and it decreases up to 5-6 degrees Celsius in the nights and early mornings which is ideal for trekking.

Trekking in Nepal in May: Weather conditions

Quite longer days, stable weather atmosphere, warmer climate causing humidity are some of the characteristics of trekking in Nepal in May. Expect around 20-25 degrees Celsius in the daytime whereas 5-8 degrees Centigrade in the night during your trip.

The weather and climatic conditions may fluctuate according to the elevations. You can enjoy mild and warm weather in the lower regions of the trek.

Below 2000m in the hills and valleys of Nepal, you can enjoy day temperatures of 20-32 degrees Celsius. At altitudes between 2000m to 5000m, you can enjoy moderate weather.

Here, the day temperatures are warm at 12 to 20+ degrees Celsius. The temperatures hardly drop to zero or negative degrees even during the nights.

Ascending higher, the temperature decreases hardly to zero or negative degrees even during the nights. Similarly, there are variations depending on the trek.

Sometimes, the passes and base camps have more extreme conditions due to avalanches. The high passes are generally snow-free. You get clear and superb views of glittering peaks during this month.

Trekking in Nepal in May: Popular destinations

Everest Base Camp Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 14-16 days

Max Altitude: Kala Pathar- 5,545m (18,192ft)

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Highlights

  • A thrilling experience and some of the perfect views during the flight to and from Lukla
  • Explore diverse flora and fauna at Sagarmatha National Park
  • Get Tibetan flavored lifestyle and the way of living throughout the trek
  • Namche Bazaar: a core trading hub for the entire Khumbu section to be explored
  • Spectacular views of glittering peaks of the Everest region including Mt. Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and Everest itself
  • Hike to Kalapatthar for the breathtaking views of the sunrise over the giant peaks
  • Explore Gorekshep, a small settlement before Everest Base Camp including its frozen lake.
  • Witness mighty Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding snow-clad peaks.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 9-16 days

Max Altitude: ABC- 4,130m/13,550 feet

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Highlights

  • Magnificent views of the Annapurna giants. The peaks surrounding the basin are Mt. Annapurna 1(8091m), Mt. Annapurna South(7273m), The Glacier Dome, Mt. Gangapurna (7454m), Unclimbed Fang(7647m), and Mt. Machhapuchhre(6997m).
  • Explore Annapurna Conservation Area while walkthrough around; it is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers during this month.
  • Reach two base Camps; Machhapuchre Base Camp(MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp(ABC) during the same trip
  • Spectacular golden rays of the sun over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs especially from Poonhill.
  • Thick rhododendron, pine, fir, and oak woodlands, graze lands, meadows, and dazzling waterfalls
  • Dive into the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 14-21 days

Max Altitude: Thorong La- 5416m (18,192ft)

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

  • Spectacular views of glittering peaks lie in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs
  • The deepest gorge of the world: Kali Gandaki gorge to be explored
  • Stunning views of snow-clad peaks from the different section of the trek
  • The widest and one of the highest pass of the world- Thorong-La pass to be crossed with the magnificent views from the pass
  • Cozy lodges and teahouses accommodation with local cuisines throughout the trek
  • Interact with local people; the people from diverse ethnic communities of Brahmins, Chhetries, Magars, Gurungs, Thakalies, and many others
  • Lustrous rhododendron forests, colorful hills, and the entire aroma of the flowers in most of the trekking sections

Langtang Valley Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 8-12 Days

Max Altitude: Kyangjin Ri-4,773m/15,659ft

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: National Park entry ticket, and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)

Highlights

  • Incredible views of mountain ranges including Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Gangcheenpo, Naya Kangri, and their neighboring peaks
  • Explore the magnificent Langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa; one of the old and significant Buddhistmonasteriesy located at 3,740 meters.
  • Encounter several waterfalls, dense woodlands, and lush vegetation throughout the journey
  • Kyanjin Ri-one of the renowned vantage to view the jaw-dropping peaks
  • Lustrous terraced fields, farmlands, rhododendron backwoods throughout the trip

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 7-10 Days

Max Altitude: Poonhill 3210m/10,531ft

Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Permits Needed: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)

Highlights

  • One of the most popular short treks in Nepal with a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs from the spectacular vantage points of Poonhill
  • Explore historical, cultural, and touristic shrines of Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A great volume of lust greeneries and vegetation of the Annapurna conservation area
  • Ideal Gurung villages of Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Potana, and Dhampus to be explored and get chances to interact with the locals
  • Forested lands full of rhododendron, oaks, and fir trees
  • Pokhara, a city of lake and one of the heavenly shrines to be explored

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 17-24 days

Max Altitude: Larke La Pass- 5,213m/17,103ft

Trip Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Permits Needed: Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit), and Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

Highlights

  • Comfortable weather conditions and temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius in the lower regions. Even in the high altitudes of the trek, the temperatures do not drop below -5 degrees Celsius.
  • Trek passing the Budhi Gandaki River Valley encountering a plethora of woodlands, torrential rivers, magnificent waterfalls, rocky ridges, and ethnic settlements
  • Amazing view of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. HImchuli, Mt. Ganesh, and Mt. Machapuchhre.
  • The unique cultural blend of the Tibetan and Nepalese people and several Buddhist monasteries, Mane walls, prayer flags, and Chorten throughout
  • Glittering 8th tallest peak of the planet-Manaslu, glacial lakes, and lustrous greeneries
  • Varied but astounding landscapes from sub-tropical jungle to snow-capped peaks

Upper Mustang Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 16-18 days

Max Altitude: Upper Mustang- 4,210m/13,812ft

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Highlights

  • Explore the incredible Mustang region, a once-forbidden ancient Tibetan kingdom of Loin peace.
  • Immerse yourself in the culture of the high mountain people experiencing a vast difference in landscapes.
  • Magnificent view of stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges including Annapurna I, III, IV, South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Tukuche, and Manaslu summits
  • Explore ancient Buddhist monuments built several centuries ago
  • Kali Gandaki River valley, the deepest gorge, barren and semi-arid landscape, apple orchids to be explored

Gokyo Lakes Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 14-16 days

Max Altitude: Gokyo Ri-5,357m/17,570ft

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Highlights

  • A memorable time when viewing the sunrise/sunset view at Mount Everest and other neighboring peaks as Cho-Oyo (8201m), Mt. Mt. Lhotse (8501m), and Mt. Makalu (8463m) along with Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier lake in Nepal from Gokyo Ri-5357m
  • One of the best alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Offers an ample opportunity to explore the amazing beauty that is beyond human imagination and it witnesses a magnificent place with warm days and chilly nights.
  • The place was once a yak pasture but now it’s a popular trekking destination to encounter with its wild nature.
  • Five beautiful glacier lakes and experience the local culture at the same time. 

Upper Dolpo Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 25-27 days

Max Altitude: Kang La Pass-5,151m/16,900ft

Trip Difficulty: Challenging

Permits Needed: Restricted region permit  and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry Permit

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful forbidden territory of the highlands of Nepal.
  • Visit the vicinity of fascinating landscapes, remote villages, and wildlife. Which is quite popular for the Bon people and Tibetan Buddhists who strongly follow their Tibetan-influenced culture.
  • Pass the rolling hills, verdant valley viewing the high snow-capped mountains that include Kanjibroba, Kagmara as far towards Dhaulagiri range.
  • Catch a view of diverse flora and fauna in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the country’s largest national park with an area of 3,555 sq and Shey Phoksundo Lake-a a freshwater water body having no single animals inside.
  • The culture of local Dolpo people and its impressive villages are equally captivating to soak into the local culture and age-old heritage of ancient Bon (pre-Buddhism) practice with present Buddhism religion.
  • Wildlife as Blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, and snow leopard to be seen

Kanchenjunga Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 21-30 days

Max Altitude: Kala Pathar-  5200m/1,7060ft

Trip Difficulty: Strenuous

Permits Needed: Kanchenjunga National Park Permit and Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit

Highlights

  • Trek on the foothills of the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586 meters).
  • Visit mostly unexplored destinations of eastern Nepal
  • Get the stunning views of Kanchenjunga South, Yalung glacier along with the dramatic change of vegetation, landscapes with an impressive culture of High Mountain people the Sherpa, and the Bhotia tribe.
  • The journey leads to a unique change of landscapes heading past tree lines to reach arctic zone terrain around Lhonak and beyond at Pangpema within Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Mardi Himal Trek

Quick Facts

Trip Duration: 10-12 days

Max Altitude: Mardi Himal Base Camp (West) (4,500m/ 14,763ft)

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Permits Needed: Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Highlights

  • Trek occurs in one of the youngest trekking destinations which were opened recently.
  • Magnificent mountain peaks as Annapurna, Fishtail, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli can be witnessed during the trek.
  • Lustrous greeneries, one of the less explored trekking routes, the magnificent reflection of Pokhara valley, and attractive landscapes throughout.
  • Deep rhododendron woodlands and other colorful flowers can be seen on the hills during the journey in May.

Trekking in Nepal in May: Accommodation and food

While Trekking in Nepal in May, most of the teahouses get opened and lodges are in full operation. Throughout the trekking trails, trekkers can accommodate and eat in the teahouses established at every stop.

Due to the heavy flock of tourists, you may get difficulties getting the rooms in the higher elevations. In such a case, you may need to share the room with the next tour as well. A pre-booking room makes your journey more comfortable.

Trekking in Nepal in May: Important tips

  • Do not forget to bring comfortable pair of boots; waterproof and durable ones are preferable
  • May is the pre-monsoon month, it may get precipitation. So, it is recommended to carry the rain gears
  • Trek with an authentic company, bring experienced and license holder trekking guides and experienced porters
  • Do not RUSH. You are not in a marathon.
  • Take rest and do not walk continuously. Walking continuously for many hours may tire you.
  • Do not compare yourself with others. Everyone has a different pace for walking.
  • Leave teahouse as early as possible; you can sum up early in the evening
  • Take proper training if you are a beginner and want to explore more difficult treks.
  • Carry insect repellents and ointments which will protect you from mosquitoes.

Conclusion

May is one of the busiest months for trekking in Nepal that offers a pleasant weather atmosphere, favorable climatic conditions, and atmosphere.

Lustrous greeneries, diversified landscapes, and topographies changed geographical circumstances, mighty snow-capped peaks, tranquil surroundings, green rolling hills, cerulean lakes, and milky river makes your trekking in May more enjoyable and memorable.

Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.

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